4 replies to this topic

[Zyzybalooba]

I want to mount a laser pointer in place of the strobe on the Firefly. I figure, since the wiring and a switch is already there, it'd be convenient, and a cool addition. I am not sure if it won't work at all, due to voltage, but I plan on using one of those cheap lasers you can get from the gas station. I figure the button can be removed, and the connection can be joined with solder, and the batteries replaced with the wiring from the AA batteries that previously connected to the strobe.

Any suggestions? I found one SS2 mod that said they used a laser pointer, but it didn't go into any details about wiring. All other searches, on forums and on Google, have come up with almost nothing of use.

I'm not a serious Nerf-war guy, but I play with my friends in and around my house. I understand that this isn't something that I should point into people's eyes, nor do I plan on it. It's not like I'm going to be chasing someone with a pinpoint laser on. I just think it would be a cool show-offy mod indoors, and a decent replacement for the strobe.

[ambushbug]

I've thought a little about trying to wire a laser pointer to one of my blasters. It wasn't nearly as easy as I thought as the laser pointer I have has a metal (aluminum) casing making harder to get at some of the internals. I settled on putting the laser on the side of the blaster (max shot), on the grip parallel to the barrel. I just use my steadying hand to depress the laser button with my thumb. At about 40 feet, the laser does help (especially since I don't find the max shot intuitive to aim, given its shape). Although not as cool as wiring to the trigger, the benefit is that the laser can be put on only when you want it (I'm not sure about the FF but in the NF, the light can give you away).

Of course a laser pointer isn't all that useful unless you play in the dark but you're right, it is cool. Not to mention, I have used it for intimidation purposes. For example, some of my friends had to think twice before sticking their head/arm out of a hiding place when my laser said "I see you".

[TimberwolfCY]

I believe it was Ompa that hooked up a laser to a palm-press trigger that is used on a real handgun. Sounded pretty pimp (I've considered doing something like this too), but irritating to perform.

Putting it in the barrel grip would be a great idea...sounds like a good idea for any ranged weapon (my crossbow sounds like a good fit...). Actually, if you wanted to center something like that, you could mount it internally (not sure how) and then put a post in through a drilled hole that contacts the button on the laser, thus meaning you could keep the laser centered by basically "extending" the button.

[PissBacon]

I've done this process using a laser pointer. It was on my storm 2000 gun. The trigger was set up so when you pull lightly, the laser lights, and then a full pull opens the valve.

I don't have a firefly, so I don't know what voltage the batteries are wired to produce. Taking a look at laser pointers, I usually see the 2AAA kinds, and the 3 button-cell kinds. the 2AAA are wired in series, producing a total of around 3 volts, and the triple button kinds probably use LR44's in series, producing 4.5 volts. If you have a volt/multi-meter you can check the output of the batteries so you'll know what kind of laser pointer to use. Also, isnt the firefly wired to just 'flash' instead of maintain light? You will have to mod this too; again I don't have a firefly to offer wiring help.

[blink 182]

I've done it, quite simple actually. You can go about it two ways.

1) Wire the system to the pre-existing pressure switch located already on the laser then attach a AAA instead of the 3 small watch batteries.

2) Tape/lock the trigger down, then when re-wiring the battery you just put the switch on the negative wire. This will cause a kill in the circuit therefore turning off the laser.

I did it way 2 and also used a AAA. It worked quite nicely.

Edited by blink_182, 30 September 2005 - 03:56 PM.