Since this item was last mentioned on the list, I did a little research. It seems that there are 2 types of diodes on the market now, one is pulsed, the other continuous, yet both can have the same output rating. The pulsed module still looks like a continous beam due to the persistence of vision, but they are said to be much dimmer, in use, than the true continuous-duty types. I can't remember now who sells which, but it's worth considering if you plan to spend that much money on a pointer. I seem to recall that only one seller sold the continuous-duty model, my memory is saying Scopetronix but it's been months now so I can't be sure. The flashlight method has been around for decades, we used to use police-style 5-cell flashlights that Radio Shack once sold. C. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools