Best cheap RGB ILDA?

Hi guys!

Recently I purchased two cheaper rgb's off ebay just to get my feet wet and struck out. I genuinely think I just got bad luck. One had broken scanners and the other just had faulty wiring (see my other post asking for help). In any event, the guys over at Pangolin were a big help but couldn't really steer me in the right direction when looking for a real entry level rgb to play with. I know that everyone says up your buget up your budget. But If I did want to spend say 3-500 on just something that put out some fun colors and I could play with the shows before bombing off into something nice. What's a safe(r) bet?

Ebay has lots of options and even on here. Just being such a novice I'm not sure which really makes sense. I do need to stay with that budget for now. Any pointers or palces I could make that happen?

Let's see... you've wasted money on two broken lasers. You want to waste more money thinking you'll find something in the $300-$500 range that will quickly become unsatisfying. I don't want to be a downer but, that's just simply below the threshold point of entry. Lasers aren't cheap. Nor should they be. You've said everyone says you need to up your budget and, as much as it sucks to hear... that's just simply the case. You don't need to go a lot higher but, you need to go higher. There used to be a couple cheaper projectors out there that were entry level that many of us picked up for the novelty. The REKE and the Laserking LKPD series but, I don't know if either are still available. Neither were bought as a serious projector but, bought to harvest certain parts out of them. The REKE had crap scanners but at the time, being able to get a 1 watt module to rip out and use was tempting for the price and, with the LKPD's it was the effects wheel you could rip out and then throw the rest away.

Keep in mind, there are additional costs - not only do you need the laser but, you need a way to control it. That's going to be a few hundred. You need ILDA cable so there's another $20. You need fog or haze and while yes, you could get a $30 fogger from a Halloween store, you really want to go at least $80 for something with wiring that won't risk burning down your house by catching on fire. Gallon of fog fluid? There's another $20. Shipping? I would think at least $30 or more. So... point being, you really want to mentally think $1000-$1500 as your entry into it.

If I were getting into skydiving and, everyone said I needed to spend at least $1000 on the chute, I wouldn't keep trying to find the $400 chute. I'd just resign to the fact I needed to wait and keep saving the $1,000. Stay enthusiastic though... and keep reading and learning. It's a wild ride.

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Let's see... you've wasted money on two broken lasers. You want to waste more money thinking you'll find something in the $300-$500 range that will quickly become unsatisfying. I don't want to be a downer but, that's just simply below the threshold point of entry. Lasers aren't cheap. Nor should they be. You've said everyone says you need to up your budget and, as much as it sucks to hear... that's just simply the case. You don't need to go a lot higher but, you need to go higher. There used to be a couple cheaper projectors out there that were entry level that many of us picked up for the novelty. The REKE and the Laserking LKPD series but, I don't know if either are still available. Neither were bought as a serious projector but, bought to harvest certain parts out of them. The REKE had crap scanners but at the time, being able to get a 1 watt module to rip out and use was tempting for the price and, with the LKPD's it was the effects wheel you could rip out and then throw the rest away.

Keep in mind, there are additional costs - not only do you need the laser but, you need a way to control it. That's going to be a few hundred. You need ILDA cable so there's another $20. You need fog or haze and while yes, you could get a $30 fogger from a Halloween store, you really want to go at least $80 for something with wiring that won't risk burning down your house by catching on fire. Gallon of fog fluid? There's another $20. Shipping? I would think at least $30 or more. So... point being, you really want to mentally think $1000-$1500 as your entry into it.

If I were getting into skydiving and, everyone said I needed to spend at least $1000 on the chute, I wouldn't keep trying to find the $400 chute. I'd just resign to the fact I needed to wait and keep saving the $1,000. Stay enthusiastic though... and keep reading and learning. It's a wild ride.

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What he said......>:)

You've not said where in the world you are, so not sure if you need variances or not (I'm guessing the cheapo ones you got weren't anyway)
But have a reach out to Opt Laser (search Novo Dan on Facebook, there are a few other sales people too, but Novo heads them up and I've always dealt with her)
They have some smaller RGB units in their sale at the moment, and there's quite a few people in UK and Europe (myself included) that have a range of their projectors.

I would say buy nice or buy twice, but you have bought twice already :p

It's like when my buddies try to get me to buy a $800 Jeep, which ive done 3 times. that $800 Jeep becomes a $3000 jeep once I get it working right.... should have just bought a $3000 Jeep and saved the trouble.

Take my comments with a grain of salt (I do have some skin in the game) but the Pangolin Unity projectors are pretty nice - for what they are. I don't do much with pricing, but I dont think there is anything right in that $500 range. But it would be backed up with that good support that you have already received so far.

Give Justin a call 1-800-PANGOLIN and tell him I sent you, he might have some open box systems from a video shoot they just did, or something coming off rental. I'm sure he can make you a good deal.

Even if you don't buy through us, please buy from a reputable seller. This is probably not going to be anything from Ebay or Alibaba. Pangolin (Kvant and Unity), X Laser USA, or legally imported and varianced Lightspace (Walt) or Goldenstar would be at the top of my list for recommendations. All probably a bit over the $500 mark but the quality will be leaps and bounds over what you will find for $500 and will last you many years. Last I checked, anything LASERWORLD is still illegal for use and import to USA.

Thanks
Ryan

EDIT: Some comments assume you are US based

well-- you gotten some great replies-could have been better if you had finished your personal profile-- I know at SOME forums that may not be a super idea,&nbsp; &nbsp; however here and at LPF the best help comes with location AND knowing other members that you can meet with... face to face is best hands down-- and one reason LEMs are so popular..<br>
<br>
one thing&nbsp; mentioned directly is like the 'rig' is to&nbsp; buy a good soft FIRST.<br>
Avoid crap like I show. spend the $375 (used or $500+ new and Quickshow.<br>
Worst case would be later selling the DAC (FB3 FB4 ) later and in the long run you have spent very little--if you own the DAC QS is free. anybody can download BUT only FB3 owners can run the soft. --you just missed a chance to buy Quickshow for $375 (two of them actually)<br><br>
If money is very tight--you may be happy with the LaserKing PD2 mentioned.<br>
They have some nice features OK scanners and not hard to upgrade with better parts--IIRC DZ is the guy to see on that.(or was it DK?) BTW THIS would be a good time to get ungraded-- David may have extra time ATM. but not later.<br>
Read the thread here on the upgrades.<br><br>
I too would say buying cheaper would be a mistake.<br><br>
I sold 10 LKPDs via Group Buy--&amp; afaik only one buyer later sold hers. ( I have three already so...) She could have gotten more $$ imho.<br>
No better time than now to look for a good deal on QS- place a WTB in BS$T.<br>
NOW! an owner may want to sell his (or hers) The DACs afaik do not break etc.<br>
The soft is upgraded a lot &amp; we get that free.<br>
The Pangolin Show Portal allows us to dwld free song modules so we need only to buy the audio and put it together with the module in QS-- these are NOT to be used for profit.. BUT fine to enjoy and show friends. There is a 'Pango' forum and awesome folks at Pango -(who give away the very best black T shirts)-so great help is free, easy and Quick. They are regular supporters of LEMs-- often doing demos &amp; product reveals at the bigger LEMs.<br>
A $500 QS makes for a wonderful door prize. AixiZ Laser (houston)gave us one of them for a LEM in Tx--'Platinum' Jonathon was the lucky winner at TEXLEM 2012. (IMO it was fitting as he traveled the longest distance to make the event)<br>
<br>
LAST --missing a LEM that you could have attended is a shame.. if you follow 'Meets n Greets' you may see one- Pop-up LEMs are small and often very little advanced notice.. SO with your location in your profile THAT will show every time you post.<br>
So you will not be left out.. the LEM host (s) will invite you BUT only if they know where you are. <br>
Upcoming TEXLEMs are being planned ---- most likely near Houston/DFW/San Antonio, Austin or San Marcos. <br>
<br>
hope to see you all at the next TEXLEM --hak<img src="images/smilies/retardoface.png" border="0" alt="" title="RetardoFace" smilieid="14" class="inlineimg">

Thanks so much for replying guys! I do appreciate the input. So more info that I think would be helpful. I have already invested in a haze machine, not a fog. Did get a fb3. Only missing link is the laser itself. Justin from Pangolin is actually who supported reaching and starting with something in the range that's doable. Hey if we could find something, even used, at 500 I'm for it. I'm located in Tampa, Florida. So I've considered going over to Orlando and see what kind of deals they might have at Pangolin. I know you get what you pay for...not pushing back on that. But from the other forums I've been on it seemed like it's totally possible to get something in a reasonable range. It's not like I'm playing at clubs or anything just want some lasers in the living room lol with dolphins coming out of volcanos

-- The Laser Kind PD2- is a great choice--later you will get back all your investment.
for less than $1000 you will be good to go OR may want even more-- the LK had unique features than MANY even here found outstanding -- (even those who are not fond of 'chi-jectors' ) some removed the effects wheel to use in another PJ and other as mentioned did upgrades like Pangolin Scanners and better RG &B IF you get a better PJ you will want to use the LK as a second stand-alone PJ.

One of our most outstanding builder members , (who was not fond of PJs from China) bought one from me--JUST to see what was inside--asked me to NOT reveal his username--and sent it back to be to sold in my next Group Buy for these..( I ended up keeping that one) I did not consider that to be a neg.-- He wrote me that he just HAD to see what is under the hood . He builds super PJs & I knew he did not buy to keep-just learn from..

One minor neg. was the lacking of a way to change the effect wheels remotely--so I use it from a place where I can access the buttons on the back by hand. BUt IIRC it has a setting that goes thru all the effects. OK but not totally ideal. The Lumia Masters will not like the lumia it comes with--just too fast for our tastes. imo
so this will be within your budget-- if you want, I will see if any of my LK DP GB buyers are willing to sell and a reduced price.. just ask..

IF you later need to get your investment back- I will take the PJ & Fb3 off your hands if the price is right.--IF you order the LK PD2 now you will have in-hand in
time for Xmas. It will NOT disappoint.


stay well my brothers-- The Trump flu will be gone in time--we just need to mask-up, wash hands often and stay away from all others.

hak

AFAIK the LK PD2 is NOT full color--ttl-
and 'for less than $1000' MUCH LESS & that included the FB3 which will be always worth $375 usd--just offer it to Brad-he buys LOTS of them--lol

more than you want t know and see is here

https://www.google.com/search?q=Laser+king+LK+PD+2&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS903US9 03&oq=Laser+king+LK+PD+2&aqs=chrome..69i57.30664j0 j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Scanners worth having start at 1000.00. Yea there are cheaper but you’ll regret it in a few days. Cases are 300.00. Lasers low power rgb with good drivers 700-1000. So really just the projector 2500.00. Add fb4 and beyond and well your looking for unobtanium at those prices. If you home brew maybe save some but still. Over 1k. Hey my scanners were 2500.00 alone.