Selecting a set of RGB lasers

[blowfly]

First let me say I'm super psyched to find this forum. I've been lurking for a long time soaking up the knowledge (and some of the addiction ). I scored a set of SCANLSP30k's from LaserShowParts last month and a bare soundcard amp board from DrLava and finally got my first ILDA test pattern on the wall using a old laser pointer. Now the fun begins...!

I want to build a projection system for parties and medium sized venues. Not looking to do this professionally, just to put on an impressive light show safely. It should be able to project animations on a wall/ceiling in dimly lit room where people would be 15' - 60' away from the projection surface. Also want to do over-the-crowd beam effects using a little smoke at roughly the same distance.

My question is, would a 1W system be sufficient to put on a good show in a setting like this?

Been looking at the RGB sets from CTLasers... I'm trying to convince my wife that we absolutely need this and our lives will be that much more enriched.
https://www.ctlasers.com/purchases/w...ter-p-109.html

The thing I like about the CT package is it seems to be discounted a little for buying all 3 at once. Originally I was thinking of buying them one at a time might still do that if you guys think 1W isn't enough power for what I'm aiming for.

Thanks for any feedback or suggestions you might have.

Later,
Mike

[badger1666]

wellcome to the forum
i have 300mw 640nm,150mw 473nm,150mw 532nm, and thats works great in the venues we use for uklem meets , so i say save youself some money and buy the 500mw package as the lasers come putting out a bit more than spec and after optical loss you will still get at least 500mw out of the projector if you use good dichro's , and the wife is more likey to let you spend money

[pelosh]

Hi.

Depends on what you mean by "medium sized venues", what is this 1W RGB made of and on the beam spec. Tighter beam = better visibility on the wall over the distance. Also lenghtwaves counts. 660nm will be nothing against 640nm or 635nm with good beam. Graphics show on the wall should be ok even with higher ambient light...not sure about atmospheric effects, although I recently used 500mW RGB together with some scanner lights and it was doing good (but that was really small venue - maybe 150 people, 10x15 metres and quite foggy).

[badger1666]

hi martin
if you look at his ct laser link you will see what the 1w rgb is made of

[pelosh]

Right !

I am bit out of track after 5 weeks of holiday.

Should be good then.

[pelosh]

bit more blue wouldn't hurt thought

[blowfly]

More blue would be awesome. The jump from 200mw to 300mw is $1000 bucks though! Is it worth it?

Thanks for the feedback guys and for the tip on focal point size and wavelength affecting the distance that graphics can be seen.

Mike

[Phredy1]

Mike,

I am in Seattle as well and have a RGB projector from CT Lasers.

I will pm you my phone number if you want to chat about your project.

-Gene

[gottaluvlasers]

Hey blowfly-

first off, welcome to the forum! you just found probably one of the best places on the net for all us photon geeks to get together and talk lasers and learn from each other!

Secondly, regarding this...

Been looking at the RGB sets from CTLasers... I'm trying to convince my wife that we absolutely need this and our lives will be that much more enriched.

LOL...
What i have found that works GREAT, is first- Take her out for dinner. Tell her how beautiful she is. How wonderful your life has become since she came into your life. Buying a pair of >$100 shoes for her would help your cause also. THEN, spring the lasers on her!! (oh, a few glasses of wine could take the edge off also)

Ok, kidding aside...

The RGB packages that i designed were for exaclty what your are looking to do. Start out building a good, decent system with good products that will save you quite a bit of money!

My 1W systems would work fine for what you are describing you want to do. however, i do need to throw this in the mix...

whether you decide to become a "Laser company" or not. Or doing this just for fun or professionally, you do still need to familiarize yourself with the laser regulations here in the U.S. Nobody (including myself) here is a laser sheriff or anything, don't worry. But it is important to know that in the U.S. Lasers have guidelines and regulations that must be met in order to perform in public. This is known as a variance.

Shoot me a PM or feel free to even call me and i would be more than happy to explain the basics.

Other than that....lets get ya goin!!

oh, we LOOOVE pics too. get a camera ready!

-Marc

[blowfly]

Hi Matt,

Yeah people on this forum seem really cool. I can't believe how much information is available here and how helpful people are. I've been lurking here so long i feel like i know the personalities already.

whether you decide to become a "Laser company" or not. Or doing this just for fun or professionally, you do still need to familiarize yourself with the laser regulations here in the U.S. Nobody (including myself) here is a laser sheriff or anything, don't worry. But it is important to know that in the U.S. Lasers have guidelines and regulations that must be met in order to perform in public. This is known as a variance.

Shoot me a PM or feel free to even call me and i would be more than happy to explain the basics.

Will do! Was just talking to Gene on the phone and he told me about the variance process to get a projector certified. Sounds like fun. Admittedly I tried to the read the documents up on the FDA site and lost patience pretty quickly. I'll drop you a PM and maybe we can talk about the certification process for home brew hardware.

Thanks!!
Mike