RGB lasers on a budget?

[smokinghot]

Hello

I've been performing fire juggling type show for a number of years now, but have recently been putting together a glow show for indoor events. Basically I don't want to do the same stuff with glow props that I've done with fire and I think Lasers are a really lovely affect and I want to integrate them into my shows but there's alot to learn...

So far I've produced this show: http://vimeo.com/30507770

with this laser: http://www.laser-uk.co.uk/ClubRangeBurstExtreme.html

(apart from the small scanning angle I couldn't be happier with this laser, it does the job I brought it for

But now it's time to upgrade the show and I'd like to get 2 RGB lasers to project logo's and animations onto screen at the back of the stage.

the two lasers I've been looking at are:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/500mW-RGB-...#ht_4444wt_922

and

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200MW-Shi...ht_3567wt_1417

I know neither lasers are going to impress most people here but I've got quite a limited budget (£1000 =$13000 for two) and as I'm looking to project onto screens I don't think they need to compete with the 400mW green I've got.

If anyone's got any opinion on/experience with either of these two laser I'd be really grateful. Or if anyone could recommend any other options that'd be great.

Cheers

Tim

[gottaluvlasers]

i would REALLY like to see people opt for a quality system before going to a Chinese system like that. I think you should try contacting Rob Stanley (Stanwax on here) he *maybe* (i honestly have no idea what his systems cost) could get you into a system for your budget and he builds QUALITY and SAFE systems.

Sorry, not trying to bash the Chinelasers, but would rather see people investigate quality before settling on cheapie blinkies.

-Marc

[smokinghot]

Cheers for the tip will get in contact with him.

Personally I would love to buy a couple of quality projectors from a trusted source but to do this without spending a small fortune seems to be a challenge.

The 500mW projector is from a London distributor which gives me some consumer protection if it's not what it claims to be but I'm guessing it's likely to be from a Chinese origin.

[anderino]

That's a cool vid you've done there.

As for those lasers, you will be very disappointed. Main thing that happens is they go out of alignment so the colours don't mix and especially with graphics you'll notice 2 or 3 images rather than 1 and because they glue down the cheap mounts you cannot realign them (easily). This is all hoping that it reaches you without falling apart!!

Rob's a good bloke however you wont get 2 RGB's for £1000! Maybe 1 at a push

[anderino]

Bit like this...

[ZeroPoint]

Brilliant show you've done there! I wish I could see something like that here in the U.S. Anyway, I have to agree with all of the advice provided so far. You will certainly be much happier with a quality projector even if it costs a bit more. I have a cheap Chinese projector and it has done exactly what anderino mentioned. The lasers are all out of alignment so instead of seeing clean, blended colors all you see are two separate beams. Mine aren't quite as noticeable as in his attached photo but it is definitely apparent. He is also correct that the optics in the projectors are all glued down which makes adjustments, replacements, and/or upgrades very difficult. A quality system would be much easier to maintain, repair, or modify to suit your needs as your shows expand. Another point that I didn't realize when I bought my first projector was the difference between TTL and Analogue modulation. Practically all of the low end Chinese projectors are TTL modulated which only give you seven color possibilities (and even they are very poorly balanced). Buying a better quality projector with Analogue drivers would give you millions of color possibilities and a much more brilliant rainbow effect that would blend wonderfully with the rest of your show. Anyway, just my two cents.

P.S. post more videos of your shows, especially after the addition of the RGB you end up choosing. I'd love to see more!

Cheers,
-Luke