I'm a Newbie! a quick intro

[Gilbz]

Hello people of the forum.

Just thought I would quickly introduce myself as the thread where I thanked Rob at Stanwax was going a bit off topic and I didn't want to get booted off a place with great information!

I'm based in Somerset Uk and have been a Mobile Dj since '95.
I'm guessing around 7 years ago I got my first green 100mw laser and then a couple years back I bought some Chinese 600mw RGB (more like RGV) units.
Running them via Laserworld software which I find quite good, but then I have no experience in other software except (ahem... cough) iShow!

My lightshow consists of Robe 250AT moving heads, loads of trussing & LED par cans controlled via Freestyler. Also use projectors, 42" monitors for visuals.
PA is VRX/ SRX JBL.

I've already discovered one guy who I have worked with after he posted in the other thread, small world!

To answer the other guys questions about the video I posted, as above I use Robe heads and the program used for moving them was just the shape generator in Freestyler doing it's thing.

Looking around the forums I am amazed by the systems you guys have built. I would like to have a go one day and as I have found a good supplier and knowledgeable chap I feel I will use his services again!
But I will not be using tons of glue to hold the mounts like the Chinese do.

[Jem]

Hi and welcome to Photonlexicon

No worries about the other thread going off topic, it happens all the time here and can make for some very interesting (and humorous) reading. The forum is largely unmoderated and I personally like that, as it promotes open discussion without fear of a moderator stamping on you. Ocassionally things do get a little out of hand, and that's when the 'Janitor' has to step in and clear up the mess.

It's interesting to hear your background, there are quite a few folks here who were DJ's back in the day (myself included). The one thing we all share though is the love of coherent light . I notice that Tony has already offered you a lift to a LEM, if you can make it you'd have a great time and learn loads.

Cheers

Jem

[Gilbz]

Thanks Jem

Nice to hear this place is a little relaxed. I don't get shot down at all on other forums but I know some can be a bit strict!

Yeah, I would love to go to one of the meets, looks like a lot of fun. I'll have to get hold of Tony before it all happens and see what our situation is. :-)

[White-Light]

Hi Glibz and welcome.

Make sure you take a look at Pangolin QS for your software requirements as it blows iShow out of the water in most people's opinion around here:

You can download a demo here, albeit without the ability to output lasers (only the preview works): http://www.pangolin.com/_Files/Setup_QS2_Ev.exe

Pangolin is the industry standard software so I think you'll like what you see and there's a lot of power hidden under the hood with QS so good to explore menus and features. It's ideal for someone in your job not least of which because there are upgrade paths to other software in the same family.

[Gilbz]

Thanks!
I moved on from iShow quite a while ago!
I now have a master & slave unit using Laserworld software. Got it for a good price iirc and it opens up a different word to laser control.

If I get heavily involved in lasers I will be looking at Pangolin ;-)

Problem is the market is always changing.
I love PA & Lighting, more towards lighting and effects. I need to earn money as I do this full time.
Been looking into stage Pyrotechics but feel venues are being strangled with H&S, so I'm looking at a different opportunities.

Now that lasers are a lot cheaper (my mate spent 20k on a 2.7w green & controls 10yr ago) I'm wondering if the laser route is the way to go when hiring gear?
Hmmmm!

[White-Light]

Just one word of caution, safety. Laser light is not like other light, it can burn your eyes.

I didn't want to jump on you in the other thread where I saw you audience scanning as you're new however, its worth mentioning at some point you need to get on a safety course (if you haven't already) and get the equipment to take measurements to ensure you're safe if you're going to audience scan other people commercially (arguably privately as well but with privately at least if people know the risks they can make an informed decision, an ignorant and paying audience is different).

[Gilbz]

Well this is something I'm 'now' aware of.

I'll have a look on the forums to see if there is a guide to laser safety, if someone can provide a quick link then it'll be appreciated.

I guess this is a rather 'open to debate' question but what is the maximum power of laser would you crowd scan with?
This has probably been argued many times and probably some people saying never do it.

I've been on the dancefloor at the same venue as my video post and the lasers don't appear very bright when they crowd scan. Or is it the effect that laser does to your eyes rather than the brightness.

I think I have a lot to learn!

[dsli_jon]

Welcome to PL, Gil..

I'll have a look..to see if there is a guide to laser safety, if someone can provide a quick link then it'll be appreciated.

http://www.photonlexicon.com/wiki/in...fety_Overviews ..and you can 'scroll down' for the UK Regs-links, but.. honestly - the very-best way to get 'your head around' the 'practical-application' of the Regs - and the safety-principals, behind-them - (the most important part to know / understand, imo..) will be to get to one of the UK-LEMs.. the PL-clan-Gents over there have got an extremely-good handle on 'real-world' safety - both from the 'letter of the law', and the 'spirit of the law', and they'll steer you straight as a... well, I was gonna say arrow, but I guess I have to say 'beam'..

Anyhoo, just two-pence from over this-side of the pond, fwiw..
cheers..
j

[Gilbz]

Excellent cheers mate.

[White-Light]

I guess this is a rather 'open to debate' question but what is the maximum power of laser would you crowd scan with?

If only it were that easy:

http://www.laserist.org/files/Making...0enjoyable.pdf

There is also a so called simple method, but lets just say simple is relative!

This has probably been argued many times and probably some people saying never do it.

MPE is based on scientific lab experiments with lasers and eyes and represents an internationally accepted standard for safety.