Looking for a decent RGB analogue ILDA+DMX laser

[hsp]

Hi all,

I've been working on DMX and ILDA controller boards with an oscilloscope to view waveforms, and a green 300mw TTL based ILDA/DMX projector I built. However, I would now like to view the results on a decent RGB analogue unit, without having to build it. By "decent", I mean something that isn't likely to break easily (like most China imports). My budget depends on what I can get for the money, up to around £2k possibly. I am happy with 20k scanners as I need to design for these types of lasers.

After some research, Laserworld is out of the question. It also lead me to "NRG" units from Laserknowhow. Being in the UK, it's convenient for me and I have seen some good reviews, but their product range baffles me.

For example; this "5W" laser which is £2k has RGB power 500, 500, 4000 (respectively): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NRG-5Watt-...item1c2e36c4d6

But this seems ridiculously imbalanced, and it seems like they have put the cheapest upgrade of laser power to give the impression of a high powered laser.

Really I would prefer spend closer to £1k. Could anyone recommend any units with good balance of wavelengths/powers to look out for, to give the best colours (balanced and nice whites ideally)?

Thanks

[swamidog]

you are correct, that projector has a poor color balance and bad beam specs.

Hi all,

I've been working on DMX and ILDA controller boards with an oscilloscope to view waveforms, and a green 300mw TTL based ILDA/DMX projector I built. However, I would now like to view the results on a decent RGB analogue unit, without having to build it. By "decent", I mean something that isn't likely to break easily (like most China imports). My budget depends on what I can get for the money, up to around £2k possibly. I am happy with 20k scanners as I need to design for these types of lasers.

After some research, Laserworld is out of the question. It also lead me to "NRG" units from Laserknowhow. Being in the UK, it's convenient for me and I have seen some good reviews, but their product range baffles me.

For example; this "5W" laser which is £2k has RGB power 500, 500, 4000 (respectively): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NRG-5Watt-...item1c2e36c4d6

But this seems ridiculously imbalanced, and it seems like they have put the cheapest upgrade of laser power to give the impression of a high powered laser.

Really I would prefer spend closer to £1k. Could anyone recommend any units with good balance of wavelengths/powers to look out for, to give the best colours (balanced and nice whites ideally)?

Thanks

[WookieBoy]

Hey HSP.

I've seen some better looking units on laserknowhow's site for around £1000 in the past but they've all disappeared now.
Try contacting STANWAX. http://www.stanwax.co.uk/ and asking Rob what he can do for you... He's a member on here as well.
Alternatively, keep an eye on FleaBay for a second hand KVANT or similar. They do come up sometimes, but you have to be ready for them...
As a last resort, there are a few better Chinese manufacturers about. GoldenStarLaser have had a few good reviews on here I believe, as has a member from China called SONG if I'm not mistaken. However, you did say you don't want a "ChiLaser" so you might be a bit restricted on your budget unless you build it yourself...

[Foxtrot7]

Also look at Eighton Light...they are out of china but seem to build a really thought through projector. You should be able to get a 1.5W with decent beam specs within your budget. Omar is their sales rep here on PL.

[hsp]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm looking at them all now!

If I was to build one, could anyone recommend a good case and laser/optic supplier?

[Jem]

Take a look at the Kvant Bazzar thread I've just posted in the buy/sell/trade section. May be just what you're looking for

[swamidog]

too bad kvant doesn't list specs beyond raw power.

no mention of wavelength, divergence, or scanner speeds.

Take a look at the Kvant Bazzar thread I've just posted in the buy/sell/trade section. May be just what you're looking for

[Jem]

too bad kvant doesn't list specs beyond raw power.

no mention of wavelength, divergence, or scanner speeds.

Very true, but as a starter projector it's still not such a bad price. Maybe worth an email to them at the very least

[hsp]

Thanks Jem, I've just looked interestingly a completed Ebay auction recently had a Kvant Spectrum RGB 2.5W sell for £1000 just 2 days ago! So 1,560€ is a bit too much for a second hand unit 1W for me, as it has no warranty. I would have gone for the one auctioned if it had come up when I searched!

I'm also contacting Stanwax and Goldenstar to see what's available. If it's a reasonable China laser, I would be happy as long as it costs less. Being in the UK, import is all legal but I will be installing extra safety features - already had laser surgery to repair my eye (unrelated to lasers!), so I know how it feels.

[Jem]

You won't go wrong if you deal with Rob (Stanwax). Rob builds some first class projectors and should you go down that route you won't be disappointed. Another plus point is Rob's first class reputation, should anything go wrong he'll get it sorted for you. That's the benefit of dealing with someone in the UK.