Some quick questions from a newb laser show producer

[Satchmo]

Hi - its great to find this forum- so much to learn !.

Some quick questions if anyone can help.

I am currently using a 1.3 watt RGB analog with 300mw @ 640 200mw @533 850mw@445 ( the hong kong manufacturere actually told me the green clocked 350mw on their meter )

I want to add another laser to make a mimimum synchronised show for a club. I enquired about a 2w laser from Hong Kong and was told they have 3W on special for only $300 more ( 500mw @637nm 1w @533nm 1.5w @445nm ) At the moment I have only 1 X Pangolin FB3 with Quickshow - until I can get another FB3 (with Beyond hopefully ) how will I manage the power discrepancy ? Could I use a 50% neutral density filter in the window of the 3W? Should I even be considering a 3W - or am I setting myself up to need to buy another one to balance the show ? I must admit that some of my cues when combined together look great but the fans often really lose there visibility. and I reckon I could use extra power. So ...

1. Should I buy a 3w for $300 extra and how to turn it down until I get another FB3 ?

2. Running 2 lasers from one FB3 controller ( say with 2 X 20 meter cables ) should I run with a Y splitter straight from the controller or daisy chain via the in /out ILDA sockets . Any difference ?

3. I want to run the 2 lasers in vertical mirror from the one FB3 - do I need to make up a special short adapter DB25 cable with a pin wiring reversed or something .

Thanks for your time!

Satchmo

[Bradfo69]

You may very well find that 1.3 compared to a 3 watt are not well matched if you're into things being symmetrical. So yes, if you buy a 3 watt, you're probably setting yourself up. You may even find a 2 watt to be out of balance. If I had the opportunity to do it over, I would have bought two identical projectors at the same time. As an example, I have two Kvant Spectrum 1.6's and even they are not a match since they used different combinations to acheive 1.6. For me... it's frustrating. For an audience, they probably don't notice or care.

Personally, I would daisy chain rather than use a Y splitter at the controller. In all likelyhood, you need less ILDA cable that way and less chance of people tripping over cable. As far as the mirroring - since you're inquiring about a new projector, ask the manufacturer if they have X Y invert switches or, if they could add them. You might also inquire about external pots for adjusting your RGB levels. They probably don't do that but it doesn't hurt to ask. You could go the pin reversed wire route or, if you're handy put your own invert switches into one of the projectors.

Since you've only stated "hong kong", I'll also suggest you look at www.goldenstarlaser.com before purchasing anything.

[Satchmo]

Hey thanks Bradfo.

I've found that I can get Beyond software independent from the FB3 controller , so but for the short term I may just have to get another FB3 ( $600 ) to get the levels down on the 3W independent of the 1.4w . Having 3 projectors with a 1.4 W in the middle would probably be a nice setup. I guess having more power gives room for expansion in what you can do and size of venues etc. An extra watt for $300 seems to good to pass up ( yes I am talking about Goldenstarlaser ).

I am reasonable with a soldering iron so perhaps putting in a mirror switch would be possible - I'll ask if its possible by the manufacturer first.

Avoiding a Y splitter to reduce audience cable makes sense. I've got 2 X 20 meter cables on order to start off ( I have a 5m and 7.5m allready )

I know what you mean about the importance of symmetry, and how niggling it can be. I was watching someone elses lazer show a while back and one of the lasers must have been a 650 red with a larger diameter softer beam , and I know none of the punters would have noticed but it was really obvious to me and a little off-putting !

You may very well find that 1.3 compared to a 3 watt are not well matched if you're into things being symmetrical. So yes, if you buy a 3 watt, you're probably setting yourself up. You may even find a 2 watt to be out of balance. If I had the opportunity to do it over, I would have bought two identical projectors at the same time. As an example, I have two Kvant Spectrum 1.6's and even they are not a match since they used different combinations to acheive 1.6. For me... it's frustrating. For an audience, they probably don't notice or care.

Personally, I would daisy chain rather than use a Y splitter at the controller. In all likelyhood, you need less ILDA cable that way and less chance of people tripping over cable. As far as the mirroring - since you're inquiring about a new projector, ask the manufacturer if they have X Y invert switches or, if they could add them. You might also inquire about external pots for adjusting your RGB levels. They probably don't do that but it doesn't hurt to ask. You could go the pin reversed wire route or, if you're handy put your own invert switches into one of the projectors.

Since you've only stated "hong kong", I'll also suggest you look at www.goldenstarlaser.com before purchasing anything.

[White-Light]

Satchmo, you can get Beyond if you already have a FB3 with QS by upgrading to Beyond by paying the upgrade fee (that way you get just the software) or by purchasing a new FB3 QS and then upgrading.

However, I'd beware of any other way if its being offered differently to that.