Hong Kong! (Bet you haven't heard that before)

[silentgloves]

Greetings New Laser Friends,

I'm generally a newb to laser projection. I have a cursory understanding of lasers (I majored in Physics and CompSci once upon a time), and I was a rave DJ for about 17 years, so I got to enjoy my share of classy 2-5W RGB animation rigs (I remember at one show, dude put his laser table on a rented cherry picker to get it about 30 feet above the crowd. I'm certain he was running about 20 watts, it hurt to look at the beam in the air!). I have a very basic understanding that faster scanning = better, etc.

Before I ask my question, I spent about 40 minutes searching the forum and scanning threads. Didn't find an answer to my question really.

I have a halloween party coming up at my house, I've got 5 talented DJs and I own an excellent EV Sound System that's about 5,000 Watts more powerful than it needs to be for a house party. A couple months after that I'm going to be having a similar Christmas party, the only difference will be the Egg Nog. I'm wanting to add that extra cool factor to my parties, so of course, the first thought that came to mind is "I NEED A LASER!"

So I started searching the web at about 1:00pm today. That was a damn pandora's box. Here it is 10:42 pm, and I have more questions than answers.

My basement is where the DJ rig will be. I have about 40 feet to project a beam. My basement has nice, high ceilings; about 9 feet to the rafters.

So I started looking at the little Chauvet rigs, some of the American DJ rigs. Eh... they seem to be kind of boring, underpowered and limited in display. Then I started wanting more and the price tag escalated quickly. Suddenly I was looking at $19,000 rigs. Nope.

So then I got on Ebay. So my question to you is this. Knowing I only need something for house parties maybe 4-5 times a year, explain to me why I wouldn't want to buy one of the little Hong Kong rigs? Something like this, for $200 hell if it lasted for one or two parties, that'd be worth it.

I'm sure this question has to have been asked before, but I couldn't find it. My apologies.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Colors-RGB...item4ac913d569

[Stiffler]

Aside from being illegal in most parts of the world, it won't be very bright. If you are in the USA, I would recommend checking out X Laser. If you don't care about being legal (and it's your own house, so it's not as important), then there are several forum members representing over seas companies that sell some pretty decent stuff.

[silentgloves]

If those forum members could get in contact with me, that would be super.

[absolom7691]

7 colors = TTL. TTL projectors from China = cheap junk. I wouldn't go that route. The problem with lasers is; to do it halfway decent, you need to break open the piggy bank and spend some money. If it is just something for a party, I would recommend hiring an LJ. If you are going to use it regularly, look at it like you would with a sound system. However much you put in will be what you get out of it. I like high end audio as well. If I buy a cheap Jensen sound system, I will get Jensen sound out of it.... Anyway, there are a lot of great companies that sell varienced and bad ass quality projectors. I second what Stiffler said. X-Laser (USA) and CT Lasers are probably top of the line here in the US.

[silentgloves]

Dammit. I can't afford another money pit addiction. I'm looking for an easy out here. lol

But as far as hiring someone. Never. Ever. Ever. I'm 100% DIY, all the time.

I'm going to be spending $3000 aren't I?

[Stiffler]

Dammit. I can't afford another money pit addiction. I'm looking for an easy out here. lol

There is no easy out, period.

A couple months ago I picked up a couple 3 watt RGB projectors from Goldenstar for about $3000/each, and have been very happy with them. If you search the forums you will find all kinds of good deals.

[silentgloves]

3W is probably overkill for my basement. Haha! I'm not trying to blind my guests. I'm thinking 500mW would be sufficient.

[silentgloves]

What are the thoughts on this offer? http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...t-case-cale-QS

[Stiffler]

Yes, 3 watts is pretty bright:-)

You might want to check out the newest X Laser Mobile Beat; I believe it's about the power you are looking for, and the beam specs are good. Plus it will be varianced, and X-Laser will help you become legal. Or search the forums & see what Omar or Laserlinna are selling. If you can afford it, go with analog over TTL, it makes a HUGE difference.

I just saw your link to the latest laserlinna product, I think it's worth looking into.

[silentgloves]

Yeah, laserlinna said they can do Analog if 5 people buy it. What will I need to control this besides an SD card, my little windows lappy and the included software if I go with the Laserlinna product?