Yes same page. Looks like best bet is multi 10W 532nm DPSS. Can achieve 0.8mrad with a wide beam. Also gives us better scan speeds.
I agree with you on the multi diode setup. They dont seem to pack the same beam concentration in real world tests but I know this is hugely manufacturer dependent. I do a couple of shows a month but nothing crazy on the longevity side. I would be interested to see some real image tests of side by side diode and DPSS at powers 5W+ o we long distances.
I did that a few times ago, comparing 8W OPSL with 4W 520nm diode and honestly I was a bit disappointed as the OPSL was not that brighter for projections. But it was a very quick test, not even on a perpendicular surface (lasers on tripod lighting the ground 100 meters away).
Also I have to say that I changed the focus of the OPSL, increased a bit the divergence to match other colors so not in favor of OPSL.
Though, what impressed me much more is the beam visibility in air, OPSL one was much more brighter from the side, look at the pic below (the brighter = OPSL RGBB) :
... did you measure the "spot"- or beam-diameter in 100m distance?
Viktor
Some Chinese sellers struggled to get past the 4W single module DPSS design.
So for higher powers they used two smaller DPSS PBS'd together inside one module to keep the beam size small and the power higher.
Viasho used to do a really nice 8W DPSS. (2x4W internally). It was small and compact, if you removed the heatsink and bolted to a solid baseplate to take the heat away.
Beam size from memory was great... maybe 3mm, 1.5mRad or similar...? We had quite a few of these over the years. They were quite reasonably priced.
I think since they now to higher power 10-15W. Maybe look at that?
Not sure it helps: but I might have a 5W working Jenlas thin disc laser for sale very shortly.
All the best,
Dan
- There is no such word as "can't" -
- 60% of the time it works every time -
Since your budget is small i would go also for a secondhand Jenlas. Laserpower denmark has a few and also quite a few dpss lasers. You can combine them with a pbs easily to get to the power that you want/need.
Interested in 6-12W RGB projectors with low divergence? Contact me by PM!
Good point about the PBS design, forgot that was an option.
Thanks for the offer - 5W is a bit skinny for this project (never thought I would say that haha). But going to follow your advice and look at 2x 10W 532nm with PBS.
Thanks for the pics, very interesting. Your diodes look sweet as well.
So looks like like I have made my decision: ~10W DPSS on custom order with a wide beam for better divergence, and large mirrors to accommodate.
Will try to see if I can combine two with PBS instead of having them in separate projectors.
Anyone have a contact for Vaisho? I cannot find their website.
Honestly, I wouldn't advise you Viasho. I had quite bad experiences with the reliability of their 4W heads in the past (and far from being the only one), though the beam was of good quality... If you wanna invest, invest into something that will last long (good quality diode or OPSL), so all the hard earned cash will be for you rather than wasted into bad hardware repair