Opinions on EMMA Light's higher power offerings?

[keeperx]

But if cost is the primary driving factor and you are certain that the EMMA projector has at least 30K scanners (as in actually capable of 30K, not just claimed), then maybe the EMMA unit is the right choice for the OP.

This is key.

The way galvo's are spec'd is not the same cross manufacturer (or more specifically cross seller because there are only a few manufacturers)
They are built and tuned and the ones that perform better are given a better spec. i find that the GT30's are true 30k at a reasonable price. They are matched with their driver board which is how they get the performance out of them (they are pre-tuned well)

For instance;

• Some say 30kpps when they really mean 30kpps at 5 degree optical
• some will say 30kpps and mean 30k at the "standard" 8 degree optical
• some will say 30kpps and mean 30k at 20 degree optical.
• others will be somewhere in between

This is why it is important to know exactly what is in the projector. Personally I build projectors so I always know the ACTUAL numbers (or at least the actual claimed numbers) before buying. You can be sure that projector companies like EMMA are going to use the least possible component. If its still cheaper to buy the "40kpps" version of the projector (or higher) then do it because those scanners will be at least 30k @ 8-20 degrees. Otherwise stick with something that you can be sure of..

Alternatively you can buy whatever and upgrade it later. Then you have an extra set of galvos and can build an extra projector which you can upgrade later and the cycle repeats!

[norty303]

well the opt cant compare to the fiber corrected GS

I've got 10W fibre corrected and 10W Opt and I can't really tell much between them.
I've not opened them up yet but do you know that they're not fibre corrected?

[uketernity]

For anyone reading this, I have discovered that the onboard SD card readers in these Emma lasers only support 7 color TTL, however the ILDA port supports full RGB, which is quite disappointing, so not pay extra for the SD card unless you want very limited color support.

Additionally, the diodes seem to shut off entirely when going below about 25% brightness which is quite disappointing as you get "jumps" in color when fading from say red to green through orange and yellow. Basically orange can't be displayed because that's full red with like 10% green, but the green diode doesn't turn on until 25% brightness which ends up being a kinda of yellow.

[uketernity]

I received the following documentation from the manufacturer regarding variance. I don't know enough about this to know if this is correct, can anyone attest?

[dchammonds]

For anyone reading this, I have discovered that the onboard SD card readers in these Emma lasers only support 7 color TTL, however the ILDA port supports full RGB, which is quite disappointing, so not pay extra for the SD card unless you want very limited color support.

Additionally, the diodes seem to shut off entirely when going below about 25% brightness which is quite disappointing as you get "jumps" in color when fading from say red to green through orange and yellow. Basically orange can't be displayed because that's full red with like 10% green, but the green diode doesn't turn on until 25% brightness which ends up being a kinda of yellow.

The shutoff below 25% problem could be easily dealt with in projection software with an adjustable color bias. I wonder how common this issue is.

[HungryMan]

I’m planning to buy an Emma laser in the next few days for $295, free shipping. Equivalent opt laser is $365 + $100 shipping. Would prefer opt but still need to buy cables, e stop and software And funds are limited.

[TheHermit]

I’m planning to buy an Emma laser in the next few days for $295, free shipping. Equivalent opt laser is $365 + $100 shipping. Would prefer opt but still need to buy cables, e stop and software And funds are limited.

You haven't specified which model of EMMA or software you're considering. Most laser control software outputs either Ethernet or USB data to an ILDA DAC that converts digital into analogue XYRGB signals for the projector's DB25 connector. Pangolin software requires a proprietary FastBack DAC; FB3QS for Quickshow @ 550 or FB4 @ $800 (EMMA's website prices). Their RJ45 to DB25 adapter is NOT Ethernet, but only replaces a printer style cable with an ethernet cable and requires a similar adapter for connecting to an ILDA DAC's DB25 output.
My original inexpensive diode projectors used a similar RJ45 adapter. Their beams were rectangular, due to cheap optics. RGB wouldn't stay in alignment, due to cheap x/y dichroic mounts. Enclosures looked nice. 🙄
Upgraded one to OPT, which had a far better RGB module, drivers, and DT-40 galvos. Used the same RGB module to build a matching projector, but with C506 galvos.
Tore down those original projectors to upcycle components into a lumia projector, just to avoid wasting $. Those components ended up being the same as $100 galvo kits, being sold on AliExpress & Ebay.
You only get whatcha pays fer.
If budget is a concern, then I suggest starting out with the galvo kits & DIY a projector build. Enclosures can also be purchased separately. Great newbie project and learning experience for starters.
Zenodilodon's YT channel is a great learning resource. The link is a full 4W RGB projector build.
There are inexpensive 3rd party apps, like Modulaser for creating your own shows, unless you only want canned imagery for (illegal) parties. USA & most developed western countries are strictly regulated, due to safety hazards. These are not kids toys.
Hope this helps to get you started with minimal hassles.
Roj

[HungryMan]

Thanks

I ordered the RGB270R. 6W with a 30 kpps galvo though they don't share a more detailed spec. I'm not looking to do detailed animations though.

https://www.emma-laser.com/6W-New-IL...-p5773083.html

I've bought an Ether Wave DAC and plan to use Liberation and/or MadMapper to program the laser.

This unit also has the RJ45 socket to receive ILDA programming just as you mentioned. I already have lots of ethernet cables so it saves me from needing to buy new cables and my experience of running VGA cables through lighting rigs tells me that the ILDA pins could get bent easily and the cable plug snagged on stray cables.

This is my first laser for experimenting and testing programming with and if I take things further I will buy better quality gear. The OPT PR4000 in comparison would have cost me £210 dollars more.

Perhaps in future I will try building one from scratch. This would not have certification for public shows though would it? The Emma does.

[TheHermit]

Thanks
I've bought an Ether Wave DAC and plan to use Liberation and/or MadMapper to program the laser.

Thanks for the pointer to Liberation. Looks like a great alternative for live gigs.
Happen to have an APC40 mkii & an unused Etherdream DAC, so Liberation would fit well within my current rig. The temporary monthly license plan is very attractive as well.

I already have lots of ethernet cables so it saves me from needing to buy new cables and my experience of running VGA cables through lighting rigs tells me that the ILDA pins could get bent easily and the cable plug snagged on stray cables.

I see from your YT alias that you're HungryManDJ, as well. That sheds a new light on your situation and needs beyond a that of a newbie laser hobbyist.
TBH, my experience with plastic RJ45 connectors is that they wouldn't last very long on the road, being dragged through lighting truss cable hangers, neither. Last on, 1st off, with care, I reckon

This is my first laser for experimenting and testing programming with and if I take things further I will buy better quality gear.

IMHO, you're already addicted, but just don't want to admit it, yet. 😜

The OPT PR4000 in comparison would have cost me £210 dollars more.

Q: How much is your professional reputation as a DJ's show worth? Reliable gear is essential, I reckon. No fun explaining to the client why the lasers weren't happening, as advertised.

Perhaps in future I will try building one from scratch. This would not have certification for public shows though would it? The Emma does.

Correct. No official US variance for DIY. Strictly personal in home entertainment. Wasn't required when I did UK shows during the '80s.
But, there were pre-show inspections by local council safety officers, prior to every public gig. No scanning below 3 meters of audience standing areas, physical beam block masking on apertures, secondary hanging points, etc. But that was prior to diode lasers and scan fail driver protections, of which your EMMA projectors doubtfully include.
Haven't dealt with UK's laser show safety regs since '87, TBH. My advise is to never argue with a safety inspector, if you ever plan on doing another gig under his/her jurisdiction.
BR
Roj