Best Laser Projector for beginner who want to run a business

[wingssv]

I'm very happy with my OPTlaser PD3000-RGB for ~$800. The case and 3W RGB module are good build quality with low beam divergence and the DT-40 galvos are far better than el cheapo no-names on ebay or aliexpress. However, those cheap products are fine for lumia projectors.
TBH, I haven't done a side-by-side comparison with Saturn nor Compact 504's (which others highly recommend), but I'm not interested in line animations.
Another important consideration is which control software and ILDA DAC to use. Both need to be compatible.
I started by following the leading laserists, which was LSX software ($200-$300)with Etherdream3 DACs ($200 per projector). Unfortunately, I've experienced little or no after sales support for both. LSX failed to ship the licensing dongle I had ordered and that stopped me from upgrading from Basic to Advanced. The ED3s lose signals.
Depends upon your objective(s). If you are only going to have one projector, or daisy-chain multiple projectors, that have the same image, then Neon Captain's Radiator was designed by one of the best laserists in the business, Christopher Short. He has several YT videos demonstrating the Radiator.
But, if you're planning on going professional and needing to independently control multiple images, then Beyond with external FB4 DACs is your best route, IMHO. You can still use the less expensive OPT DP3000-RGB projectors.
Hope this helps
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The OPTlaser PD3000-RGB you have it with FB4 or can it be customized for it to have it? would love to know more about which OPT lasers are compatible with FB4 or is something yoou have to order from the factory with?

[TheHermit]

The OPTlaser PD3000-RGB you have it with FB4 or can it be customized for it to have it? would love to know more about which OPT lasers are compatible with FB4 or is something yoou have to order from the factory with?

My PD3000-RGB projector only has DB25 ILDA standard connectors, but it can be ordered with FB4 pre-installed internally. I'm developing my own control system for 3 RGB projectors in my home, so I don't need any other laser software, nor OTC DACs, like FB4.
Here is the OPTlaser Catalog, so that you can familiarize yourself with their range of products. Looks like their prices have risen since I purchased mine last year.
I found their sales department to be very knowledgeable, very willing to accommodate my specific needs, and had a very positive experience with them.
BTW, they can also offer nice Pella road cases for your projectors, as well. Sounds like you're going to need them.
Hope this helps.
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[TheHermit]

[QUOTE=wingssv;360410]Just added, I am from El Salvador in Central America. I don't think anyone is doing laser shows in the country, so I doubt there is any regulation whatsoever./QUOTE]
Ummm... Had to circle back to make a few points about laser safety. Regardless of local regulations, lasers are not harmless toys. We've all seen disco lasers scanning audiences. But, what was the average power density of the beam when it hits them in their eyes? Of course, that depends upon a number of factors:
* the power output from each projector
* the divergence of the beams
* the duration of exposure
* the size of the scanned image
* the length of the image's beam path
* the distance from the projector? Not so much.

The effects of excessive direct eye exposure to lasers is very similar to 'arc eye' from looking at someone welding steel. The immediate affect is similar to being punched in the face, every time the beam hits the eyes. Is that what audiences should be subjected to?
But most often, the worst pain doesn't happen until hours later, long after the laserist has packed up and moved on. Arc eye for me (welding related) was like having sand ground into my eyeballs. Others have described it as 1000 mosquito bites into the eyes.
The freelance laserist in an unregulated country has the future of the industry within their hands. If medical issues, hazardous complaints, and/or compensation law suits come to the attention of that nation's authorities, they will simply ban the use of entertainment lasers.
I believe that Pangolin offers in depth laser safety training, which covers all of the precautions that should be implemented, including:
* proper projector mounting
* emergency stop buttons
* creating 'safe zones' for audiences
* physical beam masking
* static beam shutoff
* PASS scan fail shutoff
* calculating exposure levels
* etc, etc.
It is far more responsible to learn the proper usage of lasers in public events than to learn that you harmed your fans, afterwards.
Please play safe.
JS
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