Pat - as I said I am happy to be corrected by anyone though I would never have beleived it 100% - but as its you then I know its gospel!
Pretty impressive to get 10W even only on occasions from one of these little lasers. How long is the cavity? And what makes it so special to get so much more power from a smaller tube/cavity?
As for the 168 - Well mine certainly rocks - I love it to bits and its mine 'til one of us dies
I converted everyone at the last UK meet who had never seen a decent ion laser in full flight, so they now know and appreciate a 'proper' laser though I know its only a baby to a 171. Im hoping that a few more will see the merits of the 'old school' at the meet in a couple of weeks.
Its the colours that just blow people away - the mix of colour and the shades are so so nice compared to solid state - mind you why am I telling you this?!
Rob