Photonlexicon - The Lounge

Laser tractor beams are here

loopee — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:45:05 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/a...-tractor-beam/

"As you might expect, that only works on very tiny particles, but the researchers are able to move them as far as one and a half meters"

Other Addicting Hobbies: Drag Racing! with Steve Roberts...

300EVIL — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:34:15 GMT

I had to cut my trip short this year to the NHRA US Nationals held in Indinapolis this year but , as usual, it was a blast! I called up Steve, AKA MixedGas on the way down and he was game. Who else would get in a car and drive 300 miles at a moments notice! >:) Talk about hard core! Luckily I had drivers tickets as usual so we were able to get the best seats in the house.

Here we are in front of the tower...

8000+ HP up close...

Here is Antron Brown's dragster...

Here's Steve with the winning top fuel dragster driven by Larry Dixon...

Pit crew getting ready to start the engine...

Yeah, We were that close...

Steve, chillin after the race...

My dad also chillin out...

Look what showed up!!

Any ham radio operators on PL?

ElektroFreak — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:21:42 GMT

Just wanted to share this sweet little dual-band handheld I found on dealextreme.com:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.41618

You won't find a feature set like that at anywhere near that price anywhere else. the reviews are excellent, build quality seems very nice.. I just ordered one today, will know more when it arrives but they look to be pretty awesome.. plus they're unlocked which is cool, but might not be legal in all countries.

Interesting article on the use of lasers for astronomy

RGbee — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:40:29 GMT

I found this interesting old article http://www.hq.eso.org/sci/publicatio...-no98-8-14.pdf

Ad

Interesting laser pictures

Lexat8 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:37:07 GMT

Evening All!
Was trying to take some promo shots with a mates camera the other day, failed. But did get this,which IMO, is rather beuatiful. Should anyone wish to add any other cool shots please do so!

Attachment 19337

Cheers

Lex

Attached Images

P8288407.JPG (1.33 MB)

Plasa 2010 - London Earls Court - KVANT & KVANT-UK (Synchrovision Laser Art) at 1-E51

pelosh — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:35:31 GMT

Hi all,

we are again attending Plasa show in London - this time with proper show (well - not as big as Frankfurt, but good one).

Everyone is welcome.

If you are interested, I can get you free entry - just shout loud :rolleyes:

Cheers

Website feedback

beamann — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:12:46 GMT

I am looking for feedback on my just published website, please guys take a look and evaluate it on anything that you think is wrong or right about it so I can make changes to make this website as effective as possible on the enternet WWW.GODSLIGHTSHOWS.COM
Anything,anything at all, I would be most greatfull. Don't hesitate or worry a but any brusing words, I asked for this, be as red lined as you whant to be!
Thank you for your feedback,
Emory

New- Zealand laserists are you alright??????

edison — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:22:19 GMT

I just watch the news and after seeing the images of the Earthquake with the epic centre in Christchurch and i want to let all New-Zealand laserists that my hart goes out to you guys!!! :hug-right:The devestation is huge after the hit from 7.2 on the scale of richter. :eek:
We have traveled around New Zealand in 2007 and i still miss the friendly and openminded Kiwi,s. I hope everyone is alright and no one is injured. :)

Laser show video (just messing around) - Thoughts?

djlightspin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 05:13:22 GMT

Hey everyone!
Had some free time so I figured I'd make a couple videos just messing around.

I used 2x 3 watt RGB and 1x2 watt RGB, although with that much haze (thank you DF50), you can't really tell the difference haha.

What do you guys think?
This is my favorite:

Another video using same song as first one:

UK people Only - Laser show insurance

andy_con — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:34:10 GMT

why am i struggling to get fooking insurance.

who are people with and how much are they paying for 5mill insurance?

cheers

Newegg 10% off casio PJ's

polishedball — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:05:13 GMT

Coupon code EMCYXYP33, just got the email figured i'd post it in case some are not signed up for neweggs spam.

Tiesto fails!

andy_con — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:43:15 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZnxT...eature=related

PL's gone all RGB

RGbee — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:46:47 GMT

What the h3ll!. I just refreshed PL and we've gone all colourful!:eek:

Russia's got talent

dave — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:08:12 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZu3t...layer_embedded

Awesome Web Marketing Website!

Pianoman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:02:08 GMT

Hi everyone! I just started my Sophomore year of college, lots of work of course. I thought I would share this website with you guys because if your like me and can't afford nice new electronics, but have a little time to spare, this is for you. So before I tell you about the website, here is how I stumbled upon it. My xbox 360 died this summer, and I'm trying to get a new one (unfortunately I'm a broke student). Thanks to a cool website that a friend told me about, I can get one for "free," with some help from you guys. The website works like this. You go to my link, and register, they only need your email address and you create a password, they dont ask for any personal information, thats it. You then go to a page of offers and pick one to complete. The saying "nothing is free" is true here, however you can get $50-2000 products super cheap by doing this and it's easy. All the offers cost $12.50, but thats all the money you spend, throughout the entire process. THERE ARE 3 free offers, but you usually have to create a website or something and then cancel the subscription after a month otherwise they bill you for a months subscription, its free, but a little more work and time. Once you do this you have one more step and then they mail you whatever gift you selected for free! The last step is called referrals, thats what I'm doing now. You get people to sign up and complete an offer. Once they do, you get one referral. The more expensive the gift you picked, the more referrals you need. The xbox 360 slim for example, (299.99) at walmart, requires 10 referrals. So if 10 people (YOU) go and decide you can spend 12 dollars for an other wise $50-2000 gift (yes they have everything from itunes giftcards to macbook pros and other electronics), then you can help me and yourself at the same time. The website may sound sketchy at first, but if you consider the amount of referrals the big Offer companies get, they can easily afford to send out free gifts in exchange for potential customers. This is an advertising tool that makes them lots of money, we just get to take advantage of it! This type of marketing (chain marketing) has been done before via mail services successfully, this is just the first time they have done it on the web. Plenty of reviews on google proving they are legitimate and have a perfect record. I would really really appreciate it if you guys help me. It will only take a couple minutes of your time. Not only will you be helping me but yourself as well. It's not "free" because it requires a little time, but if you have a few minutes it's totally worth it. A little work goes a long way in this case :)

HERE is my LINK :

http://gifts.freebiejeebies.co.uk/281783

It has to be this link otherwise I don't get a referral credit. Thanks A ton guys, it means a lot to me ( a broke college student )!

Feel free to read up on, and check out the site, it's definitely legitimate and very cool.

Reminder that PL can always use your support!

buffo — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:55:19 GMT

Hey folks;

Just a friendly reminder for those that aren't subscribers already; the hosting bill for PL comes every month! Now would be a good time to send a small donation to our beloved Janitor for all he does to keep this place running. *retardo

Adam

LD2000 - Zones problem

Phredy1 — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:11:07 GMT

Somehow awhile ago I was trying to get LivePro to project into a small area. If I remember correctly, there was some setting in Showtime / Zones to output zones 2-4 into zone 1. That way I had all my beams going where I wanted them. Worked good....then.

Now when I go to play one of the pre-made shows the graphics / beams are all mucked up. They used to play perfect before I screwed up. I have looked everywhere trying to find how to put things back like they were before and no luck. I can't even find how I made the changes the first time. My CRS is getting worse I think.

I have replaced the LD2000.ini file with an original I had backed up and even that didn't work. Anyone have an idea of wtf I did and how to fix it? I suppose I could delete everything and start over, but except for the zones I have everything how I like it.

-Gene

farmer turns himself into a hay bale ( video)

andy_con — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:48:14 GMT

http://www.break.com/index/farmer-ba...lf-in-hay.html

ilda electronics help needed please

badger1666 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:20:09 GMT

hi i am in need of a little help
i have an rgb projector running on a riya dac (the dac drives the colour channels differential +2.5v -2.5v)
what i also want to do is run my 2w445 mini projector on the same dac , so far i have just
run its diode drive from the intensity channel, the problem with that is it ttl,
is there a way i can run it analog and keep the projection whole ??
just putting it on one of the colour channels is no good only got part of the frame doing that need to find some way of mixing all three colour channels into one ?

any ideas wellcome

thanks

Laser Job Opportunity

OPO226 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:54:20 GMT

Hi:

There is a Laser Technologist position at Sandia National Labs in Livermore, CA.

It is posting # 635771. Search here:

http://www.sandia.gov/careers/search-openings.html

Caution, Not for work viewing.

mixedgas — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:11:09 GMT

This may shatter my reputation a bit, but enjoy two very outdated, politically incorrect safety videos. Do not watch at work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9sIT6P_05I

Warning, above includes improved Bra burning method for liberated women and nasty burn scene at the end. For those who do not know, LOX is liquid oxygen.

Parts 1 thru 3 of Dr FOD and the Wayward Body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=X7za28P3ZNA&feature=related

FOD is Foreign Object Damage, objects blown into Jet engines.

"And yes, BTW, that is my Assistant, Miss Wayward Body"

Ok, compared to what you see on Wildcats! and Desperate Housewives, both are somewhat tame.

And please do NOT try this with the Modern High Bypass TurboFans at your local airport.

For those who do not understand the 60s and 70s, in those days the only Women on a flightline would most likely be a nurse or a flight attendant.

Please consider that in EVERY safety lecture I've ever attended, 50% of the audience was asleep before the lecture is over and the of the remaining, 35% were distracted, this method might have been effective.

Steve

Photography.

Vidal Wolf — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:53:46 GMT

I am an avid photographer.
I do aerial photography,nature stuff ,and really like time exposure.
The challenge of trying to get a really good shot is what drives my interest.
Lately I have been trying more and more laser lighting beam effect shots.
Im trying to get more dramatic colors and deeper fields of focus.an example. last night i was shooting my whitelight setup,and added my 445 blue to the whole mess.
The 488 and 514 came out just fine in the pics,but the 445 came out looking like a 405 violet,and totally saturating the image (see my avatar pic,it looks purple). yet in real life, it looks blue.
Im really not that happy with what Ive been getting & feel I can do much better.
Are there any other photographers that have better experience and have pointers(not laser pointers,but laser photog pointers) to get that good beam/table/graphic/insanely rich/detailed,color accurate pics?
Thanks!.
Nate.

a movie showing 30 years of asteroid discoveries in only 3 minutes

allthatwhichis — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:08:57 GMT

I usually don't post video links, but this one is kinda crazy to think about. *vigil I got this from spaceweather.com

MUST-SEE ASTEROID VIDEO: Astronomer and programmer Scott Manley, formerly of the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland, has created a movie showing 30 years of asteroid discoveries in only 3 minutes. Warning: Feelings of claustrophobia have been reported among some viewers. It's crowded out there! Click to play.

Drum Machine anyone?

gottaluvlasers — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:20:14 GMT

check this drum machine out:

http://laughingsquid.com/the-worlds-...-drum-machine/

-Marc

Aluminium Sheet - UK sorce

xntrix — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:00:49 GMT

Hi,
I am thinking of rebuilding my RGB projector now that 445 is here. As you may know, my present build is in a PC case. Although this works well, it is not suited to be hung from a truss etc, so is only practical in the house.

Does anyone know of a reasonably priced UK source of ali sheet, around 10mm?

Thanks,

David

Virus & Spyware Protection?

gottaluvlasers — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:29:36 GMT

What are most of you using for *COMPREHENSIVE* very good anti-virus software? what about anti-adware/malware spyware programs?

I ma running AVG (paid program) with Search and destroy right now and it seems that alot of stuff slips by both of them.

most notably my wife loves her goddamn Facebook, but she clicks on every fu**ing link that is sent to her for games, and "read this now" emails and pictures and videos. :mad:

I would like a good, adware, spyware, malware, trojan what ever spyware program and a top-of the line virus software.

any reccomendations?

-Marc

Single phase to 3 phase

djmatt — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:36:51 GMT

Ive been trying to figure out if there is any other way to convert single phase to 3 phase. I know it can be done with the motor and all, but is there another way? I need 45amps. tops. You would think being an electrician I could figure it out:o I heard you can use rectifiers or somthing like that.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
*warnDJ Matt*warn

Quick Check

mixedgas — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 01:00:12 GMT

I do not mean to offend anyone. But after seeing a poll that greatly disturbed me on another net venue, mostly filled by young people, I need to know something for inner peace about PL.

I don't want to spark a debate on religion, I am just curious.

I DO NOT want this to be a venue for slamming others faiths, debating religion, etc. I just wish to get a grip on the moral beliefs of those here.

This is not the my religion or lack of, is right, your religion or lack of, is wrong thread.

Quite honestly the comments on the other venue scare me very much, even with the lack of respect shown towards faiths of others and or the lack of. They scare me enough that I may not post there again.

I am not asking you to profess your faith or the lack of, here, I just want to get a sense of level. In fact Professing the Lack of Faith. Or Faith, in such a tightly knit community, here, is a BAD THING, unless done individual to individual.

And that should be Pastafarian with a A, not O., It is included for some comic relief.

Moral compasses are highly subjective.

Steve

LivePro and Windows Media Player

Insanity — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:23:26 GMT

I have a show tomorrow night and the headline DJ wanted a lasershow synchronised to his first track. As the show involves 3 lasers I decided to design and rehearse the show using the preview window in LivePro rather than set all the lasers up in my living room. It was at this point I discovered that Windows Media Player and LivePro don't get on very well.

The Preview window in LivePro was painfully slow and jerky, not exactly helpful when programming a synchronised set of cues and when using Enhanced Reality Preview it was almost at a standstill. I closed Windows Media Player and all was fine again, reopened it with no music file and LivePro slowed right down again. I ended up burning a CD of the music and playing it on a separate sound system and got the job done.

I am running Windows 7, you know, the one that's errrrr, good at multitasking.... Apparently!!!!

The machine is a Toshiba laptop with 2Ghz Dual core T4400 CPU and 4GB of RAM. I can only assume the Intel graphics card is the problem here, but wondered if anyone else has the same problem? Had the laptop around 6 months and it does everything perfectly, I have removed all the gadgets, disabled wireless printer coms and all unnecessary windows junk such as UAC etc. Just wondering if its one of the many floors with Windows Media Player... Damn you Microsoft...!!!

Mark

Anyone know about laser shows at SciWorks?

JohnYayas — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:47:52 GMT

It seems there is a place near me called SciWorks near Winston Salem doing a lot of laser shows. I'll probably check them out. I was wondering if anyone knows anyone involved. I wouldn't mind a behind the scenes tour. Heck, I wouldn't even mind volunteering to help out some.

Here is a link to a PDF that talks about it.
http://www.sciworks.org/PR_LaserShows2010.pdf

Paypal ( conversations with a Dynasorg 2010).

catalanjo — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:32:42 GMT

Extract from: Compendium of conversations with Dynasorgs 2010.

Roughly translated from hours of telephone calls and a few emails with Painpal.

We are not suggesting you are BAD or that your SUPPLIER is BAD it is just that we have this "internal security" program, which is not actually under our control.
But it is a great program used by all sorts of banks and other vague but gigantic financial entities. :D

Since you did something different this year (we haven't made any money from you in the last couple of years :mad: ) and you tried to make a perfectly legitimate international transfer, this program noticed you and flagged the transaction! *vigil

The program called "Internal Security" :cool: which we can not actually override, :confused: has the capability of ignoring any commitments we might have appeared to make via our web pages, and reacts by acquiring the maximum amount of access to both your data and your financial resources. >:)

It also forces both player and our system into "slow mode" and makes sure that Paypal starts benefiting from your frenetic attempts to overcome this slight technical hitch. (Unimportant for pay pal since we do thousands of transfers/min) :p

A full explanation of how this works is available , :rolleyes: but spread thinly between multiple tabs and web pages on our site although we cannot guarantee that these are necessarily visible from the pages where players initiate their transactions.
Basically it introduces the eCheque concept based on slowing down the instant payment system (we are so good at) to that of a slightly exaggerated, early eighties retro-snail mail bankers cheque. This is a marvellous scheme, which enables us to earn a relatively small (considering the main traffic) amount of interest on the amount being transferred and is very usefull for realligning our smaller client's attitudes concerning our relationship.
:mad: > :o
The eCheque works like this:
We take your money out of your bank instantly :cool:(instead of using your verified credit card), then hang on to it for a week or so, while we perform "security checks".
We then credit the funds to your supplier who a little later still, will hopefully ship your urgent supplies. *vigil

If however we don't have access to your bank account this fantastic "security program"
(used by many banks etc.) starts a game in which players either give up, or end up paying a time or money penalty or both. :cool:
We have both online and telephone gaming facilities and I can assure you that our experts will give you a good run for your money in the form of a very large international telephone bill (or non geographical location near you). No matter how good you are at skyping we have time on our side and can stuff free advertising in with the music while you are waiting, remember, it's you paying for the call. :D

The online version is a bit crude but very effective and basically works like this.
When your transfer doesn't work,we have lots of images and colours and security stuff which promises to sort out why you are initially unable to transfer funds, despite having had a verified business account for many years and dutifully updated your credit information and even given us time to process this update before attempting the transfer.
(Note!) This is really due to "internal security" (used by many banks etc.) flagging the transaction but we don't mention it at this stage of play. >:)

We then force you to supply bank data plus the permission to sell this commercially and also get you to give us permission to directly access your account.
We do cheat a bit in the legal bits by promising to notify you if we become "aware" of undue risk associated with a transfer, but on the other hand we never commit ourselves clearly by saying how, or when we will notify you, but no one ever notices that. :p

Under our new rules: If a player has unadvisedly relied on previously smooth Paypal experience despite not having used our services recently, and committed themselves to making and an instant transfer to a business partner they can be legitimately targeted.
We have found that even experienced players either end up having to give up and bite the bullet, or give ground and submit. :eek:

This is NEW Paypal! Not some amateurish high street bank who has to worry about the FSA or Advertising Standards or Ethics or any of that old hat stuff.
Our promises are ethereal like dreams we are international and untouchable AND we keep Ebay running relatively smoothly. So no one is going to mess with us. As for our clients, well most are so small that they are individually irrelevant, and our "internal security program" (used by many banks etc.) avoids big clients by using very clever statistical analysis. :cool:

Remember your original crime is not supplying Paypal with revenue for YEARS! :mad:

Anyway to get back to the "game". Having given us access to your bank we then convince you to have another go, with a load of rubbish about "funding priorities" (included in legal bits on some selected sites). That's when our brilliant "internal security" (used by many banks etc.) steps in and converts the whole thing into an eCheque deal, details of which you probably never ever bothered to look at before, since it is so obviously a scam. >:)

Even if you had taken the precaution of arranging for a friend to put some money in your account so we are "forced" to make the instant transfer you probably didn't know the exact amount until the last minute and we still earn penalty points on their personal transfer to you, with a bit of luck on some currency conversion, AND on top of all that we end up with the balance interest while everything is still in slow mode.
Brilliant isn't it. (Used by many banks etc.) :D

What's more if you get your supplier to cancel the eCheque payment, a move, (just like giving access to bank account) often recommended by our telephone gaming experts, we still win out because the funds for the eCheque, which we took from your bank instantly, after gaining access in our first opening move now disappear into "limbo". That is, despite your desperate search down all the blind alleys the game provides, you will not be able to detect their whereabouts! You will just come away with the sensation that you will be lucky to get the funds back within ten days to a month.
Even then they won't go back to your bank! >:)
They will appear (or should do anyway) in your account in Paypal. (might be in a different currency by then however). >:)
Also, but this I am not totally sure about, :confused: we can either charge you to return them, or just isolate them for a while pending further "security investigations" and earn a spot more interest Remember this is a "SECURITY" program with carte blanche (used by many banks etc.). :cool:

It's amazing what you can do with a neural network and a gullible client base these days.;)

There you go! Game set and match! :D

Now I am sure you won't be so silly again, since you are clearly guilty of "not supplying Paypal with revenue for "YEARS". :mad:

But look on the bright side, we have millions of happy clients, and also once you regain a little confidence you can come back and play again anytime you like 24/7, so I do urge you to have another go.* (telephone UK gaming experts only available during working hours and in N.Ireland). :cool:

Oh and I am not sure if I already said this but SORRY if this caused you a problem, really we just want your money in return for SOLUTIONS not really to cause you problems! :rolleyes:
Please don't hesitate to contact for details concerning the more sophisticated "currency conversion" rules of play with respect to eCheques if you want to attempt any subtle international "in game" manoeuvres. :p

You can not reply to this email: Contact is via post since we are still in "slow mode" with respect to your account due to "security" concerns. Talking of security I would like to take the opportunity here to mention that we have many "security packages" available if you would like to purchase one. :o

PS.
Regarding "manouvers".*retardo Closing the account won't work either, since we hang on to both your data and your money if you are impacient and don't manage to get it back first using our "closing game".(which naturally has it's own set of rules). >:)

Good luck with that and all the best.:)

Incidentally, if you try to do something stupid *retardo like change to "Google Checkout" :mad: we will find out about it since "Internal Security" has many contacts throughout the financial world.*vigil YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !*warn

Unsigned: from Joanna (Paypal ambassador agent). On behalf of "Internal Security" program. :cool:

Cheers :)

Opinion on safety

gottaluvlasers — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:33:41 GMT

I just caught wind of this club in CT. that hires out this DJ team and they bring in their own lasers.

Now, in all honesty, i could care less about them doing lasers. This club has called me before for a *REAL* laser show and they have a budget of ZILCH. however, my concern is the apparent lack of safety of this display.

granted, its all the blinkey winkey crap, but it all seems pretty powerful to me. I was actually turned on to the video by another DJ who knows me and sent me the video becasue he was DJ'ing there also and was getting annoyed as hell of the lasers.

What are your opinions??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8KCs4nN0-k

-Marc

...wOW! ...and, WOW...

dsli_jon — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:59:22 GMT

...two quick links, sent to me yesterday... had-to post... whacked-out crazy polar-opposites...

http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/video:-...caught-on-tape Eeek...

..and http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/rea...as-got-talent/

..." nobody says piano has to be...with hands..." Totally Awesome.

njoy...
j

Zero Point Energy, Perpetual motion is possible

Pianoman — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:52:06 GMT

Hey everyone. I have long been interested in the "free" power that magnets release. Free energy is ever present in our universe, and so far the only physical means of tapping into it, is magnets. The power of repulsion, always present, and we don't have to input energy to create a magnetic field unless we r dealing with electromagnets (not the case here). To the point, I'm interested in creating a zero point energy machine that harnesses that power. Basically the setup I have consists of a wheel with an even number of magnets opposite each other and evenly spaced to balance the wheel. These magnets are ONLY one pole. The opposite pole is placed on a fixed mount nearly touching the outside of the wheel. The repulsion force causes the wheel to spin. The rotational energy would allow for electricity production, similar to that of a windmill (the wheels axel connects to a gearbox and generator connected to a dc/ac converter). This would theoretically convert rotational energy to electricity. You might say, "well such a device would be capable of only infinitesimal voltages." HOWEVER, imagine large scale versions utilizing massive neodymium (N45 grade of course) magnets, loads of them. Anybody detect a solution to our power needs? I do. Another potential concern, "the cost of enough units of such devices would be unrealistic. At our current spending rate for electricity, a year of government funding and consumer support could easily make this happen. I'm not an expert and I'm not claiming to be one, I'm certainly not. I'm simply a sophomore college student throwing out a dream of mine, combined with a few weeks of dabbling research. I see potential, but I repeat I'm just dreaming. Any engineers or individuals with experience on this topic? I'd much appreciate any feedback. I'm going to try nevertheless because it will be a fun science project and neodymium magnets are fun*retardo, but feedback would still be much appreciated! Thanks guys.

Jonathan

Jack Horkheimer passed away Friday

flecom — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:06:26 GMT

Jack Horkheimer, former director of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium and host of Star Gazer on PBS for ~30 years passed away Friday, he was 72

I met him several times (I did some of the laser shows the Miami Planetarium runs) and he was always really friendly and just as enthusiastic as he was on his show...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/2...orkheimer.html

now I really do have to go repair this McIntosh 2505 I have that used to belong to him

laser pain ray?

flecom — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:04:36 GMT

looks more like microwave/RF based to me, but hey what do I know lol...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...y-inmates.html

So I've had a little while to think..

ElektroFreak — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:50:56 GMT

I figure not everyone here will care about this, which is perfectly fine and understandable, but I'm going to post it anyway. Sorry if it's long-winded.

Back in April (I think) I stated an opinion that I had about certain members here that was improper and proven wrong.. A certain member-in-good-standing here (and apparently an all-around good guy according to most people here) who goes by dsli_jon decided that the best way to counter that opinion was by "calling me out" about it, comparing me to a complete moron. Obviously I got angry and the situation escalated from there, and has been carried on for some time thereafter in one form or another. In truth, I was responsible for it as much as anyone for posting an opinion which was false, even though at the time it made sense to me. I want to apologize for that to the community as a whole. Even (and especially) to you Jon, should you happen to read this. I'm sure that my opinion of you has been unfairly tainted by our past incessant battling. I'd like to try again with our relationship because I don't think either of us knows how the other really is, but I understand completely if you don't share the sentiment.

One thing that has stuck with me ever since the April altercation is the sour taste that the experience left in my mouth. That experience compounded with similar experiences prior to that nearly made me quit associating with this community entirely. Before I continue I'd like to explain why:

PL is a great source of information and many of the members here are first-rate individuals that have incredible knowledge. PL's positive influence on the laser community as a whole cannot be denied. But like everything in life PL also has a negative side, which was actually the first thing I experienced upon joining:

Some PL members have real trouble accepting people and things that they either disagree with or do not understand. They blatantly belittle or act condescendingly towards these people. I know for a fact that quite a few perfectly good, decent folks who only wished to join this community and add their experiences and expertise have never returned after this kind of treatment in the past. I have little respect or tolerance for that because I know how that crap works firsthand from past experiences elsewhere in life. A member here recently said to me that PL members really aren't a very unfriendly bunch as a whole, which I suppose is true as long as you don't go against the grain. State an opinion that certain people don't share, or state feelings about situations/people that go against what others here think they should, and "friendliness" goes out the window, replaced by cold smugness and a complete lack of desire to try to understand.

Just because a person doesn't agree with someone else or doesn't understand where they are coming from is no reason for derogatory, condescending behavior. PL is awesome, but it's not awesome enough to excuse that kind of bullshit. No one/no place is. I'm sure some people here might disagree with that, but it's the truth nonetheless. I believe a senior member here put their feelings on new people who contradict the PL status quo very well when they said: "Do not attempt to impose your personal requirements upon a pre-existing culture." as if to say "that's just how it is. If we're dicks to people who challenge our views, we're entitled to be that way because that's just how we are. We have an established community here and if you don't like the way we treat people, get lost." That's a total load of crap. Unfortunately, we are all able to act badly just as I did, but that doesn't make it right.

That said, I know I'm a hothead. I run a tight ship in my life and career and I have pretty much zero tolerance for behavior that I consider ignorant or ill-thought-out. I also know that I melted down over the sum of the bad experiences I've had since I've been here recently, albeit purposefully, which affected much of this community since people were subjected to open hostilities etc. that had nothing to do with them. Buffo made me see the obvious error in my tactics (anger can cloud one's judgment considerably) and I have since apologized once and would like to do so again: I apologize to the whole community for being selfish with my actions. MY actions were ignorant and ill-thought-out (not to mention unpredictable) and I regret that immensely. No stress/pressure in life excuses it.

Now that I've had some time to think about my issues with PL and some of it's members, I feel that this apology for my part in this mess is the least I can do. I sincerely hope that our relationship (myself and the PL community) can be continued and I hope that we can get it right this time.

Good song to make a laser show too!?

johnpoe12 — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:49:53 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtZfW2z9dw

Not quite a shark but .................

soforene — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:07:26 GMT

Any relation to Mary Bale? *retardo

For Steve - Lexel 95 Problem Identified

MarioMaster — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:39:57 GMT

Seems this poor little guy just gave up the ghost in the middle of SELEM which was causing the interlock circuit to stop functioning :(

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Post your cool pictures here

krazer — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:29:41 GMT

On some of the other (non-laser) forums I frequent, there is an ongoing 'post your cool pictures here' threads.

Some ground rules-
1. Picture must have been taken by you, or be of something you were involved in
2. No double posting
3. You must have at least 1 picture per post, preferably limited to 1 theme per post
4. Rules 1-3 may be amended for sufficiently awesome pictures

My initial contribution:
An Avia Thor 15w 355nm laser which was destroyed in shipping, and turned into a Frankenstein laser putting out ~50w
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Need a luxeon LED flash Circuit plz help !!

liteglow — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:47:22 GMT

I have searched for many years on the web, but there still is no flash circuit for high-powered led!

I have 3W red and green luxeon LED that I want to flash (like an aircraft strobe) !
One short flash each 3second.

I know this forum is full peoples with high skills in electronic and soldering.
Is there anyone here that want to make this circuit for me ??

I can also solder the parts, if they are RTS (Ready To Solder) :)

A normal LED flash is designed for 30mA, but my luxeon need 3,5volt 800mA !
I got a suggestion that maybe you an build a normal flash circuit, and then use a tiny relay to power the luxeon.
Like this one:

http://media.digikey.com/photos/US%2...0TO72_1831.jpg

I will use the LEDs on my Night-Flying EasyStar FPV air plane.

Anyone feel that they can do the job??
hint: I can transfer if you got PayPal :)

nottinghamscience Laser Cooling

andy_con — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:23:13 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnq_...layer_embedded

nicked from lpf

outdoor shot

Speculative Lasers - Dan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:03:22 GMT

pic of a green at full weasel

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Selem 2010

tommylee333 — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:22:10 GMT

Just wanted to say thanks to,
Buffo,
300 Evil,
Dr Lave,
Ilda-Jon,
Pangolin,
Gary from Spaghetti,
And thanks to everyone for helping me so much.
and thanks to 300Evil for inviting me.
Me and my wife Tammy Renee had a great time.
On the way home Tammy said.
I do't think i have ever met a group of guys that smart, that are as nice as everyone we met was.
she thought it was gonna be boring, but she told pangolin, when he asked her,
how do you like it so far.
She told him, "it's not as bad as i thought it was gonna be be".LoL
She actually enjoyed it, and has been discusing some fresh ideas that i haden't thought of about adding lasers to our band show.
So you can take your wife, or girlfriend, they may even enjoy it.
It is a great learning experience and all the food you can eat for free.
if you missed it please make plans to go next year, you will not be sorry it will be a great experience.
And the laser show was just beyond words.
once again thanks so much everyone and "God bless".

Powerfull laser smashes ice dildo

mccarrot — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:48:41 GMT

Laser or not???

Laserman532 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:16:45 GMT

I think not

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/lo...101230974.html

Made Laminar Water Jet

dnar — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:48:06 GMT

This is a pretty cool project, not laser related but I am sure he could incorporate a laser in there somehow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijn98G0I99E

This guy has too much time on his hands.

SELEM Computer Virus??

JohnYayas — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:27:17 GMT

To everyone that attended SELEM... at around 1:49pm today (Sunday), my laptop at SELEM somehow sent out email via by MSN messenger to everyone in my MSN messenger address book. The fake email said "hey, try this IQ quiz thing I saw on facebook, its actually really difficult.. i can't seem to score higher than like a 105... Facebook IQ Quiz".

Luckily, I hardly ever use that laptop so my address book was small and I found out about it before I connected it to my home network. So, no real harm was done other than the annoying email that was sent out.

Anyway, I am not sure how it happened but I would recommend that anyone who was connected to that network to check out your computer.

dmx controller and lds help

badger1666 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:27:49 GMT

hi all
i have lds pro and want to control the software with dmx sliders
so if i buy a dmx controller what else would i need so i can hook it up to my laptop
so the software can see it ?
can anyone recomend a controller to use with lds pro ?

thanks