about brightness of rays

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11-12-2008, 08:09
Steve Milani

about brightness of rays

Hi Guys!

When I drive my lasers by DMX controller or auto/music control mode I can see that rays are coming out with full optical power. Spots are really very bright.
Instad when I drive my laser by ILDA (analogue mod.), same rays coming out like...underpowered:eek:. Their spots are not so bright as in DMX or auto/music mode. I can't exactly valuate how much difference of power is 'cause I haven't any power meter, but this difference is clearly visible to eye.
Now... I know that analogue mode means: 0 volts = maximum power; 5V = laser shut down (I hope to said right).
Well... my question is: Maybe my USB/DAC dont give out the right value of tension? I say better: maybe when laser should be at full power my USB/DAC unit give out some little volt instead to give out *zero* volts?:confused:

Thanks in advance for any answer/help.

All the best

Steve
11-12-2008, 09:53
Stuka

Just an observance -

Most of the analog lasers I have seen so far use "0 volts" for off, and "5 volts" for full power. Could that be a contributing issue with your particular software and/or ILDA controller?
11-12-2008, 10:05
keeperx

sounds like the software might need adjusting..
11-12-2008, 10:46
colouredmirrorball

I have heard once of a program - don't remember which one, could be Mamba Black - that gives a problem like this. Due to safety issues, the program would not allow the laser to shine at full brightness. Which program do you use and is there a function to set the intensity?
11-12-2008, 11:55
Steve Milani

Quote:

Originally Posted by colouredmirrorball

I have heard once of a program - don't remember which one, could be Mamba Black - that gives a problem like this. Due to safety issues, the program would not allow the laser to shine at full brightness. Which program do you use and is there a function to set the intensity?

Hi.
I use "Showeditor2008". Yes, software allow me to set intensity, which is already setted at *maximum*.

@ stuka and @all...
Gosh!... Sorry... I'm a jackass....:( I meant: analog 0 V = laser off; 5 V = full power. I apologize.:o

I would try to check the value of voltage between each pair of wires of each laser head (R+/R-; G+/G- ; B+/B-) coming out of 25 pin female ILDA connector of USB/DAC . It should be 5V at full power or 2,5 V between + pole/toward ground or - pole/toward ground.
Is it correct?
May I do this in safely way while laser is on, or it could be dangerous ? (for example: because electrostatic currents).

Thanks & Greets!:)
11-12-2008, 12:48
Anthony

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Milani

I would try to check the value of voltage between each pair of wires of each laser head (R+/R-; G+/G- ; B+/B-) coming out of 25 pin female ILDA connector of USB/DAC . It should be 5V at full power or 2,5 V between + pole/toward ground or - pole/toward ground.

I think you can only messure the modulation voltages correct with a scope.
A normal voltage meter will not give you an accurate reading.

Maybe some of the "senior" PL members can explain it better to you.