X-Pod Laser System from X-Laser

[jtnichol]

I have an opportunity to buy a complete system...The seller is trying to get $2100 for this setup.


(4) X-POD300B's retail for $599.00 ea. ($2396.00)
(2) X-POD50G's retail for $299.00 ea. ($598.00)
(1) X-POD Controller with cat5 cables retail $695.00 ea.

So...here's my concern. I'm sure its a legit deal. But I'm not so sure I'm so impressed with just having one beam. I guess I'm more into scanners. From the couple of vids I've seen on Youtube these things have a really nice fat beam and give that "beam table" effect from the days of old.

What more wow factor could I achieve with this system? Is there an alternate use for these beams you could think of? I dunno....its neat, but I'm not sure I'm sold. I have not seen these in person.

thanks for any ideas. I'm a tasty fresh fish noob with this so be easy with jargon.

[steve-o]

Do you have links? Pics? Anything?

[Bradfo69]

It's somewhat of a one trick pony as far as effects since it's one static beam. That's not to say it's a bad thing but, it's an enhancement that you probably wouldn't run all night, just for added "wow" periodically. As mentioned on their website, the addition of diffraction gratings can add to it or, as I might suggest, would be to utilize a set of bounce mirrors (like these perhaps - http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-ADJUSTABLE...item2c62dccf05) and increase the beam coverage. That's not unlike what's seen with beam tables such as a Mobolazer. In a manner of speaking, the X-POD controller is kind of like a DMX controller in that it allows you to turn on/off a pod and probably set up chase sequences etc. Plus, since it uses CAT5, it's likely a little cheaper/easier to rig that DMX cables. At $2100, I suspect many here would opt for a beam table of some sort instead since you ususally have more "positions" on a beam table, whereas you will have 6 but, it's still probably a good deal. ASSUMING you have the ability to sell lighting and get a ROI. Just my observations.

[jtnichol]

Yes so sorry:

[jtnichol]

And here's another:

[swamidog]

so that's:

4 300mW 445 445 modules (they call it "sapphire blue")
4 50mW 532 modules
and a "router" controller.

it looks like all the modules in this system are TTL (on or off only). i can't tell if it's doing POE. i would like to see that (to reduce cabling) and i'd like to see analog control of laser intensity.

according the x-laser site (http://x-laser.com/product/x-pod/), the modules use a "special optical design which forces the maximum amount of power into the beam to create thick, dramatic beams that travel huge distances.". what that means in english is they use a beam expander, and possible a collimator. i.e. expect fat beams with high divergence (the spec sheet shows "Normal Divergence of 2-5 mRad").

if you need an easy, low powered beam table-like (kinda sorta) effect for a small venue, it might be a fun product. i would think with fat, low power beams, it would be wasted for anything above a small, dark venue. i can't see a low power system like this competing with much ambient light or with other lighting effects.

there is a video of it on the x-laser site.

personally, i think even the reduced price is still too expensive for what the product is.

why is the seller letting it go so cheaply?

here's a random video of a large beam table:

I have an opportunity to buy a complete system...The seller is trying to get $2100 for this setup.


(4) X-POD300B's retail for $599.00 ea. ($2396.00)
(2) X-POD50G's retail for $299.00 ea. ($598.00)
(1) X-POD Controller with cat5 cables retail $695.00 ea.

So...here's my concern. I'm sure its a legit deal. But I'm not so sure I'm so impressed with just having one beam. I guess I'm more into scanners. From the couple of vids I've seen on Youtube these things have a really nice fat beam and give that "beam table" effect from the days of old.

What more wow factor could I achieve with this system? Is there an alternate use for these beams you could think of? I dunno....its neat, but I'm not sure I'm sold. I have not seen these in person.

thanks for any ideas. I'm a tasty fresh fish noob with this so be easy with jargon.

[jtnichol]

Thanks Brad and Swami...."one trick pony" best describes this...I guess I could throw some diffraction at it.....but...I'm with you Swami....Still a lot of money for what it is. I think I'll hold off....I already have an RGY coming in from the seller manufactured by X-laser. I think my path will steer me toward learning about scanners and ILDA configured devices. For now DMX only.

I think I'd be more interested if I could get that amount out of it 6mo. from now if I lose interest. Thanks again for your ideas.

[araugh]

These are TTL and powered over the Cat-5 cable, so it's one cable to each head. The main advantage of this type of system over a beam table is that you can get a wider effect with each of the heads placed up to 200' away from the router. The router can be controlled via DMX and multiple routers can be connected via DMX or with a serial connection to sync patterns from the first unit.

[jtnichol]

I think it would be cool if you address the heads and daisy chain the cat 5's like DMX is done. EIther way...good points. At least you don't have to run power separately to each too...