Taking Reke 500RGB to the next level.

[Cameron]

OK I have had my Reke 500 for a while now and the time has come to take things to the next level! My goals are the following:
Gain control over the Reke
Make the Reke better
Create a cool Lumia machine to go with the improved Reke
Evolve from there!

So here is my current high-level plan.

#1 - I need a dac and software:
This is what has been holding me up a lot. At first I was thinking cheap. Soundcard dac and various freeware solutions.
Now I am debating the age-old LSX/Ether Dream or QS/FB3 solutions. There are positives and negatives to each solution for what I am looking for. Presently I am heavily leaning towards QS first. A few days ago I PMed DrLava for access to a LSX demo, but I haven't heard back yet so that steers me closer to QS. I can always pick up LSX later. I am pretty good at graphics applications in general (especially Illustrator) and think that I could be pretty creative with LSX, but QS has a lot going for it. I wonder if there would be some way I could convince Pangolin to upgrade me to Beyond when the time comes.
So let's just say that right now I will go with QS and maybe the other DAC software combo later.

#2 - Upgrade the galvos/scanners in the Reke:
This is a tough one. Cost vs. performance. I would like something that is inexpensive but also does 30kpps well. I'll have to do some more research. Probably will have to save up a bit too. Who knows, perhaps there is a good cheap one out there that is pretty good.

#3 - Build a cool scanner-based RGB lumia system with parts canabalized from the Reke:
So I start with the crappy Reke galvos (I think they should be great for my Lumia machine). Then, I start replacing the individual lasers in the Reke with nicer ones that I buy. I systematically move all the parts out of the reke and into the lumia machine. Has anybody make a dedicated lumia machine this way?


I have a graphic of my future Lumia that I slapped together as the inital concept. I'll upload that in a bit.

Anybody have any advice?

Thanks!

Cameron

[absolom7691]

As far as scanners go, you can pick up a set of cheap 30K galvos on ebay for about $190. These are going to be PT glavos. I don't know about their longevity because the ones I have are not used commercially. For galvos, I would just spend a little bit extra and get some dt-30s. They are good scanners are way more inexpensive than CT and EMS.

The thing with Pangolin is you get awesome customer service, it comes with a cunk of artwork, a lot of people use and create shows for download and you can upgrade to Beyond when the time comes. When you factor in the cost of a DAC, LSX will be cheaper but not by too much. LSX is powerful, but you need to learn how to access that power.

[Cameron]

OK. QS/FB3 has been ordered and I anxiously await its arrival. Still haven't received a response from DrLava on the LSX demo. If I like what I demo, I will buy it and use it initially to help with content creation.

After much research and digging, I'm really leaning towards the DT40 Wides tuned to 30kpps for the next phase. I also need to pick up some good safety glasses for that next phase.
Phase II might be a little while though. I'm excited to really get started.

[swamidog]

i use DT40w's and LSX with my projector.

there are some videos on my youtube page of what can be done with that combo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emqCtiAuBWY
https://www.youtube.com/user/swamidog/videos

OK. QS/FB3 has been ordered and I anxiously await its arrival. Still haven't received a response from DrLava on the LSX demo. If I like what I demo, I will buy it and use it initially to help with content creation.

After much research and digging, I'm really leaning towards the DT40 Wides tuned to 30kpps for the next phase. I also need to pick up some good safety glasses for that next phase.
Phase II might be a little while though. I'm excited to really get started.

[Cameron]

Yeah swami,

After seeing some of your abstract work, LSX hit my radar. You should get a commission on some of the sales of LSX.
I have probably watched each of your vids 5 times. Great work! Plus, when I move on to my Lumia phase, I think I am going to want to consult you. Would love to have a walk-through of your egggbeater lumia kit.

I am thinking that I need to learn more about how the whole analog modulation stuff works as well.

Thanks!
Cameron

[absolom7691]

For intermediate/pro galvos, DT-40/DT-40W are really great scanners for the price. The only way your're going to get any better is CT or EMS..

[absolom7691]

I am thinking that I need to learn more about how the whole analog modulation stuff works as well.

If you want some tru analog, see this thread: http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...361#post271361

DZ is planning on selling these units.

[swamidog]

you bet! anything i can do to help, just let me know.

Yeah swami,

After seeing some of your abstract work, LSX hit my radar. You should get a commission on some of the sales of LSX.
I have probably watched each of your vids 5 times. Great work! Plus, when I move on to my Lumia phase, I think I am going to want to consult you. Would love to have a walk-through of your egggbeater lumia kit.

I am thinking that I need to learn more about how the whole analog modulation stuff works as well.

Thanks!
Cameron