As Scotty says, I need more power?

**Synce** · 12-10-2009, 14:14

What power level is realistic? Since this is my first project, it will just be something for me to play around with and show off to my friends and family. This started out as a single laser set-up but, ultimately, it will turn in a RGB at some point pending funds. Therefore, I want something that will hold up as I upgrade and keep me from having to buy new equipment down the road. I was leaning towards a 100mw green (analog preferably) but after some reading, I'm afraid that I won't beam to see the beam in some situations (especially from the side) and I really want to focus on beam effects with some general graphics. At the same time, a 1w is probably completely overkill (I say that now

).

What power level is sufficient to produce very visible beam effects without having to worry about perfect conditions? I do have a fog machine so I know that will help.

Thanks in advance.

Btw, I'm really leaning towards a set of DT30's. If that helps any.

**ElektroFreak** · 12-10-2009, 14:19

If you're talking indoors, 100mW of green will give you a very visible beam in a fogged room. Not nearly as visible in a room with no fog, however.

For outdoors, 1W is the bare minimum, preferable 5W or more of green. Fog is still needed to see the beam well, but at 5W or more the beam will be fairly visible even without fog.

If you're just using the system at home or for small indoor gigs, 100-200mW is fine.

**mixedgas** · 12-10-2009, 14:24

Um, buy as much power as you can get and then dial it down. But don't buy a off brand when you do.

Saves having to sell it for a fraction of what its worth later, when you upgrade.

Steve

**Laserman532** · 12-10-2009, 14:26

If it wont blow a hole in a nickel...it isnt worth having

In reality, get as much power as you can afford, then realize as soon as you have played with it for a week or two...it wont be enough

**Synce** · 12-10-2009, 14:35

Originally Posted by Laserman532

... then realize as soon as you have played with it for a week or two...it wont be enough

That's the part I'm afraid of. Ha.

**Stuka** · 12-10-2009, 15:00

Originally Posted by Synce

That's the part I'm afraid of. Ha.

Don't be afraid -
'cause it WILL happen...

**gottaluvlasers** · 12-10-2009, 16:02

Synce-

DT30's are a great choice. Now as far as power of lasers...

remember a few things.

1. green is the brightest to our eyes. therefore, whatever you start out with now for a green to be impressive is going to be balanced out down the road with your other wavelengths. If you start with ~500mW/532 well, that equates to approx. 850mW/640 and 650mW/473 down the road. in other words, close to $8000 in additional lasers.

anyone here will tell you i am *not* the biggest proponent of "white balance" theory. get as much power as you can for what you can afford. the above examples of powers and wavelengths will show you how crazy this can get. so, right now, to get you going, get as much green as you can afford.

2. dont go nuts trying to figure out what you *may* or *may not* purchase down the road. get a laser now that is going to impress you and is going to allow you to learn and do impressive shows with.

i started with a 2.5W green laser and added in 100mW/473 at one point. lol. yeah, it was some crazy looking laser. but who cares?? i did some damn good shows with it and made some damn good money with it at clubs. i wouldnt do an ILDA awards conference with it. I wouldnt do a Lexus animation corporate conference. but holy sh*t did the clubs LOOOVE it!!!!!

And despite what some multi-million dollar laser companies may have you believe, nightclub laser shows pay the bills. in, out, get paid. easy money. bright as possible. divergence, round beam, square beam, white balance, diode, dpss, 20k, 30k, yadda yadda yadda means ZILCHO in the real world for most bill paying shows.

lets face it, we *all* would love to have the $5000+ pre-choreographed movie awards shows. or the "President of Honda walks onto stage through a laser tunnel for $2500 shows" but in reality, those shows are a few and far between.

Bright, raunchy beams is ALL that matters!!

90% of the time if a client has the choice between super bright or pretty colors...they go for super bright. i see it every single week. of course if you have the budget for bright raunchy pretty colors, well NOW youre in a good spot. but that usually isnt the case.

get as much punch as you can afford now!! i got high powered greens on sale if you are interested. PM me and we can work something out. you wont regret having as much power as you can and then worrying about the colors at some future point. especially if you are working with a limited budget.

-Marc