Divergence

On Optotronics web page they make an issue about divergence and state that a 1.2mr ad divergence vs. 1.5mrad divergence can make a 56% difference in power at a given distance over 10 feet.

Is this why their prices are higher?  Are most lasers 1.5mrad divergence?

The PPL and RPL seem like a well made laser but the prices are somewhat high, especially for the under 200mw lasers.

If anyone owns an optotronics, I would appreciate some comments on likes and dislikes.

Optotronics also makes a good case for nimh rechargable batteries.

In their RPL series, they use rechargable li -ions.

Neo

http://www.lucentoptics.com/envee/

They have a good reputation, are reasonbly inexpensive and they quote a divergence of <1.2 mrad. This may meet your needs.

1.2mRad is normal. 1.5mRad is what the Wicked Lasers Evolution Series has and it's just for up close burning. It probably has somewhere around 2-2.5mRad seeing as Wicked Laser never actually tells the truth about divergence, along with other companies that just bump the number down to make it look good.

Lucentoptics sells a very good laser. They have excellent customer service, a 6 month warranty, decent divergence, no duty cycle, and their prices are cheaper than any other laser company for more output. I'd say go for Lucentoptics and buy a 100mW when they come back in stock in a few weeks.

Stevetexas,

Thanks for the info, but I am really not looking at the moment.

The 100mw Envee looks like a very good deal for $295.00, and several people on the forum have them I think.

However, if it is comes time for me to "POP" for a burner, I am probably looking at 200mw plus just like youdid!  Im hoping in the next 6 months to one year they drop to under $500.00

I just ordered a 30mw greenie (Atlasnova $79.00) that should be arriving in the next day or so. It is my first purchase.

Neo

COOL!!! When you get it post some pictures!!!

As a side point, I wonder why Lucentoptics doesn't make anything above 100mw. Seems like if they kept their prices low like they do for their other lasers, they could make a 200mw greenie in the $550 range. Maybe we should tell them!

Neo

Been there  I have been talking to them about higher-powered ones for a while now - they are concerned about reliability, heat, etc...but I am sure they will take the plunge, sooner or later !

They must be a newer company or more conservative if they havent figured that issue out and they are worried about liablity.

Neo

they are probably gonna do something soon, because they have done nothing for a long time.