Upgrading laser diode in "stage laser" (newb here)

Ok, so I searched the FAQ's of which just talk about the forum rules etc. Tried searching, but since i am such a newb to laser terminology I didn't know exactly what to search for, so in a last effort have resorted to posting this thread that I am sure has been discussed many times and I apologize for that.

SO here I go:

I have a Chauvet Scorpion Storm LGX which I think puts out really cool patterns, from the research I have done it only has a 10mW 532nm laser in it.. I am not sure if mine is getting out of alignment, or if the diode is going out, but it is getting dim.

Now I have been reading on this forum for a couple weeks before joining today, and now think as a good first laser project I would like to swap out the diode to a maybe 50mW, but then assume doing that I will also have to change out the lasers power supply as the amperage is probably different, or maybe different voltage.. I don't know enough yet, and am hoping that rather than getting :gun: people will help out a new found laser enthusiast.



I have been fascinated by lasers for some time now (probably 15 years) I in high school bought a cheap laser light show from "Spencer's Gifts" that I thought was the coolest thing ever, even though w/ fog you could barely even see the actual beam. And have had a few more (basically over the counter) lasers (i.e. ADJ Black Widow=garbage, Martin tarantula= meh, This scorpion I am talking about, and one other one I can't remember the name offhand) but nothing as insane as the lasers you guys have.


I am aware of all the laws restricting lasers, and plan on just having this as a home project to turn on when friends come over, as I don't want to get in trouble bringing it to a show I am DJ'ing.

Thanks for any advice guys and gals.

Oh and rep will be given to anyone with real advice and or links to where to get more info..thanks

first of all green lasers aren't diodes they are dpss so you will need a module not a diode

also we can tell/do crap with out pictures

Sorry this is the best I can do until I get home. and I had no idea about them not being diodes, now just to google what dpss is haha.


link to specs Chauvet Scorpion Lgx 10mW Green Laser Effect at Soundwave Direct

I don't see why you couldn't change it out... Just need to make sure you can fit it in and align it properly. You might be able to get away with the same driver but will probably need a new one... going up to 50 will make the unit more dangerous however so you need to be more careful when using it.

I will take it back apart tonight and snap a couple pics. I am just worried about the cooling as it stays on constantly with no duty cycle

Whiterob said:

I will take it back apart tonight and snap a couple pics. I am just worried about the cooling as it stays on constantly with no duty cycle

Click to expand...

You might need to get a higher rated diode and run it at a lower power... Maybe throw a fan / heat sink on it...


EDIT: Or just get a RGB projector those are way more fun anyway.

Well hello to you WhiteRob.
So you have been using the cheap lasers from the regular lighting suppliers. I will admit to have been looking at those types of units myself a while back before I found this forum.
First thing I would suggest is that you give up on those types of units and look into getting cheap RGV or RGB units direct from the chinese sellers for the same money as those one or two color units from the lighting companies.
The quality isn't great and the output is somewhat variable for them but they have more bang for the buck and would be more than enough for a home-style effects generator.
And there is always the possibility that you can progress and learn more about the ILDA interfacing and computer hook-ups for doing your own laser graphics and the likes. (That's where I'm heading at the moment too.)
I would suggest that you take a few days to read a bunch of postings over at photonlexicon for lots of references and links to cheap projectors. There are lots of posts about home-made expensive and all the way to top-of-the-line units too but they are educational materials only. (Way beyond the learner stage and expenses)
Don't be in any hurry to join there though as they are known to be a bit harsh on the "noobs". Just look around and read up.
Other than that I might suggest Guangzhou Pufeng lighting equipment co.,LTD, or http://www.chinesedepartmentstore.com or any of dozens more along those lines that are out there.
Just make sure that local laws don't forbid importing them or that Customs might seize them.
BTW. Most of these cheap units are NOT legal for use in public. There are many regulations and conditions that must be met before they are legal outside of private usage. Be warned.

And look at this review... http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/reke-500rgb-65851.html

ShortyInCanada said:

Well hello to you WhiteRob.
So you have been using the cheap lasers from the regular lighting suppliers. I will admit to have been looking at those types of units myself a while back before I found this forum.
First thing I would suggest is that you give up on those types of units and look into getting cheap RGV or RGB units direct from the chinese sellers for the same money as those one or two color units from the lighting companies.
The quality isn't great and the output is somewhat variable for them but they have more bang for the buck and would be more than enough for a home-style effects generator.
And there is always the possibility that you can progress and learn more about the ILDA interfacing and computer hook-ups for doing your own laser graphics and the likes. (That's where I'm heading at the moment too.)
I would suggest that you take a few days to read a bunch of postings over at photonlexicon for lots of references and links to cheap projectors. There are lots of posts about home-made expensive and all the way to top-of-the-line units too but they are educational materials only. (Way beyond the learner stage and expenses)
Don't be in any hurry to join there though as they are known to be a bit harsh on the "noobs". Just look around and read up.
Other than that I might suggest Guangzhou Pufeng lighting equipment co.,LTD, or http://www.chinesedepartmentstore.com or any of dozens more along those lines that are out there.
Just make sure that local laws don't forbid importing them or that Customs might seize them.
BTW. Most of these cheap units are NOT legal for use in public. There are many regulations and conditions that must be met before they are legal outside of private usage. Be warned.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.. Yeah part of the reason I went with this exact laser is A. I had no idea the potential you can do by making your own, and B. I used it in a public setting and being it has passed the FDA bologna, no variance is needed for the lasers I have used. I will start doing some more research before jumping on anything. it is much appreciated

Whiterob said:

Thanks for the info.. Yeah part of the reason I went with this exact laser is A. I had no idea the potential you can do by making your own, and B. I used it in a public setting and being it has passed the FDA bologna, no variance is needed for the lasers I have used. I will start doing some more research before jumping on anything. it is much appreciated

Click to expand...

If you modify it (and a lot more so if you increase the power) you loose the FDA approval stuff.

OMG!!! I want that REKE so bad.... That I would need a variance for correct? I just don't want to end up getting in toruble, or worse yet causing harm to someone at a show. So assume I would need some training in order to even get a variance?

Yes I am aware it is going to be a home use laser now.

Whiterob said:

OMG!!! I want that REKE so bad.... That I would need a variance for correct? I just don't want to end up getting in toruble, or worse yet causing harm to someone at a show. So assume I would need some training in order to even get a variance?

Yes I am aware it is going to be a home use laser now.

Click to expand...

I don't know if you could get the Reke approved by the FDA for public use (probably a lot because they haven't paid the FDA for approval of their product) But it also doesn't have some of the safety features (though some versions have the key switch and it has the start up delay) I think it may require a shutter and some other things tho to pass... If you get it for home use it's not a problem though, I use mine for personal use as well as the several people in that thread that bought them.

You could use it for small shows but it's powerful enough to easily cause harm if not setup properly. The main thing is keeping it so it 's projecting above peoples heads... (3 M above and 2.5 M laterally is the suggested safety distances) or you could project it up towards the ceiling.

If you are only hosting private events you probably won't get in any trouble.

You don't really need any major training with the thing... You just have to make sure the beams never reflect off anything and can never enter someones eyes... The thing is a super fun toy though if you have the cash I it makes for a good show..


EDIT: it's only half a watt which is pretty tame for a projector... Most RGB units are 1-5 watts... but it's still enough to make holes in peoples retinas.

EDIT 2: Most pro / DJ style projectors are over a grand easily... They are much better and have proper FDA approvals and such and you may need to take a course or get some sort of certificate to get the required license / variance to run the laser at a venue.

I used mine at a party with a couple of friends just fine... It was 30 feet up so no one could get a beam in the eye.

Guyfromhe said:

I don't know if you could get the Reke approved by the FDA for public use (probably a lot because they haven't paid the FDA for approval of their product) But it also doesn't have some of the safety features (though some versions have the key switch and it has the start up delay) I think it may require a shutter and some other things tho to pass... If you get it for home use it's not a problem though, I use mine for personal use as well as the several people in that thread that bought them.

You could use it for small shows but it's powerful enough to easily cause harm if not setup properly. The main thing is keeping it so it 's projecting above peoples heads... (3 M above and 2.5 M laterally is the suggested safety distances) or you could project it up towards the ceiling.

If you are only hosting private events you probably won't get in any trouble.

You don't really need any major training with the thing... You just have to make sure the beams never reflect off anything and can never enter someones eyes... The thing is a super fun toy though if you have the cash I it makes for a good show..


EDIT: it's only half a watt which is pretty tame for a projector... Most RGB units are 1-5 watts... but it's still enough to make holes in peoples retinas.

EDIT 2: Most pro / DJ style projectors are over a grand easily... They are much better and have proper FDA approvals and such and you may need to take a course or get some sort of certificate to get the required license / variance to run the laser at a venue.

I used mine at a party with a couple of friends just fine... It was 30 feet up so no one could get a beam in the eye.

Click to expand...

thanks for the info.. I may get it just for house parties, and hopefully can get it before my halloween party in a couple weeks, but doubtful with customs if it is coming from China. I am going to get some pics tonight of what i do have so someone can hopefully help me source a good replacement laser her in the states, so I know I can have it for my party, and will do as usual and have it on top of my truss just making a liquid sky effect (or whatever you call it)

Whiterob said:

thanks for the info.. I may get it just for house parties, and hopefully can get it before my halloween party in a couple weeks, but doubtful with customs if it is coming from China. I am going to get some pics tonight of what i do have so someone can hopefully help me source a good replacement laser her in the states, so I know I can have it for my party, and will do as usual and have it on top of my truss just making a liquid sky effect (or whatever you call it)

Click to expand...

They ship quick... You can probably get it within a week.

I wanted to do a Halloween show but I don't know where I can safely project in the front.

But yea get pics.

You could take it to a school dance if you happen to DJ one, educational things apparently are exempt. PLZ don't burn any kids.