New Oregon member

Hey there, I'm Ash, in Portland, Oregon. I started looking at the viability of adding a legal laser show for a Pink Floyd tribute band I am running. This seemed to be the site that appeared in most relevant searches, so here I am. Though I will no doubt fall into a hundred rabbit holes here, my main purpose is to find a local hobbyist who we could hire to design and run something for our future shows.

You will need a variance from the FDA to do a laser show in public. You will likely have to hire a professional to do the show and it won't be cheap. Laser shows are tightly regulated in the US. Welcome to the LPF, though. I have lived in Portland and enjoyed my years there.

Welcome to the forum, good luck.

Ash97206 said:

Hey there, I'm Ash, in Portland, Oregon. I started looking at the viability of adding a legal laser show for a Pink Floyd tribute band I am running. This seemed to be the site that appeared in most relevant searches, so here I am. Though I will no doubt fall into a hundred rabbit holes here, my main purpose is to find a local hobbyist who we could hire to design and run something for our future shows.

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Welcome and enjoy the forum --however:
It can not be done the way you imagine --the daydream is not at all the reality of laser light shows. Is not a playtime activity.

Is a lot of work to get a "variance" for public showing--even if you use professionally manufactured equipment--is never going to happen with home made hobby laser light show guy. Follow the applicable Laws, rules, and regulations concerning laser light shows---- see: https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/HomeBusinessandEntertainment/ucm118907.htm
If you don't you will be an accident looking for a place to happen and liable for anything that does as well as subject to Federal and State punishments.

For an education on what you need to do even to be able to use the best pro laser light show projectors see: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Forms/UCM081634.pdf

Laser Light Shows are very tightly regulated in USA: See: U.S. laser laws and regulations - A guide for LDI exhibitors and this one --- US laws and Regulations: http://www.lasershowsafety.info/us-laws.html

Here are 10 pages about laser safety and light shows: http://www.lasershowsafety.info/resources/LDI/LDI_Laser_Safety_Requirements-final-submitted-Version-h-PM07.pdf

Excellent information here along with everything that needs be to legally do a laser light show US laws and State laws: A Complete Guide to Laser Shows

paul1598419 said:

You will need a variance from the FDA to do a laser show in public. You will likely have to hire a professional to do the show and it won't be cheap. Laser shows are tightly regulated in the US. Welcome to the LPF, though. I have lived in Portland and enjoyed my years there.

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Exactly.

I've wandered through the certification requirements and whatnot for a couple of years now, wondering if it can be done on my own. I realized a while ago that it is something I would prefer to hire out for, if at all possible, instead of reinventing the wheel at greater personal cost. People who enjoy lasers as a hobby have a higher chance of also working professionally with lasers, hence the term "hobbyist."

So no, I do not expect to find a twentysomething with a box full of gear to cough out a legal show on a shoestring budget. I am a planner, and tend to look a year or more ahead in order to prospect ideas, build shows, and end up with a great product to present to an audience. If you have ever managed a band, you completely understand how that all works. Your schedule for next year at the better venues starts this year, so you work ahead as much as possible, or you don't play.

Last year, the plan was to be playing larger gigs this year. That was before finding a keyboard player to replace an outgoing member was nearly impossible. Still, we are moving as forward as we can, and part of my... ennui? Need to keep my hands from being idle? Anyway, part of my band activities involves the "what if" of a larger show with enough of a budget to hire out for legal lasers.

So yeah, that's the long story behind being here.

Hi Welcome to LPF
Well some of our distinguished members gave you the details about your topic. These folks are very knowledgeable about safety and the laws provided to you.
Good luck in your endeavor , David Gilmore & Roger Waters are icons Early Flyod was awesome Abscured by clouds and Meddle

Rich

:wave: Welcome to the Forum Ash...
Enjoy your stay.

Jerry

The budget dictates the answer. If you have the cash try www.lightwave.net