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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Would like to buy a LPM, need advice.

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Jan 21, 2015
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Would be nice if i could get some recommandations on LPMs.
I really have no idea, what i have to pay attention to, when looking for one.

What i do know is, that i need something to measure the output of mostly cheap lasers,
or just lasers that i can't trust of their stated 5 (or w/e)mW, for example, when getting some cheap ebay pens.

That actually means, i don't need one which goes up to 5 watts, but on the other hand,
i would also like to test how much my 2.2W or my 350mW lasers are putting out.

If it was still available, i would have instantly grabbed one of these Radiant Electronics X4's, i guess.

I didnt say anything about pricing because i think, if i see something that really fits my needs perfectly, it could convince me to spend some more money. :D

Also, are LPM's usually calibrated when you buy them? I would like to use it right away, if i get one.

:thanks:
 





ARG

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New LPM's are always sold calibrated. Used ones are typically still within their calibration spec, but there's no guarantee's.

Radiant is releasing another budget LPM soon, but there's been delays.
 

rhd

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If you want an X4 (and frankly, I think that's probably the right choice), I wouldn't mind selling you mine. It's basically new - used for only a couple readings.

I figure I'll probably end up buying the new one when it comes out, and I have another LPM to use until then (my Ophir, which is what I use most of the time anyway).
 
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When I researched the heck out of LPM's, I came to the conclusion that an Ophir sensor was the best way to go. It's more expensive than a $100 Radiant, but you are getting much more for your money, i.e., an actual thermopile sensor.

You can measure well over 5W (depending on how you power it), but with the sensor, two 9V batteries, and an off-the-shelf DMM, you can build an LPM very easily, which has a very fast response time (unlike the Radiant), and can measure 7-8W (or higher, if you power it with a larger supply voltage). Search the forum to find the schematic for how to assemble the parts, as it's very easy.

You can pick up a sensor on eBay right now for around $230-$250, which isn't that bad, given the scarcity of these sensors. (Just search eBay for 'ophir 20c'.)
 
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New LPM's are always sold calibrated. Used ones are typically still within their calibration spec, but there's no guarantee's.

Radiant is releasing another budget LPM soon, but there's been delays.

Yea, i read about that in the thread, maybe i should wait untill the release.
Do you have any idea how much longer it will take?

Im not in a hurry to measure my lasers, and as i said, i planned on using it on lasers which power i cant trust, but the 2 i have so far,
have to be used with goggles anyway.
I just dont want to wait half a year or something. :D

If you want an X4 (and frankly, I think that's probably the right choice), I wouldn't mind selling you mine. It's basically new - used for only a couple readings.

I figure I'll probably end up buying the new one when it comes out, and I have another LPM to use until then (my Ophir, which is what I use most of the time anyway).

Yes, thats what i though when i first saw it, as it can measure up to 3.7W and as low as 1mW and its not expensive either.
Do you have any information what the difference between the old and new one will be?
If it won't be even cheaper or more accurate or what ever, i'd consider buying yours.

Give me a day or two, im sure 10fenny will still take it if i don't. :D

Thanks everyone. :thanks:
 

rhd

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No rush. I'm not anxious to sell it. I probably wouldn't have thought to sell it if this thread hadn't prompted me.

I think the new one is going to be slightly more expensive, but that's just rumour. I don't have any special insight.

I probably wouldn't discount mine too much below the retail price though, since it's basically new. I'd go $25 off retail, which I think was $110 with the case, so $85.
 
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Oh , okay, thats nice, ill think about it, for that price it would buy it for sure, if i wouldnt think of waiting for the new one.
I really could use some more information, but as long as there isn't any, i can just sit here and wait... :undecided:
 

rhd

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Oh , okay, thats nice, ill think about it, for that price it would buy it for sure, if i wouldnt think of waiting for the new one.
I really could use some more information, but as long as there isn't any, i can just sit here and wait... :undecided:

To avoid confusion - that means you're not taking it?
 




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