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FrozenGate by Avery

FS: Rubicon 10W & 5W Laser Power Meters

Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

InfinitusEquitas said:
This would be an ideal solution for anyone upgrading from a TEC lpm though.
Click to expand...

I had a TEC LPM before I got a Kenometer back in the olden days when Ken was making them. The Ophir sensor and the nature of the user interface and features frankly blew the TEC meter out of the water. The Ophir is much faster and you can actually see the variations in output more accurately. Now I take TEC LPM graphs posted here with a grain of salt - IMHO they are ok for an average output but not instantaneous - this gets to be important with DPSS and higher output LD lasers, especially if you are buying one.

I had my Kenometer updated with an earlier version of the firmware that is in the Rubicon and it was like getting a new meter - much faster and better more useful features. Stability lets you see the variation over time based on when its set which can give you a sense of how stable the laser is. Let alone all the graphing and data capture features.
 





Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

Great LPM but ended up with a LaserBee 3.7W USB Laser Power Meter as i could get it local as in same day delivered awesome.A problem living in australia everything takes ages to get delivered and or get though customs.Still supporting the forum though
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

I will be all over one of these as soon as I have the cash for it. That being said, its probably gonna be a good month or so:cryyy:
 
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Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

DAMNIT I don't have the cash.

When I have, this will be my first choice LPM... Good luck with the sellings, and best regards!
 
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Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

Thanks for the support guys! :)

plexus said:
I had a TEC LPM before I got a Kenometer back in the olden days when Ken was making them. The Ophir sensor and the nature of the user interface and features frankly blew the TEC meter out of the water. The Ophir is much faster and you can actually see the variations in output more accurately. Now I take TEC LPM graphs posted here with a grain of salt - IMHO they are ok for an average output but not instantaneous - this gets to be important with DPSS and higher output LD lasers, especially if you are buying one.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The upgrade from a TEC based LPM to an Ophir is amazing, nothing beats the quick response time :)
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

ARG said:
The upgrade from a TEC based LPM to an Ophir is amazing, nothing beats the quick response time :)
Click to expand...

Can´t agree more! Once you switched to Ophir, you never want to get back :gj:
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

Great job, I love it! :beer:

Is this the best hobby grade LPM out there?
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

That's a bit of a loaded question. There are really only two competitors to the Rubicon, and they're both from the LaserBee line.

The first is the LaserBee II Deluxe, at $390. For just $60 more (and lower shipping costs), the Rubicon has:

  • A fast-responding Ophir sensor (0.8s to 95% power - the LaserBee II is considerably slower)
  • Onscreen graphing
  • Faster sampling
  • Compatibility with a multitude of datalogging software packages (Peregrine, the LaserBee software, and a variety of generic loggers)
  • 5W range (LaserBee II is 3.2W)
  • The ability to power it from the wall
So, for only a little bit more money, the Rubicon blows the LaserBee II out of the water. But if you already have an Ophir sensor, you can get just the Rubicon meter (no sensor) for $250!

The other main competitor is the 5W Limited Edition LaserBee. It costs $580 shipped. For $80 LESS, the Rubicon gives you:

  • The same 5W maximum measurement
  • Compatibility with more than just the LaserBee datalogging software
  • Faster sampling on the onboard screen (the LaserBee 5W uses a slow sampling and slow responding DPM)
  • Onscreen graphing
  • What is seen on the screen is also sent to the computer (often, the LaserBee readings do not match)
So, in short, not only does the Rubicon best its less expensive competitors, it also tops its more expensive competition! So yes, in my opinion the Rubicon is the best on the market, while not even being the most expensive.

But I'm sure Jerry will come along shortly and give you a second (and probably opposite) opinion. :)

Trevor
 
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Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

Thanks for the comparison.

One more question: is the 9V power supply stable enough for the Ophir? I've heard that batteries were the best source because they have zero ripple.
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

The 9V supply doesn't directly feed the Ophir, there is circuitry inside that isolates the Ophir power rails from the rest of the LPM. The rails are regulated and quite clean (electrically speaking) :)
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

:bumpit: for my review coming in a few hours :D
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

Very nice job alex! Well though out and executed feat of engineering by trevor and yourself.
For now I will stick with my new tec lpm. Has anyone posted graphs of the same laser with an ophir and a tec lpm for comparison?
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

cheech226 said:
For now I will stick with my new tec lpm. Has anyone posted graphs of the same laser with an ophir and a tec lpm for comparison?
Click to expand...

I agree. A thread with various powers and wavelengths with OPHIR vs. TEC in comprarison would be great!
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

Well... I'd love to do that, but unfortunately I just sold my LBII.

Anyone have one I could borrow for comparative purposes? :p

Trevor
 
Re: FS: Rubicon 5W Laser Power Meters

@Cheech, thanks! :D

Here's a comparison.

DPSS green by Blord:

Ophir:
59rpqLL.jpg


TEC:
BiKDooM.jpg


The difference is quite interesting, the TEC based LPM covers up most of the instability of the laser.
 
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