drumz0rz
0
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 33
- Points
- 8
Hello Fellas, I can already anticipate where most of y'all will fall on this discussion, but I searched for a brand name on this site and found nothing, so I thought why not spark up a discussion on the subject?
I've always been a fan of scanning lasers, used at events and concerts. They can create unique visual effects which are impossible to recreate using traditional light sources. One major risk factor with these uses of lasers, is of course eye damage. It is why there are certification programs indented to train individuals to safely operate high powered lasers safely. It traditionally takes a lot of experience and training before you are signed off and allowed to operate these lasers.
However, recently, I've noticed the use of audience scanning lasers has exploded, especially in the underground electronic music scene. One of the biggest barriers to entry for use of this technology was cost, as high powered scanning lasers would cost several thousands of dollars at a minimum. This has changed, as the market now appears flooded with Cheap scanning lasers. I won't name any brands just yet, unless it's ok'd by mods, but I didn't even have to search, but rather these brands are purchasing ads on social media, so that their sales pages are presented in my stories feed. They sell a variety of laser products with power output claims ranging from 3-12W, for prices ranging from $300-500 USD. These lasers come equipped with full RGB color scanning, ILDA and DMX control, and zero accountability should someone set one of these up and point it directly into people's eyes.
Despite the obvious risks of using one of these non-FDA approved laser devices, the low price is certainly enticing. I see them as a potential way for creatives to explore designing with light, and can think of many project ideas that do not involve exposing audiences to the light, such as the channels on social media that create laser light shows set to music, filmed and then shared online. Personally, I've always been interested in this as a hobby, but haven't had the time or budget to invest further. The idea of being able to experiment for under $500 with a scanning RGB laser is very tempting.
On a more technical side of things, I'm curious to know what kind of laser diodes they are using, and how they are able to offer these products at such a low price. I'm highly skeptical of all of their claimed wattage, but I would be curious to know what they're actually capable of outputting. I would rest a bit easier knowing that their claimed 6W laser is actually more like 150mW in terms of potential eye damage. Just because I can only imagine the ways these cheap untraced lasers are being used by those without certification.
I've always been a fan of scanning lasers, used at events and concerts. They can create unique visual effects which are impossible to recreate using traditional light sources. One major risk factor with these uses of lasers, is of course eye damage. It is why there are certification programs indented to train individuals to safely operate high powered lasers safely. It traditionally takes a lot of experience and training before you are signed off and allowed to operate these lasers.
However, recently, I've noticed the use of audience scanning lasers has exploded, especially in the underground electronic music scene. One of the biggest barriers to entry for use of this technology was cost, as high powered scanning lasers would cost several thousands of dollars at a minimum. This has changed, as the market now appears flooded with Cheap scanning lasers. I won't name any brands just yet, unless it's ok'd by mods, but I didn't even have to search, but rather these brands are purchasing ads on social media, so that their sales pages are presented in my stories feed. They sell a variety of laser products with power output claims ranging from 3-12W, for prices ranging from $300-500 USD. These lasers come equipped with full RGB color scanning, ILDA and DMX control, and zero accountability should someone set one of these up and point it directly into people's eyes.
Despite the obvious risks of using one of these non-FDA approved laser devices, the low price is certainly enticing. I see them as a potential way for creatives to explore designing with light, and can think of many project ideas that do not involve exposing audiences to the light, such as the channels on social media that create laser light shows set to music, filmed and then shared online. Personally, I've always been interested in this as a hobby, but haven't had the time or budget to invest further. The idea of being able to experiment for under $500 with a scanning RGB laser is very tempting.
On a more technical side of things, I'm curious to know what kind of laser diodes they are using, and how they are able to offer these products at such a low price. I'm highly skeptical of all of their claimed wattage, but I would be curious to know what they're actually capable of outputting. I would rest a bit easier knowing that their claimed 6W laser is actually more like 150mW in terms of potential eye damage. Just because I can only imagine the ways these cheap untraced lasers are being used by those without certification.
