question on scanner

[llxpntbllxll]

im on a tight budget this is why i have this question

if i were to buy this: Green 50mW Laser show Stage Lighting for Disco Party DJ - eBay (item 320578604755 end time Sep-18-10 20:42:48 PDT)

it says it has DMX512 control, does this mean i can connect it to my computer and make my own shows using software? if so how would i go about connecting it via DMX512?

and if it doesn't connect to the computer does anyone know of any other cheap scanners pre built that i can connect to my computer to make shows? thanks for all the help

 

[DjHeadie]

that product is a waste of money. it is loaded with 5-7kpps "scanners" and is capabled of drawing very obscure and unrecognizable shapes.

and for 90$, a ripoff, i purchased a similar unit, as a joke off ebay from laserworld, loaded with 100mW (putting out 157mW) for 44$ shipped to us.

look for a better deal.

some software offers dmx control, thorugh an interface box, but will ikely be pricier than your "top notch rig"

 

[llxpntbllxll]

do you have any idea where i could find a pre built laser, thats not really expensive with ilda?

 

[DjHeadie]

that sentence cancels itself out. if anything, watch ebay, but i am very doubtful of you finding anything. once i almost one a broken ilda projector for 150$, that was the closest to what it seems your budget it ive come ever. the cheapest way would be to try and get one second hand or something, have someone build it, or build it yourself depending on your skill.

what are your intentions for this?

 

[llxpntbllxll]

i mean it doesnt have to be super cheap as i can save my paychecks, but for parties i have, and me and a buddy are pairing up as he does DJing and we would do parties

 

[DjHeadie]

do you live in the usa?

 

[llxpntbllxll]

yeahh

 

[DjHeadie]

then the costs involved with you shooting lasers over 5mW anywhere other than ur house will probably make you no longer interested. you have to have a variance, and all varianced projectors.

were talking thouuuuusands.

 

[llxpntbllxll]

then it will only be used at my house as i have alot of parties at my house, and i already have a basement thats set up like a club so i can set it up permanently down there

 

[Grix]

You can not make nice shows using DMX. You can only control the projectors built-in patterns to some degree. It is much better to get a projector with an ILDA port, this will grant you full control over the projector via the computer (and a DAC).

 

[DjHeadie]

what im trying to say is i do not feel comfortable nor will i point you to any products for you to display to unknowing people.

the reason anything over 5mW is controlled in the us is because the shit is dangerous, and doing this professionally, and dealing with twats who "run lasers", ive run into enough to make your skin crawl.

i already gave you the best tip possible for buying the cheapest possible ilda controlled item. used or chinese. u will also need a dac. again, used or chinese, you can also build one, but you dont see interested in doing any work, rather you just seem like you want a link to cheap sh!t.

this is not a cheap hobby, it can be for pointers etc, but once it comes to shows, and especially true shows meant for public audiences large or small, its expensive for a reason. it is a lot of work.

legal projectors here in the us run about 2500+

for rgb you are looking at 5-6k+

and thats at the bottom level, with decent scanners and hardware.

to use it in any sort of setting other than by yourself, i would suggest talking to a varianced laserist near you, or asking one for help online, for tips on how to succesfully run a show, and not blind anyone, i.e. get yourself effing sued for frying someones kids retina.

sorry to be harsh, but whats the point of doing it by the book if everyone else is going to break the law.?

 

[llxpntbllxll]

i have knowledge of this stuff, i have all the things picked out i need to build a show, i can build a show myself, i know how to build a soundcard DAC, i was just seeing if there were any cheaper options to buying a complete one or if the cheapest rout for a green scanner was to build one myself. im not in any way a twat, ive used lasers before i know what there capable of and im in no way using them to cause harm just for fun and making people say wow thats amazing

 

[DjHeadie]

you have to understand that the way you were initially voicing and conveying your question was a bit more less articulated than your heated statement, and although i really could be of some help to you, id rather not.

have fun, always set your zones before people are there, and get some of this for the bottom of your aperture.

Amazon.com: Black Friction Hockey Stick Tape - 3 Rolls: Sports & Outdoors

 

[ElektroFreak]

what im trying to say is i do not feel comfortable nor will i point you to any products for you to display to unknowing people.

the reason anything over 5mW is controlled in the us is because the shit is dangerous, and doing this professionally, and dealing with twats who "run lasers", ive run into enough to make your skin crawl.

Do you have some kind of personal problem with the OP? Why call people names?

i already gave you the best tip possible for buying the cheapest possible ilda controlled item. used or chinese. u will also need a dac. again, used or chinese, you can also build one, but you dont see interested in doing any work, rather you just seem like you want a link to cheap sh!t.

Not everyone needs to come here to build their own. As much as I support DIY, some folks just want something fun for their own private enjoyment. There is nothing wrong with that,

this is not a cheap hobby, it can be for pointers etc, but once it comes to shows, and especially true shows meant for public audiences large or small, its expensive for a reason. it is a lot of work.

Not everyone is here to become a professional laserist. Again, there is nothing wrong with that. We are primarily a hobbyist forum in the first place. It sounds to me like you've been hanging around PL too long.

legal projectors here in the us run about 2500+

for rgb you are looking at 5-6k+

and thats at the bottom level, with decent scanners and hardware.

to use it in any sort of setting other than by yourself, i would suggest talking to a varianced laserist near you, or asking one for help online, for tips on how to succesfully run a show, and not blind anyone, i.e. get yourself effing sued for frying someones kids retina.

sorry to be harsh, but whats the point of doing it by the book if everyone else is going to break the law.?

"The law" as you put it, only applies to "Lasers entered into commerce". What one does in their basement with a private group is NOT governed by CDRH regs.

Dude, while I commend your staunch support of the law, the OP clearly stated in post #9 that he doesn't intend to break the law. That's good enough for me.. I have no intention of forcing people who are HOBBYISTS to provide copies of the variance paperwork before I'll answer questions here.

As far as the OP's question goes, for a ready made system with ILDA-compatible control ability this system is about the cheapest you'll find:

100mw Green DMX512 ILDA dj Laser stage light 20k - eBay (item 170522517843 end time Sep-02-10 06:27:28 PDT)

Now we're not talking about top shelf stuff here. As with everything you get what you pay for, but for use in your basement it should be just fine.

As far as control options go, the soundcard DAC is about the cheapest option there is. If you're comfortable building one, then that would be the way to go IMO. Other entry-level options include RIYA DACs and the world-class Pangolin FB3.

 

[DjHeadie]

I am sorry to have come off harsh previously. I am still seeing two small blackspots from an amateur laserist I experienced sat. Night, which I'm sure fueled my fury. Accept my apology.

 

[ElektroFreak]

Yeah that'll do it.. I'd be pissed too. That's understandable.