Question Reguarding a Laser for Shows / Parties

[DioBrando]

Hello, I have in my possession a Chauvet Scorpion LGX laser. The laser contains in it a 10mW green laser which it diffuses (I think is the correct term) using "fat beam" technology which produces wider beams that are safer to use. I was thinking of doing a project that would entail replacing the 10mW green laser with a 50 or 80 mW violent laser at 405nm. I was thinking this mW because I see similar lasers for sale on eBay from Chinese vendors with supposedly 120mW+ violet lasers in them. I really don't want to accidentally damage someones eyes and don't even intend for this to go directly into crowds but was wondering if it could cause any damage to anyone accidentally. If there is any danger I would probably try the project anyway but with safety goggles and for personal viewing, not parties/anything else.

Also on youtube there are quite a few people who have done similar projects with more powerful lasers such as this one: YouTube - 150mw Blue Laser - Converted from 5mw Red Laser Crab! The Result Safe or a big no no?

 

[daguin]

Shining anything much over 5mW INTO/ONTO an audience is asking for trouble. If you do this, you should control the output so that it shines above the audience. There should be no such thing as an "accident." There are also significant federal regulations and certifications before you can do these types of shows for the public or outside.

I understand that "quite a few" people also sell drugs, but that doesn't make it right, safe, or legal

Peace,
dave

 

[Ash]

Well. There is nothing wrong or illegal about making a stage laser for your own home. What Dave is saying is that you don't want to take it to a party or public place without obtaining a variance to do a public laser show. Governments in most countries are pretty strict abut this.
So, This looks like your laser: http://www.music123.com/Pro-Audio/L...rpion-LGX-Green-Laser.site7prod803172.product
Not sure what it looks like inside, but if you wanted to modify it and put your own laser in there, feel free. You may be able to use the powersource from the existing 10mW green diode, or you may have to add your own power supply. It depends on the laser you are going to replace the green one with.
I have replaced lasers in cheap DJ lasers before, and 405nm (violet) is probably the worst one you could change a green one out with as it is very difficult to see compared to a green (532nm). You will need to also add a good heatsink and probably a fan.
Attached are some pics of 2 lasers I modded from 5mW reds to a 45mW green and a >300mW blue 445nm:

Here is a site where a LPF member modded a Laser Crab to have a green and a red in it:
Click --> Modded Laser Crab

 

[DioBrando]

Very impressive work and thank you for the information! It would be intended for home use / parties since I'm not a professional DJ or anything of the sort. The reason I decided to go with the 80mW violet was because I knew it wasn't the most easily visible but was hesitant about going too powerful. As far as the current laser I have now it is fan cooled from the back. I am not very knowledgeable about circuitry but I am looking to learn. Are there any sources you could recommend for this type of project? Could I possibly send you a picture at some point for some advice??

 

[Benm]

Violet (405 nm) is hardly visible at all, possibly the worst possible choice for a laser show.

People have used them in projectors because little else was available, but it takes a huge amount of 405 nm light to match the brightness of even 10 mW of green.

I'd recommend going for a green module, or a 445 nm blue one if you want it blue.

As far as safety goes: set it up so people can never look directly into the beam. After modifying the device there is no way to tell if its still within safety limits, and i suspect it doesnt have any scanfail mechanism either.

 

[Ash]

The reason I decided to go with the 80mW violet was because I knew it wasn't the most easily visible but was hesitant about going too powerful. As far as the current laser I have now it is fan cooled from the back. I am not very knowledgeable about circuitry but I am looking to learn. Are there any sources you could recommend for this type of project? Could I possibly send you a picture at some point for some advice??

Yep. As Benm said, voilet (405nm) on it's own is probably the worst choice for a projector.
Sure. But, I would prefer if you poted your pics/questions in this thread so the info can be seen/followed by others.

Oh yeah... Welcome to the forum!

 

[chipdouglas]

Violet (405 nm) is hardly visible at all, possibly the worst possible choice for a laser show.

People have used them in projectors because little else was available, but it takes a huge amount of 405 nm light to match the brightness of even 10 mW of green.

I'd recommend going for a green module, or a 445 nm blue one if you want it blue.

As far as safety goes: set it up so people can never look directly into the beam. After modifying the device there is no way to tell if its still within safety limits, and i suspect it doesnt have any scanfail mechanism either.

i wouldn't say the worse. i would say different. i go to many festivals where they have rgv scanners and utilize the violet in the white tents with gitd props. its actually pretty stunning. but it is a horrible choice for beam shows.

 

[DioBrando]

Yep. As Benm said, voilet (405nm) on it's own is probably the worst choice for a projector.
Sure. But, I would prefer if you poted your pics/questions in this thread so the info can be seen/followed by others.

Oh yeah... Welcome to the forum!

Thanks!

As silly as it may sound, I went with the 405nm because I really like the color and intent to use it with a fog machine so hopefully it will be decently visible or maybe I'll combine with a green module to try something else. The other reason is I can't really afford a 445nm and don't have the knowledge to assemble a diode and driver combo.

I will certainly post pictures once I crack the thing open. I'm a little backed up, being in my final college year, but will hopefully have some free time soon. Thanks everyone for all the advice.

 

[chipdouglas]

a violet laser in fog is awesome. because of the wave length the beam looks nice and fat. if you have violet pointer go to a hookah bar and see what i mean...