Ready for an IR - best practices?

[rhd]

After a lot of apprehension, I'm starting to get to the point of feeling comfortable with an infrared build. I don't have a substantial use-case for it, though I'm interested to see if any creativity can come of using it in combination with an IR-only modified DSLR. More than anything though, I'm just looking for the new experience, and potentially an opportunity to try out a 9mm diode build.

I'd appreciate the forum's input on best practices when approaching an IR build.

- I'm going to need new glasses
- I want to go with a 9mm IR diode (solely because I want to give 9mm diodes a shot)
- I'm unclear as to whether it is possible to get tight beam.
- It is also unclear to me whether the IR test paper I've seen here and there would be of assistance. It's quite pricey from Aixiz ($50+).
- I'm not clear on whether Aixiz modules are available to hold 9mm modules, or whether my only option are those O-Like heavy duty ones.

Any thoughts and feedback would be great

 

[Cyparagon]

No, I don't think Aixiz sells modules that accept 9mm diodes.

I see their test card for $30. The test cards aren't worth the money since 1: you can already see the dot 2: you can use GITD material to show where the beam is.

You can choose between a larger beam and bad divergence, or a tight beam and terrible divergence.

 

[rhd]

Apart from the experience of building one - is there any practical use for an IR that I'm missing?

I don't have any interest in burning things. Certainly not with a beam I can't see *yikes*. And I would imagine a 405 would still light up GITD better anyway. So is there any use-case for these once built ?

 

[Toke]

The only practical advise I can think off is to get a cheap web camera, non IR filtered, so you can hide behind the screen and observe your laser beam.

At least that is my plan for a 20W on the way.

 

[blue bumblebee]

just a question to throw out there about IR lasers:
why are IR lasers generally cheaper than red and green and blue lasers?
is it because the diodes are cheaper to make?
or is it because nobody really wants it?
thanks

 

[rhd]

"or is it because nobody really wants it"
- That part would make them more expensive generally

I'm sure others will have other reasons, but if I had to guess, I would assume:
1) They're used in industrial applications fairly frequently.
2) Higher powered IR diodes are used to make green 532nm lasers, and they need to be able 4x the power of the green you're trying to achieve.

 

[123splat]

Rhd,
I have used de-focused or lenseless 300mW 808nm's (the $3 chineese jobs on ebay, TO-556 case, not 9mm, in axix modules) as I.R. illuminators for some of my 1st and 2nd gen NVS equipment in hunting wild pigs. The make really good spot lights and give decent range. I don't run them with very high current, usually around 200mA, so I am way under 300mW out. Got no interrest in burners. I use a quickcam VC, with the IR filter ripped out and watch on the desktop for initial setup. I wouldn't waste a digital single lense reflex on I.R. photography. There are just too many cheeper options.

 

[rhd]

Rhd, I wouldn't waste a digital single lense reflex on I.R. photography. There are just too many cheeper options.

It's hard to get decent IR photos with the cheeper options though. I shot these with a 6MP IR-only DSLR, and while they look decent at this size, even that camera wash pushing towards low-end a bit too much.

 

[Lotus_Darkrose]

Love the middle picture

 

[123splat]

Super contrasts. Beautifull work!

 

[Lotus_Darkrose]

Hey rhd, any way you can hook me up with that picture of the shed or whatever (middle one) in full resolution? Either zip file or link.

 

[rhd]

Hey rhd, any way you can hook me up with that picture of the shed or whatever (middle one) in full resolution? Either zip file or link.

I'm probably cool with that - but what are you wanting to do with it?

 

[Lotus_Darkrose]

Wallpaper on my computer, I love the pic

 

[rhd]

Oh ok cool

Can you tell me your screen resolution? I'll do crop of it in PS to match your res.

Cheers

 

[Lotus_Darkrose]

1920x1080 please

You mean resize right? I don't want any of it cropped lol

 

[123splat]

Sorry typed response before finishing reading the thread.....

Old and senile, ya' know...