Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: Dervacumen on October 07, 2012, 11:45:49 am
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I'm about to undertake a simple laser project that will be used at small venues by a band. At certain times during the show we will fog the area about 10' -12' from the ground (normal ceiling height) and then use a laser to project a 2D flat plane in to the smoke, giving the illusion of a ceiling. I'll accomplish this by shooting a laser at a spinning, mirrored octagon. I imagine 5mW, which is the standard laser pointer wattage is too low powered to reach very far. Since the lasers will be well above anyone's head there won't be a risk of hitting anyone in the eye. Any suggestions on laser power? 100mW seems like overkill. Maybe 50mW? Or even 25mW? On the other hand, as long as I have fog the 5mW should be not only sufficient, but safe.
Thoughts?
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Although lower powered lasers are less a risk they are by no means eye safe. If you have all the safeguards in place to prevent direct exposure then 100s will give you a very bright show. That said the lower powered units will likely look just as good. What's the price deferential?
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Also keep in mind you can take some shortcuts like light smoke from a machine. That'll show off the lower power beams much better.
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alot of the LASER LIGHT for DJ like American DJ or Chauvet uses 10mw laser diodes.
here:
American DJ Galaxian Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0_baVYckgI#)
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I've seen 100mW green lasers for $50. I've also seen boxes with a green 100mw and red 50w for $35.
The galaxian sky video shows basically what I'm putting together. 10mW looks good as long as there is fog - which there should be in most instances. I was leaning toward 25mW, but since I can get a box with higher powered lasers for less $ I'll probably go that router. Then I can rob the box of the lasers and build my own setup.