Laser Light shows

[BBadger]

$30 on Amazon, but dim as hell unless you're getting high power ones that you need permits for.

But yeah. They make me smile, too. :)

Errr... Even the high power ones are invisible. 355nm - 266nm, etc....
:D

I thought that 'nm' rating was the wavelength of light or color?
the 'mw' or 'W' rating was the out put power?

He's just saying that it won't even matter if the lasers are high powered (for such UVB-C ranges); they're still invisible to the eye, hence "ultra" violet.

That kman was referring to the 405nm "Bluray" lasers, which are not UV, but rather just violet (though some still consider it longwave-UV). The eye isn't that sensitive to that wavelength, so they need to be higher powered to see the beam unlike a 532nm green laser that 10mW is enough to see the beam in a moderately dark room. Shine a 405nm laser on a fluorescent surface and you'll see the "real" brightness.

You actually don't need a permit for owning and using higher-powered lasers. The FDA does have safety regulations (a variance) on lasers if you're selling them, namely the 5-point safety regulations, proper labeling, etc. You also need an accession from the FAA if you're going to use them outdoors, and there are safety regulations for the use of high-powered lasers in public places such as clubs.

[Ugly Dougly]

Regulations are for old ladies.
But good burners are still encouraged to follow guidelines.
Laser Show Safety - Basic Principles

[Foxfur]

In the far distant past I took care of the campus fiber optic net. I found a great sign somewhere on the web that I posted on all network closet doors:


CAUTION! Do not look into laser with remaining good eye.

[dj_john69]

im bringing my 2 new 445nm's. I love this color

[Foxfur]

Yeah, 445's are tasty.
I'm trying to come up with reasons not to buy one
without much success.
Wicked Lasers has their S3 445nm 1 Watt handhelds for 3 bills:
http://www.wickedlasers.com/lasers/Spyd ... 96-37.html
"*Please note that we do NOT recommend this laser for pointing uses because the beam is far too intense and will scorch everything in its path. "
Are they trying to turn us on?
I'm looking for the raw diodes they use. Casio makes em and WL harvests em from some kind of Casio projector. Hmm, how cheap are the projo's???

Ff

[BBadger]

For the love of all things that do not suck don't waste your money on a WL laser. Make your own, have someone build one for you, or at least get it elsewhere, where it'll actually be decent quality. The only thing nice in those WL S3s is the host design, but the junk inside has been known to break, get dislodged, etc.; it's also way overpriced for what it is.

The A140 projectors are about $800, and have 24 diodes in them (and other goodies like mirrors, lens, dichros, and an ultrabright 30W red LED). I would also avoid using the company or product by name as they're getting pissed about the "bad publicity" and have contacted forums requesting posts be deleted, etc.

Be very careful with the lasers. They can, and will instantly, and permanently blind a person's eye if you even momentarily sweep it. Even the specular reflection off a wall can be hazardous with these power levels. I won't even use one indoors without proper goggles.

[Foxfur]

Agreed on the DIY. I still have some micro lenses and diode laser mounts and asstd laseralia.
I did find a source for the diodes, @$50/ea:
http://www.lasersurplusparts.com/shop/8 ... iodes.html

To be sure, whether 'professionally' built or cobbled together in a clandestine electronics lab (mine is comfortably illicit), these little fuckers are dangerous. I still have two pairs of wavelength appropriate protective eyewear from a gov't lab I worked in. Flash burned cornea are guaranteed otherwise.
Those diodes will sort the pack in a hurry if an ignorant operator allows onlookers to view even a specular reflection from baloons, tape, other targets of opportunity. You thought HeNe spots were annoying in your vision, after a none too long exposure you'll not have to worry about vision spots or vision at all.

Kids, these aren't toys.
It's only fun until someone burns somebody else's eye out.
It may still be fun when an ignorant operator cooks their own.
I don't know.
We'll just have to watch, with our goggles on.

My bet is on fun.

Ff

[EspressoDude]

Be very careful with the lasers. They can, and will instantly, and permanently blind a person's eye if you even momentarily sweep it. Even the specular reflection off a wall can be hazardous with these power levels. I won't even use one indoors without proper goggles.

specular or not, any reflection is dangerous. I melted some lexan that was supposed to be a laser safe enclosure, when the laser beam was unintentionally reflected by a piece of un-polished stainless steel.

[BBadger]

specular or not, any reflection is dangerous. I melted some lexan that was supposed to be a laser safe enclosure, when the laser beam was unintentionally reflected by a piece of un-polished stainless steel.

D'oh, I actually used the wrong term there; it should've stated non-specular surfaces causing diffuse radiation as you pointed out. That distinction is one difference separating class 4 lasers from class 3b. I just hope we don't see any accidents at BM from people waving them around like toys.

[scottgeller]

From a legal perspective, the law requires an FDA waiver for a temporary laser light show. You can get it on the FDA website. You also need an FAA clearance.....technically.

However, although I did it once ( I have assets and don't want a large fine ), nobody really enforces the rule out there.

Also, there is no fe to file the form. If you have assets and property, protect yourself.

Cheers )'(