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Gentleman K
Modified 10mW Greenie
Joined: 12 Sep 2005
Posts: 12
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 Posted: 9/14/05, 6:49 PM Post subject: 125mw fina |
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I really hate to say this but I must say it was abit anti-climatic. Here's the senario. My friends went ballistic the first time they saw a 70mw at the beach. When they heard I was getting the 125mw all hell broke loose. So if you can imagine when the 125mw finally arrived (lightning quick shipping) I was expecting to be blown away. Don't get me wrong the 125mw still @!#$ing bright, but having purchased earlier a 70mw off ebay, I was expecting a stark contrast between the two. 125mw is still brighter but ,for the most part, my friends can't tell the difference between the two. I've ruled out the following:
- batteries (each uses brand new e2 titanium)
- temperature (each laser was thoroughly cooled)
So i'm guessing a number of senarios could have occured:
1) 125mw is not to spec.
2) This 70mw is actually pumping out 100-120mw. And based off this review it's a possibility.
3) 125mw is working to spec and my expectations were too high.(70mw is 1400% brighter than 5mw, whereas a 125mw is only a 60% brighter than a 70mw which could explain the lack of contrast between the two.)
And i've lurked long enough on this forum to know it's better to provide some pictures
- 70mw and 125mw side by side (2second exposure) / (shorter exposure)
- 70mw (i think) by itself
- some scribbling (the power of a 125mw is apparent in this picture)
- another side by side shot but towards the camera
I'll play with it for a day or two, before making my decision to get a refund or exchange.
Just wondering if your experiences concur with mine.
Since I actually want to see WL sell more lasers, moderators, please edit this post accordingly. |
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Nexus
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 02 Jun 2005
Posts: 756
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| Posted: 9/14/05, 10:42 PM Post subject: |
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Your 125mW is working at spec, and probably not much higher than 125mW, however most likely your 70mW is outputting close to 90mW, you will never really know unless you get both pointers measured with a laser power meter @ 532nm. Furthermore you have to realize the difference between high outputs is less visible than smaller differences than low outputs. IE, a 300mW and 400mW difference will seem the same as a 30mW and 40mW difference. Also, a 90mW is not 9X brighter to the human eye than a 10mW. Actually, the human eye only thinks a 90mW is 3X brighter than a 10mW, and to the human eye a 250mW is only 5X brighter than a 10mW, the reason is that the human senses are not linear, rather its a function of the square root of its actual power difference. You can reference this in most textbooks, but I learned it in college. Its something called the JND or "just noticeable difference", you may be able to notice 110W and 100W lightbulb difference, but you cant notice the difference between a 500W and 540W lightbulb, you need a 550W lightbulb. Bottom line is my earlier comment about the under-rating of our 70mW unit, its guaranteed that the 125mW is 125mW, but most likely not any higher b/c that is approaching our limitations of maximum power, while 70mW is in comparison underpowered. If you need to return, you know the email.
Best Regards |
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Jason
Phoenix Laser
Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 75
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| Posted: 9/14/05, 10:51 PM Post subject: what kinds |
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I think the differences you will be noticing between the two are not brightness of the dot when viewed with the naked eye (don't hurt your eyes) but from how far away "experiments" can be done. The diff between the 75 and 125 will be seen if you are trying to pop "different colored balloons" from different distances and such. I haven't run any experiments personally, but I would imagin that you could burn through much thicker plastic with the 125 than you could with the 75, keep in mind when I say 'much thicker' I am only talking about a few thousands of an inch.
I would like to say, that if you are dissappointed with your laser, send it back, or better yet - give it to someone! I have a 60mW and I LOVE IT!!!!
I'm not sure how the human eye can detect brightness levels, but I do know that with sound you have to go ten times louder before it "sounds twice as loud" to the human ear. Maybe light is similar with perceived brightness...
If you don't want your laser and you don't feel like sending it back, I bet someone on here would be willing to trade you something for it... especially if they don't have a lot of money, but would love a laser... |
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Gentleman K
Modified 10mW Greenie
Joined: 12 Sep 2005
Posts: 12
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| Posted: 9/15/05, 9:09 PM Post subject: |
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Nexus, I appreciate the very interesting (seriously) explanation as to why the perceived brightness of 125mW is about the same as a 70mW. I can only imagine you cringing to my 70mw-is-1400%-brighter-than-5mw comment.  It's like a newbie trying to teacher a master.
Jason, looks like I had my hopes up way too high. I basically can't leave anything well enough alone. When I witnessed the power of 70mW at the beach at night, all I could think of was "More power. I need MORE POWER! Muahahaha *Cough* *cough* "
At any rate, I will continue to play/demonstrate to people these fine WL products for the next couple of days before I make my decision about keeping the 125 mW.
Does WL do exchanges? Like say if I return the 125mW, but get back a Phoenix and a Nexus? |
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Nexus
Wicked Lasers Master
Joined: 02 Jun 2005
Posts: 756
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| Posted: 9/15/05, 10:05 PM Post subject: |
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Thats cool Mr.K, I do allow you to return the product for a full refund within 7 days, and -15% restocking fee within 30 days as in our FAQ return policy section. Did you pay 699$ for the 125mW or 599$ for it? I suppose if you paid 699$, we could exchange it for the 2 lasers you listed.
Best Regards |
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Spaced
4.99mW Green Laser Toy
Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 9
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| Posted: 9/18/05, 5:07 PM Post subject: Love My Wi |
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| Scuse me for butting in here but I just have to say that I've got a Wicked 90 and I love it!!! I just got some 1150 mAh alkaline batteries, I know, they won't last for long, but they make this sucker rock. I'm bursting heavy helium quality balloons all over the place. I mean the big thick ones that sound like a shotgun when they burst. I don't know about the 125 Wicked but if it is proportionatly (if that is a word) stronger than my 90 then I'd be afraid of it. So go on back to your discussion. I had to stick my two cents worth in because I love my Wicked. Best toy this old man ever had. Except for my first wife.... |
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Jason
Phoenix Laser
Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 75
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| Posted: 9/18/05, 10:29 PM Post subject: It's funny |
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It's funny you say that you would be afraid of the 125mW version. I can totally see your point because I have a 60 mW and I am afraid of it! I ONLY ever shine it on non-reflective material and I never really use it outside because I'm afraid to blind someone else. I also don't use it when any of my pets are in the room because I don't want to hurt their little eyes. My 60 mW is "Wickedly Bright" and I would not even want the 125mW version...
I'm actually thinking about buying a Super Powerful one and just keeping it in a box (with a big tie wrap around it) and buying a low power 15mW one and using that more frequently
I don't want to hurt my eyes! The 60mW is sooooooooo bright inside that I don't even look at the beam on the wall because it hurts my eyes!
_________________
I like L.A.S.E.R.S. |
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Gentleman K
Modified 10mW Greenie
Joined: 12 Sep 2005
Posts: 12
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| Posted: 9/21/05, 9:36 AM Post subject: |
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Well i've sent back the 125 mW. If everything else goes fine, i'll be receiving a Phoenix and a Nexus.
In the last few days I had the 125, the power and quality of the Elite really shined. What impressed me the most was the stability of the Elite. I took the 70mW and the 125mW to a small party (kinda like a going away party for the 125) and this thing was powered on with wild abandonment. 2 mins here and 1 min there.....it was getting ridiculous. I'm like, "Okay guys chill out for a second and let this badboy cool off." My words fell on deaf ears. Each laser had a fresh set of e2 titaniums and after about a minute or two, the power of the 70mW started fluctuating. The 125mW was stable as a rock. 70mW would go through a 3-step power down process. Bright for the first second....seemingly half the brightness for two seconds, then about as bright as a 5mw in the dark. I'm not sure if it was the heat or something to do with the efficiency of the crystal. Anyways...
I had fun with the 125 while it was here. I'm getting the Phoenix and Nexus because it's generally more fun to share the love (giving the 75 as a gift).
~Kris |
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