So, I've been lurking for years, and finally decided it's time I get back into this.
I started this hobby in the 80's when I built a HeNe with my dad for a science fair project.
Eventually ended up smoking the tube with RP, but the bug took hold.
In 2001 or 2002 I bought one of the first wicked lasers, a green DPSS 532, putting about 100mw downrange. I was blown away.
Since then I've had a few interesting lasers, and have used lower power units to do lightbench stuff (just messing around really)..
So, now today.. I've dreamed of a REAL burning laser since I was a kiddo - and with the NUBM44, that dream has come true. Bought a module (30mm copper, HUGE mofo) from DTR, and had him set it at a conservative 4A on the driver. Seeing what this does, I can't see any 'need' to drive it harder, this is 'enough' for now. :)
Was happy to pick up a couple good deals in the forum here, and am now SUPER over-spent. That 'cheap' module blew up into four figures QUICK!
Anyway, more about me, ECMMS professional (maintenance software - fortune 500 companies are primary customer) - geologist (mineralogist) by training/degree. I like light - photography, infared, lasers, LEDs, etc. Fascinated by the physics of it, as well as the application.
Other stuff - locksport (I can open most locks in well under a minute), paintball, fine writing pens (fountain), and whiskey (about 300 bottles open at the moment)..
I think that covers the important stuff. Hope to be a part of the community here for a while, thanks for the warm welcome so far, and great deals (and help!)
I started this hobby in the 80's when I built a HeNe with my dad for a science fair project.
Eventually ended up smoking the tube with RP, but the bug took hold.
In 2001 or 2002 I bought one of the first wicked lasers, a green DPSS 532, putting about 100mw downrange. I was blown away.
Since then I've had a few interesting lasers, and have used lower power units to do lightbench stuff (just messing around really)..
So, now today.. I've dreamed of a REAL burning laser since I was a kiddo - and with the NUBM44, that dream has come true. Bought a module (30mm copper, HUGE mofo) from DTR, and had him set it at a conservative 4A on the driver. Seeing what this does, I can't see any 'need' to drive it harder, this is 'enough' for now. :)
Was happy to pick up a couple good deals in the forum here, and am now SUPER over-spent. That 'cheap' module blew up into four figures QUICK!
Anyway, more about me, ECMMS professional (maintenance software - fortune 500 companies are primary customer) - geologist (mineralogist) by training/degree. I like light - photography, infared, lasers, LEDs, etc. Fascinated by the physics of it, as well as the application.
Other stuff - locksport (I can open most locks in well under a minute), paintball, fine writing pens (fountain), and whiskey (about 300 bottles open at the moment)..
I think that covers the important stuff. Hope to be a part of the community here for a while, thanks for the warm welcome so far, and great deals (and help!)