John Huntington’s Blog has covered a lot of holiday light displays over the years. Brooklyn’s Holiday Light Spectacular is the newest one covered on the blog. It tells about Holiday Light Spectacular display with nice pictures, and also gives details on technology behind the display.
If you want to do your own holiday light display then here are some links to interesting project ideas from around Internet: Control your holiday lights with a magic wand circuit allows you to turn on your holiday bulbs with a wave of the magic wand. DIY Christmas Light Suit project uses LabVIEW to perform sound analysis of a playing music and uses LabVIEW Interface for Arduino (LIFA) to drive various Christmas light strings based on the power level at various frequency ranges. Smart Christmas Tree Lights with JenNet-IP video plays with the idea that “What if every Christmas tree light had an Internet address?”. Don’t forget my older Christmas Lights blog postings.
Light shows are nice to watch, but the technology used in them be can dangerous. Blink-182′s Mark Hoppus’ Retina Damaged by a Show Laser posting tells about the potential dangers of light displays that involve powerful lasers. In video Mark Hoppus Presents: The World’s Most Powerful Touring Laser Blink-182‘s bassist and singer Mark Hoppus talks about how he suffered retinal damage during a show in Milwaukee. In the video, he does a pretty good job of explaining how the laser show process works in terms of protecting the audience and what went wrong in performance. That show used a very powerful 26W Lightwave Lightwave Prism Series laser show equipment (you have read right, that’s watts, NOT milliwatts you normally see in most laser specifications).
Remember that this kind of laser damage to eye is usually permanent. Primary personal hazards of high-power laser exposure are skin burns, blind spots when the laser strikes the retina, and the worst case total blindness. Lasers have been coming back into vogue in recent years on touring concerts, so be careful if you happen to be near them or operate them. Remember Laser Safety. There is also a a growing concern over the increased potential risk of eye damage from high power LEDs as well because intense blue light can cause damage to the retina. Do not stare at lasers or very high brightness LEDs, because doing so may cause permanent damage to your eyes. Remember that lasers can also damage cameras and camcorders, and even video projector chips (DLP).
229 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
LASER Magic – Its a Lightsaber! Impossible Science w Applied Physics – Jason Latimer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-XoN1Ts6Wg
celebrities jacket says:
interesting article man I really I like your article
Tomi Engdahl says:
Lighting Tech Dives Into The Guts Of Laser Galvanometers
https://hackaday.com/2019/06/29/lighting-tech-dives-into-the-guts-of-laser-galvanometers/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser Galvo Clock
Clock projected onto the wall with cheap laser galvos
https://hackaday.io/project/165977-laser-galvo-clock
Tomi Engdahl says:
Building A Laser Head With High Speed, High Resolution
https://hackaday.com/2019/10/22/building-a-laser-head-with-high-speed-high-resolution/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Crappy Christmas “Laser Shower” projector teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw4wr75YZb4
A look at a cheap laser Christmas projector, with a mystery unnecessary chip on the PCB.
Inside a laser star effect projector and mods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsb5X7fbUSw
These effects aren’t new, but I thought it was time to take a look at a current model and see what it’s like inside.
I’d also noticed that versions are being done for outdoor garden use, and I must admit that when fired up into a tree it’s an impressive effect. Like a 3D sea of fairy lights in the tree.
Of course, whether you should be firing lasers at planes and wildlife is debatable, but the divergence and splitting of the laser beam is probably enough to limit the risk of any issues.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser Show @ Euforia festival 2016 Boszkowo [4K]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAow5ZhgsGE
WOW, Audience scanning
Once you seen one or two of these they all look TOTALLY BORING. This one does have a bit more to it
Tomi Engdahl says:
IQ RGB Lasershow Lindsey Stirling (Crystallize)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrUrTGKl9O4
My first small Lasershow with two Lightmaxx IQ 1 Watt Laser and Pangolin Quickshow with DMX
Tomi Engdahl says:
Limitless – 2013 1st Place International Award Winning Laser Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDpojAGsthw
Winner of the 1st place ILDA award for the Multiple Projectors Beams and Atmospherics Laser Show category.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Outmar electronic 2018 lighting show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEmgK_WdYr8
Light show Visual Studio
Tomi Engdahl says:
ROBE lighting – LEDBeam 150 product video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud5DeYkEJsk
Tomi Engdahl says:
Night club lighting show– DAGE Lights 7r beam moving head
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVU8QfXZJ1c
Nightclub in Mexico (Strana Guadalajara)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgVaPkAFM4k
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser Show – Armin Van Buuren (Mirage) – Pangolin and ECS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ejz-arlAg
Laser show made using Pangolin Quickshow by Emile Chauvin
Show lumineux Laser multicouleur et Lyres beam 7r
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaJqL7VNOW0
Tomi Engdahl says:
3rd Place International Award Winning Laser Show – Arrived In Flames (2014 ILDA Artistic Award)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LkbNiQZBj4
This show was made to be the start of an event, or to introduce a CEO for a corporate event. The theme for the show is a person reaching their breaking point. Starting by holding themselves back, and staying passive. Until they internally breakdown and they finally loose it. However reaching peace with themselves by the end.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Madis – Carrying The Fire (Laser Harp Live Performance)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyuG5ZPNdrc
Tomi Engdahl says:
LEGENDARY 1933 CLUB 2016 lightingshow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwA87EhvwZ0
LEGENDARY 1933 CLUB,china,guangdong,xinxing,
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser Show using Pangolin Beyond, CamelPhat – Trip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM0uzKg1VVE
Show built with Beyond timeline and all custom cues.
2 x 2.3 Watt RGB lasers
Tomi Engdahl says:
“New” Laser Brite 2, Compact 3 watt RGB ILDA Laser Projector / Demonstration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oArE5geaTBM
3 watt RGB Compact ILDA DMX 512, sound activated Laser Light Show projection system.
Animation Laser Light 12W 15W 20W RGB Supplier China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsZev_CF9Aw
Tomi Engdahl says:
New ministar pro RGB3000mW 637nm red DT40 scanners perfect animation and beam system for 1450 usd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDo103L3ZIM
laserworld pro 1600 RGB 3D test video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcGjQg7T9qU
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser show demonstration over a lake somewhere in Bavaria | Laserworld
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4KxM_1CZw4
The Biggest Show On Earth | Laser Display Lights in Dubai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbth6a6Mx1Y
Tomi Engdahl says:
Freestyler DMX – Light4me Smart spot 60 + Smart beam 60.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLRHNpHFvfc
Encoded (Hardwell)- DEMO impianto -Francisci Palchi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLl4BduWn2w
Tomi Engdahl says:
ILDA Awards 2013 – 4th Place Single Scanner Beam Show
Lunaphase Lasers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Eq0lRXArY
ILDA Awards 2013 – 4th Place Single Scanner Beam Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Eq0lRXArY
Tomi Engdahl says:
Alan Walker – Faded (Live Performance)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIxlvVlOIS0
Alan Walker – Alone (Live Performance)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9uat3ticA8
Tomi Engdahl says:
Guangzhou Hongri XHR High Power RGB Laser Light,Outdoor Landmark Laser Projector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10_qKyTpD7o
Tomi Engdahl says:
What’s inside the World’s smallest laser show?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgCOuFYuohM
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.stuk.fi/aiheet/laserit/laserluokat
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.stuk.fi/stuk-valvoo/lasereiden-valvonta
Tomi Engdahl says:
Visiting the Clay Paky Factory to See the New Xtylos Laser-Powered Fixture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBCyhsOdZeY
Clay Paky’s world headquarters and manufacturing facility in the heart of Italy is responsible for developing and producing some of the most iconic and forward-thinking fixtures and lighting technologies in the world.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Lighting Show 2020-DAGE Stage Lighting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn1ynxI4fTc
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser show in Disney California for “Tron Legacy” movie release
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgIZrSlPuko
Laser performance for ElecTRONica show in Disney California
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laserface by Gareth Emery | Seattle WaMu 2019 (Full Set LIVE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtXx3Qubmys
Tomi Engdahl says:
BLASTOYZ [FULL 4K SET] – TRANSMISSION PRAGUE 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYntD4ZEXWY
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laserbeam-Figures © GPL3+
This instruction will show you a simple construction to use a controlled laser beam for projecting nice figures on a wall.
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/Gamma/laserbeam-figures-f38057
Tomi Engdahl says:
This drone swarm releases smoke in the sky to reflect laser light, creating “the largest 3D display you have ever seen.”
Drone Swarm Generates Smoke Screen for Huge Laser Displays
https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/drones/drone-swarm-generates-smoke-screen-for-huge-laser-displays
Tomi Engdahl says:
Remember dangers of CO2 smoke effect used in some laser and light shows:
Three dead after dry ice thrown into swimming pool during Instagram influencer’s birthday party
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dry-ice-swimming-pool-party-deaths-instagram-influencer-russia-moscow-a9366561.html
About 25kg of frozen carbon dioxide tipped into pool to impress guests with ‘visual effect’
Three people have been killed after dry ice was poured into a swimming pool during a birthday party in Moscow.
Several people were injured during the stunt.
Dry ice, which is frozen carbon dioxide, produces a heavy vapour when put into water.
the vapour can cause an elevated level of carbon dioxide in blood when released in an inadequately ventilated space.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser Artistry Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2020/03/30/laser-artistry-hack-chat/
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Laser Drawing Machine For Flashes Of Creativity
https://hackaday.com/2020/02/07/a-laser-drawing-machine-for-flashes-of-creativity/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Camera And Code Team Up To Make Impossible Hovering Laser Effect
https://hackaday.com/2020/03/05/camera-and-code-team-up-to-make-impossible-hovering-laser-effect/
Tomi Engdahl says:
“Do not look into laser with remaining eye”
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?163555-quot-Do-not-look-into-laser-with-remaining-eye-quot
http://www.electricstuff.co.uk/scarylaser.gif
Tomi Engdahl says:
Hidden dangers of green lasers
https://youtu.be/GJyJEcr61lI
https://youtu.be/iR1Ku5dnbH8
Tomi Engdahl says:
Green lasers
https://youtu.be/_Nhyigl1KG8
https://youtu.be/pghJrvIgtYw
Tomi Engdahl says:
Measuse laser diode characteristics
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.newport.com/medias/sys_master/images/images/he9/hd7/8797049520158/AN05-Laser-Diode-Characteristics-Overview.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjCoY_u2uLpAhXvyKYKHXiQD0EQFjABegQIDBAG&usg=AOvVaw0KTN_dtKAkgB-gMrfYbAd-&cshid=1591086441085
Tomi Engdahl says:
Arduino + laser module + couple cellphone vibration motors = THIS!
Laser Show Motor Controller © MIT
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/nootropicdesign/laser-show-motor-controller-0cdf1a
Create a fun little laser show with a cheap laser module and some old cell phone vibration motors!
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/laser-diode-efficiency/
Tomi Engdahl says:
White House: 3 Federal Officers Likely Permanently Blinded By Portland Protesters
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2020/07/24/white-house-3-federal-officers-likely-permanently-blinded-by-portland-protesters/?utm_campaign=forbes&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Gordie/#676f7264696
The White House said Friday three federal agents have likely been permanently blinded by rioters pointing lasers “directly at their eyes” amid increasingly tense standoffs in Portland, Oregon, which have led to injuries on both sides.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser Power Meter (LPM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nycEIFGg0nw
This is a Laserbee LPM capable of measuring from 2mW to 2.1W. Its much cheaper than an actual LPM but it has been calibrated just the same and is easier to use as its not dependent on the colour of the laser.
This uses a thermopile therefore there is no need for a colour correction chart or anything else to do with different colours. I plan to measure all my new lasers with it to see how they compare to their sticker so far budget gadgets has done very well with their lasers coming out just right.
Are Cheap 1mW Lasers Really 1mW?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYiWWUaQwRY
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laserbee A 2 Watt LPM Laser Power Meter Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGpIaJA3rZ0
The LaserBee A has been discontinued because it was essentially the same as the LaserBee AX ($159.99) but with a lower maximum power specification (2 Watts compared to to 3.1 watts). It was also discontinued due to the fact that some specific parts that were designed into it were no longer available to J. Bauer Electronics.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Laser power meters
https://www.laserbeelpm.com/products-1.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.eeweb.com/diy-laser-virtual-floor-marker/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EEWebEngInsp-20200910
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2020/07/13/500-lasers-are-not-necessarily-better-than-one-but-they-look-great/