Index

I've been fascinated with laser light since I saw my first "LaserRock" laser show at Griffith Observatory when they were popular way back in the late 70's or early 80's (can't remember exactly). Once I had discovered Ebay I started looking for used laser equipment to support my growing interest/obsession with laser light. It wasn't long before I had obtained my first red helium-neon gas laser and then set my sights on obtaining an argon laser for some light-blue beams. Yes, I had a few red laser pointers, but the gas lasers were so much cooler! It wasn't until maybe the late 80's or early 90's that I put up my first web page (remember the free Yahoo Geocities web hosting?) for my laser interests after I had collected a fair bit of old used laser equipment and started experimenting with putting together a laser projector. My early attempts were frustrating with very limited success, but eventually I put something together that could project rudimentary images although the projector was quite difficult to keep in tune enough to be usable. Finally, I had enough hardware to do my first cheezy laser show for friends and family. They were kind to me and clapped when it was all over... :) Anyway, I've progressed from there to this point where I'm now retired, have a bit more updated laser equipment, and have time to get back into the hobby and have more fun with it and update the website more often. Just click the link bars at the top of the window to dive into the site and see how some of the magic is accomplished.

I've added a new (non-coherent) light related hobby which will gradually make its way into these pages... Animated Christmas light shows. There is SO much in the way of DIY in this area, which brings the costs down considerably and, honestly, it's just more fun this way.

I prefer to do things as DIY as possible so most of this is hands-on and low budget. A working knowledge of electronics and mechanical aptitude is very helpful.

I'll eventually include a few blogs in here for ongoing projects just for the fun of it.

So many times I've seen or read about people with laser pointers doing really unwise things like pointing them at someone's face, pointing them at aircraft or passing cars, at animals and more. It's something the purpetrator only regrets (hopefully) after they have blinded someone (either temporarily or permanently) and caused an accident and finally learns the hard way of the serious danger that even lower power laser light can present if not treated with proper respect.
PLEASE, if you haven't already, commit to learning at least the basics of laser safety before going any further into this hobby.