Thank you for purchasing a LaserBow. Please read the following instructions before attempting to use the LaserBow. Failure to read the instructions may result in damage to the product or risk your safety. Due to the use of lasers in this product, you must follow the safety instructions. Permanent blindness may occur if you misuse this product.
LaserBows utilize an unfocused Class IIIb laser source intended for use in fiberoptic systems and does not produce a beam. Do not power the laser unless all connections have been made. Avoid prolonged exposure to laser light from the Laser Module or end of the Transfer Cable when not connected to the LaserBow.
THIS IS NOT A TOY. Do not allow children under 16 to operate.
For more information, please visit the Laser Safety Facts website.
UNPACKING YOUR LASERBOW
The laserbow consists of one bow with our custom light-fibre, two transfer fiberoptic cables and a single-color laser module for each color you purchased.
The LaserBow can be used with any color Laser Module. Laser Modules are single-color only at this time.
LASERBOW
Use the same care with your LaserBow you would with any quality bow. If you had our experts add our custom light-fibre to your bow, you will find the weight & balance has not been affected.
The custom-fibre is attached to the spine of the bow and should not be subjected to impacts or cut. The custom-fibre is made from glass and will break if mistreated.
Keep dirt and debris out of the fibre connector located just above the frog. Anything that blocks the light transfer from the Transfer Cable to the custom light-fibre on the bow will result in a dim or dark LaserBow. If dirt or debris gets into the connector, you may attempt to clean it out using a soft bristle or wood toothpick. Be careful not to scratch the polished glass surface of the fibre in the center of the connector. Damage due to dirt or debris, or from attempting cleaning, is not covered under the warranty.
TRANSFER CABLE
The transfer cable is a non-illuminating fiberoptic cable that carries the laser light from the Laser Module to the LaserBow. Fiberoptic cables are made of glass and require care to prevent breakage. Impacts, stretching, or bending with a radius less than 1cm in diameter will result in the fibre breaking. A broken fibre will usually glow very brightly at the break-point and will not transfer laser light to the LaserBow. Broken Transfer Cables cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Transfer Cables are not covered under the warranty for damage or breakage. Two cables are included so you have a backup. Additional Transfer Cables may be purchased from your LaserBow dealer and custom lengths are available upon request.
Be especially careful on the connector ends of the Transfer cable that the fibre is not bent to the breaking point. The most common breakage occurs on the Laser Module end at the end of the stress-relief sleeve or on the LaserBow end when bent sharply or pulled when connecting/disconnecting the Transfer Cable. Always install/remove the Transfer Cable into the LaserBow connector by the colored sleeve to prevent pulling the fibre out of the connector or breaking it. While performing, be careful not to catch the Transfer Cable on your clothing or other objects to prevent damage. Snagging the Transfer Cable on another object can result in breakage at that point.
LASER MODULE
The Laser Module is a single-color laser module with the following components:
- Single-color laser source
- Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Power Switch
- USB Charging Circuit
- Micro-USB Charging Port
- Indicator Lights for Charging and Power
The Laser Module should be treated with care. Exposing the module to impacts, excessive heat or cold, or allowing dirt or debris into the laser port on the top may result in permanent damage. Keep the supplied screw-on cap on the laser port when the module is not connected to a Transfer Cable to prevent dirt or debris from entering the port, or possible permanent eye-damage if you shine the laser directly, or by reflection, into the eyes. The Laser Module is not a toy. The high-powered laser is what makes the LaserBow glow brightly.
CHARGING THE LASER MODULE
Before use, charge the Laser Module using a micro-USB cable available wherever cell-phone products are sold. You may connect it to a computer or USB wall-plug. The higher the mw rating the faster the Laser Module will charge. The charging circuit in the Laser Module restrict the charging current to 2mw so a charger with a higher rating is unnecessary. You may also charge the Laser Module using one of the many cell-phone battery packs available on the market.
When connected to a power source, the Charge Light will glow. A Red glow indicates the battery is charging. A Green glow indicates the battery is fully charged. The Charging Circuit will continue to trickle charge the Laser Module battery while connected to a power source, but you should not leave the charger connected for extended times with the battery charged. Damage to the battery may occur if left charging more than 5 hours after fully charged.
Please read the safety section on Lithium Ion batteries. Damage to Lithium Ion batteries may result in battery expansion, fire or excessive heat. We do not recommend charging Lithium Batteries without someone nearby to monitor in case of battery malfunction. Also, if traveling with a Laser Module containing an lithium ion battery, follow the carrier’s rules. Many airlines prohibit products containing lithium Ion batteries from checked baggage. Make sure to check the regulations/rules for your specific carrier.
A fully charged laser module can power the LaserBow continuously for 5+ hours. The Green Laser Module uses more energy and can become much hotter. 3.5+ hours is typical with the Green Laser Module. We recommend turning off the Laser Modules for 15 minutes every hour to save the battery and to allow the laser to cool down. The lifespan of the laser may be shortened if allowed to overheat repeatedly. Due to the hotter running temperature of the Green Laser Module, we recommend you do not run it continuously for over one hour. The circuit will automatically protect the laser from excessive heat by turning the laser off. If this occurs, the laser will be dark while the Laser Module’s power light is still illuminated red. Press the power button to turn the Laser Module off and allow the laser to cool. When it is within a safe temperature, the laser will light when power is turned on.
CONNECTING THE TRANSFER CABLE TO THE LASER MODULE
Remove the Transfer Cable from it’s packaging carefully making sure it is not crimped, knotted or broken. Also keep dirt and debris away from the connectors. Both connectors have a polished glass face on the end to transfer the laser light cleanly from Laser to Transfer Cable to LaserBow. Scratching, dirt or debris can result in a dim or dark LaserBow. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.
Remove the screw-on cover from the laser port on the Laser Module. Keep it in the Transfer Cable packaging so you do not lose it as it is required to keep the laser port free of dirt and debris when not in use.
Connect the screw-on FC connector (larger end) to the Laser Module by inserting the center into the port. Holding the connector my the black strain-relief sleeve, rotate the center of the connector until the key-slot matches up with the slot on the Laser Module port and the connector slides a little deeper into the port. When fully inserted, screw the outer part of the FC connector clockwise until tight. Do not over tighten as damage may occur to the Transfer Cable or the Laser Port.
You may check the connection by pressing the power button on the Laser Module with the LaserBow end of the Transfer Cable pointed in a safe direction. Do not shine the laser into the eyes as permanent damage may occur, including the possibility of blindness. See the section on Laser Safety before using the LaserBow system.
ROUTING THE TRANSFER CABLE TO THE LASERBOW
We recommend that you attach the Laser Module to your belt or clothing before connecting to the LaserBow. You may carefully route the Transfer Cable through your clothing to protect it from snagging and to hide it. Run the Transfer Cable into your shirt from the Laser Module, being careful not to crimp, snag or break the fibre. Run the Transfer Cable out your right sleeve leaving enough length hanging out to connect to the LaserBow in the position you normally play the instrument. For men, wearing a long sleeve shirt will help hide and protect the Transfer Cable all the way to your right hand. For women, if wearing a sleeveless top or dress, we recommend wearing a wrist bracelet so you can run the Transfer Cable down your arm and under the bracelet to keep it from flying free when not connected to the LaserBow. Remember, that when you take a break, you don’t want to have to carry your bow around with you. You can easily disconnect the Transfer Cable from the LaserBow and prevent damage by securing the end under a sleeve or bracelet. You may also use a rubber band to secure the Transfer Cable at the wrist or elbow.
CONNECTING THE TRANSFER CABLE TO THE LASERBOW
Pick up the LaserBow in your right hand. Be sure to tighten the bow-hair before connecting the Transfer Cable to prevent accidental damage to the fiber when twisting the tightener. Holding the Transfer Cable end by the colored sleeve, carefully insert it into the LaserBow’s connector ensuring you keep dirt and debris out. The silver part of the Transfer Cable connector will not insert entirely into the LaserBow connector. Insert it until the connector is touching the bottom of the LaserBow connector. Failure to insert the Transfer Cable connector far enough into the connector will result in a dim LaserBow and bright light visible from the connector. If this occurs, just push the connector a little further in, making sure to push from the colored sleeve.
You may now play the instrument normally. The audience will not even know your bow glows until you turn on the Laser Module because the LaserBow custom fibre is invisible until laser light is supplied.
POWERING THE LASERBOW SYSTEM
Once everything is connected, a single-press of the power button on the side of the laser Module will power the laser and illuminate the LaserBow. The power light next to the power button will glow red while the power is on. If this light is glowing red but the LaserBow is not illuminated, check your connections and check the Transfer Cable for breakage.
The Red and Blue LaserBows will run for 5+ hours on a full charge. The Green Laser Module will run for 3.5+ hours on a full charge. The green Laser Module uses more power than the Red or Blue. This results in reduced battery runtime and generates more heat. We recommend you power the Laser Module off when not actively using the LaserBow, or when the Transfer Cable is disconnected from the LaserBow.
The Red and Blue Laser Modules may be run continuously. We recommend the Green Laser Module be powered off for 15 minutes every hour to prevent the shortening of the laser’s life. All lasers have a protection circuit that will cut power to the laser if it overheats. If this occurs, the power light will still glow red but no laser light will be emitted from the laser. Press the power button to cut power, and wait for the temperature to drop to a safe level. When safe, pressing the power button will again illuminate the laser.
When the battery is drained, a protection circuit will turn off the Laser Module automatically. If this occurs, the power light will not glow. Pressing the power button will not turn the power on. The protection circuit cuts the power before the battery reaches a level low enough to damage the battery. This also prevents the LaserBow from dimming as the battery drains.
The Laser module charging circuit allows the laser to be powered while it is charging. This opens up some possibilities for longer performances. By connecting a cell-phone charging battery pack to the charging port, it is possible to directly power the laser, even when the Laser Module battery is completely dead.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| My LaserBow is Green. How do I make it Red? | Each LaserBow is paired with a Laser Module. The Laser Module determines the color your LaserBow Glows. To change the color, you must purchase a Laser Module in the desired color. LaserBows will work with any color Laser Module. |
| Will the Lighting affect my ability to play the bow? | The material is thin as a hair and weighs almost nothing. It should not affect your playing at all. You will have a thin Transfer Cable connected just above the frog that brings the laser-light to the bow. Most performers have no issues with it. If the connector location bothers you when you hold the bow, please contact us. Custom placement of the connector is possible. |
| Will the location of the connector on the LaserBow work for my cello or bass bow? | The connector on the cello and bass bows is relocated to be out of the way for the standard bow hold for each instrument. If you require special placement of the connector, contact us. |
| How long will the battery last? | The Red and Blue Laser Modules will last over 5 hours on a full charge. (We have exceeded 7 hours in tests). The Green Laser Module uses more power so you can expect 3.5+ hours. We recommend letting the Green module cool for 15 minutes after an hour of use as it run hotter. |
TROUBLESHOOTING
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Power Light on Laser Module will not glow | Battery is dead. Connect the Laser Module to a power source using a micro-USB cable. You may also connect a portable USB battery pack for immediate use. |
| LaserBow will not illuminate | Check Transfer Cable Connections. Check that Laser Module Power is on and light is glowing red. Check for broken Transfer Cable. Check for dirt or debris in the connections or Laser Module laser port. |
| LaserBow illumination is dim | Check that Transfer Cable connections are inserted fully. Check for broken Transfer Cable. Check for dirt or debris in the connections. |
| Bright spot in Transfer Cable or LaserBow | Fiber is damaged or broken. Replace Transfer Cable or contact support for broken LaserBow fiber. |
| Charge light will not illuminate | Check power source. Laser Module charges from standard 5v USB power. Check USB cable. Try a different cable. Check USB connections. Assure plug is fully inserted into socket. |
If you have checked all the troubleshooting tips and your problem has not been solved, please contact support by email on our support page.