DIY Laser Power Meter Interface Module

took a bit for my check to clear my bank this time. But payment was sent for mine as of right now.

sorry for the delay.

Archane said:

took a bit for my check to clear my bank this time. But payment was sent for mine as of right now.

sorry for the delay.

Click to expand...

Thanks.. Only one more payment to go..

Knimrod,

Any update on the new version of the software with the graph printing???

If no one gets the other kit....I will take it.

acro-ii said:

Knimrod,

Any update on the new version of the software with the graph printing???

Click to expand...

I'll try and get that uploaded later today.

It turns out that the standard, simple method for printing doesn't allow for formatting or printer property changes.. It just spits out a page to the default windows printer. It works and all but I had hoped for something a little more configurable. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time to do a complete printer interface so this simple one will have to do for now..

All payments received.. I thought there was a holdout but I was wrong.. For whatever reason, I didn't get a payment notification email from PayPal for one of the payments... My apologies for my delay. I'll order everything today.

well, I'm guessing there will probably be a need for more within a month, so count me in for one of those, haha.

knimrod said:

[quote author=acro-ii link=1203305181/90#98 date=1206999041]Knimrod,

Any update on the new version of the software with the graph printing???

Click to expand...

I'll try and get that uploaded later today.

It turns out that the standard, simple method for printing doesn't allow for formatting or printer property changes.. It just spits out a page to the default windows printer. It works and all but I had hoped for something a little more configurable. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time to do a complete printer interface so this simple one will have to do for now..[/quote]

I uploaded version 1.3 with the print feature. You can download it here.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the nice software written, i can not pass up on this.

If i'm not mistaken, the third group buy is still open, with 8 left. Since i just got the parts for my LPM (thermopile still at customs) i would be interested in one.

Add me to the list please.


I hope there are some more people with DIY LPMs who want this, so we can make the GB work...


EDIT: What is the probability, that we actually make the third GB for the interface boards? Are there any other people interested?

If not, would there be the possibility of buying only the pre-programmed PIC from you, Knimrod?

IgorT said:

With the nice software written, i can not pass up on this.

If i'm not mistaken, the third group buy is still open, with 8 left. Since i just got the parts for my LPM (thermopile still at customs) i would be interested in one.

Add me to the list please.


I hope there are some more people with DIY LPMs who want this, so we can make the GB work...


EDIT: What is the probability, that we actually make the third GB for the interface boards? Are there any other people interested?

If not, would there be the possibility of buying only the pre-programmed PIC from you, Knimrod?

Click to expand...

I added you to the list for the third group buy of kits.

I'm not really sure of the probability of getting enough kits committed to complete a third group buy. To be honest, I wasn't sure the second group buy would be completed.

I know Kenom was interested in these early on but I assume the lack of surplus boards killed that market. However, it occurs to me that these interface kits should also easily integrate with Kenom's modified meters that are already in use. In fact, the interface module can probably be made to work with any laser power meter that outputs a voltage.

At some point, I might be willing to sell just a pre-programmed PIC.

Thank you Knimrod!


There is no reason why it wouldn't work with Kenoms meters. People who bought them might help finish this GB, if they want to plot the power on their computers..

But if nothing happens for a long while, i would be very greatefull for the PIC alone. I can etch the boards myself. For the LPM i decided to simply wirewrap everything, as it is very simple. It will take me less time than aligning the two layers perfectly, etching and drilling.

IgorT said:

It will take me less time than aligning the two layers perfectly, etching and drilling.

Click to expand...

Igor, you may already be doing this , but in case not, I get near-perfect alignment (within 0.2 mm) with this procedure:
(this is with the "iron-on toner transfer" method - where I refer to "transfer paper", that includes your "label backing" paper.)
- first, print a plain-paper copy of the resist pattern, at actual size. Then use a needle or pin to put a tiny hole through the centers of couple of the through-holes or vias that are closest to the corners of the pattern.
- now do the same with the actual pattern on the transfer paper - both top and bottom patterns. Make sure you're doing the same hole positions.
- attach the plain-paper pattern to the bare board, being sure to have the correct side (printed) facing the board.
- drill through the pre-marked holes with a very small bit. I use a needle as my drill bit - just snap or file off the point (I also use a sharpening stone to flatten the end but not necessary).
- then remove the paper pattern.
- place one side of the 'real' resist transfer paper on the pc board, lining up the pre-punched holes. Use pins through to hold in place.
- put the other side's transfer paper on the other side of the board, using the pins to align.
- fasten the transfer papers in place on the pc board... I use bits of laser print labels because the adhesive is heat-resistant.
- remove the alignment pins, and then iron as usual.

The above sounds complicated when written down but it's really quite quick.

DanQ

I understand what you mean.

If this group buy doesn't go through i might use this method for aligning the layers on the interface board, but for the LPM i'll just do everything by hand, as it is very simple.


Are you building an LPM as well?

IgorT said:

Are you building an LPM as well?

Click to expand...

yes I did - worked well,, too. But when I was changing the power configuration I think I blew out the 1050 - put +18V and -18V to it by accident, which is above limits.
must test/debug but can't sit and focus that long at this time without too much Vicodin. probably should just order another chip while wait to be able.

DanQ

What about the interface board? Do you have this as well?