Here's my latest laser build:
445nm projector diode
Flexdrive @ 700mA
IMR 16340 Li-ion
DX 1x123A flashlight host
The thing that makes this pointer really special is that it is the first use of my Laser Lock system to increase the safety of the device. I have used a PIC 10F206 microcontroller and 4 other components to create a system that controls whether the Flexdrive gets power from the battery. The tailcap switch now forms a safety switch, and I have added a momentary switch and an LED to interact with the Laser Lock. Laser Lock requires an access code based on a short series of presses and clicks in order to arm the laser. It uses the LED to give the user feedback, indicating the events: safety off, incorrect code, unlocking, armed, and firing. The system also implements a momentary and a constant mode, and an automatic shutdown in constant mode. Here's a video that goes over the operation:
YouTube - Everett's Mini-Projects: Laser Lock
This was a challenging build due to the space constraints, but it came together well. There is a custom aluminum heatsink holding the lens module with a glass lens. All of the electronics are mounted to this heatsink as one unit that drops in from the front of the body. Because of limited space, I did not use a PCB for the Laser Lock electronics, so the circuit is built with loose components and wired point-to-point with 29 gauge wire.
Since LPF has given me so much useful information in the past, I want to share this system with the community in case anyone else is able to make use of it. Below are some build pictures along with all my documentation of the system. I have also included a design for a PCB that can be made at home using the toner transfer method, and I will make my source code available to anyone that is interested. It is written in PIC assembly and fairly well commented. The whole code is only about 260 instructions. I would also be willing to provide programmed chips or perhaps a populated board if there is interest.
Thanks for reading!
445nm projector diode
Flexdrive @ 700mA
IMR 16340 Li-ion
DX 1x123A flashlight host
The thing that makes this pointer really special is that it is the first use of my Laser Lock system to increase the safety of the device. I have used a PIC 10F206 microcontroller and 4 other components to create a system that controls whether the Flexdrive gets power from the battery. The tailcap switch now forms a safety switch, and I have added a momentary switch and an LED to interact with the Laser Lock. Laser Lock requires an access code based on a short series of presses and clicks in order to arm the laser. It uses the LED to give the user feedback, indicating the events: safety off, incorrect code, unlocking, armed, and firing. The system also implements a momentary and a constant mode, and an automatic shutdown in constant mode. Here's a video that goes over the operation:
YouTube - Everett's Mini-Projects: Laser Lock
This was a challenging build due to the space constraints, but it came together well. There is a custom aluminum heatsink holding the lens module with a glass lens. All of the electronics are mounted to this heatsink as one unit that drops in from the front of the body. Because of limited space, I did not use a PCB for the Laser Lock electronics, so the circuit is built with loose components and wired point-to-point with 29 gauge wire.
Since LPF has given me so much useful information in the past, I want to share this system with the community in case anyone else is able to make use of it. Below are some build pictures along with all my documentation of the system. I have also included a design for a PCB that can be made at home using the toner transfer method, and I will make my source code available to anyone that is interested. It is written in PIC assembly and fairly well commented. The whole code is only about 260 instructions. I would also be willing to provide programmed chips or perhaps a populated board if there is interest.
Thanks for reading!
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(that's where I live) Or is that just your actual name?
