Hey all, I posted this in photolexicon also. However, just trying to get different perspectives everywhere and learn as much as I can from everyone.
Here is my post.
Hey all, just recently purchased 3 Flexmod P3's from Innolasers and the RGB DTR bundle I was convinced this is the way to go in terms of modulating the lasers. I'm very intrigued with the idea of DIY. Although I'm very good with mechanical processes, fabricating, machining etc... I do lack the electrical side of things which is where I need some help! I read through the instructions on setting up the Flexmod and Swamidog gave some very insightful information which I greatly appreciate.
One thing I failed to recognize is the beam suppression kit. Flexmod P3 beam suppression What does this mean? Does this mean You can have one or two lasers on and suppress the output of the other beam? I'm more interested in beam shows than anything. If this is not a huge problem I would like to know. If what I said above is correct about beam suppression. Can you modulate the beam to have a low current/dim light so that it is nearly suppressed?
What does interlock do? (It allows the current loop to the diode to be closed in order for modulation? Is this correct?) The Bias initially starts at 0 which means no current passes through the diode and if interlock is not closed then the RED LED comes on hinting something is not wired correctly.
0 Bias? I think I read somewhere that this potentiometer needs to be turned so that it is just under the threshold of the diode? (I.e. just under 1,000mA?) Does this allow maximum efficiency of the beam? I am a little bit skeptical of running too much current, I feel like I would be breaking something.. :/
I do not quite understand what the gain pot does. Does this run with respect to the Bias Pot? How do these two relate?
Lastly, for balance? Does this not need to be changed if we have a very precise power source? How will I know when to use balance?
I noticed that the flexmod setup for laser pointers at LPF was very clear and made a lot of sense to me. But, this is a different setup than a projector.
flexmodp3_zps0c940d0f.jpg Photo by magicmushrooms1 | Photobucket I saw this picture thanks to andy_con and it makes a lot of sense! Any additional pictures or circuit diagrams would greatly help!
My understanding on wiring thus far:
I see that the diode connects to the + and - of the flexmod P3 seems simple enough, the power supply (gnd) shares a point with the modulation (gnd) of the ILDA board, the 5v+ modulation connects to either (green, red, blue labels on the ILDA board), and then the 12v+ is from the power supply which is also shared with the interlock. These connections seem to make sense, however correct me if I am wrong please as I am learning!
As for setting up Flexmod P3 I read through the forums and saw a few other people having difficulties trying to set things up.
Learn me something electronical...(Flexmod)
I have been reading carefully to try and understand some of the terms and where wires are suppose to go but am struggling.
Things that may help. I have access to good soldering/electrical equipment/supplies (resistors, wires etc) . Single output DC Power supplies, Digital multimeter, Digital Oscilloscope etc.
~I appreciate all your continuation to be patient with me on my project this is all very intriguing/addicting I can't wait to keep continuing with this! Thank you all, let me know if there is anything else I can do. Theo
Here is my post.
Hey all, just recently purchased 3 Flexmod P3's from Innolasers and the RGB DTR bundle I was convinced this is the way to go in terms of modulating the lasers. I'm very intrigued with the idea of DIY. Although I'm very good with mechanical processes, fabricating, machining etc... I do lack the electrical side of things which is where I need some help! I read through the instructions on setting up the Flexmod and Swamidog gave some very insightful information which I greatly appreciate.
One thing I failed to recognize is the beam suppression kit. Flexmod P3 beam suppression What does this mean? Does this mean You can have one or two lasers on and suppress the output of the other beam? I'm more interested in beam shows than anything. If this is not a huge problem I would like to know. If what I said above is correct about beam suppression. Can you modulate the beam to have a low current/dim light so that it is nearly suppressed?
What does interlock do? (It allows the current loop to the diode to be closed in order for modulation? Is this correct?) The Bias initially starts at 0 which means no current passes through the diode and if interlock is not closed then the RED LED comes on hinting something is not wired correctly.
0 Bias? I think I read somewhere that this potentiometer needs to be turned so that it is just under the threshold of the diode? (I.e. just under 1,000mA?) Does this allow maximum efficiency of the beam? I am a little bit skeptical of running too much current, I feel like I would be breaking something.. :/
I do not quite understand what the gain pot does. Does this run with respect to the Bias Pot? How do these two relate?
Lastly, for balance? Does this not need to be changed if we have a very precise power source? How will I know when to use balance?
I noticed that the flexmod setup for laser pointers at LPF was very clear and made a lot of sense to me. But, this is a different setup than a projector.
flexmodp3_zps0c940d0f.jpg Photo by magicmushrooms1 | Photobucket I saw this picture thanks to andy_con and it makes a lot of sense! Any additional pictures or circuit diagrams would greatly help!
My understanding on wiring thus far:
I see that the diode connects to the + and - of the flexmod P3 seems simple enough, the power supply (gnd) shares a point with the modulation (gnd) of the ILDA board, the 5v+ modulation connects to either (green, red, blue labels on the ILDA board), and then the 12v+ is from the power supply which is also shared with the interlock. These connections seem to make sense, however correct me if I am wrong please as I am learning!
As for setting up Flexmod P3 I read through the forums and saw a few other people having difficulties trying to set things up.
Learn me something electronical...(Flexmod)
I have been reading carefully to try and understand some of the terms and where wires are suppose to go but am struggling.
Things that may help. I have access to good soldering/electrical equipment/supplies (resistors, wires etc) . Single output DC Power supplies, Digital multimeter, Digital Oscilloscope etc.
~I appreciate all your continuation to be patient with me on my project this is all very intriguing/addicting I can't wait to keep continuing with this! Thank you all, let me know if there is anything else I can do. Theo
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