- Joined
- Mar 18, 2010
- Messages
- 19
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I have been trying to decide whether i should build a Spirograph (which is cheaper) or a Scanner (which has more functionality). I am also trying to find affordable dichros for my RGB system.
These by no means are going to be professional grade systems. It's going to be my first try at building one of these systems for practice before i upgrade quality.
The design i was going to use for my Spiro was 3 computer fans with mirrors glued to it in a semi circle, problem being i cant seem to find any light weight mirrors that are small enough. I was going to add resisters for speed variation on the fans.
I have tried a few different DIY scanner projects, none of which were very successful. I have tried taking a speaker and mounting a small peg onto the dust cap and using that to move a mirror (it works but its about a 5-10 degree arc and is very loud) I have also tried creating a XY axis scanner using high speed small DC Motors with mirrors attached in the same method galvos use. This was a complete failure. The mirrors used were too heavy and maybe 80% reflectivity. (not to mention self cut out of a larger mirror) and when spinning (all 360 degrees) it seems like between the two mirrors one is on the non-reflective side so nothing is even projected.
Anyone have any other ideas that wont break the bank and will give fun effects?
So if anyone has any sources for galvos and dichros that aren't terribly expensive and preferably don't have a 40-50$ shipping charge like everything from Chinese stores and any sources for light weight mirrors?
Any advice on where to start with this matter would be great. I have been playing with optics and lasers for a long time now and i think its just time to step up my "toys"
These by no means are going to be professional grade systems. It's going to be my first try at building one of these systems for practice before i upgrade quality.
The design i was going to use for my Spiro was 3 computer fans with mirrors glued to it in a semi circle, problem being i cant seem to find any light weight mirrors that are small enough. I was going to add resisters for speed variation on the fans.
I have tried a few different DIY scanner projects, none of which were very successful. I have tried taking a speaker and mounting a small peg onto the dust cap and using that to move a mirror (it works but its about a 5-10 degree arc and is very loud) I have also tried creating a XY axis scanner using high speed small DC Motors with mirrors attached in the same method galvos use. This was a complete failure. The mirrors used were too heavy and maybe 80% reflectivity. (not to mention self cut out of a larger mirror) and when spinning (all 360 degrees) it seems like between the two mirrors one is on the non-reflective side so nothing is even projected.
Anyone have any other ideas that wont break the bank and will give fun effects?
So if anyone has any sources for galvos and dichros that aren't terribly expensive and preferably don't have a 40-50$ shipping charge like everything from Chinese stores and any sources for light weight mirrors?
Any advice on where to start with this matter would be great. I have been playing with optics and lasers for a long time now and i think its just time to step up my "toys"