Compact 12v setup

Hello All,

I'm new to the forum (and to lasers). I'm working on a project and am wondering what is the feasibility of powering 4 small lasers (the shorter the housing the better) with a 12V DC source. I would have a little room to work with (for step-down converter or something) but not much.

These would be used for guides on the back of an automobile, so they would have to be bright enough to see during the day while pointed at the ground 3-8 ft away.

Not sure which color has the best visibility during the day, so any advice on that would also be appreciated.

Thanks for any tips/leads.

v/r,
Brian

Lasers in traffic is a terribly bad idea. Why do you need "guides," and why can't it be done with a technology that doesn't have the potential of blinding or distracting other drivers?

Wouldn't be on while driving--tied into the reverse light. Also, they're pointed at the ground from the license plate area.. so you'd have to be riding a skateboard on your back, as I'm reversing, to be blinded by it.

The need is because the reverse camera of some cars don't have predictive lines and have a very wide angle lens. This makes it difficult to know where you're car is truly headed. The visibility out of the back window is very limited.

Thanks for any info.

I would recommend the classic 532nm DPSS laser modules which shouldn't be too difficult to get. Those are the brightest for the least power, as you might have noticed with laser pointers.

The only trouble is that you need a little bit of extra space, as the module is usually about twice the length of others. I'd still recommend it though, simply because green's visability, especially during the day, is much higher than any other colour.

Alternatively though, why not just ask someone to help you draw lines on the ground (with tape, or chalk), and then mark them on your screen (by placing a transparent piece of plastic over it, and drawing lines with a marker)? That would save so much hassle, and always be visible, while requiring no cost nor any extra wiring and parts.

Tw15t3r said:

why not just ask someone to help you draw lines on the ground (with tape, or chalk), and then mark them on your screen

Click to expand...

The rear camera video is not always on the screen and the markings would interfere with the other screens.

Thanks for the tip on the 532nm DPSS. I'll check it out.

Most of the 532nm modules and pens run on 3V. You will need something to reduce the 12V
coming from the car.

New Durable Mini 3A DC DC Converter Adjustable Step Down Power Supply Module | eBay

532nm greens are brighter to our eyes. But not on all cameras. Red might even be brighter on the camera as they are usually sensitive to IR.