RGB scanner project!

Since I've got all the portables I'll ever need (and I can't import them anyway due to Australian laws) I'm moving to laser modules! And what do you make with laser modules?...

Scanners! ;D

So my big project is to ultimately build an RGB scanner.

I have a 100mW green module incoming at the moment, I'm going to use it to build a very basic scanner, just to learn the basics. It's TTL, so I can't really use it for the RGB. After that's built, I'll move on to the RGB.

I'm trading in my RPL-400 for a blue module, I'm hoping for 100mW. Though more likely around 60mW. I'll then use that to base the powers of my subsequent lasers. I'll probably get a 100mW green (analogue this time) and a 300mW red module. Throw them together with some dichros and galvos and bob's your uncle


I've already got a fair idea of the parts I'm going to use. ScanPro20, dichros and mounts from laser-wave (they seem good)... DAC from somewhere, if you've got any suggestions throw them at me The next few months I'll just be looking for the best deals of parts, then after that I'll actually start building.

Oh, and for my nice easy 100mW scanner, anyone know of some really cheap scanner galvos and stuff? Don't need to be any good, just cheap for a first go

well the DAC will be easy considering that there wil be one available shortly for VERY cheap.. and you can always change the driver in the green labby to a DrLava FlexMod when the time comes.., just measure the mA output of the current driver on a test load and then set the DrLava driver to a similar setting and bobs your uncle...

BTW i just learned what "Bob's your uncle" meant recently.. its not a common phrase in the US (for obvious reasons)

You know what, I think I'll make a blu-ray scanner instead (Instead of the 100mW green scanner that is).

I'm building a lab blu-ray at the moment, it'll have a proper lab driver with TTL blanking too. I'll hopefully have a PHR running at 150mA at 100% duty cycle. Just rig up a 10Kpps system and away it goes

I frickin envy you!!! I want to build a RGB scanner so bad. :'(
Please post everything you do and lots of pics of your progress.

Good luck!

It's going to be a long hard road. At least I've got the blue module pinned, that's the most expensive part.

I'm going to need funding for the rest of it though, my funds are almost empty, lol

is it posible to make a RGV (violet) scanner ?
i ask because of the mirrors to do the mix...

i want to buid an scanner too, and i have no idea abouth laser hardware
i just want something near 30kbps to handle 3 colors... im working on a club as a vj and they are very intrested in having a laser for next summer... so please guy any recomendacions, and pricies ?

i'll be doing some experimentation in that area - I have a DAC kit coming in the mail (probably monday) and I have a few 803t diodes, two long die open can diodes, and some greens to try and mess with so I'll be sure to post some info for you guys

I have the Scanpro20 kit with DMX etc. I'm not Bob's uncle but I'm reading everything related to an RGB.

Mike

well first off i highly recommend going over to photonlexicon.com

they are pretty much all about laser scanning. this site is a lot more of hand held pointers.

you will find EXTREMELY helpful people over there and they are all willing to help!

Thanks for the link! I'll probably rock on over there once I'm ready to build my RGB scanner.

But for the moment, my funds will only allow for a cheap first scanner. I should be getting a ton of money over the next few months, so that will fund my RGB project.

For now I think I'm just going to buy the cheapest, crappiest scanner I can on eBay for $100 or so, then add in a much more powerful laser module So modifications first rather than pure DIY. Should make for a smoother transition in to DIY, rather than just charging straight in.

How about 800mW of 473? http://www.laser-wave.com/eproduct_show.asp?fatherid=29&classid=38&id=45 :

Laser projects are always great. Have fun, and keep this thread updated with your progress! You can expect to see one of mine comming up soon...

800mW of blue... *drools*

Anyways, what do peoples think about this idea?

Murudai said:

For now I think I'm just going to buy the cheapest, crappiest scanner I can on eBay for $100 or so, then add in a much more powerful laser module So modifications first rather than pure DIY. Should make for a smoother transition in to DIY, rather than just charging straight in.

Click to expand...

Murudai said:

800mW of blue... *drools*  

Anyways, what do peoples think about this idea?

[quote author=Murudai link=1217508233/0#9 date=1219131218]For now I think I'm just going to buy the cheapest, crappiest scanner I can on eBay for $100 or so, then add in a much more powerful laser module So modifications first rather than pure DIY. Should make for a smoother transition in to DIY, rather than just charging straight in.

Click to expand...

[/quote]

It depends on how valuable that purchase will be toward your overall project. I think you saw my thread from yesterday in the general section where I wanted to buy the GG RR show for ~300 including shipping, but that's cause I want the lasers! There are pretty reasonable RGY scanners too, and I'm sure applying a different module should be very easy.

This is a separate project really. Sort of an 'introductory to scanners' type thing, with some minor modifications.

RGB scanner project is something different.

It sounds like that would be the best way to LIY (learn it yourself) then MIY (mod it yourself) so sure, it sounds like it's worth the $$ knowledge is priceless!

I'm actually in the process of building a GRY 3 mirror remote control spiralgraph turret, I should be done in a few weeks (damn job, keeping me occupied) ;D I can't wait till I really get into it!

With any GOAL you need:

1. Reference: Where I'm currently at.
2. Vision: There's allot of water to tread to get from point "A" to point "B"
3. Destination: The point of where you want to be.
(Duh)
4. Motivation
5. Time
6. Patience
7. Time to make detailed record and post on LPF!

i think it is a good learning step check out PL and study some of the peoples layouts of their scanners.

it really quite simple once you realize for a simple one color all you need is laser, scanners, and a DAC with software.



finding a good layout and best design is really all thats left.