where do you guys buy your lens mounts for your scanners?

hey everyone, im still tryin to understand this whole scanner concept and iv been lookin around and im still curious to know where everyone buys their dichro mounts.
help would be really appreciated, thanks!!

matt

Newport sells them new, but they're pretty expensive. My advice is to start WTB threads here and on PL. Most likely someone will be able to help you out, and for much less money than they cost new.

I got mine from CT lasers. An entire 25mm kit including two 3-axis mounts and two Dichros (for a RGB) is $165 + shipping. You may be able to get a discount if you're a PL member. If you just need the mounts, they're $40-$50 each.

Near the bottom of this page.

^That's the best deal I've seen for new stuff.

okay awesome! thanks guys!
also whats a DMX and whats it used for? and is a sound card really needed and whats a DAC?
thanks again! =]]

DMX is an intelligent lighting control standard used throughout the stage lighting industry. DMX in laser scanners consists of a small card with a bunch of programs (animations, beam shows, etc.) that are controlled by a standard DMX lighting controller. It is the easiest and cheapest way to control a scanner, but the quality of the images is typically not the best.

In order to make a sound card DAC (tutorial here) you do need a sound card. A DAC is an interface that allows you to control a laser scanner from a computer. This is the preferred method of control since the PC can hold a vast amount of images and shows and the image quality will by far outdo a DMX card. Also, with a PC it is possible to create custom shows precisely synced to the music.

Other options for a DAC besides a sound card DAC are all commercial systems that will run between US$500 and $2000 depending on what features are included. The sound card DAC is the best DIY option and also the most inexpensive option around at ~$100 including the software.

Here are two threads that you should check out:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f47/first-scanner-advice-needed-right-step-into-scanners-42089.html

http://laserpointerforums.com/f47/new-scanners-32674.html

Also read as much as you can over on PL.. there is a TON of good laser show info there.

thanks alot elektroFreak! =]]
so is a sound card just a way to have the lasers move to the music?

and would just a 100mW green be good enough instead of a RGB laser?

and to be honest, ya PL has a lot of info and they help a lot but they dont seem to have a lot of things that actually show you how to make a scanner. but ill keep searching.

The sound card used in the sound card DAC is not used to provide music. It is modified and used to provide signals to the laser(s) and the mirrors to create the laser image or beam show. These signals happen to be at the same frequencies as sound waves, which is what makes using a sound card as a DAC possible.

Green scanners tend to be more visible overall than RGB systems mW for mW, and it's very possible to do great shows with only green systems. A 100mW green system would be ideal for your first scanner.

With PL, you just gotta dig. It's worth the time and effort, though.

oo i see. and the tutorial you made is to how to make your sound card DAC with the software you choose?

and PERFECT!

would i need a dichro for just a green laser?

^No dichro necessary. Also, I recommend Spaghetti software for the sound card DAC.

awesome thanks!!!!
should i download or purchase it?
(i know its a stupid question)

that depends on what features are locked in the paid version. look over the web page and decide if you need them. most likely you wont need them right away so the free version should work.

k thanx! =]

The free version will work for examining the program and how it works, but it will not output any signal to the scanner unless you buy it. It's worth the $50, though.

oh i see. okay ill buy it then.
if i follow your tutorial (EF) it uses the laserboy correction amp with the soundcard from DX, ill hook it up to my computer where i have the spaghetti dac and it will control the laser?

^That's correct