Hi Folks - havent been around in a while.
For history's sake - I was pretty into Argon Multiline a couple of years ago and ended up selling my kit as it wasnt getting used and my interested changed.
Well - My kiddos are 2 and 3 now, and I think they would like to play with a spirograph - so I'm thinking of designing one with an interface they could use.
I'm not interested in high high power... I want safety first - so I would like recommendations on a lab-style, or other host that could be converted to lab-style blue laser in a low mw range (under 30mw I would think).
I want the dot to be safely visible. The kids will not have access to the laser itsself, so they will not be able to look into the aperture.... I will be mounting everything on a board or something similar and will set it in a place so they can't get in the beam-path.
So - my questions are:
1) What mw rating would you recommend for a good spirograph that will allow direct viewing of the dot without harm? Is it also possible to have enough mw rating for some beam effects via smoke, fog, etc?
2) Are there any current lasers available that meet this criteria?
3) I would like a 100% duty cycle and can add a cooling fan if needed.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
For history's sake - I was pretty into Argon Multiline a couple of years ago and ended up selling my kit as it wasnt getting used and my interested changed.
Well - My kiddos are 2 and 3 now, and I think they would like to play with a spirograph - so I'm thinking of designing one with an interface they could use.
I'm not interested in high high power... I want safety first - so I would like recommendations on a lab-style, or other host that could be converted to lab-style blue laser in a low mw range (under 30mw I would think).
I want the dot to be safely visible. The kids will not have access to the laser itsself, so they will not be able to look into the aperture.... I will be mounting everything on a board or something similar and will set it in a place so they can't get in the beam-path.
So - my questions are:
1) What mw rating would you recommend for a good spirograph that will allow direct viewing of the dot without harm? Is it also possible to have enough mw rating for some beam effects via smoke, fog, etc?
2) Are there any current lasers available that meet this criteria?
3) I would like a 100% duty cycle and can add a cooling fan if needed.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!