How to turn on a laser with motion?

[WhiteFang]

I'm currently planning for a project that involves spinning lasers around, and was wondering if there was any way that I could rig up a system that will allow the laser to turn on while it's in motion, and turn off when it's at rest. Preferably, the motion that triggers this would be quite high, as I don't want it turning on constantly as I walk with it or move it around or whatnot. (Perhaps I could include a button or switch or something that could override the motion sensor to avoid this?)

I looked around for motion sensors online, but couldn't find anything close to it. All I found were sensors for lights... Which might work if nothing else will, because I can cut a hole in the host to allow the sensor to peek through, and I can tape something over it to turn it off while I move it around.

 

[BobMc]

This is something like your talking about. Hope it helps. https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHLT7AmKSy5KOEwR7IfGDdb1LOFBw

 

[Encap]

I looked around for motion sensors online, but couldn't find anything close to it. All I found were sensors for lights... Which might work if nothing else will, because I can cut a hole in the host to allow the sensor to peek through, and I can tape something over it to turn it off while I move it around.

You are looking in wrong places.

Don't search motion sensor switches--you get IR motion sensors---need to search "accelerometer switches"

https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/techzone/2013/oct/what-you-need-to-know-to-choose-an-accelerometer

Here is a triple axis accelerometer for $14.95 + many other types: https://www.adafruit.com/category/59

 

[WhiteFang]

You are looking in wrong places.

Don't search motion sensor switches--you get IR motion sensors---need to search "accelerometer switches"

https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/techzone/2013/oct/what-you-need-to-know-to-choose-an-accelerometer

Here is a triple axis accelerometer for $14.95 + many other types: https://www.adafruit.com/category/59

Thank you so much! I knew there was another word for it, I just couldn't put my finger on it. Now I just have to figure out how to wire it, and I'm set :yh:

 

[WhiteFang]

A revelation! I can simply use a tilt sensor for my project, because the spinning motion will continue to press the ball inside against the poles, and it will be continuously on as long as it's spinning at a relatively fast speed. That also cuts the cost of this project down quite a lot, because tilt sensors are incredibly cheap.

And @Encap, I would +rep if I could. Need to spread some more around, it seems

 

[Encap]

A revelation! I can simply use a tilt sensor for my project, because the spinning motion will continue to press the ball inside against the poles, and it will be continuously on as long as it's spinning at a relatively fast speed. That also cuts the cost of this project down quite a lot, because tilt sensors are incredibly cheap.

And @Encap, I would +rep if I could. Need to spread some more around, it seems

Nice $2 solution surprise.
Make sure it can handle the current you need it to handle--probably can only use it to trigger something that can handle electricity needs of the laser.

 

[Cyparagon]

rig up a system that will allow the laser to turn on while it's in motion, and turn off when it's at rest.

Why?

Yet again the most important question went unasked unanswered. This sounds dangerous.

 

[diachi]

Why?

Yet again the most important question went unasked unanswered. This sounds dangerous.

Probably wants to make a super rad light sabre, man!

Curious what the application is if not that...

 

[Encap]

Why?

Yet again the most important question went unasked unanswered. This sounds dangerous.

Probably wants to make a super rad light sabre, man!

Curious what the application is if not that...

Excellent questions.

WhiteFang: What are you planning to do and why are good questions?
What is the application/use for the laser envisioned and what about safety iissues--what output power and wavelength?

 

[RedCowboy]

I had not read this thread until now, and yea the most important question is what is this for, if it's to scare off birds and an airplane is flying by at the time you will be in huge trouble, also area denial via laser is a big NO NO, any motion activated laser display sounds like a bad idea as well, really think this through WhiteFang, if in doubt just don't do it.

 

[WhiteFang]

Excellent questions.

WhiteFang: What are you planning to do and why are good questions?
What is the application/use for the laser envisioned and what about safety iissues--what output power and wavelength?

The exact build will be revealed as a build thread once it's finished, which will probably be within the next month or so. But I'm using two Fasttech 5mW greenies, so rest assured that I won't be blinding myself or anyone else with it :crackup: And I won't be using this outside at all, so I shouldn't get into any trouble with planes that way

Thanks for the concern though. I have some plans to replicate this build with some more powerful diodes if all goes well, but it won't be nearly as functional as the other one (hint hint! )

 

[GSS]

The exact build will be revealed as a build thread once it's finished, which will probably be within the next month or so. But I'm using two Fasttech 5mW greenies, so rest assured that I won't be blinding myself or anyone else with it :crackup: And I won't be using this outside at all, so I shouldn't get into any trouble with planes that way

Thanks for the concern though. I have some plans to replicate this build with some more powerful diodes if all goes well, but it won't be nearly as functional as the other one (hint hint! )

You do know those Fasttechs 5mw greenies can hit 100mw??

 

[diachi]

You do know those Fasttechs 5mw greenies can hit 100mw??

Exactly!

Hope you've got an LPM to test with...