I have a 100mw Green Laser Module, want to build my first Projector

[Captaintc]

Hi all I'm new here, i have a 100mw Green Laser Module, I want to build my first Projector using it but need some advice. All I want is a smallish Projector capable of creating decent beam shows, so I won't need the fastest Galvos 20k etc. I also want a half decent DAC with the ILDA connection, but don't know which one to get?? I have a budget of about £400, so it's not a Pro Projector lol. Just something nice to get started I have seen a DAC called ishow, don't know if it's any good?? Also seen one called moncha aswell. Any starter advice would be greatly appreciated thanks.

 

[GoolGaul]

I'm there with you on the cheap build... I got in on the Group Buy for the slow galvos, but perfect for a beginner like me.

I am looking for a cheap Lab-Laser, but they're not so cheap after all, and building my own from pointer guts has been pointed out to me as NOT being the way...

But I need a DAC too...
I hear the iShow DAC is kinda the bottom of the barrel, but that's fine for me (for now)

 

[whatsupadrian]

the common consensus on PL is stay very far away from Ishow. its the worst software/hardware u can go with.(i have never tried it)

AUDIOLASE + correction amp was the direction i went and I am very pleased. Cost was $150. It will work with most any ilda player/software. I use it with Spaghetti that I got on sale here for $20, maybe you can catch it on the next sale.
USB SoundCard DAC Amp Correction Kits - By AUDIOLASE - Group Buy Edition.
Spaghetti

If all u want is to project just 1 green laser, then there isnt much else you need other than a set of galvos. I know some guys from the recent 15k group buy are ready to upgrade to some better galvos and might sell theirs 15k's. It starts getting expensive when you start combining more lasers. Then it gets real expensive when you start sourcing quality parts.


Nothing to it. Can be as simple or elaborate as your want.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f55/g...a-complete-75-arrived-63786-7.html#post935189

 

[Guyfromhe]

FYI .. is selling a ready to go 400mw RGB projector with ILDA for $220... I don't know if your looking for the experience of the build or just want the projector but if you just want a ready to go solution you should talk to him. Even if you want to build your own you can get a lot of parts from the complete unit.

Sale Thread

I just bought a AudioLase everyone I have talked to says they are good... I think 300Evil still has one left if you want to order one... I have also heard the iShow software is awful and doesn't do a good job outputting and has random blanking issues... I want to get Spaghetti when I have some spare cash... (the $20 sale is over)

 

[qumefox]

I'm there with you on the cheap build... I got in on the Group Buy for the slow galvos, but perfect for a beginner like me.

I am looking for a cheap Lab-Laser, but they're not so cheap after all, and building my own from pointer guts has been pointed out to me as NOT being the way...

But I need a DAC too...
I hear the iShow DAC is kinda the bottom of the barrel, but that's fine for me (for now)

It CAN be done with a pointer module. Just not a cheap one. You need one that's relatively stable at the temperature it will be operating at. However you'll have to build your own TTL driver for it in place of the 'stock' driver.

As far as a DAC, the cheapest way to go would be to build a sound card DAC, but you'll still need software.

If you have the budget i'd honestly go with LSX from dr lava and a RIYA multibus lite.

 

[Things]

Modulating green lasers is an issue even with the big expensive modules. Some pointer modules do OK at it, but usually they are pretty horrible. Sometimes you'll get lucky and get a good one from the batch.

 

[qumefox]

You really need optical feedback to do it correctly, using any quality of DPSS.

 

[ARG]

I'm there with you on the cheap build... I got in on the Group Buy for the slow galvos, but perfect for a beginner like me.

I am looking for a cheap Lab-Laser, but they're not so cheap after all, and building my own from pointer guts has been pointed out to me as NOT being the way...

But I need a DAC too...
I hear the iShow DAC is kinda the bottom of the barrel, but that's fine for me (for now)

Yes, avoid iShow at all costs. A sound card DAC would probably be best for your budget. There is a tutorial sticky on how to make one.

 

[Guyfromhe]

You can also buy one ready to go for about the same money as ishow.