Laser project questions from a noob :)

[forschi]

I'm VERY interested in starting on a "laser project", been doing som research earlier on just buying a green laser, but beeng the person i am i know that just a green laser pointer will get boring. So i need to know what i can do with som basic/affordable equipment.
Generally i think about making a horisontal line that can expand and contract horisontally, i guess this can be done using a motor and a mirror or multiple mirrors on a wheel connected to the motor, am i right? Also i have been thinking about making a tunnel and the ability to increase or decrease the diameter, this would be a cool effect if its pointed to a stationary or rotating mirror ball i think
And if i would want to makeother patterns than a spiro, like a wave or half circle or something would this be costly or is it possible by just beeing creative and experimenting? Would a computer control be possible to make and what does a interface like that cost or is it even possible to DIY.
Sorry about all the questions, but this seems so cool to experiment with

 

[FokoF]

Welcome noob! ;D For almost all your answers check out Andy's site laser-man.co.uk I first got a 5mw green fun for a week....... Stopped buying pointer and got a 35mw module from dealextreme.com (very nice for the price, bang for your buck) and now I have a Scanpro20 set on its way..... Point of the story, bouncing a laser off a mirror gets boring REALLY fast, so do yourself a favor and research as much as you can and get a scanner set (lasershowparts.com)

WOW was that a spam answer or what 3 online sites!!! ;D

 

[Things]

If you dont like the basic spiro effects, your gonna have to invest in some galvo's. I have also just recently bought a pair of scanpro 20's, should be here in a few days.