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Low-cost RGB Scanner

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Sep 20, 2011
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Searching around the web for people's creations and parts, I've found many different approaches to making a scanner. What I need from you guys is feedback on whether or not you think my idea would work.

So I want to build a RGB scanner using:

  • Soundboard DAC
  • Correction amp
  • 50mW 532nm Green Laser
  • 200mW 650nm Red Laser
  • 1W 445nm Blue Laser
  • Dichros to combine the lasers

I was thinking of using stepper motors instead of galvos, due to the price of galvos.

Any and all feedback is appreciated.
Thanks!
 





Are you sure? It seems like others have have success with stepper motors.
 
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Steppers do work.. slowly and awkwardly compared to galvos, but they do work. That said, IMO you will quickly regret going with steppers over galvos. Then you'll spring for the galvos, which will mean you're in for the cost of both the steppers and galvos. I'd just save up for the galvos.
 
Ahhh. I'll probably save up for galvos then! :D Do you know where I can find some entry-level galvos that aren't too expensive?
 
i cant really remember how much red and blue you need compared to green. I think for red you need twice the green and for blue too. Lasers with adjustable powers is the way to go for full RGB . I'm not really into projector stuff yet though. Others know better.
 
2:1:2 eh? I'll try that haha. I'm probably gonna end up buying overpowered lasers and lowering the max power of each laser. It's always better to have more than you need.
 
Have you done, ANY research?

There are threads here telling you exactly step by step, how to set up a DAC for scanner use. Maybe buy one of those??

If you wanna do this on the cheap its not gonna be anywhere near what you see on videos. Just be aware of that... If you're gonna go cheapskate on it.. you may as well buy a REKE and be done with it.

-Adrian
 
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I know i'm sacrificing quality for price. See, this thread was mainly for a low-cost "support scanner" that i'm gonna be using in addition to a higher quality, "main scanner", mainly because I want a REALLY wide spread.
 
Have you looked into the REKE series? They are cheap and nasty... but they work... and they're cheap!
 


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