what drives the galvo system?

[Gappa]

Maybe a real noob ? but I have looked.
The galvos x and y both have their driver/amps and then it goes to 2 plugs. What comes next to be able to run the system by computer?

 

[Prototype]

The DAC controls both the galvos and the lasers, the op-amp for the galvo gets a voltage signal from the DAC which it interprets and sends to the galvo, telling it where to move. (I'm fairly sure that's accurate)

 

[Gappa]

can you show me a DAC?

 

[Prototype]

Sure, there's the soundcard DAC:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f47/sound-card-dac-tutorial-40569.html

And the Flashback 3 from PangolinL

Flashback 3 low-cost OEM and USB laser controller - Pangolin Laser Systems

Those are the two most commonly used by hobbyists and they're both great, but the FB3 is better.

 

[Gappa]

So we are driving the scanner with a sound card? That would make random patterns when sound signal is pumped into it right? what does one of those pangolin boxes cost?

 

[Prototype]

The soundcard DAC also needs an amp to work properly, then it functions as a normal DAC. A Flashback 3, including Quickshow, which is the control software and a very excellent one at that, runs ~$600 or so.

 

[Gappa]

thanks that's great info man

 

[Prototype]

No problem, glad I could be of assistance.

 

[chipdouglas]

i don't know about FB3 but with the diy sound card you also need a correction amp. this can be aquired from dr.lava. but he only has bare boards. if you buy the board, then go to page 4 in the sound card dac tutorial and paulzimm has compiled a list of links that are the components to complete the correction amp board.

michael

 

[Gappa]

I think I will just buy the pangolin controller box and software, like was mentioned before i dont want to turn the controller into a diy also

 

[carmangary]

There are other controllers. RIYA, Lumax, EasyLase, etc. They are less expensive than the FB3 and will work with a wider array of software. The FB3 only works with the Pangolin software but most people like it. You can buy off the shelf hardware/software for less than half the price of the FB3.

 

[Gappa]

oh really? well I'm very new to lasers and still in the research phase of this project so any help is welcome

 

[ElektroFreak]

I've heard that the RIYA and easylase and both excellent. I think DrLava had a few easylase units a few months back that could be had fairly cheaply..

I have an FB3 and I can say that it's pretty much everything I would want it to be. It's a lot of fun, and it unleashes tons of creativity, especially when controlling it live to a beat. There is a very nice selection of frames and effects, plus some great tools you can use to make your own.. As you add to your frame collection, you can use all of them with the FB3 as well, but I haven't used very many of my other frames with mine because the selection that is provided with the FB3 is very nice..