Simple projector project on a budget

Hi guys,
A friend wants to build a single color projector to display numbers and letters on or as a scoreboard.
So obviously we need a diode and driver, and cheap scanners (15k-20k would be more then enough) and drivers, and a power supply. I've got several TTL diodes and drivers to spare for him. Where can I get a cheap pair of scanners and drivers?

Also, getting and FB3+Quickshow would blow his budget. What other software can use use to do numbers and letters? Would Etherdream be the next best thing for DAC?

Oh, and he's no stranger to building electronic projects. After all, he took a Delorean and converted it to an EV.

thanks,
-Hank

there's a sale on LSX+DAC bundles right now. LSX basic and a riya or etherdream dac would be more than sufficient for the task:

https://innolasers.com/shop/index.ph...oller=category

Thanks, I figured there was something like that. And I wasn't sure of LSX was overkill or there was something that just does basic words and numbers -- although, we could probably just write that ourselves. ;)

So he wants to keep it on a real budget, and says he can build his own DAC with a pic microcontroller.

Assuming he can do that (I believe he can), is there any free (or almost free) software available to do basic letters and numbers?

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Originally Posted by HankLloydRight

A friend wants to build a single color projector to display numbers and letters on or as a scoreboard . . cheap scanners (15k-20k would be more then enough)

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Just to drag us back for a moment, how many numbers or letters are we talking about here Hank? A scoreboard of 20 characters total (especially if they are block characters) is no easy display . . lots of sharp angles and such. Are we under-spec'ing this item? A set of PT-40Pros will only set your guy back $250+50 shipping, roughly double the cost of a junky 20K set of scanners.

Also to confirm, is the requirement is to project in low light conditions? Otherwise "we need more power Cap'n!". ;)

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he took a Delorean and converted it to an EV.

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Wow! I'll donate everything he needs if he'll convert the RX-8 in my driveway into an EV! ;)

-David

Trust me, my friend is the king of DIY electronic projects.

He said his budget is $100.

I'm donating this DHOM 500mw 532nm dpss driver I got from LaserGuy216

https://www.photonlexicon.com/forums...5&d=1460660503

He just needs scanners, drivers, PS, and software.

I sent him a link to this post for scanners:

https://www.photonlexicon.com/forums...)-50-euro-each

I am also wondering how many letters/numbers? I second the recommendation of PT40 scanners.

I would suggest taking a look at the Helios DAC. This DAC works with LSX from my understanding.
http://pages.bitlasers.com/helios/

I will be surprised if he can stay in the 100 budget. I mean parts from digikey alone to build a DAC are like $50. Then a set of scanners? Plus Software?

Lasers are cool but they are a money pit. Don't get in the game if you can't afford it. He will be much happier with the output if he spends the money to get good 40K scanner, Helios DAC and LSX. That is the cheapest option that will look good in my book.

Thanks.

extra characters

Yeah... I thought the same thing when you first mentioned characters. That's one of the hardest things for scanners to display well. DT's or PT's would be my suggestion as well.

He's been doing some research and thinks he can do it cheaper with spinning mirrors instead of galvos.

Comments?

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Originally Posted by HankLloydRight

He's been doing some research and thinks he can do it cheaper with spinning mirrors instead of galvos.

Comments?

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How can he display text with spinning mirrors?

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Originally Posted by Grix

How can he display text with spinning mirrors?

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I believe with spinning mirrors you can get the same scanning effect as galvos.

Or maybe produce a raster image instead of vector. I'm not sure what he found.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HankLloydRight

I believe with spinning mirrors you can get the same scanning effect as galvos.

Or maybe produce a raster image instead of vector. I'm not sure what he found.

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you can do simple rasters with spinning mirrors.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttj0Dh9YMYo

Here's the spinning mirror laser projector:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvbzIy2U1J0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvbzIy2U1J0

And build details: http://portablelaserprojector.blogspot.com/

It's interesting, to say the least.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HankLloydRight

So he wants to keep it on a real budget, and says he can build his own DAC with a pic microcontroller.

Assuming he can do that (I believe he can), is there any free (or almost free) software available to do basic letters and numbers?

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You can also build a very capable DAC using an 8 channel USB sound device and a correction amp kit.

LaserBoy is free and it can be used to make frames of text and numbers. Once you have what you want it takes a fraction of a second to generate a wave file that, when played on the USB sound card, produces the signals that control the laser projector.

It's not exactly real-time but with some practice, it's close.

http://laserboy.org/forum/index.php?topic=561

LaserBoy and the modified USB sound device also work with a Raspberry Pi!

This is about as inexpensive and DYI as it gets!

James.

His latest out-of-the-box idea is to get 28 laser pointers with a grating on the end to project a short line.

Then arrange them in 4 sets of 7-segment numbers (like old LED displays). Then just selectively turn on and off each segment to display two scores.

I already told him that alignment is going to be hard, and of course, it would only work at one fixed distance, and if the distance changed, so would the alignment of each segment.

But this he can do for less than $100!

In addition, finding the right gratings might be a challenge. That said, this approach could be done within the $100 budget!

If over 5mw, I assume this is for some sort of public thing, being a scoreboard. How is this device for under $100 going to be compliant or is it in use where it isn't public and nothing is sold in the same venue?

Pretty awesome solution though!

I can't answer that.

Well, he isn't wasting any time, that's for sure!

He says:

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Presenting the number 4 in Seven Segment Laser Display
Crude initial proof of concept.
Using four 75 cent laser modules and pieces of 3/8" acrylic rod as line forming lenses.
I have ordered real line forming lenses.
Looking for 30 reasonably prices green lasers.
Working on a PIC microcontroller circuit to turn.

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