Lumia Projector Build

[Mindwaave]

Over the past month or so I've been really inspired by the work of flecom, swamidog, Jem, Vidal Wolf, and some others in regards to their posts about their work and experimentation with lumia. It is indeed one of the most beautiful uses for light that I've ever seen, so of course I was never quite able to get my mind off it once I was done with my scanning projector. I know I'm pretty new to the forum in comparison with those previously listed, but I'd like to share my work in the hopes that it will fascinate others as it has myself. I'll post my work phase by phase, so please feel free to post your knowledge, ideas, questions, and answers, and lets let the lumia shine

Here are the basics of my setup thus far:
I gutted a crappy Chinese animation laser for the aluminum heat dissipation plate, the green module and driver, but decided to keep the violet and red ones as well. As you can see from the pictures and my sig, I am awaiting a better 500mW violet from o-like in the mail, and so the only new module I have in place at the moment is a red Aixiz at 200mW. I do have measurements for an enclosure and (with the help of my roommate, who is majoring in electronic engineering) a schematic and parts list for a custom power supply in addition to 2 lumia wheels (displaser did an excellent job of making these!) paired with 1RPM 12VDC hankscraft motors.

The only major question I have at the moment is one of heat management. The green (silver) module and the red Aixiz (brass) module will both be screwed down flush onto the aluminum baseplate, but they will be placed very close together, only a millimeter or two apart. Will the two modules be okay in terms of staying cool, or should I consider putting a dedicated fan directly above them? Thanks for your input, questions, and comments

[Mindwaave]

Well, I ended up finishing this project over the summer. Figured I'd post the fruits of my labor to inspire any others who come wandering along.

The red Aixiz module died on me very early on, as the manufacturer did not mention it had a positive ground. I got a free replacement though. Other than that, the project progressed relatively uninhibited. This particular build is special for two reasons: 1) the amazing glass lumia wheels that Displaser made for me, and 2) a 1.3W module I bought on eBay that was advertised to output 460nm. It in fact is a little brighter in hue to the eye, especially when shown side-by-side with my 1.1W 445nm pointer. So yeah, the final product isn't too shabby.

[swamidog]

nice job!

got any video of it in action?

Well, I ended up finishing this project over the summer. Figured I'd post the fruits of my labor to inspire any others who come wandering along.

The red Aixiz module died on me very early on, as the manufacturer did not mention it had a positive ground. I got a free replacement though. Other than that, the project progressed relatively uninhibited. This particular build is special for two reasons: 1) the amazing glass lumia wheels that Displaser made for me, and 2) a 1.3W module I bought on eBay that was advertised to output 460nm. It in fact is a little brighter in hue to the eye, especially when shown side-by-side with my 1.1W 445nm pointer. So yeah, the final product isn't too shabby.

[Mindwaave]

Thanks Swami! Here's a crappy video I shot in my dorm. I'll try and shoot a better one once I find a better screen (or wall).

http://www.youtube.com/embed/umrx_EHn3V8

[swamidog]

just for giggles, think about wiring it so one motor rotates clockwise and one motor rotates counter clockwise and shining the lasers through the wheels where they overlap. you'll need to slow the rotation speed *way* down, but i think you'll like the effect.

Thanks Swami! Here's a crappy video I shot in my dorm. I'll try and shoot a better one once I find a better screen (or wall).

http://www.youtube.com/embed/umrx_EHn3V8

[Jem]

Nice work

Lumia effects are truly beautiful, I can waste hours just getting lost in the light.

[Mindwaave]

just for giggles, think about wiring it so one motor rotates clockwise and one motor rotates counter clockwise and shining the lasers through the wheels where they overlap. you'll need to slow the rotation speed *way* down, but i think you'll like the effect.

I'm actually getting ready to try that out. Rewiring the motor will be as easy as switching polarity, but because of the way I designed the projector, I'd need to install some mirrors if I want to change any of the beampaths.

Lumia effects are truly beautiful, I can waste hours just getting lost in the light.

Eh, I don't think that's too much of a waste of time :P Now I just gotta get creative with my next project!

[laserist]

The pennies soldered to the transistors as heat sinks is - interesting - seriously welcome to the club!

[Mindwaave]

seriously welcome to the club!

There's a club?

[laserist]

Yeap, there aren't any dues - no meetings - you just begin to recognise the members - and really - the pennies were a nice touch.

There's a club?