Laser Projector Start Buttons

[JStewart]

Laser Projector Start Buttons… You wouldn’t think it would be so difficult, but recently when looking at different projectors available, I found it to be tougher than it should be to buy a laser projector that has a start button and reset incorporated as has been required for all Class 4 laser products claiming compliance with EN60825-1:2007.

In case you are not familiar with the requirement, basically there needs to be a ‘start’ button on any laser outputting more than 500mW, that has to be pressed before the laser projector will output any light. And in the case of a power failure, when power is reapplied, the laser projector must not output light again, until the ‘start’/’reset’ button has been hit again.

CDRH have had this requirement for a long time, but it's only since the introduction of the 2007 version of the EN standard that it became a requirement in Europe. There was a two year grace period before manufacturers had to start using the new standard, so that means by the end of 2009, all suppliers should have switched over to using the most recent version.

But still, it’s interesting to see the number of projectors that do not have this feature, yet claim EN and CE compliance.

Some manufacturers offer it as an ‘option’, but the point of a product safety standard is that minimum safety features are not supposed to be extra cost options! When was the last time you bought a new car, and pondered over if you should buy the optional ‘seat belt pack’?

A comment I’ve heard from several manufacturers is that putting a start button on a laser projector is impractical, as it means that users would have to climb trussing to start the laser. But is not the easy answer to provide the start button via a wired remote?

I know many of you will have built your own projectors, and I think the topic of delay relays etc has come up on here in the past. I’m guessing that someone like Stanwax also probably offers a module that can fulfil this function. But to those looking at buying a readymade projector from one of the manufacturers, (and this can apply to the bigger/more respected suppliers too, who can be just as guilty of not knowing about the standard requirements!), double check the laser comes with these features as standard.

James

[andy_con]

no work on james?

three posts in one day ;-)

[JStewart]

Almost right Andy

There is plenty to do, but just enjoying a couple of days dropping back a gear as the sunshine is here at last, before the onslaught starts again later in the week.

The weather is just right for it to be Pimm's O'clock!

James

[andy_con]

haha, indeed enjoy the next two days of sun before the rain starts again.

[allthatwhichis]

Is this kinda what you are looking for?

http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...sm-wiring-help

[Carl B]

Rob will have to confirm this but I believe that all of Stanwax Laser Class 4 laser projectors are fitted with a start/reset system with a remote start button that is integrated in to the Estop on it's own lead or via the ILDA lead (as in my setup) with the abilaty to daisy chain multipul projectors.
Rob also sorted me out with a free start/reset board for my first of his RGB's I got before he had developed the boards.

Carl

[stanwax]

Indeed the Stanwax Ilda interface that has been available for over 2 years, performs this function and is fitted to all projectors I bulid. Its easy to retrofit into any projector by using our easy to fit mounting panels.
The interlock loop that includes ILDA interlock as per ilda spec, removing laser output when the ILDA lead is removed, a remote interlock via a 9 pin d con (which can be used as e-stop and has a start button function plus a laser status LED), and a keyswitch connection. The key connection can easily be broken out to facilitate the use of a case interlock microswitch - or any other interlock you can think of by just running it in series. There is a built in start up timer and the board switches mains current to the laser sources. When power is lost or the e-stop is tripped (or ILDA lead removed) the power to the lasers is lost and the laser will only start when the loops are completed and the start button is pressed initiating the start up timer. There is an output for a shutter which will only open the shutter when the ILDA shutter pin is high AND the timer sequence complete following a start button press.
These boards are very popular esp with US customers some of whom have done paperwork to incude the board for their variance.
V2.0 will be here before the summer is out with new features such as better daisy chaining support, more shutter output options, as well as a solid state shutter and an embedded elapsed hour counter.

Anyone who needs further info please email me from the contact page on my website

Rob

[Robin]

Adding my voice to the chorus of praise for Stanwax's ILDA board which makes this very easy to achieve.

[dsli_jon]

Adding my voice to the chorus of praise for Stanwax's ILDA board...

+1 from this ol' dog...
j

[JStewart]

Although I haven’t seen one myself, it looks like the Stanwax board gets the thumbs up for being a quick and elegant solution to making sure a projector compliant in this regard.

Rob, there are more few ‘professional’ laser projector suppliers you should be selling this too!

(Rob, pop me some more info on your boards, and I’ll make sure they get mentioned on future safety courses)

James