Need help making a XY scanner

[FlutterPie]

So I am new here, nice to meet y'all.

I have been wanting to make something like this for years now but i never knew how to go about it




I am recently getting serious about it again and I really would love to make one. I guess I dont need a "scanner" But I need to make something like the guy has in the video.

Im pretty sure I need a microcontroller, DAC, and galvos. I was thinking and maybe raspberry pi would work as a microcontroller? I guess I am not good with this kind of things so that why I need some assistance. If raspberry pi would work I can buy that on amazon and possibly the DAC, as for the galvos Im not sure.

I tried reading as much as I can about XY laser scanner but everything that I have seen is nothing like what I see in the video. I know the guy in the video also has a website that he put some info on but he just put the parts he used and never went in depth on how to actually make it work. I do want this computer controlled (I assume the one in the video is) I know I will need a software obviously but will I actually have to program what the laser does or when I play a song will it automatically do it by voltage or something?


I am pleased to be a part of this community now and how that some people can help me

[cfavreau]

Hi,

We have all been there... right at that starting point. Tech has just advanced so much since some of us have started.

If you want to jump right in with using a microcontroller and skip the wobulating mirror spirograph....

Check this link out:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ardu...ll-XY-Control/

Pretty much just what you ask for if you want to go make it all yourself with minimum Money investment.... Don't forget that money and time are interchangeable.

If you want to skip the whole DIY route might I suggest grabbing a Chinese ILDA projector off of Ebay and a DAC + Software.

If you want something in between... poke around this forum for more information. There information is here... and on other forums such as Laser Pointer Forum.

I hope some of that helps.

[FlutterPie]

@cfavreau thanks a lot of that information, that will help me greatly. I see in the tutorial he didnt use real galvos. Have any idea where I can have some?

[cfavreau]

Real Galvos? If you have about $150 you can have a real set of galvos shipped right to your house. Even less if you poke around.

For something closer to a "real" galvo try some stepper motors similar to this setup ...http://www.ctrnd.com/NormLaserShow/G...86-prutchi.pdf

If you just want to make a projector from parts and not get into making your own scanners, drivers, DAC, etc... then just poke around the forum. There is literally a ton of information around here.

[VDX]

... could be interesting for you: http://elm-chan.org/works/vlp/report_e.html

Viktor

[cfavreau]

Yeah that was next to post for DIY closed loop scanners ... and this one too:

http://scanlime.org/2008/07/hard-dis...er-at-ilda-4k/

Not as good but more digital and scrappy.

[FlutterPie]

Real Galvos? If you have about $150 you can have a real set of galvos shipped right to your house. Even less if you poke around.

For something closer to a "real" galvo try some stepper motors similar to this setup ...http://www.ctrnd.com/NormLaserShow/G...86-prutchi.pdf

If you just want to make a projector from parts and not get into making your own scanners, drivers, DAC, etc... then just poke around the forum. There is literally a ton of information around here.

Galvos are those little motors with mirrors that move right? You said that stepper motors are like galvos right?

How come all the stepper motors I see look like this

EDIT: oh wait, that is what I need isnt it? I just need to manually put mirrors on it correct?

[Photonbeam]

Why bother trying to make your own galvos anymore when you can buy a 20K closed loop scan set for $50?
http://www.goldenstarlaser.com/al20k-p-301.html

[FlutterPie]

Why bother trying to make your own galvos anymore when you can buy a 20K closed loop scan set for $50?
http://www.goldenstarlaser.com/al20k-p-301.html

Because I didnt know where to buy them.

Thanks a lot buddy

[FlutterPie]

Since I dont know what Im doing I put put a list of parts here that I plan to buy and I need confirmation.

The Board

The Galvos

I think I need a DAC? Maybe this will work?

I think I also need all this stuff also right?

"12v 3 Amp Power Supply
Voltage can be a bit higher or lower but needs to provide at least 3 amps of current.
You might find an old laptop power adapter at a thrift store with these specs.
Alternately - you can modify a PC ATX power supply.
Radio Shack Catalog # 22-507 would work fine - but is too expensive for what it is.
If you can't find a usable power supply locally - you can get one on eBay for about $15.

2 x 8-Ohm, 20-watt Non-Inductive Resistors
Available at Radio Shack - Catalog # 271-120
(alternatively - 2 x 6A, 50V Rectifier Diodes Radio Shack #276-1661 - see step 17 for details)

2 x 100-Ohm Resistors
Doesn't need to be exact value / wattage doesn't matter.
Available at Radio Shack - Catalog # 271-1311

2 x TIP120 Darlington Transistors
Available at Radio Shack - Catalog #: 276-2068

2 x TO-220 Heat Sinks (for Transistors)
These are required! Without them the transistors will quickly overheat!
Available at Radio Shack - Catalog #: 276-1363

2 x 470uF 35V Radial-lead Electrolytic Capacitor
Available at Radio Shack - Catalog #: 272-1030

2 x Alligator Clips
These make connecting to the laser pointer's battery leads easier.
Variety of options available at Radio Shack.

22 Gauge Solid Core Hookup Wire
This wire easily fits into Arduino headers. Not needed if you have a better solution.
Available at Radio Shack - Catalog # 278-1221

20 Gauge or Thicker Hookup Wire
For power connections - "speaker wire" should work fine."


EDIT: something else I just realized that the tutorial I am kind of following say I need to actually connect (solder) the laser the the board. I was planning on getting a laserglow aries and just sitting it down, shine the laser on the mirror and have the board do the work. I didnt realize I needed to connect the laser to the board