Hello everyone,
First of all I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Max from Milwaukee (are there any other milwaukeans out there?) and I will soon be graduating from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) with a BA in Production Operations Management (POM) and a secondary concentration in Marketing.
I am also a freelance Lighting Designer, I work closely with a few schools in the Milwaukee area and I continue to find interesting work when my schedule allows. I also work for Clearwing Productions Inc., which is based out of West Allis, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee). With that said, I think it is clear why I would develop a fascination for laser light show. I can still remember the very first time I saw one in person. I've been hooked ever since.
Well now I am trying to build my own RGB unit. This will be (unofficially) my First Laser projection system. My actual first one was a set of motors bought off of ebay for about $20 using a stereo amplifier and a wave generator on my computer. Well I was un-impressed and I feel the need to move to something bigger/better. I am new to this website, but I am not entirely new to the whole deal. But there are still a few things I am shaky/hesitant on, and thats where I need your help.
So I am basically starting from scratch with this projector. The only suitable piece of equipment I own is a 150mw 532nm Lasever U-series, that I bought from David Wu about 1.5-2 years ago. I actually intend on phasing this particular laser out with my new design.
So the design I have in mind will be built around the specs of a 1/4 x 1/3 pack case (outside dimensions of 22.5 x 30 x 30 DxWxH). I haven't really worked up the entire design yet, but I want something that can travel easily and most important - safely! I have actually considered adding a sand ballast in the bottom of the case to increase the weight of the case in order to also increase inertia and thus decreasing mis-alignment due to transportation. I'll work more on the design and probably work up a drawing or two and post them in the future. The biggest thing that I will have to keep into consideration when working on this system is that I will want it to be CDRH compliant.
The dream specs- ~1.5w Balanced RGB - 2.5w total output (taking into account for the loss of output from internal optics/scanners)
-1.5w 532nm
-~1w 660nm
-300mw 473nm
(all analog mod.)
The 532 would clearly need to be toned down for white balance, however, I also want this system to be as versatile as possible.
I have already had a small chat with Marconi about his 660nm modules, I am looking at the 2x set up for now, with the intent to increase to his under-development 4x set up in the future.
As far as scanner sets go. I am looking at two sets, the DT-40pro's and the Scanpro40's sold by Aijii on eBay. As of today I am teetering on the edge here and I am unsure of which direction to go, if you could chime in here and lead me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.
Anyway, I look to build the system with the 532 lasever that I have add in the Marconi model and run it as an RGY system for a while until the price of blue lasers drop a little more. Then when I feel I am finally ready for the leap I will make the final few investments (1.5w 532nm and the 473nm). As far as optical mounts, is there anyone who has a source for cheap ones? I have contemplated making my own to cut costs.
Finally my optical table dimensions are still unknown because I would need to know the internal dimensions of the quarter by third pack case. But I think I will probably make my own table. Of those people who have done this before I would like to know if there is any particular route you recommend, also what type of materials to buy and where.
Sorry for the novel everyone, I am sure it wont be my last one. I am almost positive that as soon as I submit this thread I will think of something else.
Well thanks in advance, I really appreciate your input.
-Max