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Thread: 6W RGB Laser Build - UK

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Kenilworth, UK
    Posts
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    Default 4W RGB Laser Build - UK

    Hi, I have been a member around here since 2013 when I looked at building a laser projector, however I decided to focus on the Boominator project first (http://forum.speakerplans.com/boomin...opic86687.html). Its now complete and I want to move back to the laser, I owned a couple of basic lasers 15-20 years ago, 1m long gas tube type thing with very basic motors as galvos, swirl patterns only. I also use measurement lasers at work so am aware of the dangers etc.

    I now want to build a proper one now for Beams and Graphics and after spending the last few weeks on here I want to run the concept below past you, the experts. I have also noticed some familiar names on here from speakerplans, so hello.

    I don’t have any professional purpose for the laser, just something to build and learn about as a hobby, although I will use it once or twice a year in a suitable 100-150 people venue for birthday parties etc.

    1st step is to get the laser diodes and housings (DTR), I will then measure the beams, design the optics and check they work as needed. Once I have the layout done and beams looking good I will design the optical table etc.

    Couple worries I have (you may have a lot more!):

    I seem to have a lot of Blue, I based it on http://lsrtools.1apps.com/relativebr...nm1=520&mw1=80 for DOT and BEAM, but does 4W of blue seem about right for 1.4W red and 0.7W Green? The 4W is for the Dot, I assume this is graphics?

    Diodes (all with G2 lenses from DTR)
    Oclaro HL63193MG 638nm Red * 2
    NDG700 520nm Green * 1
    M462 462nm Blue * 2

    Basic layout at the moment with what I have learned so far from here:

    Laser layout by Simon Redfearn, on Flickr

    Thanks,


    Dupe...

    PS. As I did for my Boominator I will keep the thread updated.
    Last edited by djdulux; 01-15-2016 at 00:32.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Nottingham, UK
    Posts
    2,845

    Default

    Welcome aboard Sir!

    Looks like a great first project.
    Personally I'd simplify and only go for 1x blue.
    Cheaper / better white balance / less alignment

    Also: get on down to the next UKLEM. *or else*
    - There is no such word as "can't" -
    - 60% of the time it works every time -

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    3,513

    Default

    Agreed. The power increase sounds tempting, but in reality the extra blue power will just make the combined output very blue. You will probably still wish you had more red even with a single blue.

    Whether you fab or buy your optical mounts make sure you leave yourself some flexibility in positioning. Using slotted bases or oversize holes will pay you back even if you do careful planning and you certainly seem to be doing that!

    You might take a quick at one of my videos. there might be something useful to you there.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMonZHMTra4

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    East Sussex, England
    Posts
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    Default

    Go with one blue and put a 1W 520 in there.
    Frikkin Lasers
    http://www.frikkinlasers.co.uk

    You are using Bonetti's defense against me, ah?

    I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    East Sussex, England
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    P.S. Hello to you too

    The steering mirrors are a good idea but don't use too many as it becomes a nightmare keeping it all aligned. You can end up chasing it around in circles. 2 fixed lasers and one adjustable is the best way I've found and there's a few ways you can do it.
    Frikkin Lasers
    http://www.frikkinlasers.co.uk

    You are using Bonetti's defense against me, ah?

    I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    East Sussex, England
    Posts
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    Default

    Also think about trying to get the path lengths of the beams equal pre-cube
    Frikkin Lasers
    http://www.frikkinlasers.co.uk

    You are using Bonetti's defense against me, ah?

    I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
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    New Hampshire
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    Also think about trying to get the path lengths of the beams equal pre-cube
    This is a very good point and not really an option for the high divergence reds. The simplest way is to set the red that does not take the right angle turn and set it back by an amount to equalize the distance. If you eliminate the extra blue this will simplify the design. I would retain the two turning mirrors for the green and blue as it will make nailing the alignment on the dichroics easier.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Kenilworth, UK
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    Quote Originally Posted by danielbriggs View Post
    Welcome aboard Sir!

    Looks like a great first project.
    Personally I'd simplify and only go for 1x blue.
    Cheaper / better white balance / less alignment

    Also: get on down to the next UKLEM. *or else*
    Thanks for the warm welcome, I will take a look at the blue. Yes planning to get down to UKLEM, BBQ and boombox will be making it too.

    Dupe...

  9. #9
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    Jan 2013
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    Kenilworth, UK
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    Quote Originally Posted by planters View Post
    Agreed. The power increase sounds tempting, but in reality the extra blue power will just make the combined output very blue. You will probably still wish you had more red even with a single blue.

    Whether you fab or buy your optical mounts make sure you leave yourself some flexibility in positioning. Using slotted bases or oversize holes will pay you back even if you do careful planning and you certainly seem to be doing that!

    You might take a quick at one of my videos. there might be something useful to you there.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMonZHMTra4
    Thanks for the wise words, I have watched some of your videos already, really like the razor blade one, simple, but really elegant.

    Dupe...

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Kenilworth, UK
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    Quote Originally Posted by norty303 View Post
    Also think about trying to get the path lengths of the beams equal pre-cube
    As soon as I read this I realized I had made a silly mistake, sometimes the obvious things just get overlooked. Thanks.

    Dupe...

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