Looking for Advice for First Scanner Project.

[icorn25]

Since it is customary to introduce one’s self in their first post;

About me:
I am currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Robotics. My obsession with lasers began about a year ago, and I have since spent countless hours reading here at PL and on LPF. I felt that it was important for me to learn as much as I could by reading before I posted on either of the two forums. I have built a couple of lasers and other project and now feel like it is time to take a stab at building a scanner.

Past projects:
-Laser pointers: 445, 405, 650, and IR
-Self-built Diode Drivers (afterwards, decided it was much easier buying them from Dr. Lava than dealing with SMT components)

Current Project:
I plan on building a scanner using the white fusion kit (http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs...kit-42013.html). Before I start in on the project I want to make sure with the experts that I am on the right track. I have made a table of the parts that I believe I will need. I am not worried about the enclosure at this time. The enclosure should be less problematic for me.

Required Specs (Likely to Change):
-sound activation
-DMX control
-Ability to make/edit my own presets (or just live control).
-Analog Modulation
*Please feel free to offer suggestions.

Parts List:



Links:
-White fusion kit http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs...kit-42013.html

-Aixiz Module http://hightechdealz.com/product_inf...products_id=40

-445 diode http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/44...140-52076.html

-650 nm diode http://hightechdealz.com/product_inf...products_id=37

-532 nm O-like module http://www.o-like.com/index.php?main...9d13a3c79d7221

-Full color driver http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs...tml#post584403

-Scanner+Dmx Controller http://lasershowparts.com/store/inde...d&productId=67

-USB sound Card DAC http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...696#post139696

-Spaghetti software http://hingednewt.com/default.aspx

-405 nm lens http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs...xiz-22497.html

-650 nm lens http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs...red-46332.html

-Laser Host http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...&name=HM958-ND


Let me know if I am on the right track. I am up for any suggestions. If you know an easier way to do something or better parts/retailers please educate me!

[-bart-]

If you remove the redundant http:// from your links, they become clickable

That aside it looks like you did your homework well.

[icorn25]

If you remove the redundant http:// from your links, they become clickable

That aside it looks like you did your homework well.

There we go. Let me know if that helps.

[icorn25]

I for got to ask: Do you guys have advice for a power supply? Just a regular CPU power supply? I have not been able to find much information about this subject.

[-bart-]

Don't use cpu or pc powersupplies, they're only fit for their intended use.
Some of them need a minimal load to be stable.

I use Traco and Sunpower, never had one fail.

Don't forget to add a long ilda cable to your list.

[icorn25]

Thanks so much for all of your help -bart-

[icorn25]

I will be using a laptop. Won't I be able to use USB connection between my laptop and the scanner or is it ilda connection only?

[buffo]

Welcome to the forums, Icorn25. Please fill out your profile information so folks know roughly where you are located. It makes it easier to offer specific advice when we know where in the world you are. (Also, if you're close enough to one of the members, they may offer to meet you in person to help out even more.)

I will be using a laptop. Won't I be able to use USB connection between my laptop and the scanner or is it ilda connection only?

Oops! Conceptual error here. The USB connection is a digital link between the laptop and the controller. The 25-pin analog ILDA cable runs from the controller to the projector. These are completely separate connections, and you need both of them.

Remember, the projector receives analog signals. The computer produces digital signals. So you need a controller to handle the digital to analog conversion. (Which is why many people use the term "DAC" to refer to their controller.)

You can use a USB sound card as a controller, but you will need a separate correction amplifier connected to the output of the sound card in order for it to work properly. (The ILDA cable will link the output of the correction amp to the projector.)

Or you can purchase a commercial USB controller like the Ryia multibus, or the Pangolin FB3. But even so, you'll still need an ILDA cable to connect the controller to the projector.

Finally, you can even use a pre-programmed controller (like the DMX board that comes with the Scan-pro 20 scanners you linked to above) to get started, but you won't be able to do much beyond calling up the built-in patterns stored on the board...

Adam

[QUAZAR]

I would advise against using DMX for control. it is a very limited application and not really worth spending time and money on.

[icorn25]

Does the $150 dollar AUDIOLASE soundcard DAC package still require a correction amplifier, or is a part of this package? "Just add a USB cable and ILDA cable and you are ready to plug and play with your favorite audio DAC based software."

P.S. I updated....I'm from Indiana