445nm module + Misc parts for 1st projector

[whatsupadrian]

I am going to be building my first projector for some beam shows. I want to buy a ~1w 445nm Module for it. I would build it myself but I have never tried to align optics before and am a bit hesitant, mainly because i usually ruin things the first time round. I was looking into something comparable to this http://www.o-like.com/index.php?main...products_id=97. TTL Modulation and able to run for a long period of time.TEC Cooled if necessary Possible a dual 445 configuration. Shoot me what you got.


So far this is the gear i have ordered for the projector..

15k galvos http://www.chinesedepartmentstore.co...oducts_id/8651
usb sound card http://www.dealextreme.com/p/c-media...l-output-15746
laserboy correction amp http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_d...ection_Amp.php

I have a couple 200mW green pointer modules(http://www.o-like.com/index.php?main...products_id=17), would these be suitable in a lab configuration, would the module heatsink require tec cooling for stability? What kind of driver could I use to run it /w ttl modulation(is that even possible with pointer modules)?

My first goal is to get the galvos and 445nm functioning properly.
Next goal would be to combine the green and blue.
Then i would attempt to build a red array myself.

I will need spare parts, case for everything to go in, mounts, PBS for 445 and 532, any other misc things i may be forgetting.

Thanks
Adrian

[LaNeK779]

i wish you best of luck with your project. just some remarks if i may

1. don't go for TTL. Search for analog for all your modules. You will get bored of TTl very quickly (in an RGB it gives only 7 colours, while analog is pretty much unlimited)

2. don't start looking for a case yet. measure all your components making provisions for red and green, get a 10mm thick alu plate, bolt everything up (ideally optics and lasers top side and all electronics at the botom) and then build a case around it. Ok, the "bolt everything up" is oversimplified, you will have to work out wiring and grounding schemes

3. not sure why you want pbs instead of dichroic filters to combine the colours

in general, search PL photo gallery to see other peoples' builds. you will get some very usefull ideas. even some peoples' avatars can give you many usefull hints

in any case, best of luck with your build and have lots of fun. don't hesitate to come back with questions


ps. don't forget to fill the "location" part in your profile, so people will know where you are

[whatsupadrian]

Thanks for the insight. For now I will take your advice and hold off on the case, and also will be looking for dichroic filters instead of PSB. I do like the idea of analog modulation, just figured it was a task for later down the road. Anyone experience using a green module from a pointer in their projectors? What kind of driver is used?

[taggalucci]

I have a small RGB projector using a pointer core for the green. I have simply swapped the standard push-button connected driver with a typical diode driver used for analogue modulation. A FlexMod P3 will do the trick and they'll be available again soon.

The diode is an infra red diode and the pinout matches that of a red diode (if memory serves correctly), though you can always confirm by testing the driver that came with it to determine polarity and used pins (which is what I did).

You could always build a driver from scratch. There's a circuit diagram for one on the site.

The search function here is your friend. I can guarantee most of your questions have already been answered here and you'd get a lot of benefit from searching through and reading many of the interesting threads and posts here. Of course if you have questions you can't find answer for or just want to get a better idea of what's being discussed, go for it - there are many helpful folks on this forum.

Have a look at j4cbo's thread about his little projector. That uses a green pointer core and he has taken a different approach to driving the diodes.

[Jolie]

Generally speaking, the green laser module from the pointer don't have TEC cooling. If you want a bigger power,I don't think it is a good chance.

[taggalucci]

Generally speaking, the green laser module from the pointer don't have TEC cooling. If you want a bigger power,I don't think it is a good chance.

Agreed, but for cheap and cheerful little practice RGBs, I've had acceptable results with a 200mW pointer core. You can always TEC them too if you so desire.