RGB Custom Build for laser mapping and graphics - Advice please

[White-Light]

If quality is more important than budget ultimately, on the scanner front consider Cambridge 6215 Scanners. They're expensive but quality and repeateability is there, good for projection mapping,targetting and the like - they are the probably best widely available scanners out there.

Pangolin have some Saturn 5 scanners that claim to be the best. However, no-one has a pair on here yet due to the non availability of the amps (they're still under development). But they also may be a good choice.

However, Cambrdge scanners alone will eat £2k+ or so of budget. Should last for ever though! Pangolin's, not sure on the pricing until the complete package is available, but likely to be less.

[Galvonaut]

Hrmm, maybe it would be better to buy something from someone like you edison, then do a separate build on the side. I really don't want to waste my time and money and it is clear that my current knowledge and rusty engineering skills would produce a less than satisfactory result!

I am wondering how beam specs would change when using a system like Pangolin's discoscan lens.

I understand that a GB laser would be an easier hit on the wallet, however I can't see this working with graphics, mapping and abstracts. I'll just have to save a little longer.
Can anyone tell me why red lasers are so expensive for decent beam specs? What causes the square red beams?

3 Watts and under it is then! Beam specs and partucularly rather a nice sexy white are more important to me than power. I would like beam suppression too - does this tend to be a standard?

I'd love to go the PCAOM route Kecked and along with the Cambridge scanners suggested by White-Light this might have to wait a year or so.

Thanks
Keith

[andy_con]

you could always come round and have a chat with my about modules and what i can do for you.

im in the Uk and will be attending the meet in a few weeks

[Galvonaut]

you could always come round and have a chat with my about modules and what i can do for you.

im in the Uk and will be attending the meet in a few weeks

Thanks Andy, I will certainly do that. I'll be there too - no doubt having brain overload!

[andy_con]

I can build you anything you want

[Galvonaut]

Thanks andy-con, I'll have 10 of each

[andy_con]

lol how you paying cash or cheque?

[Galvonaut]

lol how you paying cash or cheque?

.......Buttons!?

[Galvonaut]

Bumping this thread <with reams of questions> as I'd like to start my build (assembly) in the new year - LSX has made me want a proper projector :P


Andy_con: what sort of modules could you build? My brain was so fried by everything at the LEM that I didn't think about discussing this with you. I was considering single mode, like DTR's single mode set-up. Swami uses one of these and they look great but would rather not ship from the US if possible. Spacial filtering is another option but then I lose a bit of power in the process and me trying to build this adds an extra layer of "this isn't going to work" to the situation!


My plan is to laser highlight projection mapped graphics as well as creating abstracts within a 15m dome. My experience is limited, so still can't decide on appropriate power.
Kecked suggested 1w 638nm 500mw 532nm 1w 445nm. Is this too much blue and what do these wavelengths look like? I'll make a colour crib sheet for the next LEM I go to!
Could anyone else offer suggestions?


I'm finding this design process pretty tricky as I've been out of engineering for longer than I can remember. I suppose I need to start with laser modules/diodes, decide on optics then decide on electronics required such as Stanwax DS3 colour correction, axis flip board.
How do other people go about designing a projector? Is this the right way of doing things?


I saw inside Rob Stanwax's new (in development) version of the shoebox RGB at the UKLEM and really liked it's size and weight (I have an uncooperative back) although now I am thinking that a fully sealed case might be a better idea as this thing is going to be outside quite a lot. Rob has some very clever ideas inside that little box of his and how he's fitted it all in amazes me. Have you ever built fully sealed units?
Andy does some very sexy sealed cases but I do like the compactness of Rob's.

Is anyone else building smallish sealed cases?

Optical set up, I guess red through as little glass as possible? I suppose this depends on what wavelength modules/diodes I'm getting?


Thanks for getting this far
<continues searching buried build threads>

Keith

[Galvonaut]

Another question.... I might want to stack projectors. Is it easier getting 2 of each laser module (or projector) than matching at a later date? Can matching be done with colour correction boards or are decent diodes close enough to not have to worry?

Thanks

Keith