RGB Custom Build for laser mapping and graphics - Advice please

[White-Light]

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

Keith this went unanswered so I just thought I'd point you to this:

In terms of the technicalities of the beam, I really couldn't tell you other than to say in this and other videos I've seen it still looks pretty good. I suggest you contact Pangolin for the technicalities not least because I believe the price was reduced not so long ago.

[Galvonaut]

Thanks White-Light

I have seen this video during my research and it does look very good. I'll speak to Bill about it as it could be a solution. I am a little concerned about divergence as the shots of single beams on the Pangolin website show heavy divergence. I wonder if telescoping and focussing the laser onto the lens might help? Bill might be able to tell me more though.
<edit> It actually looks like Audio Visual Imagineering use them as they seem to stock them.</edit>

Another option is stacking/tiling lasers and using geometric correction. Not something I've played with in LSX yet. I might give it a try and report back on my findings.

Thanks
Keith

[andy_con]

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?




Keith

if your really interested in the best beam quality going then 500mw 638 isn't what you want, a few single mode 638's are going to be better. better beam quality and much cleaner beam but a few more ££

[swamidog]

agreed. if you're doing dome shows and have full control of lighting, a single mode system like the kit DTR sells is a really good way to go.

reasonably inexpensive, surprisingly bright, great beam specs, and very good modulation characteristics (with flexmods).

if your really interested in the best beam quality going then 500mw 638 isn't what you want, a few single mode 638's are going to be better. better beam quality and much cleaner beam but a few more ££

[Galvonaut]

if your really interested in the best beam quality going then 500mw 638 isn't what you want, a few single mode 638's are going to be better. better beam quality and much cleaner beam but a few more ££

Thanks Andy. I think I've resigned myself to spending an order of magnitude more on this build. Would combining be done with a PBS rather than knife edging to maintain beam specs? What power is a single 638 and what could you expect the output to be when combined?

Swami: Having thought about my current laser brightness and divergence, I think DTR's kit may do the trick (but not sure). Did you build your own module to hold the diodes or does DTR supply them?
Does the extended barrel on those modules increase the depth of focus or does it serve some other purpose?

Keith

[Galvonaut]

A bump to this thread and a few more questions.

I have 2 sets of DTRs single mode diode kits here - I think I'm going to be building 2 projectors.

I would like some advice on 2 things - Diode drivers and heat-sinking of both the Flexmod and the diode modules.

Swamidog has recommended the Flexmod-P3 drivers and they look like a great choice, but I have no knowledge in this area. Are there other analogue drivers available and how to they stand up against the Flexmod?

If I were to use the Flexmod drivers, how much heat-sinking do they require? I imagine I am going to be having quite a high duty cycle, so is this a consideration? I saw on LPF that DTR had extended the leads on the MOSFET to attach to a larger heat sink. Is this wise as I am planning a sealed laser?

The single mode diodes are quite low power. Do they pump a lot of heat out? Would it be best to use TEC on the diodes or the main diode heat sink if they are in a sealed unit or would they remain pretty stable? I understand that laser diodes can easily get into thermal runaway and I'd rather avoid that! How much protection would the Flexmod provide for thermal runaway, if any?

Thanks

Keith

[Galvonaut]

Well - I'm back on the build.

I've got 2 sets of DTRs single modes with G2 glass lenses that I'm going to PBS together and a set of CT6800s with the CT servoamp 1M0, a selection of PSUs and an enclosure.

Next on the list is diode drivers, optical bed, PBS cubes, dichros, mirrors and kinametic mounts. The optical bed is going to be huge for the power of this build, so wondering if I need to cool it? If I can avoid cooling this would be good as I intend for this projector to be above and in the middle of the audience - so noise output is important.

Any advice appreciated as I am sure there are lots of new developments since I first planned this build!

I am also tempted to upgrade the scan set if there is a reasonably priced alternative that can be recommended?

Thanks - and Merry Christmas!

Keith

[Galvonaut]

More components for the build - with thanks to George who some may have met at the UKLEM a few years back.

If anyone can help with the ID and any info about the motor controller it would be much appreciated.


2 rotary star gratings on 2 rpm motors, 2 stationary gratings (1 line and 1 star) some lumia glass, 3 first surface mirrors on actuators.

These will all make their way into my single mode build, no doubt - as the enclosure should have plenty of room for them.


Motor controller made by NL-Optics


Also any info on this interlock board appreciated please. George is keeping hold of this for the time being and I said I'd ask for info here.

Many thanks.

[Galvonaut]

The components are all slowly coming together - Huge thanks again to George who threw in lots of components with the CT6210H scanset - some of which will be used in this build and some for other projects.


The CT6210H scanset - not sure I need this mirror size for a single mode build - but also have the CT6800s. I'll have an experiment and decide if I should use the 6210s for a higher power build.


One of the amps


A nice selection of optical mounts, mirrors and dichros. Has anyone got experience of Zolix mounts please as I wondered how stable these are?


1W 532nm DPSS - This will probably end up in a lumia project (or for popping balloons)

Almost there with components now - then it's working out how this will all go together!

[catalanjo]

If you do find that cooling is a problem ... the Corsair liquid closed circuit deals from Maplin can be added later and they are very quiet !
Cheers