I'm building a Mobolazer G-Beam clone.

[telmnstr]

I'm working to build a G-Beam Mobolazer clone. I'm going to call the first one the Ghetto Beam.

I'm going to use micro R/C servos, Arduino, PWM expansion chip and DMX-512 libraries.

It should have 10 switch points and TTL laser modulation at first. I've got some interesting ideas that I'm going to test when it matures.

Will post progress, pictures, and source code.


Yes, I realize there are many ways to do this. One is using a stepper motor with opto for position calibration. Another is to use a DAC and a galvo and steer the beam with this. Another is to use DC motors similar to the real Mobolazer units. There are GM20s and similar. And then there is the cheap servo way. I said it's my first :-)

[swamidog]

i've been seriously considering doing a servo based beam table for quite some time. there are some awesome arduino libraries and hardware available.. like the stuff from lynxmotion:

http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-395-ssc-...ontroller.aspx

I'm working to build a G-Beam Mobolazer clone. I'm going to call the first one the Ghetto Beam.

I'm going to use micro R/C servos, Arduino, PWM expansion chip and DMX-512 libraries.

It should have 10 switch points and TTL laser modulation at first. I've got some interesting ideas that I'm going to test when it matures.

Will post progress, pictures, and source code.


Yes, I realize there are many ways to do this. One is using a stepper motor with opto for position calibration. Another is to use a DAC and a galvo and steer the beam with this. Another is to use DC motors similar to the real Mobolazer units. There are GM20s and similar. And then there is the cheap servo way. I said it's my first :-)

[mixedgas]

Please try a servo before you do this, out to a bounce mirror. They are slow. Repeatability is poor.

mmuhler on this forum has the motors the Mobo used in his actuators. Perhaps you can cut a deal.


Steve

[absolom7691]

i've been seriously considering doing a servo based beam table for quite some time. there are some awesome arduino libraries and hardware available.. like the stuff from lynxmotion:

http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-395-ssc-...ontroller.aspx

RS-232 and not USB? Curious.

[swamidog]

usb to rs232 is trivial.

i will be taking mixedgas' advice. he has forgotten more about engineering than i will ever know.

RS-232 and not USB? Curious.

[The_Doctor]

There's RS232 (well, serial, the voltages aren't the same as actual RS232) in Bluetooth and its core protocol seems to be aimed at exactly that. There are proper RS232 connectors with bluetooth that can go hundreds of metres with good security against noise and other Bluetooths around. They cost a bit, but might be better than a hundred metres of cable, and given the speed of setting up, maybe better. There are also USB variants with Bluetooth that really are dirt cheap, but the one I had used software called BlueSoleil, and it was horrible. The dedicated RS232 hardware ones are worth their cost just to avoid USB and dodgy software. AT commands from a terminal can set them up as you want.

[absolom7691]

i will be taking mixedgas' advice. he has forgotten more about engineering than i will ever know.

I think more than most will ever know!

[djeric68]

I have four of their G-Beams and have taken them apart to check them out. I think the actuators are Mabuchi motors http://www.mabuchi-motor.co.jp/cgi-b...AT_ID=rf_500tb
Mobolazer used a rubber "bumper" on the mounting screws to limit travel along with a spring to return the arm to its resting position.

Mobolazer patented the idea of using a cassette deck motor as an actuator .... http://www.google.com/patents/US5576901 The link has full description and drawings.

Hope this helps.


Eric

[AnAnonymousParty]

Servo motors, meh. Stepper motors: cheap, easy, repeatable, precise, fast, versatile. You can do DMX512 with a PIC. And you can kick mobolazer's ass.

[Robin]

I'm not sure how far along you are in your build, but here's a projector that might offer some inspiration and ideas:

http://www.lasershs.com/LitePipe_las..._projector.htm