Hey Guys! Check out my tiny one!
OK, with respect, let's start by me asking what is wrong with you? You saw that title and you still clicked on this link. This is exactly the kind of rash clicking that got your computer infected with that nasty virus last time! Don't deny it now because we can all see who read this thread. Be more cautious next time, mister!
OK, this wasn't just a click-bait post. I spent last weekend doing what I think is a tiny, simple build and I wanted to share the results. Here are some pics:
The case is little more than this inexpensive case from our laser supply guy, GKPhotonics. It measures a mere 2"x4"x5" (51mmx102mmx127mm) and consists of little more than a pair of X-Laser Compact 506's set and this single mode RGB module by Opt Lasers. There are several places where clearances are 0-1mm in this build, so I don't think I could get such a build into anything smaller. The fan is reasonably powerful, so hopefully it doesn't overheat on me.
The mirrors on the 506's are 4mm and need to get swapped out for 3mm mirrors, but otherwise the thing is fully functional off of a 12V power supply. Oh, and since its a tiny build running off of just +12V DC, the opportunity exists to run it off of a Lion battery. A quick e-mail to X-laser USA confirmed that the galvos could handle the voltage variance without a buck-booster as they discharge down to 10.5V without killing them. This means that a laptop, a USB powered DAC like the Helios DAC are all you need to have in addition to laser nearly anywhere.
Here's a quick video of it running a Swamidog show at 22kpps at ~25degrees optical from the battery. As Swami points out in the comments, some of the abstracts are messed up from running the show too slow, but it gives you some idea. I'll see what I can do at faster speeds once I swap out the mirrors.
I didn't have high expectations for the Opt module, but it turns out to be pretty decent.. In addition to being about 1/3 smaller than I could build with other commonly available parts, it was cheaper than I could do by about $100. The color balance isn't bad, although the blue diode could use a bit more umph. I may swap it out with something else when I get the chance.
The driver that comes with the module does not have stand-by beam suppression or even bias controls, but isn't that bad a performer IMO. I have just enough room in the case to replace it with 3 of BBE/X-wossee's drivers if I think its necessary.
Anyway, a compact build anyone can do in a weekend!
-David
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Bradfo69
Originally Posted by rodman1369
