PIC Based Laser Spirograph

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Homemade PIC Microcontroller Lasers Show Spirograph DIY Make Electronics Cool Gadgets
AP Digital light
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  • Updated: 04-Mar-08
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  • Added: 23-Feb-08

Poor man's laser show.
Homemade PIC microcontroller based 3 axis laser spirograph.
Check video on my channel about making FS mirrors for this project.

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PIC Based Laser Spirograph

9 Comments | Add Comment
  • So to be sure...

    So this thing is basically a laser being reflected off 3 mirrors that are hooked to spinning motors that are controlled by those knobs?

    By Antimistic 1203919714 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • Yes, that is basic idea.

      There are two work modes: manual and automatic.
      In manual mode operator controls each motor individually by twisting corresponding potentiometer.
      In automatic mode microcontroller employs pseudo-random algorithm to calculate speed for every motor.

      By AP Digital light 1203928318 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • Very cool...

    I know nothing about lasers, but this setup you have here is very nice. Can the laser be replaced if you have a different colour you'd like, or is it pretty much hardwired? Also, would it be possible (obviously not with this build) but with the software/hardware you used to be able to program in preset "laser shows?"

    Like I said, I apologize for my ignorance about lasers and all things associated with them, all I know is not to look into them, and that they can pop balloons with black electrical tape on if they are powerful enough.

    By RickyTheFish 1203842797 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • It's never too late to learn new things.

      This device contains separated 1.5A voltage regulator for laser, so any type of 3-5V laser can be fitted in.
      Also this device can be modified that it will remember your presets and play them in sequence or it can be connected to PC and you'll be able to create spirogram on screen and send it to device to display.

      By AP Digital light 1203926841 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • same as (almost)

    one of my first laser toys I built around 1983 which also had 3 motors but they were PM magnet DC motors controlled with PWM circuitry - the motors would spin MUCH faster and create very cool spirographs. Your motors are small CPU fan motors arent they?
    5ive stars!

    By LaserCo 1203602815 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • Damn...

      Way to date yourself, LaserCo =) You were building laser toys around 1983, I was probably still breastfeeding =) You make me feel young again... and here I thought the "30" mark looming in the next few years was scary.

      By RickyTheFish 1203842891 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • Thank you for comment.

      Yes, I use 5V 200mA fans in this design. It's easy to mount mirror on its flat side.
      I don't want to use fast motor because mirror is unbalanced and that causes vibration when motor spins at maximum speed, so this light device tends to travel around flat surface itself.

      By AP Digital light 1203646504 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • I had mine ballanced pretty good

      I also had 3 spring mounts with a screw adjustment going thru each spring so I could adjust the pitch. Then I went into designing a setup where I could adjust the pitch while it was spinning, it was quite complex and was never finished Years later I learned of galvos and then things really took off for me.

      By LaserCo 1203668418 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
    • Galvos will be my next step.

      Much fun ahead...

      By AP Digital light 1203804045 Reply Spam [+1] Moderate Up Moderate Down
9 Comments | Add Comment