A long running project of mine. Really a computer controlled laser projector. Once we were carrying it while it was still under construction, and somebody asked, "What is it?" Before my partner could answer, I said, "My deathray!"
For the curious, it has had three physical manifestations.
- The Mark-I
Two stepper motors with cams controlled a mirror on a ball joint. The laser was fired at the mirror and the beam would be deflected at "controlled" angles. Really just was a bad idea. Thing sounded like a machine gun and tore itself apart during "normal" operation. On a positive note: nearly blinded the high school principle.
- The Mark-II
A two axis galvanometer scanner setup with a laser diode. Connected to the computer through some latches and two DAC's. Had good results. Introduced us to the non-linear dynamics of galvonometer response. Computer could not maintain the 1uS timing required to keep up.
- The Mark-III
A newer two axis galvonometer scanner setup with a laser diode. New features: a microcontroller and better amplifiers. About 80% finished.