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400W handheld laser progress
🕑 Added 2024-03-19 00:35:10 +0000 UTCI decided to use an old radar gun to house this new laser, just like the 100W blue laser I built back in 2020. Going for quadruple the power in the same space brings up some significant challenges however. Nearly every millimeter of space inside the radar gun gets used. Most of my time spent so far is playing tetris with the batteries and drive circuitry.
My design process for electrical projects is quite flawed really. I typically start building a circuit before having the schematic nailed down. I also don't know any PCB or 3D design software, so everything has to get made by hand and miniaturized iteratively. It can be quite tedious, but at least it gives my projects a unique look.
The batteries I ordered ended up slightly larger than advertised, and this has been a nightmare to deal with. I've had to whittle away the inside of the gun with a dremel to make everything fit. I also had to order some smaller switches because the ones I had on hand were too big to fit.
I'm hoping the optics and cooling will go smoother than the power electronics.
Comments
Hyperballad Eyes
Maybe add a thick gasket between the gun parts. It would give you more space.
Hyperballad Eyes
This laser might need it's own pair of laser goggles so it doesn't get hurt lol.
Hyperballad Eyes
"My design process for electrical projects is quite flawed really." Recognizing this is needed, and taking the steps necessary, is the final step to mastery of your craft. I would really enjoy watching a video about you learning to make PCBs. S Some really amazing shit can be done in small spaces. And the best part is you don't have to re-invent the wheel. Most of the work has been done on optimizing these things. Also you can save money in the long run as you don't have to buy most small electric devises anymore. No need to buy a bunch of XXX to take them apart to get a small part. You just build one.
Andomedo
You could try using 18650's or lipo pouch cells instead of RC packs. Both are more predictable in terms of size. I'm an EE myself, and I recommend diptrace for editing schematics and PCBs. I use altium for work sometimes, and honestly I think diptrace is better in many ways. I've certainly built a few rats nest projects, but I think designing and building up a PCB is more fun, if I'm only making 1 of something.
Hyperballad Eyes
You should have at least of a couple of the components protrude from the housing... Real mad scientist style.
Brandonian
Ophelia is the real one building these lasers. It’s a conspiracy
