Thread: Greg's laser Zero On/Off

Thanks Rod,

that is a great way of doing it. I can make it out of some aliminium.

Cedal is a real nice plastic which machines really well. Generally comes in array of colurs of black, black and black. I just got some 30, 25 and 16 mm bar. I'll machine it up to fit in the bore you show in your diagram. This will keep all my elecbuggery in a neat container.

PS: Doesn't take much for me to be confused, just ask my other half.

/M

A heads up on this.

Greg told us indirectly that you need two buttons to make this work.
One to operate the laser and one to position the spindle where the laser was used to line up the job.
I wondered at the time why Greg gave us two separate scripts and didn't combine the two functions into one button but I soon found out. You cannot jog around because the macro still has the focus. You need to be able to turn on the laser (first macro), jog to position the material start point with nothing running, then re-position the spindle (second macro). As Greg pointed out you can turn off the laser in this second macro.

Good thing I was able to fit another button on my already finished console and the laser I got works very well direcly connected (no resistors) and running 5vdc on my Bob.

Like the mount idea might have to use it for my machine when i get it ready.

Daniel
P.S Rod, I like your 3D CAD program...lol.

My laser arrived last week and i did some testing. It looks as if these have in-build power supply so they will accept a wide input voltage (2.4-4.5v if not higher) and they only draw 18mA. They may run a bit hot a 5V but as it is only used for a short periods it shouldn't be a problem. If not they are cheap.
Attached is a photo of the inside of the laser. Under the circuit board is a couple more components for the power supply. The components soldered to the red wire are a 2.5v regulator that i added. It is probably not needed but now i can run it from 3v up to 12v if i want.
Once i get my router finished i will make one of those brackets up. Great simple design.

Hi GWH
Yeh - what you have found supports what Greg and I found ie: these lasers will run 5vdc without any bother, and only pulls ~20milliamps, and more importantly, after two hours continuous running, there is no discernible heating.
I am simply running my laser direct from my C10 BOB - saamr as Rod is doing (and I think Greolt?).
Anyway - it works well and if it gives out after some hours/days/weeks/ months - so what - they are very cheap and easy to replace.
Cheers
Noel

Hey guys,
You have a lot of great information here but there is one thing I keep coming back to...
How did you get past the fact that it is illegal to import lasers into Australia that are over 1mW in power??

Cheers

Originally Posted by Sovaka

Hey guys,
You have a lot of great information here but there is one thing I keep coming back to...
How did you get past the fact that it is illegal to import lasers into Australia that are over 1mW in power??

Cheers

You can import them still as long as you dont get caught

In April 2008, following a series of coordinated attacks on passenger jets in Sydney, the Australian government announced that it would restrict the sale and importation of certain laser items. The government has yet to determine which classes of laser pointers to ban.[27] After some debate, Australian government voted to issue a nationwide ban on importing of lasers that emit a beam stronger than 1 mW, which was effective on July 1, 2008. Those whose professions require the use of a laser can apply for an exemption.[28]
In Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, a laser pointer with an accessible emission limit greater than 1 mW is classified as a prohibited weapon and any sale of such items must be recorded.[29][30] In Western Australia, regulatory changes have classified laser pointers as controlled weapons and demonstration of a lawful reason for possession is required.[31] Also The State Government has banned as of 2000 the manufacture, sale and possession of laser pointers higher than class 2.[32] In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the product safety standard for laser pointers prescribes that they must be a Class 1 or a Class 2 laser product.[33][34]

Just did a bit of research, no problems importing these. They are laser modules and are not "hand held laser pointers" that the regulation is covering.
All other devices are OK.
Not sure if my hand held IR temp gun with laser aiming falls into this category. I guess it is under 1mW.

Mine went through customs no problem. Perhaps because they are industrial - no battery compartment it was OK'd.
A point to be aware of is do not use the laser if you are using reflective material - engraving mirrors or a polished surface.

As I understand it you can import them if you have a legitimate reason. I know there has been some talk in the astronomy forums about the importing of them and it doesn't seem to be a problem (they use the lasers to line up the telescopes as I understand it). Might try and have a quick chat with the customs guys as I am sure there is some paperwork that will need to go with the "legitimate reason".