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HANDS-ON
MODDING & TWEAKING
Programmable
Laser Lightshow
Using a DIY projector
Jeroen Domburg & Thijs Beckers
The act of mounting an additional LCD in a
computer case is now fairly commonplace
among case modders. Such a display can
be used as a readout for all kinds of useful
information without using the PC monitor
for that. This is not unusual anymore and
as a case modder you will have to think of
something new to be noticed. This simple
laser projector is sure to draw attention.
The LCD that’s often built into the PC case by case modders
has a few advantages (such as the direct readout
of certain information) but, alas, also a few disadvantages
— for example, you always have to look at the
PC case to see this information. This case is generally
not right next to the monitor, but often hides under the
desk instead and that’s mighty inconvenient. For sure,
you could put the LCD in its own enclosure, connect it to
the PC with a cable and then put it on your desk.
Although the solution described here may not be ideal,
it is a nice alternative for such a display: a do-it-yourself
laser projector.
This project is certainly not only suitable for case modders.
It is also a nice toy just to experiment with.
Method
In this month’s Modding & Tweaking instalment we will
make a laser projection display with a few household
articles and fairly common components. Such a display
can be made in several different ways. The starting point
is always the same, however: the laser beam has to be
deflected in one way or another. This is usually done with
electronically controlled mirrors. By moving the mirrors in
a certain way, the laser draws an image on a surface.
Hot glue is perfect to attach the little mirrors with varying angles.
With a sheet of A4 and a laser pointer we can easily set the angle.
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elektor electronics - 10/2006