How the laser has changed:
Since the laser was first written about on December 9, 1998, it has
undergone a complete overhaul, fixing several problems, and creating
several new ones. Most importantly, the laser has acquired an independent
power supply, consisting of 6 AA 1.5 volt batteries, in a case mounted
directly behind the optics mount. Secondly, the high voltage power
supply has been relocated back and downwards. This eliminates the
previous need to swivel up the component to access the two potentiometers
that provide motor control. The entire laser has been redecked in black,
providing it with a far cleaner appearance overall. The kludged switch,
which previously consisted of a screw acting as a lever superglued to the
original rubber one-touch button on the circuit board has been removed.
In its place is a far more reliable SPST switch, which has been mounted in
approximately the same position as the original one. Pictures will be
forthcoming to this page as soon as I can get some decent ones of it with
my Quickcam. The black coating is wreaking havoc with the light metering,
and making it difficult to photograph.
In trying to fashion a new power source, I was most impressed with the
original manufacturers' web site. They provided detailed cable pinouts
for the laser, which helped greatly. I'm just waiting for additional
information from them before powering the machine up and testing it out.
fib@lumiere.net
1.20.1999
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