Homebrew PCBs

On 4/28/06, cunningfellow <andrewm1973@...> wrote:
> All,
>
> This is the new thread I have started for details
> on the laser plotter I am going to try build.
>
> As stated in the just previous message - I am
> aiming at something between these two articles.
>
> http://pico-systems.com/photoplot.html

I like it! :-)

The carriage mechanism from an old inkjet or dot matrix printer might
work for holding the laser diode.

I haven't worked with red-sensitive film, have you?  Green lasers are
available for about $60.  That ought to work with red-insensitive
lithography film (the stuff they used in print shops 30 years ago -
Kodalith?  Even a red laser will expose lithography film if you shine
it right on the film for a few seconds.)

Beware of unstable output power as the laser heats up:
http://www.laserglow.com/images/comparearies.gif (note, it's not clear
whether this is a problem for <5mW laser pointers).

Cheers,
- Jan