3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Laser show for poor man

Step 2Brain

Brain
«
  • 2273284037_469a509326.jpg
  • 100_2465_l_note.jpg
  • 2165384230_6692125f59.jpg
  • 2274080952_0d275256b0.jpg
  • pcb.jpg
  • 100_2776.jpg
  • 556pwm.jpg
  • kiss.jpg
  • last photo ←
»
Electronic schematic is simple and can be assembled on a prototyping board but real man always makes troubles for himself, so I've made PCB.

There are two work modes, selected by toggle switch: manual and automatic.
In manual mode operator controls each motor individually by twisting corresponding potentiometer connected to analog input of microcontroller. PIC constantly reads analog inputs and modifies PWM signal so duty value is proportional to voltage on analog input.
In automatic mode microcontroller employs pseudo-random algorithm to calculate duty value for every motor.
Current duty value is stored in internal EEPROM and used as initial data for next calculation
so microcontroller will generates sequence of nonrepetitive unique patterns for long time.

Most pointers are rated from 3V to 4.5V, so make sure you adjust output voltage before connecting laser.

Board is small, so you don't need any brackets to secure it. Pots will hold it perfectly.

UPDATE NOTE !!!
Since my supplier run out of PIC18F1220, I had to use PIC18F1320 in new design.
It's pin-compatible chip with increased memory capacity, but it will NOT work with old HEX file,
so pay attention.
I keep PIC18F1220 version as separated file.

Here are some notes from the bench:
- schematic;
- BOM;
- HEX (PIC18F1320 version);
- PCB;
- PCB in AutoCAD format
- source code for CCS compiler.


Documentation zip file


To program chip, I use USB ICD2 programmer (bought it from eBay) and MPLAB IDE (free soft from Microchip.com).

PCB contains standard Microchip ICSP port (5-pins header) for programming purpose, also chip can be programmed by any socket programmer with proper software which supports PIC18.

Controller board assembling (high res guide):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22144851@N03/sets/72157604945292921/

...
For beginners and busy people, programmed chip, PCB, whole kit, or assembled board available upon request.
...

Some hobbyists may prefer simplified analog PWM controller based on 556 timer.
« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »
40 comments
Aug 12, 2011. 11:47 PMbbsbb says:
Nice Job.
Could you also send me the BOM for the parts? How much will it be if I buy them from you?
Thanks
Jan 24, 2012. 7:25 PMcmcgann says:
I know that it has been a long time since you posted this, but could you also send me a list of prices for the parts and the preprogrammed PIC or an unassembled kit?
Sep 11, 2011. 2:35 PMrhans says:
Hello, you would pass me the schematic image of what you did when you made this PCI: http://www.instructables.com/image/F3ENCQ6FCZERBZZ/Brain.jpg
If you are willing to pass me, this is my email: rafahans@ibest.com.br
Feb 24, 2010. 11:12 AMwilliamyjk says:
Can you please send me separate pricing for:

1) a programmed PIC
2) circuit board only
3) full, un-assembled kit

Thank you.
Jul 10, 2011. 10:40 AMl19bal says:
Hi could you also send me separate pricing for:

1) programmed PIC
2) PCB Board
3) full un-assembled kit

Thank you.
Mar 21, 2010. 7:32 PMjohnston1991 says:
hi,  could i have a price for the pre-programmed pic please

many thanks
Apr 11, 2011. 11:32 PMshnyfher says:
Hi can i get a pcb board and the microcontroller from you?
Apr 15, 2011. 4:21 AMRobbie--G85 says:
hi there i am looking to do somethin similar as a project in college and am wondering wether u can send me on the code used in this project kind regards rob.
Mar 3, 2011. 3:39 PMcreed1453 says:
do u have pic 18f1330 hex file..pls this one is the last :)
Mar 3, 2011. 1:44 AMcreed1453 says:
hi.

the circuit shape with zip (pcp) is not same shape at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22144851@N03/2436149638/in/set-72157604945292921/ .pls give me information for that.
May 20, 2010. 5:53 AMSergey33 says:
Hello, my name is Sergey, I from Russia. In English I am not strong, I use the translator. I very much liked your working out. Has collected the scheme and there was question, there is no modulation on the ninth foot of the microcontroller in what there can be problem?
May 13, 2010. 10:23 AMsgt_rock says:
I'd be interested in the separate pricing info too.   Perhaps that could be posted as a zip file as well? This looks like what I've been searching for, anyway!  Thanks for sharing...
Mar 11, 2010. 12:16 AMyen5004 says:

where can i find you hex file for the  PIC18F1320?

Mar 11, 2010. 1:13 AMyen5004 says:
sorry, very new to the microcontroller idea, im having a friend help me program it, under what file would it be? the a2.hex file, i take it? this sam code would work on the pic18f1320 vice the pic18f1220? thanks for helping out a newbie.
Mar 6, 2010. 3:55 PMmiller931017 says:
HI...this is amazing....but i'm new on the world of pics and i dont know how to program it....and i dont understood the function of icsp port...`please helpme...sorry my ortography....because i speak spanish

THaks...=)
Feb 10, 2010. 5:22 PMMAN_ASS says:
i am building a laser project based on yours for a competetion in michigan and im building in my electronics class i have a pretty wide knowledge of electronics. for this project i am of course putting my own spin on it. i have recently found out that its a bit tricky to pwm brushless motors with a 555 ic. i can order the parts required and possibly program an ic but i would like to know if i can pwm control just the same and get the same results with the 556. and are your motors brush less or brush type motors? ive have also been trying to locate brush type fans.
Feb 19, 2010. 3:17 PMadaws845 says:
Can you please contact me. Have a few questions.
Feb 11, 2010. 3:37 PMMAN_ASS says:
similar? will they be as complex or no. and i can use the 556 for brushless fans also right the chip cooling ones i have three of the same measurements.
Feb 13, 2010. 7:18 PMMAN_ASS says:
 ok  thanks im gunna pick up the 556's at radioshack i got two but since they suck at restocking i gotta go to another radioshack. i got a sweet green laser for my project too its a 50mw 532nm. im gunna experiment with the extra mirrors cuz ive been curious about that. 
Feb 13, 2010. 7:21 PMMAN_ASS says:
 o and have you ever thought about tilting the last mirror very fast left to right horizontally with a servo or with a small dc motor train wheel set up like on train wheel with the rod between them just attached to the mirror and a small gear. im gunna experiment with that.  
Feb 10, 2010. 5:23 PMMAN_ASS says:
also i was just fartin around when i made my user name i do not affiliate myself with mens asses besides my own lol sorry if thats inappropriate.
Dec 3, 2009. 5:30 PMvophamduy says:
Hi, Can I order 2 PCB ? I've sent you several email but you didn't reply :)...

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
90
Followers
11
Author:AP Digital light