Simple one axis laser gimbal

thingiverse

This is a simple one-axis laser gimbal that can be controlled by any MCU, such as an Arduino. Uses a single coil with AC current to manipulate the angle of a mirror attached to a rare earth magnet. Rubber bands provide restive force that pulls the mirror back to center position, or reversing coil current until middle position is found. Design inspiration came from Peachy Printer 3D printer at www.peachyprinter.com. View instructions on how to make this project at www.KyleORourke.com and watch a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwnjW6LFbGg. To build, follow these steps: 1. Print the parts required. This is pretty straightforward. 2. Cut an 8mm x 8mm plastic mirror to the right size. Then glue the mirror mount onto it, followed by a rubber band. Use Loctite super glue and repeat this process multiple times because you will make mistakes. 3. Attach a small magnet with its poles facing away from the back of the mirror, avoiding bad speakers and all sorts of unpleasant sounds. Take reference from images for a better understanding. 4. Glue 'Coil holder' to the 'coil backer'. 5. Determine the amount of windings needed using www.production-solution.com/coil-calculator.htm with bobbin diameter as 14 mm and length as 10.5 mm, leaving 'gap distance between solenoid and metal' blank. 6. Manage coil control like any other DC brushed motor, employing transistors with protection diodes and capacitors to combat EMF. If unsure, consider using the SparkFun shield from https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9815 as a start. 7. Be extremely careful when working with lasers, always wearing protective goggles or you may lose your color vision just like I did by not heeding this crucial warning!