LaserKey v.0.1

Gunnar Ranøyen Homb
Lasers
2 Comments

LaserKey is a custom controller designed to control a special laser software on a PC (Powered by Pangolin). Since I have done quite many laser shows now, the need for a custom controller has grown. So I decided to make one myself. The first edition has the finished circuit board, but only a prototype box and buttons at the moment (made right before a show). Later I have a plan to create a professional-looking all-in-one box, and include more features (like faders).

Video of the finished creation

Part 1: Making the ciricut board

The top layer of the circuit board (Picture taken of the print computer’s screen)
The top layer of the circuit board (Picture taken of the print computer’s screen)
The bottom layer of the circuit board (Picture taken of the print computer’s screen)
The bottom layer of the circuit board (Picture taken of the print computer’s screen)
Cutting out the PCB with a band saw
Cutting out the PCB with a band saw
Finished transparent sheet
Finished transparent sheet
Putting the PCB with the transparent sheet into the UV exposure machine
Putting the PCB with the transparent sheet into the UV exposure machine
The etching machine
The etching machine
Top of the board finished etching, before drilling
Top of the board finished etching, before drilling
Bottom of the board finished etching, before drilling
Bottom of the board finished etching, before drilling

Part 2: Soldering components

Soldered on the necessary components to test the MCU and USB (Top of the PCB)
Soldered on the necessary components to test the MCU and USB (Top of the PCB)
Soldered the necessary components to test the MCU and USB (Bottom of the PCB)
Soldered the necessary components to test the MCU and USB (Bottom of the PCB)
Almost finished soldering bottom
Almost finished soldering bottom
Top view of the board finished soldered! =)
Top view of the board finished soldered! =)
Testing the board, and weeee it works :)
Testing the board, and weeee it works 🙂

Part 3: Making a temporary control box

Parts for making a temporary box to the first test @ a laser job
Parts for making a temporary box to the first test @ a laser job
Holes to switches drilled out
Holes to switches drilled out
Holes to leds drilled out
Holes to leds drilled out
Started soldering inside the temporary box
Started soldering inside the temporary box
Finished soldering inside the box
Finished soldering inside the box
Strengthening the box with the gaffa-tape method
Strengthening the box with the gaffa-tape method
View of the finished top
View of the finished top

Part 4: Testing

Testing the LaserKey and Temp Box with the computer, and it works fine after some software tweaking :D
Testing the LaserKey and Temp Box with the computer, and it works fine after some software tweaking 😀

Part 5: Using it

Picture from the first location it was used on
Picture from the first location it was used on
Another picture from the first location
Another picture from the first location
A picture from the laser control desk @ first location
A picture from the laser control desk @ first location
One of the lasers work =)
One of the lasers work =)
All of the lasers works. There will come more pictures later :)
All of the lasers works. There will come more pictures later 🙂

 

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