Anyone know anything about lasers?

[Argeo]

How hard and expensive would it be to make buy and make a small box that shoots a laser say 20' that if broken could trigger something else. Basically something moving through the laser would trigger a switch.

Just curious. It would be like a sensor light but covering a more precise area.

Thanks,

David

[island911]

[air quotes] L A S E R S [/air quotes]

... is the proper spelling.

[RickM]

Here's a great site to research:
http://members.misty.com/don/lasersam.html

Here's a beam breaker circuit. You need a photodiode or photosensitive switch of some type.... http://members.misty.com/don/laserexp.htm#explba

[bryanthompson]

Something like this?
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/78df/

Please keep in mind, this is a toy. It works really well, but you shouldn't rely on it to protect your gold bars or top secret documents. Get a Ninja or a Wizard for that (also, sold separately).

[Argeo]

Thanks guys. I will check out the sites.

[RickM]

Originally posted by island911
[air quotes] L A S E R S [/air quotes]

... is the proper spelling.

Can you tell us about radar now?

[928ram]

This sounds exactly like the safty switches used on garage doors (which are IR AFAIK) to keep them from smashing hoods or kids; shouldn't be that hard to do since the components apparently already exsist. Now off to radioshack with you.

[RickM]

A laser setup will work at much longer distances and precision (if needed). You could actually use an old outdoor flood light with the daylight photoeye sensor. However this will only be effective at night. The photoelectric sensors made for day/night use are much more precise.

www.electronicsurplus.com or http://www.omron.ca/Products-Photoelectrics3.htm have interesting components. Ebay does as well.

[Dantilla]

I always thought a laser was an ugly little Plymouth.

[RickM]

Here's a real Laser





BTW, all the original molds, tooling/jigs and name are for sale..... http://www.kitcars.com/Classifieds/AdDetails.asp?classified_id=5957

[IROC]

Are those the only molds available? Quick, somebody buy them and destroy them before any more of those hideous car can be produced!

Mike

[juanbenae]

you going to open a 7-11? you know the beam that buzzes to wake the night clerk as someone walks in the door?

[jorian]

sharks with frickkin' lasers on them.