Hello!
I am interested in building an Arduino-based robot for a demonstration at my college (it’s in April). For my demonstration, I would like to have the robot go around the track and target small balloons, which it then will pop with a servo-controlled laser. I am still somewhat new to hobby electronics (but proficient in programming). With that being said, this is an ambitious project for me. I have everything I need to begin working on this project, except for the laser. I have done my fair share of looking online and doing research, but I am just not sure what to buy. I would like to keep this project within a fair budget. Upon looking for lasers, I found whole lasers, but most of which have mixed reviews on their burning power (not to mention that it gets expensive quickly). I was also looking into making my own laser (which I think I would prefer, since I would be able to easily outfit it to mount on my robot). Correct me if I am wrong, but I would need to buy a laser driver (link 1), a laser diode (link 2), and a laser module/casing with a focusable lens (link 3). Also, I was wondering about what type (or what mW rating) of diode I would need to ensure that I will have enough burning power. Obviously, I am completely lost, so could someone please point me in the right direction? Any help, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
–NRP
Link 1 (driver): http://www.ebay.com/itm/230617812416?_t … EBIDX%3AIT
Link 2 (diode): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mitsubishi-LPC- … 4d268e6be0
Link 3 (housing): http://www.ebay.com/itm/650nm-400mW-red … 27f2113536
