Inside a spaceman laser nebula projector

This unit is actually pretty good. It produces an RGB nebula effect with a laser starfield.

The design is solid and functional, with a neat magnetic swivel head for aiming the output. But I strongly recommend against using the laser option where people can view it directly, as the laser is quite bright and probably has a high invisible infrared content. This is an issue where kids are involved, as there is a risk they may decide to stare directly into the laser output port at close range.

For power the unit uses a USB supply with a current of around 500mA. The circuit board is logical and the optical system uses a novel cradle for edge-driving the nebula (distortion) disk.

There is one slight design glitch. The motor should really have a flyback diode or capacitor across it to avoid damage to the transistor when it is turned off and the collapsing field causes a voltage spike.

The mystery holes that looked like a speaker grill are in the location of the infrared receiver, so probably just for that.

I mentioned Optikinetics who are an iconic effects projection company who originated in the disco era, and are still actively producing specialist effects projectors for prominent entertainment venues. (I've installed their equipment in Disney theme parks.) If you're looking for an original oil wheel, kaleidoscope effect or this nebula effect on a bigger scale, then Optikinetics are still the professional choice. (Not a sponsor.)
https://optikinetics.co.uk/


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