Hello,
Here are four photos of, or using, the laser module portion of my video probe.
The first photo shows the modified 5vdc, 5mw, 635nm laser module. I added a short USB cable with a USB A Male connector on the other end so that I can plug it into any USB port for power. Current draw is in the range of 20ma to 40ma so this presents no significant load on the USB power source. I got the module from Aixiz for about $20. They do not list this one on ebay. I wanted 5vdc. I had to settle for a module with TTL control because that is what they had. I wired the TTL control to 5vdc when I did the internal modifications.
The second photo is a closeup showing shrink tube around the module itself. I used half inch diameter clear shrink tubing. Clear so I can read the manufacturer's safety label on the module. The tubing isolates the electrically hot module case. The tubing also keeps the adjustable focus and line lenses from moving.
The third photo shows the laser module and laser light superimposed on the video probe drawing. This is how I focus the "collimating" lens and align the line generator lens. I slip the shrink tubing on first with just enough clearance that I can adjust the lenses. Once I am happy with the laser focus and line I then gently push the shrink tube over the lenses too. Then heat gun to shrink the tubing.
The fourth photo shows the assembled video probe with a common USB cable for the Watchport/V2 camera and a USB extension for the laser. This arrangement uses two USB ports at the computer. A USB hub can be used if there are not enough USB ports on the computer. The shrink tube covered laser module fits snugly in a half inch diameter hole. The line generator lens needs a little larger diameter hole but I chose to have that end of the laser module outside the hole, thereby avoiding the need to bore a more complicated hole.
A USB A male connector will not fit through a half inch diameter hole. So along the side nearest the laser module I have a 3/16 inch wide slit parallel to the laser module length. This allows me to insert the USB cable before I plug the hole with the laser module itself. I intend to use that slit as a clamping mechanism but on this prototype the module is held in place by two nylon 6-32, 3/8 inch long setscrews.
Several of the 1/8 inch diameter holes on the aluminum bar are alignment holes for fixtures to facilitate machining the aluminum bar.
Tom Hubin
thubin@earthlink.net