DIY Laser levelling using webcam and laser level

[John McNamara]

Hi All

A mate and I made this device a while back, The test device searches for and senses the position of a wire electrically to .0001" The stepper and 3:1 timing belt driven screw attached to a Flexure hinged 10:1 ratio lever provided repeatable accuracy. The only variable was the contact resistance of the wire. It sensed on the break of contact naturally. This occasionally led to false readings, I left the test running for hours.

This is where the non contact camera is very attractive.

Automating positioning using a webcam the laser or wire sensing requires accurate mechanicals. This test machine was bulky It was designed to move a cutting head with an attached sensor, it cost very little.

I guess a ball screw would be the obvious answer. surprisingly small ones are not inexpensive. That is why I used a flexure for the first stage of amplification, Flexures have effectively no backlash. Have to think on this.....



It was driven by a baby Arduino with a small attached display for settings.

Regards
John