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Are there laser-pointers with a simple gimbal mechanism built-in? (lemmy.today)
submitted 2 months ago by to c/tools@lemmy.world
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Laser dots shake and tremble whenever anything is pointed, so is there a laser-pointer that has a built-in gimbal, so that slight shakes and trembling won't affect its position? Thank you for your interest.

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[–] 1 point 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

I don't think anybody makes anything like that. It's doable but impractical. What's the purpose? Best I can suggest is some foldable mechanism to hang it from which let you choose the angle to balance it at. Think circular pocket sundial but instead there's a laser pointer attachment.

If you need full motion compensation you need an actual gimbal (not that small, but accessible) or a tiny laser projector with a full 6DOF IMU (good luck finding one) and ideally SLAM surface tracking (not happening in a keychain size object lol).

If you have the budget I feel like you could call up one of the companies making either multitools and laser levels, or call a company making handheld LIDAR scanners or 3D object scanners. If you don't have the budget, get a basic gimbal.

I know surface tracking projectors exists, but they're all research prototypes and none are small.

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 4 days ago (1 child)

    it can be a mechanical mechanism, with a balance sensor like those used in iPhones, that actuates the mechanical arms controlling the laser.

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  • [–] 1 point 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

    That's what a gimbal does, or a laser level. I haven't seen laser levels that small however. Do you want it to stay fixed on the surface? Is it a static surface? Flat or not? Or do you just want smooth motion, because if so a small gimbal holding a laser is the easiest solution. Everything else gets difficult fast

    Edit: I think you want to look at gimbals for drones if you want something small. Some of these will even have stand-alone object tracking. But then you need to arrange for something to connect it to, supply power, etc. All the good normal gimbals are for handheld phones or cameras and are not easily pocketable. The pocketable "normal" gimbals sacrifice something that makes them unusable here.

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