Simple Switch Mod to Common Push Button Laser Pointer
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Simple Switch Mod to Common Push Button Laser Pointer
recently my roommate and I were playing with laser pointers for his optics class experiments and giggles and we discover that holding the push button on a conventional laser pointer is a very tedious effort. So we started to just tape the button tight to make it shine continuously. But that created a whole new level of tediousness -- removing and reattaching the tape when we want to change the mode of operation. Last night I came up with this simple mod that would solve this problem once and for all!
And then you can make cool photos and pretend to study low speed aerodynamics like the ones included here.
OBJECTIVE: be able to conveniently hold conventional laser pointer push button without applying continuous pressure yourself.
NEED: some tape (L_tape>=2pi*D_laser);
a toothpick (or a similar shaped/thickness pin of any kind);
and a conventional push button laser pointer.
P.S.: This is my first instructable, please be gentle.
And then you can make cool photos and pretend to study low speed aerodynamics like the ones included here.
OBJECTIVE: be able to conveniently hold conventional laser pointer push button without applying continuous pressure yourself.
NEED: some tape (L_tape>=2pi*D_laser);
a toothpick (or a similar shaped/thickness pin of any kind);
and a conventional push button laser pointer.
P.S.: This is my first instructable, please be gentle.
Tape
First take the tape and make a ring with the sticky side out, make sure that the diameter is going to be just big enough so you can slide it on and off the laser pointer easily.
Then put another layer with the sticky side inward (so no outer surfaces are sticky at all) around the first ring.
Finally slide it on the laser pointer, covering the evil push button.
This should not activate the push button and you should be able to use your laser pointer as before.
Then put another layer with the sticky side inward (so no outer surfaces are sticky at all) around the first ring.
Finally slide it on the laser pointer, covering the evil push button.
This should not activate the push button and you should be able to use your laser pointer as before.
Pin
take the toothpick/pin of your choice and slide it into the ring right inside the gap formed next to the sides of the push button.
It would be best if the toothpick can stay in there just tight enough so that the push button is not activated while the pin is not sliding out easily.
It would be best if the toothpick can stay in there just tight enough so that the push button is not activated while the pin is not sliding out easily.
DONE!
IT'S DONE! From now on, you can still use your laser pointer in the push button mode as usual, however whenever a continuous output is desired (like putting it on a spinning motor, taking photos of eddies of water vapor (photos included), etc.), you can just simply push the toothpick/pin away from the push button, thus creating more pressure above the push button and keep it going for as long as your batteries allow! Have fun!