Which camera, which laser? - that´s the one and first question of a DAVID-starter.
Keep in mind that the idea behind DAVID is to offer a “Definitely Affordable Vision Device”.
So before starting to spend money think about the fact that it is always a good idea to spend as little money as possible to do the first steps. If you allready own a webcam or linelase, whatever the quality: Try it! you will not get perfect scans with this hardware but keep in mind that even with perfect hardware your first scans will not be perfect.
By practicing with your available hardware you will get a feeling for DAVID and you will be proud when you get your first results. Moreover the feeling for DAVID that you get by practicing will help you make decisions on the next piece of hardware to buy or build.
So the right choice depends on your aims.
This is the sort of image you are looking for during a scan.
Generally EVERY camera, that is able to record or stream a video can be used, for DAVID owns two gateways to get the video of the laserline on the object:
Webcams, are mass produced, offer good, but shurely limited quality for little money. There are some aspects you should keep in mind buying one for DAVID:
General aspects:
Aspects for special purposes:
( Note: This list is only a sample of used cams in alphabetical order, no ranking!. Please add your cam and your experiences! Use headline H5 to add a new one. The framerates depend also on the used PC-hardware! )
1.3 Megapixel CMOS-Chip
Scanning up to 1600×1200 pixels at 5fps (960×720 at 15fps, 680×480 at 30fps) max framerate: 30fps
Possibility to set focus, exposure and sensitivity by hand; Zeiss-glass optics
ca.:80.- € - 99.- €
680×480 CCD-Chip
Scanning up to 680×480 pixels at 55fps max framerate: 90fps
Possibility to set focus, exposure and sensitivity by hand; Glass optics
ca.: 60.- €
1.3 Megapixel CMOS-Chip
max framerate: 90 fps
not tested yet
ca 80.- €
1.3 Megapixels CMOS-Chip
640×480 : 30 fps
1280×1024 : 12….15 fps
about 30 € - 45 €
More quality for more money.
Focusable red 5mW laser with glass lenses
Focus easy to adjust (that means without a special tool, simply by rotating a part of the housing)
3 V DC @ <50 mA (measured 32 mA)
Focusable green 5mW laser with glass lenses
Focus easy to adjust
3 V DC @ < 300mA (measured 178mA)