Building your own Simple Laser Projector using the Microchip PIC12F683 Microcontroller

The 8 pins PIC12F683 microcontroller is one of the smallest members of the Microchip 8-bit microcontroller families but equipped with powerful peripherals such as ADC and PWM capabilities. This make this tiny microcontroller is suitable for controlling the DC motor speed. In order to demonstrate the PIC12F683 capabilities and to make this tutorial more attractive, I decided to use the PIC12F683 microcontroller to generate simple and yet fascinating laser light show from a cheap keychain laser pointer.Building your own Simple Laser Projector using the Microchip PIC12F683 Microcontroller

The basic of laser light shown in many entertainments club or park mostly use two method; the first one is to beam the laser shower on the spectators and the second one is to display the laser drawing pattern on the screen. On this tutorial we are going to build the laser projector that displays the spirograph pattern on the screen using the tiny Microchip PIC12F683 microcontroller.

The principle of making the spirograph laser projector is to use at least two DC motors with the attached mirror on it, these mirrors then will deflect the laser beam from one DC motor mirror to the second DC motor mirror and then finally to the screen. By controlling each of the DC motors spinning speed we could generate a fascinating laser spirograph pattern on the screen

The best way to control the DC motor speed is to use the PWM (pulse wave modulation) signal to drive the DC Motor and because we want to change the DC motor speed manually, therefore we need to use the trimport or potentiometer to control each of the DC motors speed. Hmm, this sound like an appropriate job for the microcontroller but could we use this tiny 8 pins PIC12F683 microcontroller to handle this task?

From the datasheet you will notice that the Microchip PIC12F683 microcontroller only has one PWM output (CCP1) and four ADC input channel (AN0, AN1, AN2 and AN3). Because we need two PWM output, therefore instead of using the PIC12F683 microcontroller build in PWM peripheral, in this tutorial I will show you how to generate the PWM signal base on the PIC12F683 microcontroller TIMER0 peripheral. The following is the complete electronic schematic for the laser projector project.Schematic Building your own Simple Laser Projector using the Microchip PIC12F683 Microcontroller

Ok before we go further with the detail; let’s list down the supporting peripherals needed to complete this laser projector project:

  • Hot glue gun
  • Keychain laser pointer or any available laser pointer
  • 3xAA, 4.5 volt battery holder for powering the laser pointer, please use the same voltage rate used by your laser pointer.
  • Two DC motor taken from the discarded PS2 Dual shock joystick
  • Two toy’s car tire taken from tamiya racing car
  • CD/DVD for the mirror, use a kitchen scissor to cut the CD/DVD into the two circle shape mirror with approximately 38 mm in diameter
  • Some toys plastic bricks for holding the DC motor
  • Breadboard
  • Hardboard or acrylic is used for the base of our laser projector
  • Double Tape

For more detail: Building your own Simple Laser Projector using the Microchip PIC12F683 Microcontroller

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation and engineering. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and am able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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