[sdiy] Laser Harp in action

[KHeck73 at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/28/2004 12:56:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
oakley at techrepairs.freeserve.co.uk writes:
Synth-DIY's very own Mark Smith and I, along with Martin Frankcom have
managed to build a successful laser harp of staggering proportions.
Modelled on the later harps as used by Jean Michel Jarre it uses back
scattering and not top sensors to indicate when a beam is broken. Its
built into a single 4U SKB case and the harp appears in a big fan rising
skywards from the top of the unit.
I recently bought a JMJ DVD entitled "Oxygene Moscow" that shows this kind of 
device in action. (nice DVD, by the way). I wasn't sure if the laser harp 
really triggered notes, or if it was just a stage prop. I guess it really does 
control.
 Making the harp was an interesting experience and a dangerous one too.
This harp's laser is hot enough to blind instantly and it even managed
to burn a small hole in my power supply by accident!

Wow. Not to be the doting mother here, but shouldn't you be wearing 
protective eyeware? I think special glasses are made to absorb the specific frequency 
of light in use. Welder's glasses and sunglasses are dangerous because you 
think they are blocking alot of light (things look dark), but they may not be 
blocking much (green) laser light at all. Remember that the light can be reflected 
off shiny objects towards unexpected places.
Mark and I did the electronics for it, and Martin built the optical
hardware and casing.
Nice job. Cool video.

-Karl.
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