Serial
port laser link, using an SSOP CS8130 in a UPNLT. UPNLT
enhancements,
software and information. Recommended reading. (In German, use Babelfish
on the URL if necessary)
Ronja, 10 Mb Open-Hardware LED-based optical datalink. Fast,uses relatively easily available parts and avoids the alignment difficulties which are a feature of laser links.
IrDA, Infrared Data Association, the association behind the development and specification of the IrDA standards
Cirrus/Crystal Semiconductor Corporation, manufacturers of the CSD8130 multi-standard infrared transceiver
Sam's Laser FAQ. Probably the best source of laser info on the WWW.
Amateur Radio Laser Communications by Jim Moss. DSP methods and SW.
Experimental Laser Data Link, an experiment using direct modulation of a laser beam with a serial bit stream. Part of Tomi Engdahl's electronics info site, a rich source of electronics information.
RS232 Laser Transceiver, 9600 bps, >100 m, published in Electronics Australia Oct. 1997
Oatley Electronics, suppliers of laser (and other) components and kits. Their 50 mm Loupe (O29, $12) contains two 50 mm dia x 100 mm FL glass lenses which are suitable as photodiode lenses for extended range UPNLT links.
Meredith Instruments, laser subsystem and component suppliers
Edmund Scientific, optical and laser suppliers
Some Australian Legislation relevent to laser data links:
- The
RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS
ACT 1992 . The
definition
of "radio emission" appears to exclude 670 nm light, so the
controls,
requirements and fees imposed by this Act appear not to apply to red
laser
data links.
- The
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ACT 1997 . The owner of a "network unit " that is used to supply
carriage
services to the public must hold a carrier licence unless
responsibility
for the unit is transferred from the owner to a carrier. The
definition
of "network unit" appears to exclude free-space 670 nm laser data
links.