toy gun using cheap laser pointer

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

I am trying to build a toy gun so that when you pull the trigger a laser dot is seen for only a moment. I went to the thrift store, bought a cheap toy gun that is currently set up to make sounds when you pull the trigger. I also purchased a cheap dollar store laser pointer. I want to customize the gun, by taking out the speakers, but then add the laser part of the pointer into the toys gun barrel. I will then attach the laser to the toys batteries, so that when you pull the trigger the laser dot is seen.

My question is how would I make it so the laser dot is momentarily seen once, rather than constantly on if I pull and hold the trigger? I am thinking a capacitor or transistor setup? Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

2

You are looking for a "one shot" circuit.

3

Before we go further, do you propose to use an Arduino for this?

4

We're in General Electronics. There doesn't have to be an Arduino in it.

The next step might be a Teensy and a Prop Shield, neither of which are produced by arduino.cc

Rufio, you should probably check out the Prop Shield.

5

Google "555 one shot"

6

laser diodes are very for their supply current - too much they fry, too little they do not lase.

This means you need the same supply setup as the laser pointer (or to measure the current
taken by the diode in the laser pointer circuit, and match that current in the toy, either with
appropriate current limiting resistor or LED constant current driver chip.)

Also with blue or green laser diodes over-driving them can produce lots of infra-red laser
radiation which you don't want (inefficient, just as dangerous to the eye as visible).

7

MorganS:
We're in General Electronics. There doesn't have to be an Arduino in it.

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