Laser motor

[thex-faders]

Hi all,

We've got a nebula star cluster laser but unfortunately the band which attaches the two motors to give it the rotation etc has snapped!

Any ideas if I could get a new band? Tried using elastic bands... but that didnt work.

don't really want to buy a new one as I wont be able to sell this one broken!

Thanks
Tom

[DJ Jules]

You can buy them, but they're a different nature to standard rubber bands (Neoprene from memory - less stretchy and more solid). You could try searching for VCR spares online or a local Audio/Video repair store as they use a similar style band, but you'll need to know the exact (unstretched) length and thickness of the band.

Typically, one time when Maplin would have been useful (now discontinued): http://www.maplin.co.uk/video-recorder-drive-belts-4672

RS seem to have a reasonable stock:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/?searchTerm=drive+belt&sra=oss

I could have sworn Farnell used to do them too, but I can't find them now. I think CPC do them as well.

Julian

[thex-faders]

You can buy them, but they're a different nature to standard rubber bands (Neoprene from memory - less stretchy and more solid). You could try searching for VCR spares online or a local Audio/Video repair store as they use a similar style band, but you'll need to know the exact (unstretched) length and thickness of the band.

Typically, one time when Maplin would have been useful (now discontinued): http://www.maplin.co.uk/video-recorder-drive-belts-4672

RS seem to have a reasonable stock:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/?searchTerm=drive+belt&sra=oss

I could have sworn Farnell used to do them too, but I can't find them now. I think CPC do them as well.

Julian

Thanks for the quick response Julian.

I will take a look at all of those. No idea on the thickness though. will need to do some research... or trial and error!

Tom

[DJ Jules]

Thanks for the quick response Julian.

I will take a look at all of those. No idea on the thickness though. will need to do some research... or trial and error!

Tom

That's where the maplins pack could have been useful (nice mixed pack). If the pulleys have a nice deep groove you can measure the groove and round it down to the nearest mm and get pretty close.

Note that you might also have to pick a square or round band depending if your groove is U shaped or V shaped.

Just found these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PACK-12-X-ASSORTED-CASSETTE-DRIVE-BELTS-/250812461356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a6596712c#ht_883wt_1075) on eBay - they might be a good starting point for a few quid.

Unless someone has a repair manual for your specific laser with the specs? ;)

Julian