Replaceable parts
Please contact David Brown, david_h_brown@uri.edu if you need replacement parts not listed here.
Laser module
The laser module used in the URI Laser Scarecrow from 2018 through 2024 is the "22*70 Fat Beam 532nm 50mW Green Dot Laser Module for KTV Bar DJ Stage Lighting" from Besram Technology d.b.a. Laserland.
Caution: Laserland seems to "improve" this module over time. We have noticed that the focus is better and power much increased relative to the first few years. In 2024, we measured power more typically around 75-80mW and occasionally just past 100mW. If you replace the module, please see the latest URI laser scarecrow operating manual for calculation of the nominal optical hazard distance (NOHD).
Note: In models prior to 2024 we replaced the provided connector with one designed to plug in to another wire instead of a board. The pins size and spacing of the provided connector is physically compatible with the one we used, so while it will be a bit of a challenge to tuck the extra wire out of the way, you can force the provided connector into the plug coming from the slip ring.
Servo
The Futaba s3107 micro servo motor tilts the laser module up and down. https://futabausa.com/product/s3107/ Also available from many hobby distributors and Amazon.
Microcontroller
For 2022 through 2024 models, sources for the Espressif ESP32-DevKitC-VIE are listed at the end of the firmware update page which you'll need to program it: https://davidhbrown.github.io/laserscarecrow-firmware/
For the 2018 and 2020 models, Sparkfun's Arduino Pro Micro (5V version) was used for initial development, but less-expensive clones (here's one that may still be available) were used in production. You will need the Arduino develop environment (https://www.arduino.cc/en/software) to program these using the firmware program downloadable from https://github.com/davidhbrown-uri/laser-scarecrow-arduino.
Cables
12VDC Power input: 2024 model uses 20AWG 2-conductors "UL2464" outdoor-rated cable such as https://www.amazon.com/URCIANOW-100FT-Conductor-Electrical-UL2464/dp/B0CGX9LV63. Only two conductors are needed; if you happen to have some with more, that's fine so long as it is 24AWG or larger and fits the PG7 cable gland. 2023 and earlier used low voltage landscape lighting wire (16/2). Be sure if replacing the piece that goes through a cable gland that you fill the center channel between the wires which otherwise will leak. We used adhesive-filled heat-shrink tubing. Rubber tape might also work.
Controls to bucket: 2023 and 2024 use a standard 15' outdoor-rated Cat5 network cable. Cat6 also works... usually a little more expensive. Try to find a "bootless" cable -- it will fit inside the jack housing while you may have to carefully trim off a plastic "boot." Shielded or unshielded is fine; straight-through is what you want and probably your only option. We purchased them from https://www.lanshack.com/Cat-5E-Outdoor-Direct-Burial-Rated-Custom-Ethernet-Patch-Cable-Made-in-USA-by-QuickTreX--P9788. If you need to replace the waterproof RJ45 jack on the scarecrow bucket or control panel, make sure the one you get mounts in a M20 hole such as https://www.amazon.com/PENGLIN-Waterproof-Connector-Ethernet-Outdoor/dp/B0B1CQYF8L/