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FrozenGate by Avery

Argon Ticking

hwang21

hwang21

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If an Argon is ticking and was last verified to run in 2008-2009, but is a new tube with only ~100 hours on it, is there a good chance it'll be fine if I can find an Oudin Coil? Thanks :beer:
 





what do you mean by "ticking"? because I've heard a ticking noise a few times from the one i just got, usually like 3-4 ticks a little after i power the laser on..
 
hwang21 said:
If an Argon is ticking and was last verified to run in 2008-2009, but is a new tube with only ~100 hours on it, is there a good chance it'll be fine if I can find an Oudin Coil? Thanks :beer:
Click to expand...

The ticking is the igniter *trying* to start the plasma

There is not enough info to be able to tell what's happening and/or what the "chances" are for sure

What brand and model of laser is it?
Does it have a matching PSU?
Is there a "glow" in the bore of the tube before the ticking starts?
How do you know it was working in 2009?
How do you know when the tube was replaced?
Where/how was it stored?
What is the current rating of the wall plug you are using?
How old is the wiring?
Has the circuit breaker ever been replaced?
Are you using an extension cord or "gang socket" assembly with the laser?

All that being said, if you're going to work with old gas lasers, an oudin coil is a required tool to have around

Peace,
dave
 
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so basically, you use the oudin coil (basically a small tesla coil, right?) to ignite the plasma?
 
crazyspaz said:
so basically, you use the oudin coil (basically a small tesla coil, right?) to ignite the plasma?
Click to expand...

One can often get a reluctant tube to ignite by using an oudin coil

There are other uses for a coil, but this is the main purpose

Peace,
dave
 
You're talking about the 60X on eBay, right?

I have an oudin coil, and if the lasers stays cheap, I'll take my chances with the coil.

It's exactly what I'm looking for in a new argon.
 
I would buy that thing off FleaBay...but 1) i just bought an argon, and 2) shipping costs more than the unit itself :P
but still, 80$ Is nothin' for a 100mW multiline argon, especially if all it needs is a "jump start" :p
 
I have 2 old argons... Sadly, I don't run them enough but
I usually turn them on to heat the cathode for maybe 15 minutes
and then try to ignite. It usually works for me. After a couple
"ticks" I wait a while longer to heat the tube.
HMike

WOW -- I just turned on my ML Argon after about 5 months---
3 minutes with no fan and its on with 3 flashes!!! TURN ON THE FAN NOW!!!

Update: This laser puts out heat which feels good tonight what with
globule warming going on around here.
 
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I'd sell this for $200 if someone would pick it up
here. That's $25 for each color!!!
HMike

Current research indicates that the $200 is not accurate
or current. I withdraw this offer. Sorry for the confusion.
 
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I just lit it up again now -- I want the heat
here what with this globule warming!!!
It feels good tonight.
HMike

OH and I just had to pop a balloon !!!!
 
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Any chance you'd ship? An 8 line tube with multiline optics would be a great addition to my lab!
 
I'm tired of big boxes, packing, shipping etc.
I'd like to help local laserists here -- like
Iowa has any :-(
Mike

Bloom... ---
I use a CD disk as a grating to see the 8 lines
 
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Illinois isn't too far away :D but it'd still take a box to get to me :(
 
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