Melles Griot Co2 Laser

532 with Envy · Jun 11, 2011

Howdy ya'll.
I picked up this Co2 laser head from an auction a few weeks ago. There was a photo of it working at some point, and it seems to be in good cosmetic condition, but came with not information except that it could be powered by a 250 watt Linear amplifier of some sort....

I have found one video online showing it in use, aside from that I have no information as of yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4CKn8KqtzY&feature=player_embedded

If anyone could steer me in the right direction as far as powering it and what I'm looking at as far as the connections, it would be of great help.

I'v looked through Melles Griot's web site and found nothing, and the web hasn't given much yet as well.

Here are some photo's of the tube, perhaps if anyone can identify the inputs and perhaps what I should use to power it.
I do know the in and out are for the water cooling and from my understanding a simple fish tank pump should do the trick for that.
I also hear that a neon sign transformer can be used with these, or perhaps a Chinese PSU from ebay...

Thanks for any information ya'll might have or links that you've collected over the years.
:beer::beer:

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Cyparagon · Jun 11, 2011

Please tell me that's not the same guy you bought it from. The OC is probably ruined after the stunts he pulled.

It's RF driven in the MHz range (27.1MHz by one account but I'm not sure this value is critical and may vary between models), so that's the kind of amplifier you need. Hemlock_Mike would probably know more.

532 with Envy · Jun 11, 2011

Cyparagon said:
Please tell me that's not the same guy you bought it from. The OC is probably ruined after the stunts he pulled.

It's RF driven in the MHz range (27.1MHz by one account but I'm not sure this value is critical and may vary between models), so that's the kind of amplifier you need. Hemlock_Mike would probably know more.

It is who you think....I got it for $10 and thought it would be worth a try.
Thanks for the info, i'll see if I can find a amplifier and post a link of what I find.

james1095 · Jun 13, 2011

Hey that's a fascinating piece of hardware, I didn't know MG even made CO2 lasers.

CB radios operate around 27 MHz so a linear amp designed for that and driven by a simple oscillator ought to work to power the laser. I know I've seen circuits out there on the 'net for (illegal) CB linear amps that are not terribly complex.

jcranmer · Jun 13, 2011

That is completely different then the others I have seen. All the CO2 units I have seen are bare tubes. Good luck with finding the right PS for it. It should be a very interesting "toy" if you can get it fired up.

LSRFAQ · Jun 13, 2011

Call Melles Griot and ask for " PM SENT" in Gas Lasers at Carlsbad.

If he has not retired yet.

I'd post his name but it is not wise that he be flooded with requests.

There are other frequencies used for ISM unlicensed emitters, 27.125 is the main one, which is CB Channel 14. 13.56 Mhz and 40.680 Mhz come to mind. Since a mismatched load (High VSWR) will strain or blow most RF amps, it is wise to find out what it is designed for, or at least probe it at low power with a directional coupler or SWR meter.

Steve

532 with Envy · Jun 13, 2011

LSRFAQ said:
Call Melles Griot and ask for " PM SENT" in Gas Lasers at Carlsbad.

If he has not retired yet.

I'd post his name but it is not wise that he be flooded with requests.

There are other frequencies used for ISM unlicensed emitters, 27.125 is the main one, which is CB Channel 14. 13.56 Mhz and 40.680 Mhz come to mind. Since a mismatched load (High VSWR) will strain or blow most RF amps, it is wise to find out what it is designed for, or at least probe it at low power with a directional coupler or SWR meter.

Steve

Thanks for the connection, and all for the help. I'v been trying to put it together before I contacted MG just because I can only figure they don't like getting call's from people like me....non-researching...non-professional....non-paying

If it comes down to it and I can't find a matching power supply on the open market for the unit I'll give them a call though.

LSRFAQ · Jun 14, 2011

532 with Envy said:
Thanks for the connection, and all for the help. I'v been trying to put it together before I contacted MG just because I can only figure they don't like getting call's from people like me....non-researching...non-professional....non-paying

NOT So, Melles is very professional about such things, you are a "future" customer to them. Often they are curious if the laser is still working.

Steve

LORDJET · Jun 14, 2011

Wow, that's a neat little set up. Hope you can one again get her to lase, for $10.00 I guess it's hard to go wrong.

aryntha · Jun 25, 2011

Wow, heh. I'd kill for a cylindrical MG CO2 like that...
I do have a 1.5kW linear amplifier, and a few 100w transmitters that'll do 27mhz.

532 with Envy · Jun 25, 2011

aryntha said:
Wow, heh. I'd kill for a cylindrical MG CO2 like that...
I do have a 1.5kW linear amplifier, and a few 100w transmitters that'll do 27mhz.

Sent you a PM....

heruursciences · Jul 5, 2011

Make sure it has water cooling the tube or the tube will overheat and die. Apply 27.1mhz with a CB linear amp at 150 to 250W. Watch it burn stuff. The OC is fine, it was protected by a window for the burning demos.

aryntha · Jul 5, 2011

Ok. It's currently in my lab right now; so the questions:

Water flow rate. Would an aquarium pump be OK? Or do I need more flow.

Should I split the cold water (input) and output water reservoirs? Or can I recirculate the water?

Nothing has to be done with the little 4 pin connector in the back? Just apply 150-250w at 27.1mhz to the coax, and I should get a CW output?

532 with Envy · Jul 5, 2011

aryntha said:
Ok. It's currently in my lab right now; so the questions:

Water flow rate. Would an aquarium pump be OK? Or do I need more flow.

Should I split the cold water (input) and output water reservoirs? Or can I recirculate the water?

Nothing has to be done with the little 4 pin connector in the back? Just apply 150-250w at 27.1mhz to the coax, and I should get a CW output?

I'm pretty sure any small aquarium pump will work for it. and also you can use a 5 gallon bucket and just recirculate the water. From what I understand, unless you have it running at full power for hours and hours and hours, you should be okay.
The electronics are all you:beer:
Good luck and have some good safe fun.

aryntha · Jul 5, 2011

Sure thing 532. Was seeing if heruur maybe knew more about the pins on the back. Will give it a shot here shortly.

Anyone know what wl of glasses I should be wearing before I give it an attempt?

Somewhere betwen 9400-10600 I'm guessing... The scatter from this must be unreal.... I likely should acquire those before making any attempts; I'll make sure real quick that none of my existing IR goggles don't cover that.

LORDJET · Jul 5, 2011

^^^ You should be safe with most any type of clear plastic safety goggles, that wavelength cannot pass through regular glass or plastic!:beer: ( At least very quickly! )

Melles Griot Co2 Laser

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