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My HeNe pointer

Atomicrox

Atomicrox

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I had this tiny HeNe from UK's GB sitting on a box for a long time until I decided to make it portable and give it a chance to shine more often ;)

Initially I wanted a gun-style host, but the stuff I had ordered from China got lost in transit and I decided to do it the MacGyver way - with a ruler, a 2x18650 holder box, some hot glue and an elastic. Seriously.

Without further ado - here is, I believe, the smallest HeNe pointer made thus far ;)

As always, sorry for the crappy pictures.

With wires attached to measure voltage and make sure PSU specs are being followed. With fully charged panasonic batts after 5min it's still at 7.87V, well within spec.
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Here are the emission lines on a grating.
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Holding it around my room.
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I like the ghastly look of this picture ;)
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A rare sight - a HeNe being pointed outside through a window!
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Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do!
 
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ultimatekaiser

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cool and creative. don't zap yourself! most HeNe's don't like running around with their anode hanging out :)

I should do this with one of my tiny tubes....maybe one of my tiny oranges. that would make it unique :)
 
Atomicrox

Atomicrox

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Thanks, guys!

I got zapped once, but thankfully I wasn't holding it in my hands :p
Wasn't as bad as I expected, though.
 
vk2fro

vk2fro

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Nice build. I'd be too wary to hold it though in case I got zapped by it and dropped it, smashing the tube.

how many mW does that cute little tube put out?
 
Atomicrox

Atomicrox

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It has plenty of safe holding places. Just gotta make sure not to let anyone else hold it ;)

I metered it at 0.5-0.6mW but my Ophir isn't good for low powers. I'd rather trust UK's measurement at 0.68mW.
 
S

steve001

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I recall the very first pointers were HeNe. If I'm not mistaken one was used by the Terminator in the first movie.
 
ultimatekaiser

ultimatekaiser

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steve001 said:
I recall the very first pointers were HeNe. If I'm not mistaken one was used by the Terminator in the first movie.
Click to expand...

There were a few, but they were big and awkward so they weren't common until the diode. Though plenty existed in small desk formats. And in the note of power, the output will likely fluctuate when it's out in the open. Bare plasma tubes are generally more unstable than laser heads, since the cylinder keep them more thermally stable.
 
crazyspaz

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ultimatekaiser said:
There were a few, but they were big and awkward so they weren't common until the diode. Though plenty existed in small desk formats. And in the note of power, the output will likely fluctuate when it's out in the open. Bare plasma tubes are generally more unstable than laser heads, since the cylinder keep them more thermally stable.
Click to expand...

Dont forget those little gun sights :) speaking of which, plugged mine in the other day, I forgot how stinkin small it is.
 
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PaulPreiszig

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I have an unused HeNe large sized tube. It has been in its original box since 1989, when I opened but never used it. It is currently in my parents basement. I did a laser communication system as an 8th grade science fair project and a US Mfg. donated 3 laser tubes. I only used 2.. Do you think anyone would be interested in such a classic find?
 
H2Oxide

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Nice job!

I've always wanted to do something like this with a gas laser, I just don't have a small enough tube. :crackup:

That second pic is very beautiful. Keep up the good work! :D
 
ultimatekaiser

ultimatekaiser

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PaulPreiszig said:
I have an unused HeNe large sized tube. It has been in its original box since 1989, when I opened but never used it. It is currently in my parents basement. I did a laser communication system as an 8th grade science fair project and a US Mfg. donated 3 laser tubes. I only used 2.. Do you think anyone would be interested in such a classic find?
Click to expand...

Pics? I might be interested depending.

crazyspaz said:
Dont forget those little gun sights :) speaking of which, plugged mine in the other day, I forgot how stinkin small it is.
Click to expand...

No kidding. Though I could blow your mind and tell you I actually have a green that is this small... :tinfoil:
 
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