Question about SL Argon laser

I have this laser and need some help/info --thanks to all who offer it.

Model 425A by Ion Laser Tech with PS model 400 both made in Nov 1985. Its a square type with two fans on top. comes on in about 12 seconds and is nice-tight and stable-


-on the PS there is a place to attach an interface(with female plug)and because the round plug is male-- there are, of course no jumpers there.

there is a light purple auto-type fuse in a spot labeled 'remote'. I am guessing it is running only at 'idle' and with the ILT interface I could increase the current/mWs.

Do I have any other options to increase the mWS?? There are three places on the side of the head (3 pairs) the blue plugs are= Laser Power, the green are =Cathode Voltage and the purple ones are = Anode Current-- am I correct thinking these are test points? for getting readings with a meter? sorry for the noob questions--thnaks for the info---HZ

Your assumptions are correct - the ports on the head are for monitoring the aspects of the lasers as labeled.

I don't recall seeing information on that brand of laser in Sam's FAQ but you might want to have a look, that is where I found the information to create my argon laser control boxes for Uniphase ion lasers.

thanks guys--maybe 1985 is like me --too old --I am hoping the other argon masters(Dave,gooeygus, diachi, hemlock mike or steve) may be of help its a joy to see and plenty bright even at 'idle' but it would be nice to turn it up to its potential. Dr Sam has been nice enough to answer some questions for me in the past== but I figured I had to do my best to find info without pestering THE Master:bowdown:.

sorry to do this but I need more info---BUMP

Ok, your ILT laser power supply has a remote connector.

I have a ILT remote, I'll take a look at it sometime next week.

Too busy this weekend.

In the meantime ask the folks at midwest lasers or DZ lasers.

Steve

Bumpage- found this on FleaBay-- like mine but mine lases from one end only- has opening at back for the attachment of cooling hose (instead of a square hole on top)and mine has no screw on cover a on a chain for the interface -- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120546924014&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT still would like to know how the crank up the current a bit more---Anyone want to make an offer on mine-plug n' play--cooling fan in box included.---hak-- the one on ebay needs a square cooling fan or overheating probs for sure.

Bring it with you on your next trip down.(if you don't sell it first)
I'll rig you up a light/current adjust dongle. I have to have it in front of me, to do so, although.

Free local pick-up..complete SL argon for 200$ -- find the right interface and you MAY be able to get much more mWs from it--I have too may argons and too little time--

hakzaw1 said:

Free local pick-up..complete SL argon for 200$ -- find the right interface and you MAY be able to get much more mWs from it--I have too may argons and too little time--

Click to expand...

Sorry I missed this before. With the ILT, your laser should run at full current WITHOUT the remote. What you are seeing now is what it will put out with the PSU that you have. I'd have to look 'em up, but different models of ILT PSU put out varying amounts of current. It MIGHT do more with a different model PSU (and it might put out less)

In any event, you do not NEED a remote to get full power from the laser. I do not remember what the top current for that model PSU is.

Have you tried bouncing the beam off of a diffraction mirror? ILT does NOT use the same model designations as JDSU.

Peace,
dave

Hmm, so the ILT ions don't need a remote interface to start? Sounds like the igniter in my krypton is dead then. I got it from gooeygus a bit ago and it's been on the back burner due to other projects.

The psu starts and and heats the cathode, but after that it just sits there. I don't have an oudin coil to ionize the tube. Gooey said it did ignite when he hit it with his coil.

MarioMaster said:

Hmm, so the ILT ions don't need a remote interface to start? Sounds like the igniter in my krypton is dead then. I got it from gooeygus a bit ago and it's been on the back burner due to other projects.

The psu starts and and heats the cathode, but after that it just sits there. I don't have an oudin coil to ionize the tube. Gooey said it did ignite when he hit it with his coil.

Click to expand...

I haven't looked at the Krypton. I cannot imagine that the system is THAT much different, but I haven't compared them.

However, if Jason got it to fire, with his coil, but without a remote, I would suspect the igniter.

None of my ILT argons need the remote to run. I have three different models of the ILT PSU and two models of the laser.

Peace,
dave

MarioMaster said:

Hmm, so the ILT ions don't need a remote interface to start? Sounds like the igniter in my krypton is dead then. I got it from gooeygus a bit ago and it's been on the back burner due to other projects.

The psu starts and and heats the cathode, but after that it just sits there. I don't have an oudin coil to ionize the tube. Gooey said it did ignite when he hit it with his coil.

Click to expand...

********************************************
Dave^^^ I will put a diffraction grate on it tonight-- overdue for a maint. run.
Are you asking me to do that to be sure it is not a ML??

MM-^^^-I meant to quiz you at SELEM about these ILTs- so little time and so much to do in a way-too-short weekend-- I hope they extend at least another day next year-- was great meeting all and I not only had a fine time but learned a lot.

My ILT came from EeKbay and it fires up quickly and I have run it for long periods without it getting very hot, so I was hoping it would output more. These gas lasers , however IMO do not need to be high power to be beautiful. I wish I had brought it to SELEM and found it a new home--I have too many other argons atm.

200$ may seem high but I paid more than that for it , so I am hoping for that price--accepting offers and local pick-up is free and encouraged.

I may haul it to FLEM when I go and/or SOCALEM if I can make that one.

daguin said:

Sorry I missed this before. With the ILT, your laser should run at full current WITHOUT the remote. What you are seeing now is what it will put out with the PSU that you have. I'd have to look 'em up, but different models of ILT PSU put out varying amounts of current. It MIGHT do more with a different model PSU (and it might put out less)

In any event, you do not NEED a remote to get full power from the laser. I do not remember what the top current for that model PSU is.

Have you tried bouncing the beam off of a diffraction mirror? ILT does NOT use the same model designations as JDSU.

Peace,
dave

Click to expand...

**********************************
Time for a maint. run--I will put a grate onn it tonite. Do you think it may be a ML??? that would be a nice surprize!!:thanks:
*******************************************

MarioMaster said:

Hmm, so the ILT ions don't need a remote interface to start? Sounds like the igniter in my krypton is dead then. I got it from gooeygus a bit ago and it's been on the back burner due to other projects.

The psu starts and and heats the cathode, but after that it just sits there. I don't have an oudin coil to ionize the tube. Gooey said it did ignite when he hit it with his coil.

Click to expand...

************************************************
MM
I meant to quiz you about my argons at SELEM--Way too much to do at a way-too-short event--I hope the extend it next year.:yh:

It was a real pleasure meeting you :bowdown:and all the others-I had a fantastic time and learned a lot. Anyone passing up a LEM is making a mistake--even a small one is well worth the drive.

If I had known that I was going to end up driving to SELEM I would have taken some Argons along to find new homes for them--I have way too many. Maybe I will carry some to FLEM, and also if I can possibly go to SOCALEM.:shhh:

200$ may seem too high but I paid more than that for it on EekBay.:undecided:

Taking offers and free local pick-up is encouraged. Shipping is never cheap for gas lasers like these and they really should be sent in two boxes.:tsk: