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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Capacitor-charger for SSY-1 laser?

Joined
Dec 26, 2007
Messages
682
Points
28
Hey guys,
So it is time for me to get serious about firing my little SSY-1 Yag-laser. I bought the Laser-head with Q-switch, the original "pulse-forming network" (capacitor-system) and the trigger assembly from Meredith Instruments some time ago, but I have not had the time to play with getting it going until now.

I need a capacitor-charger for the PFN, the rating on the cap is 900V@ 35uF. I have reviewed several circuits at Sam's laser FAQ , but I was hoping since several members here have these working, I could get your opinions on some options.

I have been looking at the pre-built "Electrolytic Capacitor-Charger" at Information Unlimited (third-down on the page). It is rated at 800V-30mA current-controlled. Looks like a nice little charger and I could use it for other projects such as a bigger coil-gun, wire-exploding, etc, but I am concerned about the charging rate. The rating is 25Joules/sec and my capacitor is only 13 Joules, might be over-kill for the SSY-cap. At least I wouldn't have to wait long for the cap to charge, lol. Second, it only charges to 800V, which would be enough to fire the laser, but not at the full 900V-rating.

I have also heard that a simple battery-powered fluorescent-lamp power-supply can work, would I have to rectify the output before sending it into the cap?

Sam's FAQ also mentions using two camera-flash units in series to get the needed voltage. I have used these flash-units in parallel, but I didn't think you could use them in series. The input to the second flash-unit would be 400V, normally being run from a 1.5V battery, this seam like a lot to ask of the little transformer.

Any help would be appreciated. I will post pics of the destruction when I get it going.

Thanks,
Barry
 
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