What am I looking at?

I have a high powered laser that I picked up from one of my investment properties. I have to tell you it's been quite a chore just trying to figure out what the heck I have here. The device is an Omnichrome 532 25BS THRM laser (manufacture date of 1992) with a separate Omnichrome 150 power supply (manufacture date of 1988).
There appears to be an input on the power supply titled "Remote" but i have no such device for that plug.

Bottom line, I want to know what I'm looking at. I'm relying on the good people of this forum to give me an HONEST overview what this thing is exactly, its use, and a general appraisal of the value of a device like this, because if it is worth anything at all I want to sell it.

Thank you for your help guys.
Here are pix:

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr121/noctalucaband/IMG_2053.jpg

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr121/noctalucaband/IMG_2052.jpg

http://i476.photobucket.com/albums/rr121/noctalucaband/IMG_2059.jpg

Looks to be an argon ion laser designed for fiber delivery.

First thing to find out is if it even starts. If it's not been run in a while, you'll have to find a buyer with the right high voltage equipment to bring it back to life to find out if it runs okay.

-Trevor

trevor, thank you for your help. with EXTREME care and caution, i actually plugged it in and turned it on. the power supply worked and the laser unit AC detection light came on. there was silence, neither cooling fans came on (though i suspect they only come on when needed, thermostat controlled??) but there was no laser light i could see. i dialed the power adjustment knob all the way up with the same results. my home has 100 amp box, typical 110, not sure if that makes a difference or not.

who should i approach? i haven't the faintest clue. i live in cincinnati.

thank you again!

The fan has GOT to be on before the current is adjusted. Leave the current all the way down until you're sure the fan is properly operating. These run rather hot.

I'd wait to do anything until someone else more qualified than me sees this thread. Edit your post and rename the thread to "Dead argon laser?" or something to attract the resident experts.

-Trevor

thank you trevor. i will wait, haha.

what is the remote input for? is it necessary for operating the laser?

twhite828 said:

The fan has GOT to be on before the current is adjusted. Leave the current all the way down until you're sure the fan is properly operating. These run rather hot.

I'd wait to do anything until someone else more qualified than me sees this thread. Edit your post and rename the thread to "Dead argon laser?" or something to attract the resident experts.

-Trevor

Click to expand...

Some of these air-cooled argons do have a temperature controlled fan. I am at work right now, so I will not have time to research this model. However, my ILT's fans do not come on until the temperature rises to their threshold.

I would be more concerned at this point if there is a start pulse. Can you hear a "click" (or series of clicks) after a minute (give or take 15 seconds)? I do not remember if the OmniChrome's need the remote or any jumpers in the remote to fire up.

Does the power supply make any noise when you turn it on? Do any other lights come on?

Peace,
dave

Dave, It wasn't on for more than 45 seconds or so. No clicks. Perhaps one click? when i first powered it up, but maybe i just heard the click of the big orange switch itself. Again though, the power unit was on and the laser unit was getting AC (so said the red AC light which lit up when i turned the power unit on).

I'll wait to fire it up again until I hear more from you guys. Don't wanna blow anything up, including myself! haha

thank you
jason

daguin said:

Some of these air-cooled argons do have a temperature controlled fan. I am at work right now, so I will not have time to research this model. However, my ILT's fans do not come on until the temperature rises to their threshold.

I would be more concerned at this point if there is a start pulse. Can you hear a "click" (or series of clicks) after a minute (give or take 15 seconds)? I do not remember if the OmniChrome's need the remote or any jumpers in the remote to fire up.

Does the power supply make any noise when you turn it on? Do any other lights come on?

Peace,
dave

Click to expand...

I stand corrected!

dojabean, you're in good hands.

-Trevor

hi dave, i was wondering if you found out anything more about my device?

It would appear that the laser will not operate without either a remote interface or having some of the pins in the interface plug jumpered

Read this whole section
Sam's Laser FAQ - Complete Ar/Kr Ion Laser Power Supply Schematics

Also, pay particular attention to the section under the heading
"Omnichrome PSU Remote Connector Wiring"
to see the required jumpers to operate the laser without a remote interface

Peace,
dave

awesome dave, thank you!