SCIENTECH 36-5002

[Scruffinator3K]

Ok so I really don't know very much about these things, but I do know I want to be able to test my lasers out. I figured that used lab equipment on ebay might be my best bet at something affordable and decent quality. I found this Scientech 36-5002 with a 360203 sensor, complete with case and manual so I felt like it was well cared for. After reviewing prices of similar meters and negotiating the seller down a bit it looked like a steal so I grabbed it. I really have no idea if it will work for what I intend it to. My thought was at least it comes with the book to try and figure that out....
So tell me honestly, how did I do? Will this thing be of any use to me?

 

[Encap]

"How did I do? Will this thing be of any use to me? "

Do you expect anyone but you to be able to answer those questions?

Set it up and try it--see if it works.

That kit sells for about $150 used.

 

[Snecho]

I remember seeing another member with this exact or similar model post recently.

 

[Scruffinator3K]

"How did I do? Will this thing be of any use to me? "

Do you expect anyone but you to be able to answer those questions?

Set it up and try it--see if it works.

That kit sells for about $150 used.

Well my hope was that someone had some experience with a similar unit and could tell me whether or not they had success with it.

Of course if it didn't work at all then its useless no matter what and I wouldn't have bought it.

I remember seeing another member with this exact or similar model post recently.

Cool! Do you know if it worked for them or who it might have been?

 

[Encap]

Well my hope was that someone had some experience with a similar unit and could tell me whether or not they had success with it.

Of course if it didn't work at all then its useless no matter what and I wouldn't have bought it.

Define "success with it"? What do you intend to do with it/want use it for--why did you buy it?
Nobody else's experience with a different unit can determine anythng about the unit you have good, bad, or indifferent without having it in hands and a way to test it.

It is a laser power meter --it either works accurately and is up to snuff or it isn't. It either works and is accurate or it isn't and needs to be calibrated.

Scientech has been in business since 1968, Scientech marketed the first commercial laser power and energy measurement system based upon prototypes developed by the National Bureau of Standards professional quality laser power meters. They have made, sold and serviced thousands of laser power meters and sensors over the years.
One member has a more recent Vector model and it does the job,

The meter and sensor you bought was made in 1984, from the serial number of the sensor.
It is a 36 years old and a model no longer made --if you want traceable accuracy it needs to be tested, inspected for wear and tear, age related meter and sensor problems like condition of the coating after years of use and thousands of measurements, and calibrated.
Is all part of a Calibration servicing -the company says should be done once a year but every couple of years or so is fine.
Calibration costs typically $500 + shipping contact Scientech customer service to learn more about it.

Just read the manual, set it up and try it with your 303 style "Assassin" laser and see what the result is/what output reading you get.
The unit you bought looks pretty clean and not used and abused much--could still be in the ballpark calibration wise.
Report what output power reading you get from it.