Melles Griot 05-LGR-193-381 4mw HeNe 543nm
I've wanted a green HeNe for a long time... I like it!!!
And I had to run all three for fun... Beams didnt come out as well as usual though...
For the cost, you wouldn't want to bother replacing the tube in that HeNe - its less than 1mw output - and the tube (if you can find one) would cost more than the laser is worth... you can easily find a 4-5mw Melles Griot tube and power supply for under $200 (or much less if you are patient)...
Not to mention - do you want a multiline or single line? You have listed both...
I really understand the urge to do it fast and get excited to buy - I really do! But, slow down a bit and understand what you are getting and what is required.
Here is a link to the documentation for these...
If you are looking to get into gas lasers - the best way to start is a Helium Neon as there is much less to deal with and they usually run fine out of the box - just a tube and a power supply (small sealed box).
A bunch of us run these Argons and its a bit of a risk whether you get a working...
Thanks! I've been checking in off and on... Other hobbies and the kids got in the way... but I managed to clear off the bench and run the Argon Multiline the other day - did some simple optics experiments with the kiddos for fun.
I also just snagged my first greenie on the bay yesterday - 4mw...
Re: PERMANENT THREAD: Ebay& other internet FINDS of interest- read all the OP please
JDS Uniphase 2214-40MLA 458-515nm Argon-Ion Laser Head +2114B-40MLA Power Supply | eBay
3 available at about $340 each ($80 shipping)... but they accept offers... not bad for a multiline. You just need a fan.
JDS Uniphase 2214-40MLA 458-515nm Argon-Ion Laser Head +2114B-40MLA Power Supply | eBay
3 available at about $340 each ($80 shipping)... but they accept offers... not bad for a multiline. You just need a fan.
Check my thread on removing the tube from the shell...
Then I'd buy a second head with a good cable and bad tube... and then swap cables.
Then source a PSU and fan and you are all set..
Or - you could pick up a Beckman Coulter 388mn laser module for around $100 -$150 and get the whole deal in...
Does the project have to be a lens?
The reason I ask is there is a pretty easy and cheap way to make a big impact with refraction in water.
Fill a small container with flat sides with water and add enough milk to make it murky.
Then shine a laser through it - you will clearly see the beam...
Getting old sucks... let me tell you! Even with reading glasses on I can barely see that meter. Still can't see any black dot on the new argon. The Multiline definitely has the black dot at around 6500 hours though...
One thing I did do in the last few days was devise a tube tweaking method...
Its pretty solid, I was never worried about breaking it, but I've done this kind of thing a lot and know to take it slow... if you arent a patient type, this probably isnt a repair / mod you want to do!
The tube looks to be ceramic and metal...
I'd love to build a custom enclosure, but I dont...
+ rep my friend... thanks for pointing that out! The tube is very strong so if you are careful, you will be fine, but a definite point to know what the hazards are!!
I though you folks might like this, so I figured I'd document the process.
My Multiline was running very hot and I noticed a lot of dust and blockage on the cooling fins, so I decided to strip the head and clean it.
The only part I didn't document was the front plate and circuit board. Those...
Thanks for the rep! Although, after a bit more research and work it would appear I misread my output on the argon by a factor of 10.. So it's probably around 4mw actually...
Ohh yeah - I forgot!!! I'll pop that baby here in a sec!!! BRB!!!
....hmmm... I can't see a bubble in that hour meter... I know they are tiny but either its not there, or its brand spankin new and hasn't moved yet.
Edit - Update:
Wow.... I'm doing a maintenance burn, at full power to check...