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FrozenGate by Avery

Free Helium Cadmium laser, not working

Hey! Glad that you got the unit safe and sound. It was my first time packing up something quite that large and fragile so I did the best I could. Looks like everything is intact. I sincerely hope that you get it up and running in the future.

As for those eBay heads, I don't think the Kimmon heads are compatible with this particular supply (I would have tried my luck with one if I'd thought it was possible). And those Liconix heads and supply have been listed for YEARS, so I wouldn't put too much faith in them.

Now that I've finally gotten rid of this thing I finally have a place to put my dirty laundry!

EDIT: One last thing I forgot about. Back when I first got the thing I requested an instruction manual from Kimmon. They sent me the one below, might be a good read.
http://db.tt/aoUcEjf
 
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Event_Horizon said:
Hey! Glad that you got the unit safe and sound. It was my first time packing up something quite that large and fragile so I did the best I could. Looks like everything is intact. I sincerely hope that you get it up and running in the future.

As for those eBay heads, I don't think the Kimmon heads are compatible with this particular supply (I would have tried my luck with one if I'd thought it was possible). And those Liconix heads and supply have been listed for YEARS, so I wouldn't put too much faith in them.

Now that I've finally gotten rid of this thing I finally have a place to put my dirty laundry!

EDIT: One last thing I forgot about. Back when I first got the thing I requested an instruction manual from Kimmon. They sent me the one below, might be a good read.
http://db.tt/aoUcEjf
Click to expand...


Thanks again!
The search, i'm sure, will continue for a while. As far as ebay i'll keep my eye on it. There are always the usual ones on there but for one week there were some matching heads to my PSU there for $100, but they're not there anymore.
Glad you have more space now in your room!:D and thanks for the manual link.
 
I'v found another head on ebay that will match my power supply, but it says that it needs retubing. The seller is also willing to take a best offer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260917477221?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1202

I was wondering if anyone here may know if a HeCd can be just refilled with the needed gasses, or does the entire tube always need to be replaced with these? I know that the head that I have needs to be entirely replaced at the heavy price of $6000. I was hoping to find a replacement that either worked(boy that would be great) or needs cheaper fixing.
If anyone has information on these please post here.
Thanks
 
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I'v done a bit of reading but haven't seen any specifics on re-filling the reservoirs.
I figured that at perhaps $200 for a working tube that just needs re-filling would be cheaper than replacing the whole tube at $6100.

I would end up with still used components and perhaps less power than with a new tube, but at least something that works.
Like Event-Horizon, i'm just looking around and trying to find other ways of getting a 'working' laser.

Thanks for the HeCd link to sam's....I'v read some of it a few months ago, but should re-read it again.:beer:
 
Believe me, if there was a cheaper way to repair or replace the tube, I'd have probably done it.

When a HeCd tube is depleted of cadmium, you can't just refill the reservoir and expect it to work like new. The tubes are only designed to be used until depleted. If you were to continue to use it, you would run into other problems like cathode failure, because the components would be exceeding their design lifetime. Beyond that, the process of refilling the reservoir requires opening the tube, and that's where all the money is involved. As soon as the seal is broken, the tube needs a huge amount of work done on a high-vacuum system (several days of work) to restore the gas mix to operating condition alone.

Come to think of it, I never asked Kimmon how much it would cost to repair the cathode on the existing tube. I only asked how much a brand new tube would be. That might be something to consider asking them, the cost may indeed be significantly less.

As much as I'd like to see you get that thing going, I would really recommend against getting one of those heads, especially since the seller admits they need new tubes.
 
Even though it's only 14mW I'd love to have one of those (working that is), I'd trade it for a 2W 445nm module without thinking twice. Power isn't everything.
 
Event_Horizon said:
Believe me, if there was a cheaper way to repair or replace the tube, I'd have probably done it.

When a HeCd tube is depleted of cadmium, you can't just refill the reservoir and expect it to work like new. The tubes are only designed to be used until depleted. If you were to continue to use it, you would run into other problems like cathode failure, because the components would be exceeding their design lifetime. Beyond that, the process of refilling the reservoir requires opening the tube, and that's where all the money is involved. As soon as the seal is broken, the tube needs a huge amount of work done on a high-vacuum system (several days of work) to restore the gas mix to operating condition alone.

Come to think of it, I never asked Kimmon how much it would cost to repair the cathode on the existing tube. I only asked how much a brand new tube would be. That might be something to consider asking them, the cost may indeed be significantly less.

As much as I'd like to see you get that thing going, I would really recommend against getting one of those heads, especially since the seller admits they need new tubes.
Click to expand...


I figured you had checked all the options.....I'll just continue the search;)

I won't buy a head unless I see it running and it matches my PSU....just a few more years i'm sure:D
Perhaps i'll win the lottery here soon and then I can just spring for a brand new installed tube.....

Thanks for the input from ya'll....I was hoping for somesort of 'cheap' refill' on a cheap used head, but I guess these are not quite like other gas lasers.

Edit..."Even though it's only 14mW I'd love to have one of those (working that is), I'd trade it for a 2W 445nm module without thinking twice. Power isn't everything." I completely agree!
 
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