Well, here's another checkmark in the LD player's column if he does want to score one at a pawn shop.
--I am positive that all top-loader pioneers were HeNe's, HOWEVER:
--Bring a pocket-knife and ask if you can at least plug it in.
--Override the safety latch with your pocket knife. Plug it in.
--The objective lens will try to focus. If you see visible red light, it's a HeNe; all LD Diodes were 780nm.
.. The only trouble I have with eBay lately is how many broken HeNe's Ive received ...
That said:
Melles Groit Helium Neon Laser Tubes and Power Supply - eBay (item 290403437929 end time Feb-21-10 06:25:59 PST)
Yes, the guy says "No Returns - Sold As Is". But he also says "All tubes lase." - so his 'As-Is, No Returns' means nothing as far as eBay and PayPal are concerned. This is a sticking point with eBay when you're selling, but can be an advantage when you're buying. (Which camp you're in favor of depends on which side of the equation you're on. Please note, I'm not saying this is right or wrong - I'm just stating, that this is how eBay works at present.)
The sum of it is, though, If you get bum laser tubes, or he tosses them into a box with no padding and they end up being powdered, you can file a dispute as "seller not as described". It's his responsibility to get the tubes to you in the order described, that is, "all tubes lasing".
