My First Argon. Beamshots added.

[busman2]

Well today I received my first Argon Ion Laser.
Laserphysics
Reliant 50s 488
Made In 2001 it has been around awhile and I have just purchased it from Forum member timelablasers who did me a good deal on this!
I really like the lighter blue wavelengths and 488nm is great! The other thing I like about it is the sound it makes when it starts. If anyone has heard one of these start up and is a Doctor Who fan then you will know what I am talking about. I will get some beam shots later in the week when I have more time but here is something in the meantime!

Alongside my Rigel 593.5nm

 

[NightExplorer96]

Re: My First Argon.

busman2...im trying to stick to only diode/dpss wavelengths for now but you are making it very difficult Amazing beamshot you got there!

-Alex

 

[Sigurthr]

Re: My First Argon.

Those self contained argons are beauties! Welcome to the ArIon club!

 

[crazyspaz]

Re: My First Argon.

Wow, that sure is a pretty unit! Seeing that beam makes me regret selling my multiline

 

[IsaacT]

Re: My First Argon.

The only thing I don't like about Argon lasers is that I am very hot blooded. So when I switch it on, after about a minute and a half the temperature is 10 degrees higher atleast. I need to put like an exhaust tube on it that goes out through the window or something lol.

 

[crazyspaz]

Re: My First Argon.

I always just ran mine in my basement, which is usually a good 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the house. Made for a nice little heater on winter days, though

 

[paul1598419]

Re: My First Argon.

Very nice argon laser. Damn! Now I want one even more. Could you let me know the output power of your argon? I didn't even see the thread that you purchased it from, so I have no idea. I love that color blue, as well. More of an aquamarine than a true blue color. It is just beautiful. And I am very jealous.

 

[ultimatekaiser]

Re: My First Argon.

Argon & krypton ion lasers are definitely the holy grail of lasers for hobbyists. I love my argon. It definitely runs hot, though not too bad if run at spec. Mine is a 40mla so it's a 6-line 40mW monster! Does 120+ at max current. I usually do have to feed the heat out into the hall though in the summer. It's pretty toasty like running a space heater.

Don't forget to run it at spec for about 30 minutes each month to keep it working! Those maintenance burns are important!

 

[KapHn8d]

Re: My First Argon.

congrats! I will have one someday... until then, keep those beam shots coming!

/c

 

[busman2]

Re: My First Argon.

busman2...im trying to stick to only diode/dpss wavelengths for now but you are making it very difficult Amazing beamshot you got there!

-Alex

You won't be able to Alex, you will get the "Bug" and start buying every exotic laser you can, just like me! Lol

Those self contained argons are beauties! Welcome to the ArIon club!

Oh I am sure I will enjoy this club too. Thanks Sigurthr!

Wow, that sure is a pretty unit! Seeing that beam makes me regret selling my multiline

Oh I can send you all the links I find for the sale threads, ebay etc, then you can get another! He he he!

The only thing I don't like about Argon lasers is that I am very hot blooded. So when I switch it on, after about a minute and a half the temperature is 10 degrees higher atleast. I need to put like an exhaust tube on it that goes out through the window or something lol.

I always just ran mine in my basement, which is usually a good 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the house. Made for a nice little heater on winter days, though

I noticed that too, it is winter here and I had a fire going and I was getting very hot, I will have to watch this as I have noticed over the years that if I get a bit to overheated I also get a little or a lot impatient!

Very nice argon laser. Damn! Now I want one even more. Could you let me know the output power of your argon? I didn't even see the thread that you purchased it from, so I have no idea. I love that color blue, as well. More of an aquamarine than a true blue color. It is just beautiful. And I am very jealous.

Yes I will meter it and post it here, I was told it has a 5 - 40mW output.

Argon & krypton ion lasers are definitely the holy grail of lasers for hobbyists. I love my argon. It definitely runs hot, though not too bad if run at spec. Mine is a 40mla so it's a 6-line 40mW monster! Does 120+ at max current. I usually do have to feed the heat out into the hall though in the summer. It's pretty toasty like running a space heater.

Don't forget to run it at spec for about 30 minutes each month to keep it working! Those maintenance burns are important!

I have already subscribed to the maintenance thread! Thanks ultimatekaiser

congrats! I will have one someday... until then, keep those beam shots coming!

/c

Will do KapHn8d, I promise there will be more by the end of the week. I never set out to buy an Ar-ion, this one just popped up in OZ so i just kinda grabbed it, was sorta hoping someone would get it before I did! LOL

 

[busman2]

Re: My First Argon.

OK Tonight I got out the X4 Radiant LPM
Running at Minimum it reads @ 6.9mW
Running at Maximum it reads @ 69.3mW
IT has a very nice beam when it is turned to just under half power so after reading the "Maintenance" thread i see no real need to turn it up much past that to often!
Beam pics still to come!

 

[cheech226]

Re: My First Argon.

that is one fine laser you have there! i has one once, it was my first argon. i know what you mean about that sound on start up, it just tripped my trigger every time i turned it on.

 

[busman2]

I added a few beam shots to the original post, some using a fan grating. I am no Brucemir though!

 

[paul1598419]

Nice pics, busman. Now, I'm jealous! Dang.........