Problem w/ SL Argon(JDSU)

[hakzaw1]

After about 7-10 min the head(round style) starts to get warmish even tho the key is off and RI 2500 removed. There are no jumper wires attached and it so far does not seem to get hot ....but unless I unplug the PS it will not cool down unless i turn on my head cooing fan.???thanks guys for any help-Len

 

[daguin]

I am not at home. When I return I can try to duplicate your conditions with some of my components.

In the mean time, I didn't think any current would be going through the head with the PSU switched off, let alone, with the remote removed.

I'll have to test/try it. I leave JDSU lasers hooked up to PSU's (with the power off) frequently.

Peace,
dave

 

[MarioMaster]

When the PSU has power, the unit powers up the heated cathode. There is no way to switch this off other than cutting power to the PSU. (that I'm aware of)

So the heat you're feeling is normal, and is to keep the cathode ready to go should you decide to power on the laser.

 

[daguin]

When the PSU has power, the unit powers up the heated cathode. There is no way to switch this off other than cutting power to the PSU. (that I'm aware of)

So the heat you're feeling is normal, and is to keep the cathode ready to go should you decide to power on the laser.

I have never noticed this. However, researching some more has shown that there is always current through the unit when conected to power. I have seen warnings about power in the plug whenever pluged in, but never "connected the dots."

Thanks MM and HZ for this info. I will be unplugging my units when not in use now.

Peace,
dave

 

[diachi]

I have never noticed this. However, researching some more has shown that there is always current through the unit when conected to power. I have seen warnings about power in the plug whenever pluged in, but never "connected the dots."

Thanks MM and HZ for this info. I will be unplugging my units when not in use now.

Peace,
dave

I noticed this before too - also figured it was the cathode. Not really a big problem and it doesn't generate huge amounts of heat. Can always keep the fan running if you are concerned.

 

[Cyparagon]

Mine does the same. Mario is right.

 

[hakzaw1]

THANKS guys--I was hoping that this was the case--just one more reminder that I am still on the lean end of the laser learning curve.(my hand slaps my forehead-again) Guess that explains why the Remote Interface shows 00.1 A on the dial instead of 00.0.----have a happy all---Len

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

With my Lasos, I power up the cathode about 10 minutes before I switch it ON and start the fan. This allows time for the cathode to be ready to emit the electrons.
I believe the cathode (Hot Fillament) runs at about 3 volts, 20 Amps. That 60 watts should not be a problem. If you feel it really hot, the fan is likely needed.

HMike

 

[Cyparagon]

It doesn't need ten minutes... it's hot within a second or two. Maybe less.

Guess that explains why the Remote Interface shows 00.1 A on the dial instead of 00.0.

If it's measuring tube current, which I'm all but positive it is, it should read 0 because even with the filament powered, there is no current going through the plasma tube.