RF excited CO2 lasers

[turtlecannon]

Probably was a bit of an under exaggeration. 20 or 30 seems like a lot though

 

[disma]

Well I got a 10amp, 30v variable lab supply for Christmas! (early) It runs my laser pretty well as long as I keep the voltage at 24v... If I turn it up farther, the fire doesn't pop out when I turn it on. Im sure this is because Its only 11 amps at the most. Tomarrow, ill try it with the li-ions in parallel. (15 amps)

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Disma --

Does it draw more current if you turn up the voltage? I've been runing at ~ 24 to 26 volts with two big gell cells.
I'm getting ready to hook up 8 - 18650's in series. I figure I'll get voltage drop at near 15 amps.

Mike

 

[Cyparagon]

Can an 18650 supply 15 amps?? That's like powering a 60W bulb! It's damn near a short circuit... I hope it doesn't blow up :-?

 

[disma]

well, its hard to tell, I think that it does try to pull more and the ps only allows it to pull 11 amps... so if the voltage is above 24v, the ps adjusts the power and causes it to drop to where its able to supply 11 amps... I am quite sure it will do more with the 18650s in parallel.

 

[turtlecannon]

Ordered my laser today! I ended up getting the >8 Watt one in heruursciences' second post in the GB thread.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Way to go ;D I thought he was sold out.
OH -- Did you get a driver with yours?

Mike

 

[turtlecannon]

Yep! I got a driver and a PWM. Can't wait for it to arrive!

 

[nightstick]

congrats Turtle, I had an old light bulb and burned a hole in it in about 3 seconds these things are amazing

 

[disma]

did you get pictures? or better video? :-?

 

[nightstick]

no disma, I need to get my son in here hes the video king maybe after his buddy leaves

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Lynn --

Didn't the bulb pop?  I want to try that but I don't want glass all over my room.

Mike

PS -- I have the housing for the driver mounted to my "pipe".........  Glad to hear someone had good luck with 18650's  --  I'm encouraged with that.

OK -- I did it with the bulb in a plastic bag... Nice hole !!!

 

[nightstick]

yes I was afraid it would pop also but it just made a real small hole as you said nice hole ;D

 

[Cyparagon]

Glad to hear someone had good luck with 18650's

... not seeing it. Who?

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Reply #20 from NightStick says he has run his off 7 cells.  I plan to use 8 because sure as hell, there is gonna be voltage drops and heat.

Mike

By the way -- here's the barrel and driver housing at present ------------ please excuse the mess on the bench  ;D    The driver will be installed into that alum housing under the barrel.  Battery holders will be mounted to the sides.

 

[nightstick]

Here is a video of my C02 laser burning some stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/v/-WsAQ32CeDY&hl=en&fs=1


(NOTE: It might not show up right away)