RF excited CO2 lasers

[nightstick]

Disma what do you use to power the 20 watt diode bars I know what they look like but never used them

 

[disma]

I'm using 6 x 5amp regulators in parallel. Those are powered by a dc to dc power converter rated 36 - 58v in at 6 amps, and 5v 30amps out. I'm using 4 12ah gel cells to power the converter. The keypad circuit is controlling a 50A relay (only relay I had in the junk box) that control's the power into the converter.

 

[Cyparagon]

Well, I'll be using many safeguards, the power to the laser will only be turned on by a 6 digit pin on a keypad not interfaced with the rpv's computer. (this circuit is built and works great!)  Also, the lasers power is in parallel with a loud warning alarm. There will be no one in the room when it is operational, all control will be through wlan with wpa2 enabled and remotely piloted with video returned through the wlan.   If control is lost, or no packets are received within 1.5 seconds, the computer in the rpv will disconnect power from all motors and the laser, thus requiring the 6 digit pin code to be re entered to activate the laser again.  

uh huh...

 

[disma]

Cyparagon, Don't you think I can do this? :-? or, are you jealous? ;D What do you mean by "Uh Huh..."

This is the last post about this, until its done, I didn't mean to hijack this thread.
I had planned on using the CO2 laser in it, but the diode will be a better choice.

Here are the links to the parts I'm using.

pc controlled motor controller:
http://www.roboteq.com/brushed-dc-m...ized-2-x-30a-brushed-dc-motor-controller.html

Door entry keypad and relay controll
http://www.nokey.com/ieidigkey.html

I'm using a Via c3 cpu and m.b. Itx form factor for the on-board computer with windows xp embedded loaded on a flash drive.
http://www.mini-box.com/Jetway-Versa-J7F4K1G5D?sc=8&category=99

Power supply for the motherboard:
http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/it.A/id.417/.f?sc=8&category=13

And the laser (best part) These are actually not exactly the same, I got them from a member on the forum a while back. This will be smaller than the co2 laser.
http://www.thorlabs.com/thorProduct.cfm?partNumber=ASM980-20CS&Guide=127&Category_ID=92

Right now the whole system is pulling a constant 2.8 amps (without the laser) from the power source...
I don't have the motors yet. But they will draw about 3 amps in stall, it will not be fast. The motors will have plenty power all the way down to 12 volts. So far it has turned out great, and will fit in a 15 inch wheel base.

 

[nightstick]

Cyparagon, that pic is Halarious!!!!! Im still laughing ;D ;D

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Whatta bummer      I'm running 2 banks of 4 x 18650 cells from DX.
Under load (~10 Amps), one bank holds 15 volts while the other drops to 4.5 volts within seconds     Under no load, they all read 4.2 volts / cell.

I've got to get better cells or make a loaded tester so I can find the bad ones.

Mike

 

[disma]

These were brand new cells? and there are bad ones? hmmm... thats not good. The li-ion cells are a lot of power for their size... But maybe the drill packs would be much better for this laser... Plus you can use the handle like we were talking about.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

My design is set and glued for 18650's. Those cells are new from DX.

There must be higher grades of cells which can take short periods of 10 to 15 Amp discharge. Those drill cells are shorter I believe.

Mike

 

[disma]

ya, I think they are also less voltage per cell.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

A 18650 will charge to 4.2 volts OK but loads quickly to 3.7 v. I have a dud or two in here and I'm making a 0.25 Ohm load to test each cell -- -I'll find the weak one.

Mike

 

[disma]

how are you keeping the packs balanced? :-? Unbalanced could be very bad.

 

[nightstick]

My drill packs are doing great I checked the load draw and Im getting 11 amps to this 7 watt tube and fire also Ive charged and discharged so far about 6 times with no problems I havent opened any of these packs to see if they are 18650 or shorter cr123s but im guessing they are 123s from the size of the battery case

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

I'm running 8 cells in series. This is like the drill packs. they rely on a smart charger too.
I've suddenly realized that my key switch may only be rated at 1 Amp and causing my trouble. I have to bypass that switch and test again.

I've set up a 0.33 ohm load and the cells actually look somewhat balanced.

Mike

 

[nightstick]

just use jumper cables Im goin laser shopping in the morning

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Have a good trip -- Say HI to Chris !!

Mike

 

[Cyparagon]

What do you mean by "Uh Huh..."

I'm just pickin' on you. But please be sure everything works and that it obeys you BEFORE giving it a laser. ;D