Laser Power Supply Question

[hoda0013]

Hi all,

I won an auction on ebay that included a 100W laser and two 100W (35kV) power supplies. Unfortunately the laser tube showed up shattered and I need to replace it. Due to the long length of the 100W laser tube, I am apprehensive about ordering another because of the possibility of shipping damage. I am looking at ordering a lower wattage (shorter) laser but am wondering if I can use my current power supplies with that laser, or if I will be forced to buy another, smaller power supply. Could I run a 40W laser with a 100W supply? Would this mean that I would just have to throttle the power supply to output 0% - 40% rather than 0% - 100%?

[willyinaus]

If you haven't already this may help viewtopic.php?f=6&t=215

Also who did you get the Broken tube from and who was the shipper was the packing as good as mine in my buildlog?

Willy

[buildsomething]

I too purchased a system online from EBAY and the tube was smashed during shipping. Shipping was done via UPS. I took pics and sent them to the sender who then contacted UPS. It took about 6 weeks, but I did get a new tube. Most large carriers are insured.

Richard

[Mike-f]

Hi I had the same problem (see link above) I was told by the power supply manufacture that is was ok to use any tube smaller than the rated size, but obviously not larger. Only problem I can see is tha any current less than 3-4ma and the tube flickers. Worth checking with psu maker to make sure!


Mike

[lasersafe1]

As the tubes get longer in length, they need a higher striking voltage to ionize the gas. Once the gas has ionized, I guess they all take about the same current. When you turn down your current setting, you are turning down the voltage. At some point, the voltage gets too low to maintain the ionization and the tube cuts off or flickers. I would imagine that as a tube ages or if it leaks slowly and the tube gas gets poisoned, then it will only run with the highest current settings and will go out quickly if turned down. That's the big complaint about the DC tubes. They can't be turned down to a low power output with any reliable level of control.

[hoda0013]

Hi all,

Sorry it has been so long for me to reply. As I mentioned above, I purchased a laser off of ebay and it arrived broken (shattered). I purchased this as part of a 'package deal' from shopkz1300 on ebay. After a few weeks of dealing with UPS we did receive an insurance payment and the seller has sent me enough money to cover buying a new 100W laser from another seller. He was very professional throughout the entire process as well.