I guess I get to keep this for a while longer...
Attachment 42739
Printable View
I guess I get to keep this for a while longer...
Attachment 42739
Ya, unfortunately, I think all that 'episode' did was to encourage more peeps to try hot-rodding 'em.. 'Well, shoot, if that cinder block can do it...' :) etc.. But, a) there is a GULF between 'turning the thing on' / getting light out of them, and understanding the deep fundamentals that make for a successful long-term laser-source, much less a touring rig.. b) And soooo-many peeps have suffered DJs "online info-resources" for 'conversion' - He does NOT have things straight / ideal on several aspects of *core* fundamentals, and can't tell ya how many panicked calls / pm's I've fielded from people that fell into his 'help'.. :rolleyes: Even to the level I've managed to take conrollers / conversions, they're still but-a shadow of how they *should be* engineered, like Cap'n Bish's.. :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by gashead
..ya, and then there's that '21st Century juggernaut' called Reading... :rolleyes: Well, Cap'n, it's no reflection on ya / yer Legacy.. 'You can lead a horse to water, but.... If he bites you in the hand, and cyclically-argues how / why 'there's better water over in this other creek'... :) ..well then you just kick back a Bud and enjoy the 'reality show'.. *retardoQuote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
...Cool cavity design.. Nice to see it for only the cost of Internet.. :p
j
Laserman,
I think the age of the Q switched LS may be drawing to an end for a number of reasons. I still like the high peak powers and can ignore the beam quality for pumping dye or non linear stuff in a lab. But, with replacement parts slowly becoming less available, the need to galvo modulate not to mention the large diameter, high peak power beams, the visible pulses when scanned and the power requirements and bulk, these are going to have a hard time competing with multiple diode arrays of 1-2W 520nm diodes.
These diodes will soon become inexpensive and will probably double in power in less than 2 years. A PBS'ed array of 16 0f these will have a much better beam than an LS and weigh something like 5Kg
For extreme powers for outdoor displays, the diode pumped and/or disc lasers can fill this niche.
@ planters...and the beat goes on... (fyi...i qs blanked cw and pulsed with no problems) Knowledge is the biggest hurdle one must leap to master vag or butt burners. The technology was revolutionary at the time...just like the new diode stuff is now.
These lasers were used by professionals in huge arenas and large permanent installations around the world (I personally sold 28 ultra rays). This machine was never suited well for hobbits (hobbyist). We did it for a business and a profession...not fun.
Ya, I know. But to get the really high average powers like say 40 real watts from one of these don't you have to QS during the on time to improve both fundamental and SHG output?Quote:
(fyi...i qs blanked cw and pulsed with no problems)
I know this too. When I used to lease big medical lasers, they were a lot less fun and the prospect of a "fail" would definitely send me into overdrive along with a search for some MaloxQuote:
These lasers were used by professionals
The technology is STILL fantastic. A diode is still just a diode. The new greens use a different semiconductor (GaN) and they strain the lattice to favor a green transition, but they are still just a simple junction. The problem is that the money to develop the LS came from the huge profit for medical devices and the later show use was a benefit.Quote:
The technology was revolutionary
I do this only for fun and its a hell of a kick.
yes...keep the image moving...find harmonics ...or beam shows - you could do graphics if you wanted them to look like crap... (wrong tool for application)
doing it for fun is ok... I had fun... I guess...;)
Kind of quiet on the other side of the pond...Simon...You Okay?
Stop! You're bringing me to the realization that if anything goes wrong with either of mine I'm gonna be left with two fat paperweights! not to mention the money spent buying bits to convert (I've taken them both off their carts to convert into something more, er.. portable?)Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
I suppose I still don't really care though.. :) I wish I had the resources you had at one point Pat, but alas I don't.. I still get a great deal of enjoyment out of them even if they are works in progress. I actually love the learning curve.. Steep it may be! (As Jon full well knows from my many "wtf" emails, hell Rob Stanley has got a few of them emails too!)
But then this pretty much sums up my Laser love affair, I have a SP "Performa" which I bought years ago, fulfilling a "teenage" dream only problem is she doesn't get run very often. The lack of three phase in my house is a constant bitch. *sigh*
Well, let me complement you on them!Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
A Revolutionary piece of technology that not only has saved peoples lives but also put many a Laserist in awe of it's mighty power, Pat you are a pioneer.
You definitely have my respect which is why you've never received any "help" emails from me ;) (Not saying I don't respect any of the people I have emailed/called/sent various photosets to!) But now I know others have, I only have two questions...
What timezone are you in?
and
Got Skype ?
;)
All the best.
Nigel.
For info:
I've just gone through my "beaucoup de docs secrets", current retail wonga on replacement parts for the Pee Vee:
LAM's, RAM's, SAM's, fold M's and OC's vary wildly in price depending on exact part.Code:YAG Rod (126mm) = $3,710
Lamp housing = $5,740
Replacment Arc Lamp = $1,050
KTP, inc. mount = $7,250
While not anywhere near Pat's $20k's hoard of spares, I feel less guilty about my own stash of LSCP parts! >:)
@ gasshead- Thanks for the compliment! Skype & Timezone? - For your journey on your two burners...I would suggest convert one...use the second one to rape parts from. I'll chime in on a post if necessary, Jon and others probably have fresher minds and documentation, since I stopped working on these 15 years ago. I still own a Cobra...but it sits on a shelf as sort a museum piece (well actually it is in my garage on a shelf collecting dust). You see...I never worked on vag burners, I used it the first time for a gig, then developed the UltraRay with LSCP, which had the big PCB in it that I hated...LSCP would not take it out...which made it a weak link...it was reliable but way over kill...whatev...
@ Daniel briggs - your stash of spares is a wonderful luxury. If you are doing this for a business, they are critical...if you are doing this for a hobby...you have one of two things...a lot disposable income or a pile of depreciating assets. If you have the illusion that they will appreciate...I don't want to burst your bubble...but the industry of hobbyist that will need your parts...cant afford them... and the professionals that COULD use your parts will opt to upgraded their technology.
Oh dear, should have expected a backlash from the PL LSCP police :angel:
Pat,Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
My reference to younger people was originally in reply to the way you always talk down to anyone who dares touch a LSCP other than yourself.
Yes you have done it all etc..and I do respect your knowledge but as enthusiasts and/or professionals, we have to learn some how especially as talking about these machines is frowned upon here depending on who you are... :rolleyes:
Why thanks I think ! - Unfortunately, there was no sound at all... !Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
All pressures and temperatures were within normal sensor limits so there was no warning.
Indeed you did, and I agree (even before this incident) !Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
I hope so too. Once again, thanks for your "sympathy"..lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
I intend to run it off "town" water and seperate DI loop as designed as it provides the cheapest way of cooling it !Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
If there is a situation in the design that can allow the lamp and rod to overheat, then in my opinion it is a design flaw.Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
A simple level sensor as found in older models would have saved it !
I take on board your advice about its operational duty ratio but if the pressure, flow and temperatures are monitored and within normal limits then I dont see why it cannot be used longer as long as other optics are upto the job.
Yes it is a risk but thats the fun....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
Advice noted :)
It has a label on the rear stating an average peak of 96 watts ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserman532
The hardware is capable of 8O watts so thats good enough for me.
I am not that dumb to believe it will make that power unless its in tip top condition... :p
Lets be clear, I started this thread not for help but to be open as an enthusiast of lasers.
I am fully aware of the dangers of these lasers and know how fragile and expensive they are as this is my fifth and I still have 3 of them !!
I purchased it because I like these old school brutes and the PV is challenge and a rare beast so it gives me pleasure to work on it.
Although my laser optics knowledge is limited at present, I am learning but I know the dangers and limitations of such machines.
I assure everyone, I take all safety measures and operation seriously and in a professional manor.
The problem here is, as users of this site, we cant really have real open discussions on these types of lasers so some of us have no choice to learn the hard way. Even now we are discussing this subject, there is the usual crappy attitude to me (or anyone else) who isnt in the PL old boys club.
I assure you I am not another "Allen" and it gets all a bit tiring when we are all supposed to be laser enthusiasts and when advice is given, its mixed in with back handed insults and bad attitude - maybe because I am not a lover of DPSS... lol
I guess I am used to other forums where people help and are friendly to each other.!
This laser will be repaired and may never produce the full 80 watts but I will love it like it was my own child anyway :)