3-Phase Argon Power Supply on a Rotary Phase Converter

[turbohead]

Does anyone know if it is practice or possible to run a 3-phase argon power supply with a rotary phase converter?

I am considering the purchase of a medical argon laser that requires a 240VAC, 60amp, 3-phase power supply? I have a 10 horsepower rotary phase converter that I use with my milling machine. The challenge with a rotary phase converter is balancing the current on all three phases. This can be done by adding or subtracting run capacitors.

Has anyone tried this?

Thank you!

[mixedgas]

Quite a few people have done it. Including me and my best friend. Which medical Argon? Some have switchers, some have linear PSUs, and thus the requirements differ. Keeping the cathode transformer within specification is most important. CAP bank based converters do not do as well as a true rotary converter.

So again, Which Laser?

Steve

[turbohead]

Attached is a poor picture from the seller. I am requesting more information.

[mixedgas]

That is a HGM. Runs off single phase just fine with some work. Switching PSU. There are minor differences between the three phase and single phase HGM power supplies, mostly how the DC for the magnetic field is generated and some AC power to the interlock relay chain.

So I cant tell scale from that picture, so is that a Model 8 or a Model 20?

The twenty will run up to a few watts off single phase if the line voltage is stiff enough, but would really like 3 phase.

Steve

[buffo]

Sure looks like an HGM 20 to me. And mine will do 10 watts off 220 single phase.

Adam

[mixedgas]

The 8 is about 10 inches shorter, and my eyes are old. Yes, my impression is that its a HGM 20. I've seen between 4 and 9 watts off single, depending on the age of the tube.
Make sure you get the foot pedal, It makes initial testing much easier.
Steve

[turbohead]

You guys certainly know your lasers! We need to start a game show called "Name That laser!"

I have more information from the seller.

It is a HGM Model 20S.

I am going to see it today.

[mixedgas]

You guys certainly know your lasers! We need to start a game show called "Name That laser!"

I have more information from the seller.

It is a HGM Model 20S.

I am going to see it today.

S is for Stent in a HGM-20 part number. It heated a tiny blackened platinum ball at the end of a fiber to open clogged heart arteries.
It can also be used for general surgery, but the controller will look for the thermocouple attached to the ball.
Its a little different then your basic model 20 as the current limit was set much higher, as the surgical duty cycle was low, this was not a problem.
The good news is 20S tubes are hand selected for the best possible power in a given manufacturing batch.

I've only ever seen three 20S, yours is the third.

Steve

[turbohead]

A HGM Model 20 followed me home today. I am not sure if I brought a laser or a large boat anchor since the seller had no idea if the laser works. The laser comes complete with the fiber optic wand (no black platinum ball) and the foot switch. I am going to need to change the power plug to something more standard. I have 50 amp single phase available which I use for my TIG welder.

I have not yet opened the lid.

Is it fairly straightforward to operate the laser on single phase or do I need to re-wire the connections from the plug to the power supply?

Any recommendations or guidance would be greatly appreciated!