Epic CVL Projector Build Thread

[platinum]

Hello fellow PL-ites!

I figure it's about time I posted up a thread about my ongoing CVL project, not only to share, but so maybe some of you will give me trouble if I'm not staying on task and getting it finished!

Here are a few pictures of the Oxford ACL45 300Evil and I picked up in December (to read up on The Quest for the Copper Vapor, see HERE):


[This is where I picked it up in Massachusetts (BMI)]


[Front Control Panel detail]


[Umbilical/other detail]


[Thyratron Tank (filled with mineral oil to prevent arcing)]


[Dark, sinister version of preceding picture]


[Thyratron Box, Front Optic Mount detail]


[Gas Management/Thyratron Controller etc. detail]


[Closer view of last shot]


[an indoor shot, for the heck of it. (yes, that's my living room; I've since moved it to the "laser room")]

Here are some components I've acquired so far for the projector:


[These are some custom GSi Galvos I found on eBay. I'm getting an additional, identical pair tomorrow]


[These are the scanner amps. Really.]


[Here's a view inside the older one. (I plan on getting a few more of these for color switching/blanking later]


[Here's the baseplate I plan on using for the first projector and an example GSi mount that fits the scanners. (scanning/blanking; no color switching until later)]

I've pretty much covered what I have, now, here are the plans:
The idea is to build a CDRH-compliant projector that will house a shutter (a large one, of course), a mechanically adjustable beam-block and three galvos. (two for scanning; one for blanking.)

Thanks to Steve (mixedgas), I have a sizable chunk of carbon to use for the main shutter and the beam block. I'm interested in input on the projector as it's not quite put together in my head.

I'm also on the market for two more mounts, as I only have one, so far.

Here is a bullet list of parts I need to find eventually:
- Front Optical Coupler for the ACL45
(this is available through Oxford for $650, but I'm looking into other options, for now)
- Tank of CP Grade (99.995% pure) Neon
(I found 80 Cu. Ft. of this near here for ~$550, which I think is an alright deal considering the rarity of the gas)
- Regulator/Flow Meter for Neon
- Water Lines, Power Distro and something to carry The Beast on/in...
- Two mounts for large GSi Galvos
- Aluminum stock for the case. (I'll get this at Metal Supermarkets, probably.)
- Mechanism to mount a chunk of carbon to for the front beam-block
- Shutter/solenoid big enough for a ~5 cm chunk of carbon
- Random wires
- Emission Indicator
- Rack-mount case for the amps
- other stuff I forgot


I'll add plenty here soon. I figured I'd start with a description of what I'm up to and go from there. Anyone have any experience with this model laser?

Disclaimer: I just want everyone to know that I'm fully aware of the EXTREME danger this laser can present if not used properly. Every measure will be taken to protect myself and ESPECIALLY, other people, when this laser is in use. (...thought I'd should put that in there for those that haven't met me, and especially, for those who have. )


-Jonathan

[300EVIL]

These pics don't do the size of this laser justice. Here's a good one... I'm 6'2".



I wonder what it would take to convert that thing to use less expensive helium instead.

[platinum]

. . .I wonder what it would take to convert that thing to use less expensive helium instead.

You just want to inhale the helium and talk funny. (...funnier than normal.)

-J

[300EVIL]

You just want to inhale the helium and talk funny. (...funnier than normal.)

-J

Pffft! Fill that tube with N2O. (Said with a squeaky high pitched voice.)

[Steve Milani]

W - O - W ! ! !
Guys... It takes my breath off!
Dimension (and weight likely too...) of this sort of "monster" seems me similar of that one I've seen , long times ago, at Pink Floyd concert in Venice (Italy)!

[rfourt]

wow... what a litle baby!

what are the gas in that beast? and have you started it? what power does it produce?

awsome and congrats.

[White-Light]

Nice project.

Won't carbon burn though when used as a shutter? I'd have though ceramic would have been the way to go.

[QUAZAR]

W - O - W ! ! !
Guys... It takes my breath off!
Dimension (and weight likely too...) of this sort of "monster" seems me similar of that one I've seen , long times ago, at Pink Floyd concert in Venice (Italy)!

Yep, Pink Floyd used 2 of those during the Division Bell tour.

[platinum]

Nice project.

Won't carbon burn though when used as a shutter? I'd have though ceramic would have been the way to go.

I'm told carbon is the way to go. I could think ceramic would have a higher risk of cracking.

-Jonathan

[White-Light]

I'm told carbon is the way to go. I could think ceramic would have a higher risk of cracking.

-Jonathan

Fair enough, can't say I know much about the subject I just would have thought that the potential temperature of tens of Watts of pulsed CVL from a few inches would have led to the carbon burning or being gradually vaporised and eroded through.