Originally Posted by
jbarber
I have a 50W tabletop laser that quit firing right in the middle of a job last night. No warning, it just quit firing. The controller kept right on going, but no output from the tube.
I can hear a "ticking" sound from the power supply when the tube should be switching on, if that's of any use. The tube doesn't light at all, and a piece of tape over the first mirror stays clear when I use the controller to pulse or use the TEST button on the power supply.
The coolant temp was at 96F, and after it quit I examined the tube carefully. No cracks or coolant in the outside envelope, everything looks fine.
So... since the tube "looks" fine and I have no other means to test a 20KV power supply, I ordered a power supply. Any guesses as to whether that was the right choice? If it turns out to be the tube I'd rather have one coming than waiting another 7-10 days...
Thanks,
--jim