tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post6108966633646640174..comments2024-03-13T05:24:54.761-05:00Comments on DIY Laser: Laser Power Settings Via PWM Can Fool YouTim Wehrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579550070576755514noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-8002373227711059022016-03-17T02:16:17.170-05:002016-03-17T02:16:17.170-05:00When I got my laser I tried running it at 95% as I...When I got my laser I tried running it at 95% as I heard it's not good to run at 100% then after a short while I noticed the power starting to fade so I did a test cutting small circles through some 3mm mdf I set the first cut at 95% second at 90% third at 80% so on till 30%, I noticed the best cuts at 70,60 and 50%, so basically my machine was overdriven after 65%. Since the test I have limited my max power to 65%. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12630826701135480035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-45838831861846832952011-12-07T07:21:15.929-06:002011-12-07T07:21:15.929-06:00PAJoe - The analog meter has two terminals (+ and ...PAJoe - The analog meter has two terminals (+ and -). The + goes to the negative end of your tube (the small, probably black) wire. The - goes to the negative line of the power supply (the small black or blue wire). The idea is to have the tube's current running through the meter on the return path from the meter. So the entire system is: Power Supply -> Tube -> Meter -> Power Supply.<br />Good luck!Tim Wehrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05579550070576755514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-86965095540041995362011-12-06T21:00:54.464-06:002011-12-06T21:00:54.464-06:00Hi Tim, You have some great information on your bl...Hi Tim, You have some great information on your blog. I have been having some issues with my laser and wanted to hook up an analog mA meter to it to examine actual output from the power supply. How should I wire the meter in? Should I wire it in series with the anode of the laser? Thanks for your help! Keep up the great work!PAJoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535737245411661664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-22700392377847819232011-09-25T09:57:06.924-05:002011-09-25T09:57:06.924-05:00Hey, MonoNeuron (aka Rich), good to see you over h...Hey, MonoNeuron (aka Rich), good to see you over here. The temp rise is in interesting idea. I am going to be changing tubes in the next few days. I may try that test before and after, just to see if there is a difference. <br /><br />If you have not done so yet, I strongly recommend you do a % vs mA table. Then stay under your max recommended mA at all times, regardless of cutting or engraving. I have (I believe) eaten up two tubes by unknowingly abusing them.Tim Wehrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05579550070576755514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-40374470133923715342011-09-25T08:09:37.844-05:002011-09-25T08:09:37.844-05:00I have typically set my 100 watt glass laser to 80...I have typically set my 100 watt glass laser to 80% of full rated power but after reading this I might want to check into this a bit further. I bought a 100 watt laser so I could use it for a long time at up to 75% power so it would last and also for those 1 off jobs where you need the full power.<br />My tube starts to lase at 4-5% (temperature dependent) and is very stable even at low power. Something I had tried to find out before buying but no one could tell me.MonoNeuronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09572985257020349901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-27455616402767406542011-09-25T08:05:46.895-05:002011-09-25T08:05:46.895-05:00Hi Tim,
I did read a post years ago about directin...Hi Tim,<br />I did read a post years ago about directing your beam into a glass of water of known quantity and checking with a thermometer the temperature rise over time to find out the power level of a CO2 laser.<br />It was a simple formula but for the life of me I can't find it again. Maybe you could! (Rich).MonoNeuronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09572985257020349901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-79810193060619945232011-09-20T18:47:51.419-05:002011-09-20T18:47:51.419-05:00That is the one I knew about as well for renting. ...That is the one I knew about as well for renting. Maybe someday.Tim Wehrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05579550070576755514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2026462173127234532.post-32876187112423356652011-09-20T16:52:02.603-05:002011-09-20T16:52:02.603-05:00Great write up Tim. Very informative! I to wish ...Great write up Tim. Very informative! I to wish the power meters were not so expensive. You could even use one to get your exact focal length also. I did find where you could rent one, but it is still to rich for me. http://www.laserbits.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=321William Meadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07761653233389073105noreply@blogger.com