Newport YAG Laser power supply serial control

[smercurio_fc]

Karl T said: "I don't have much experience with lasers and interlock systems"

For your own safety, and for the safety of others you should work with someone experienced with lasers and interlocks. Really, I'm not kidding.

[labviewman]

What I meant was I don't have experience with how interlocks are implemented with a laser system since I am in the automotive industry (ECU design/production testing) and don't get to play with cool things like lasers (13 years ago I worked on writing LabVIEW code and testing black boxes on F/A Super Hornets that were in design and development...now that was some cool stuff...I sure do miss it!)

[Karl T.]

You're right, smercurio_fc, I do need to be careful about this. I do have people around that understand the system better, and I have been safety trained.

As for the manual, I was unable to find it on the internet. I got a digital copy, which I am posting here. I hope this is ok.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

Not to preach, but some other safety points:

Wear the proper laser safety eyewear rated for the specific wavelength of the laser and with the proper optical density for attenuation to an eye safe level.

Use beam dumps or blocks to stop the beam if the terminal end of the path can be removed.

Post the proper signage to warn others in the area of the laser Class, wavelength, and power level.

Ideally, have a warning light that illuminates when beam is on.

If I get a chance (I'm currently running a battery of tests on a lser based unit right now), I'll try to download the docs for the supply to review (or you can post them), also what model is the laser?

-AK2DM

Edit: I see you posted the manual while I was 'composting' my post

Message Edited by AnalogKid2DigitalMan on 04-25-2008 01:19 PM

[Karl T.]

Those are all things we do.

The model is a INDI-HG, powered by a P51 power supply.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

Karl:

Review pages marked 4-6 through 4-8 for interlock and operatin modes. Is the auxillary interlock jumper installed (it should be) and the Interlock fault LED should be off.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

Karl:

Section A-1 in the manual covers start up process for computer control.

Also- does the laser function properly under manual control?

Sorry for the barrage, but I gotta run now. Good luck and be safe!

-AK2DM

[Karl T.]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks again for all of the help. I really appreciate it, I eventually figured out that the analog computer control board in my laser had been replaced by a digital control board with very different commands. The clue should have been that the only command that worked was not in the manual, and it would have been nice if the manufacturer had been more informative on that.

Thanks again,
Karl