Laser Power Supply (LPSU) Output Current Test Procedure

Preface: This is a diagnostic procedure to collect data on the output of the LPSU. It is not necessary to perform this unless instructed to do so by Thunder Laser USA Support & Innovation Labs. But you can if you like. This instruction is specific to the Thunder Laser USA Nova series machines only.

Please reply back to your support ticket with your results in an organized fashion, please avoid just sending a video of the LPSU                                                                                                                                             

The Procedure:

This procedure runs the Lightburn file and allows you to view the LPSU ammeter to record the ma output values at the LPSU. The job will pulse at 10% and pause briefly and then pulse at 20% and pause, and so on up to 100%. While the machine is outputting, the operator should be recording the values from the power supply output.

Your laser will fire during this test. It is recommended to lower the bed down and clear the bed and crumb tray from any materials. 

Step 1: Download the attached Lightburn file

The file is a run file and not a Lightburn project file. The file should not be imported to Lightburn as a project/vectors , instead you will use the downloaded RD file from this link and transfer it to the machine As-Is.

The file is set up to run a small set of lines in the Top Left corner using absolute coordinates.

Transfer the downloaded file using Lightburn:

Enable the File List Window in Lightburn	Select the File List Window Tab

Check that you are Connected and Ready	Upload the File to the machine
	Click the upload button and navigate where you saved the RD file and select it and upload it.

If you are unable to successfully upload the File from Lightburn, then you can use a USB stick to copy it to the machine. Please see this article for details on transferring a RD file to your Thunder Laser.

Step 2: Locate Power Supply for your machine

Nova 35, 51, and 63

Located on the back of the machine, behind the blue door to the Left of the exhaust outlet

Nova 35,51, and 63 General Location	Example of the LPSU

Nova 24:

Located on the left side of your machine behind the lower blue door.

Nova 24 LPSU Location	Example of the LPSU

Step 3: Run Job and Data Log

Get your pen and paper ready. It would be good to make a column for 10-100% power in increments of 10 so that you will be ready to capture the output ma values.

Run the job like you would run a normal job. You will need to select the job from the file list to get the preview on the machine.

Record the results and email them back to your ticket.

Power Percent	ma Readout
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

Video Run Through:

Here is an overview of the test file.

Note that Thunder switched from running a Lightburn project file to the RD file since if you opened the Lightburn file, it would change you layer settings and cause issues after testing was complete.

Here is how the meter should respond to the test file. Please record the mA value of each pulse in order from 10% to 100%

These resources show our mA meter on the laser near the e-stop button which is an aftermarket modification

Recommended Tube Current Limits:

Tube Wattage	Starting Current milliamps (ma)	Nominal Peak milliamps (ma)	Max milliamps (ma)
40 watt	5 ma	18 ma	20 ma
60 watt	5 ma	18 ma	20 ma
80 watt		24 ma	28 ma
100 watt	5 ma	24 ma	25 ma
130 watt	6 ma	28 ma	30 ma

Sample Results:

• Related Articles

• Laser Tube Will Not Fire - LPSU Test

  Preface: This article covers the "Red Button Test" which is a great first test when you have Laser Power issues. The red button test eliminates the OPTO and RUIDA inputs, isolating the system to just the tube and the LPSU. If this test is a success, ...

• NOVA series How To replace the 24VDC Controls Power Supply

  This article covers how to replace the 24V Power supply that powers the controls for your NOVA machine. Note that this was done on a NOVA35. Larger Machines like the NOVA63 will have this Power Supply by it self not hidden by the 36V power supply. ...

• Using Laser 2 Output To Test For Possible Laser 1 Output Anomaly

  This procedure is how to use the Channel 2 output in place of the Ch1 output on your Laser Machine. Step 1: Backup Machine Settings to computer Machine Settings in Lightburn (Must be connected to the machine). From Lightburn goto Edit>Machine ...

• NOVA series How To replace the 36VDC Driver Power Supply

  This article covers how to replace the 36V Power supply that powers the drivers for your NOVA machine You will need: -30 minutes -Phillips screw driver with standard length -Voltmeter (How To Use A Multimeter) -Camera -Replacement Meanwell LRS-350-36 ...

• Nova Series MYJG Laser Power Supply LPSU Manual

  See the attached PDF.