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, the laser beam power will be emitted.
Precautions should be taken such as closing all the other machine doors
and removing objects from the path of the laser beam prior to the test.
Also make sure your chiller is on and pumping chilled water as this test
can bypass the Water Protection as well.
Nova 24 Power supply is different and located on the left side of the machine. Nova 35,51, and 63 Power supplies are on the back of the machine to the left of the exhaust outlet.
Quick Start Video:
Interactive Step By Step Guide
Complete Guide:
Assuming that the LPSU has 120v power and the connections to the tube are checked ( Poorly Terminated / Arcing Laser Tube Ground Causes Anomalies ) then we need to perform a basic test. We will remove the LPSU from the control of the Ruida and manually fire it.
If this test is a success, the laser beam power will be emitted. Precautions should be taken such as closing all the other machine doors and removing objects from the path of the laser beam prior to the test. Also make sure your chiller is on and pumping chilled water as this test can bypass the Water Protection.
Nova
24 Power supply is different and located on the left side of the
machine. Nova 35,51, and 63 Power supplies are on the back of the
machine to the left of the exhaust outlet.
1, Unplug the Optoisolator from the LPSU. It is the green or blue printed circuit board. Examples are shown below
Optoisolator Installed:
Optoisolator Removed for Test:
2. Briefly press the Red Button on the LPSU. Read out the milliamps (ma) on the screen or Analog Meter
3. Look for a power read out on the Screen or Analog ammeter
Listen for sounds and look for lights, both can be indications of a failed LPSU. Record the ma output and send to Tech Support
In this example, the readout is 14ma and is considered a pass
Nova 24 has a separate analog meter and does not have a digital meter:
The Red arrow in the picture below points to the Analog Ammeter on the Nova 24
Expected Results:
The LSPU should fire from 13ma to around 20ma. If it is limited to say 4ma or less, then there is likely and issue with the LPSU.
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