The laser cutter is down, oh noes!

[Scott Hill]

It saddens me to report that our beloved laser cutter is down. Currently we're still in the diagnosis phase -- might be the power supply, might be the water flow sensor, might be the tube. We were going to replace the tube anyway, and I'll be ordering a new one, plus new mirrors and a beam combiner, on Wednesday 5/10. I'm also going to check with our supplier as to testing the power supply. (Anyone got a voltmeter that can handle 35kV?)

I'll update everyone as soon as I have any further information. Rest assured we'll get it fixed ASAP! Keep an eye on the blog for updates, though I’ll try to remember to post to the group as well.
--
Scott Hill
Vice President
Twin Cities Maker
vicepr...@tcmaker.org

[Michael Englehorn]

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Scott Hill <vicepr...@tcmaker.org> writes:

> It saddens me to report that our beloved laser cutter is down. Currently we're
> still in the diagnosis phase -- might be the power supply, might be the water
> flow sensor, might be the tube. We were going to replace the tube anyway, and
> I'll be ordering a new one, plus new mirrors and a beam combiner, on Wednesday
> 5/10. I'm also going to check with our supplier as to testing the power supply.
> (Anyone got a voltmeter that can handle 35kV?)

I think this is what you want: http://en-us.fluke.com/products/all-accessories/fluke-80k-40.html

- -Michael Englehorn
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[Janice B]

I tried some readjustment of the lid magnet, as it seemed low, to no avail. Did not know where to find a continuity tester, but I think checking the contacts on that should be a quick and easy rule out, if no one has already. That part probably costs $10. 

If anyone will be troubleshooting and wants help, keep me in the loop.

I was super disappointed to arrive for my scheduled time this morning and have it down. I had an important meeting scheduled for which I was planning to produce a sample today. Sad face.  

Happy to help if I can.

Janice BAker

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[Scott Hill]

Rory and I did some digging at things last night, and Steve and I also looked at things on Tuesday night after the board meeting. We're reasonably sure the tube has died -- Rory said it's looking much blacker on the input end than he'd remembered from earlier cleanings. Other stuff we checked:

The lid switch is good, no problems there. The water flow sensor also appears to be working, at least according to a best-guess look with a meter. 

The high-voltage supply's fan is running, so at least the input side of the supply is still good. There's a test button on the HV supply that I believe bypasses the water flow cutoff and fires the laser, and that's also doing nothing. So the power supply isn't completely ruled out, but the tube is our main suspect. 

I'll be ordering parts later this afternoon. More info when I've got some...

--

Scott Hill <vicepr...@tcmaker.org>

Vice President, Twin Cities Maker

http://tcmaker.org