Summary of Contents for Industrial Fiber Optics ML 801
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ML 801 “Build a Laser” Kit Instruction Manual Model Number: ML 801 NDUSTRIAL IBER PTICS...
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Fiber Optics to reflect several upgrades and redesigns. But the sequence and form of the assembly instructions have been maintained to provide continuity for teachers and instructors already using Metrologic’s ML801 “Build a Laser” Kit (now supplied by Industrial Fiber Optics) in their curriculums.
Introduction This booklet contains instructions for building an ML801 helium-neon laser using parts supplied in the kit. It is assumed that whoever is building the kit has had some experience in wiring electronic circuits and in soldering components to printed circuit boards. It is also assumed that the person building the kit has adequate tools.
Required Items Not Supplied with Kit All of the necessary circuit elements, connecting leads, fasteners and other assembly parts are provided with the kit, In addition, the following items should be available. A low power (25 to 30 watts) soldering iron to mount Soldering iron circuit elements.
Unpacking and Checking Parts Before attempting to assemble the kit, identify and check off each part to be sure that the kit is complete. Resistors Color bands on Resistance Power Replace Symbol Resistor Part # (ohms) (watt) Cost (see note below) 22 k red, red, orange 15-15001...
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Diodes Symbol Type Comments Part # Replace Cost D1-D6 Printed on each of these six 23-23021 $3.75 diodes is a band (formed of alternating triangles) which indicates the negative (-) end. D7, D8 Similar to the 3G3 above, but 23-23030 $4.10 the XG6 diodes are larger 1N5223B...
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Miscellaneous parts Replace Type Comments Part # Cost Laser Case Cast aluminum, 2.7 x 2.7 x 11.0 42 0215 $40.00 inches Threaded tripod mount at bottom Laser Cradle Two strips of black plastic each 30-30022 $4.00 about 1 inch long. Mounts laser tube on circuit board Two lengths of ¼...
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Heat Sink Subassembly (Refer to Figure 3) Type Comments Part # Replace Cost Aluminum U-block with drilled 31-31141 $6.00 Heat Sink holes 4-40 x .5” Mounts transistor on 22 0025 $0.25 Screw heat sink White beryllia. Provides heat 00-00538 $4.00 Washer conduction and electrical isolation for transistor tab...
Soldering Although it is assumed that those building this laser kit have experience in wiring and soldering, a few reminders of good soldering techniques may be helpful. Use a low-power (25 to 30 watts) soldering iron to mount circuit • elements.
Assembly Instructions The electronic components of the laser, including the laser tube, must all be mounted on printed circuit board PC1. Although this engineering provision is very handy when building, testing and troubleshooting the laser, always be aware of the hazards of operating an electrical circuit without its protective case securely mounted in place.
4. Using a pair of diagonal cutting pliers, snip off the excess lengths of diode leads as close as possible to the printed circuit board and discard them. This completes the mounting of the diodes. Mounting Resistors There are 13 resistors to be mounted on the printed circuit board. Follow the instructions below and refer to Figure 1 for the placement of the resistors.
NOTE: Unlike diodes, the direction that a resistor faces in a circuit is unimportant. As long as a resistor is in the correct holes of the circuit board, it will function correctly. 5. Insert the leads of the remaining eight resistors in the designated holes of the circuit board.
Mounting Transformer T1 Refer to Figure 1 and follow the instructions below to mount transformer T1 on the printed circuit board. Hold transformer T1 so the base is down and the groove at the base (which identifies terminal 1) is at the lower right. Insert the transformer in the printed circuit board so that all 12 terminals at the transformer base are firmly seated in the corresponding holes of the board.
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Bend the transistor terminals so they fit into the three designated holes in the PC board. Secure the aluminum heat sink to the board with a No. 6 pan head screw and lock washer. (Before beginning this step, read the note below) NOTE: When tightening the pan head screw at the bottom of the heat sink, hold the aluminum U-block steady so it does not twist and...
Mounting the Laser Tube on the PC Board Laser tube LT-1 and resistor R1 are the only components mounted on the foil side of the circuit board. Follow the instructions below and refer to Figure 4. With the foil side up, cement the flat side of a laser cradle to the PC board between the holes located between diodes D3 and D4 using a thin coat of Duco (or similar) cement.
A 4-inch length of red wire, called the anode lead, is included in the kit. Attach one end of this wire to the metal clip mounted on the front of the laser tube (Refer to Figure 4). Before connecting the other end of the anode lead, measure the distance required for it to reach resistor R1.
Visual Inspection Before the laser is mounted in its outer case, make a thorough check of the electrical components of the laser as follows: Caution: Do not connect power to the laser until all of the preliminary checks are made and specific instructions are given to do so. The premature application of power can cause extensive damage.
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10. Insert the Plug into a 3 conductor GROUNDED wall outlet, 105-120 volts AC, 60 Hz. Warning: If the plug is inserted in an ungrounded outlet, dangerous voltages could appear on the laser case. 11. Operate the power switch on the rear end cap to the ON position. The pilot light in the rear end cap should go on.
Adjusting Laser Tube Current For optimal operation, the laser tube current should be between 3 and 3.5 milliamperes. Most lasers will operate properly with the correct tube current when assembled according to the instructions given above. However, because there are small differences in the electrical characteristics of individual laser tubes, there is a small possibility that the tube current in your laser does not fall within these specified limits.
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Warning: Remember to turn off the power whenever touching the laser or the meter as necessary. Once the tube current has been checked and adjusted, turn off the power, remove the meter and reconnect the black cathode lead to the laser tube terminal This completes the laser tube current adjustment.
Final Assembly The final assembly consists of placing all of the electronic parts inside the laser case and aligning the laser beam so it will emerge from the aperture in the front end plate. During this phase, operating the laser with charged electronic components partially exposed will be necessary, so again be very careful when proceeding.
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Shut off the power. Slide the printed circuit board out of the laser case being very careful not to misalign the laser tube. Squeeze out of a liberal quantity of Dow Corning Clear Sealant (or bathtub caulking) and apply it between the sides of the laser tube and the PC board near each laser cradle.
This kit was carefully inspected before leaving the factory. If any components are missing, or (except for the laser tube) were damaged during shipping, Industrial Fiber Optics will replace them at its discretion. Since soldering and incorrect assembly can damage electrical components, no warranty can be made after assembly has begun.
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If damage is discovered during unpacking, notify the carrier and the • distributor (or Industrial Fiber Optics if the item was purchased directly) from whom the item was purchased immediately. The carrier must note the damage and make a concealed damage report. Time is of essence because damage claims submitted more than five days after the delivery may not be honored by the carrier.
Disclaimer Industrial Fiber Optics, Inc. and the author or authors make no claims or warranties with respect to the contents or accuracy of this publication, or the product it describes, including any warranties of fitness or merchantability for a particular purpose. Any stated or expressed warranties are in lieu of all...
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12 0113 Rules for Laser Safety Lasers produce a very intense beam of light. Treat them with respect. • Most educational lasers have an output of less than 3 milliwatts, and will not harm the skin. Never look into the laser aperture while the laser is turned on. •...