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Thread: Omnichrome 532 Laser Head and Model 171 Power Supply

  1. #1
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    Default Omnichrome 543 Laser Head and Model 171 Power Supply

    While waiting for a suitable tube for my HGM-20, I recently acquired a Omnichrome 543-300A-NORN laser head (yes, this is an addiction).

    Applying an Oudin coil, the tube clearly ionizes and is vacuum intact.

    Base on documents I found searching the web, it appears this head uses a Model 170B or 176B power supply. I have neither one of these, however, I do have a model 171 power supply.

    Apparently, the 171 PS is for the Omni-643 head. What is the different between the 171 and 170B power supplies?

    Does anyone know if a model 171 power supply will work with the Omnichrome 543 laser head?

    Thank you,

    Willie
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Omnichrome 532.JPG  

    Last edited by turbohead; 02-05-2014 at 17:13.

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    Check the laser FAQ...Sam's Laser FAQ!
    Phil Bergeron( AKA 142laser)

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    email dale@hhr-lasers.org He has piles of them

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    Interesting that your 171 doesn't work on the 543, but the 176B does. As I use a 176B for my 643 ArKr, and I've been told that the PSU will also work with a 543, and the PSU for the 543, for the 643.

    The way it's been relayed to me, is that they are completely interchangeable.

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    Quote Originally Posted by SoulFeast View Post
    Interesting that your 171 doesn't work on the 543, but the 176B does. As I use a 176B for my 643 ArKr, and I've been told that the PSU will also work with a 543, and the PSU for the 543, for the 643.

    The way it's been relayed to me, is that they are completely interchangeable.
    I haven't tried plugging the 171 into the 543 - I don't want to risk damaging the laser or the power supply.

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    Quote Originally Posted by turbohead View Post
    I haven't tried plugging the 171 into the 543 - I don't want to risk damaging the laser or the power supply.
    From the Melles Griot ion master 543/643 manual found here.

    Quote Originally Posted by Master Manual
    Series 543 and 643 laser heads can be used with one of three power supplies, the model 170, model 171, or model 176.
    100% interchangeable They're pretty much the same PSU, and the same head, with just a different gas, or both.

  7. #7
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    I received a reply from Dale at HHR-Lasers:

    "The 171 will run the Omni 543 if it is set up for 220 volt input. If it is only set up for 120 volt input it can only run the 532 head. Both the 543 and 643 require 220 volt input. Unfortunately, while basically the same supply, it can not be converted over easily. Look at the sticker on the front or back. It tells the volt input and the head it will drive."

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    There are four pins different on a 220V or 110v head. They are the interlock and fan power. A 220v head wont interlock a 110v supply.

    A 110v supply will not drive a 543 or 643 series tube in most cases, the rectified line voltage is not enough to overcome the voltage drop of the tube.

    Hook it up and try it, if the PSU has a 220v sticker.

    Steve

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    Quote Originally Posted by turbohead View Post
    Base on documents I found searching the web, it appears this head uses a Model 170B or 176B power supply. I have neither one of these, however, I do have a model 171 power supply.
    The 171 power supply I have is wired for 220 volt input and is labeled for a 643 head.

    After satisfying the interlocks on the DB25 and the fan, filament voltage is present, however, the fan on the power supply does not turn on. After a warm-up period, the high voltage igniter starts and the tube briefly starts. When the tube starts, the fan on the power supply turns on. However, after about a second, the tube turns off and the power supply fan turns off. The cycle then repeats; filament on, warm-up, igniter, brief light, power supply fan on and then off again.

    I can only conclude that since the power supply states it is for the 643 head, the 543 head is not compatible or the power supply is faulty. The next step is to check the FETs and transistors in the power supply.
    Last edited by turbohead; 02-05-2014 at 20:14.

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    I un-soldered and checked all of the FETS, resistors and diodes on the large heat sink. All of the components check good.

    Any suggestions?

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