by Jack » Fri Jan 08, 2016 10:23 pm
Thanks Scott, that is very helpful. I'll look up the ammeter as I don't have one less than 1000mA full scale. So the digital ones kept burning out... I wonder if they just couldn't handle the voltage. Did you put your ammeter in series (I assume) on the neg or pos wire? and should I care? Also, if your ammeter is in series on the high tension lines I would think you have to be very careful about insulation and distances around the ammeter and it's connections, right? I know the answers to these questions are probably obvious, but I've never been hurt for making sure.
So there is an, at least, slight glow in the tube when it's energized. That's interesting and I wonder if there is a video or you tube of it where it's discernible. Also, I'm certainly committed to a closed, sealed box as well as multiple interlocks and flashing lights, sirens, etc., (well not really sirens, maybe an intermittent piezo buzzer or something) when the system is energized. I'll also have warning lights and goggle stations at each entry point to the room where the laser is operating. Safety first! (but really, these measures are required if I'm to use the thing in the house and not move it all to the shed....)
Thanks again for your help, Scott.