Versa Laser v-200 Help Quick *Popping noise*

[Joshua Gillum]

*Edit* Well found the source of the problem it was the power supply. Put some pics of the "trash" i received..!



Today i just got my versa laser 200 (used) i purchased from laser resale. It arrived in mint condition but inside it is very "sooty" and black everywhere. Well that is the least of the worries so far. I plugged the power cord into the unit then into the power supply to have it POP very loudly. What could possibly could have caused that? It gave off a smell of rotten eggs?

I then immediately pulled the plug to have it pop again. Please help with possible solutions on what i should do tonight while im waiting to call universal tomorrow.

I closed the room and opened the window obviously but should i be worried with that smell / gas?

Any help is much appreciated


Josh

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver016.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver016.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver015.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver015.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver013.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver013.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver012.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver012.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver008.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver008.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver007.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver007.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver006.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver006.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver004.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver004.jpg)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/th_BrokenLaserEngraver003.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/BrokenLaserEngraver003.jpg)

[Joshua Gillum]

I'll update after I call them tomorrow:( This picture explains it all.
Here is a picture though of what im talking about. Look at all the soot. What cold have caused this..:confused: . Should i just keep using a damp washcloth to finish cleaning the rest? I mean it literally looks ruined...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/2006josh2007/VersaLaserEngraver001.jpg

[Mike Null]

Joshua

Welcome to the forum.

Your problem is one I have not heard of previously. Have you contacted the seller?

You say it arrived in mint condition are you saying the soot happened after you plugged the unit in? If not do you have any recourse with the seller?

[David Lavaneri]

Mike,

Laser Resale (dot com) is essentially a consignment lot, where people can list equipment for sale.

LR takes a piece of the pie, but takes no responsibility and makes no warranty as to the actual condition of the equipment.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri

[Richard Rumancik]

As a guess, the pop was an electrolytic capacitor in the power supply that blew up as it got a surge on power-up. If it was just the cap(s) inside the power supply that blew, the supply may be repairable. You could remove the power supply and probably tell if the smell/smoke was coming from the enclosure without even opening it up.

If you do open it up, keep in mind that working capacitors can hold a charge for some time after unplugging the supply so they need to be discharged through a resistor (or even a light bulb) before handling them. If you are unsure get a technician to help you.

[Joshua Gillum]

Joshua

Welcome to the forum.

Your problem is one I have not heard of previously. Have you contacted the seller?

You say it arrived in mint condition are you saying the soot happened after you plugged the unit in? If not do you have any recourse with the seller?


Yes the soot was already in there. So disappointed was looking forward to making money not losing it =\

[Nancy Laird]

Today i just got my versa laser 200 (used) i purchased from laser resale. It arrived in mint condition but inside it is very "sooty" and black everywhere. ...Any help is much appreciated


Josh

Josh, I can't help with the popping noise, but the terms "mint condition" and "sooty and black everywhere" inside are contradictory. This laser was NOT in mint condition when you got it, and it looks suspiciously like there has been a small fire inside the laser when someone was trying to vector something that created flames. At the very least, the seller should have cleaned it up!

Methinks you might have been "took" in this deal. Just my .02.

Nancy (65 days)

[Mitchell Andrus]

The soot on hard surfaces is minor and will clean up. If the soot is on sensors, mirrors or lenses it will affect performance. Get to know your machine before cleaning it and running it. Ask for help here.

The pop could be a problem. My power switch makes a notable pop. So far, it's holding up, but I'm sure the contacts are going bad... a minor problem. The 'overheating' small should be looked at - perhaps you could send the power supply back to the factory for a look.

[Mike Hood]

I'd have to agree. That's a LOT of soot and smoke accumulation for a "mint" condition. I keep mine cleaner than that day to day, and I can't imagine someone selling it with that much grub on it.

What wattage is the machine and how much are you into it for? ($$$)

[Lee DeRaud]

...and it looks suspiciously like there has been a small fire inside the laser when someone was trying to vector something that created flames.Yup, that's what I'd expect the aftermath of a fire to look like. "Abused" is the kindest word I can use to describe it.

I do a lot of vector-cutting of residue-producing things like MDF and oily woods and I can't imagine how long it would take a machine to get to that state in anything remotely resembling "normal" use.

[Joshua Gillum]

I'd have to agree. That's a LOT of soot and smoke accumulation for a "mint" condition. I keep mine cleaner than that day to day, and I can't imagine someone selling it with that much grub on it.

What wattage is the machine and how much are you into it for? ($$$)

The pictures i were showed it looked great:mad: I spent 5,000 for it and being 19 this is a major setback.

After getting of the phone w/ uls they think its the power supply =|. The soot comes off rather easily but its just on the laser itself and all under the cover everywhere that is my concern now.

[Joe Pelonio]

I have never seen that much soot either, even when I've been too busy to clean it for a week or two. It may have been a fire, but also I'm wondering if someone has been cutting PVC in it. I don't know what that looks like since I would never do it. Does there appear to be any corrosion of bare metal parts, rust or pitting?

From what we've seen over the years, I'd never purchase a used laser without seeing it in person and watching it run, except perhaps from one of the major laser companies that has refurbished it.

[Nancy Laird]

From what we've seen over the years, I'd never purchase a used laser without seeing it in person and watching it run, except perhaps from one of the major laser companies that has refurbished it.

Me too, Joe. Both of our lasers were purchased used, but we had seen both of them run and knew they were in good shape. I'd NEVER buy a used laser sight unseen--not even from "one of the major laser companies that has refurbished it." I've been burned a couple of times on used cars for which I paid a LOT less than this used laser set Josh back.

Nancy (65 days)

[Scott Shepherd]

The pictures i were showed it looked great:mad: I spent 5,000 for it and being 19 this is a major setback.



You should contact the people you purchased it from and discuss a partial refund of thousands of dollars. If they don't budge, I'd suggest contacting an attorney. I hope you took a lot of photos prior to cleaning it up. If not, stop now and start documenting the condition it came in versus the condition it was presented to you as being in.

That's just wrong to do the bait and switch like that.

[Nancy Laird]

The pictures i were showed it looked great:mad:

Josh,

I'd get back with the people you bought it from and ask them where they got their pictures and how long before you bought it they were taken. If you got pictures that looked clean, then whoever had the laser used it after the pictures, had a fire in it, and may have damaged the laser, reducing the value. I think you have an issue with the seller...if you can find him/her!!

Nancy (65 days)

[Barb Macdonald]

You get what you pay for, certainly applies here...
So sorry, sure looks a mess:(

[Joshua Gillum]

You get what you pay for, certainly applies here...
So sorry, sure looks a mess:(

Im sorry I don't have 11,000 to just toss down on a new one.


Either way yes i'll take lots of pictures of before an after. I'll call up bank of america later today to see what they can do on their end as well.

[Mike Mackenzie]

Josh,

The popping noise you heard was the power supply.

If you can not get the company to help you you can bring it here and we will get it into brand new condition for you.

[Bill Cunningham]

If you paid for it by credit card Joshua you may be able to do a chargeback because you may have been a victim of fraud.. Call your credit card provider and see what they can do for you

[Joshua Gillum]

If you paid for it by credit card Joshua you may be able to do a chargeback because you may have been a victim of fraud.. Call your credit card provider and see what they can do for you


Yea, already on it:cool:

Updated pics on page one.

[Scott Shepherd]

WOW! Man, I'm no fire investigator, but I don't think you have to be one to see the starting point of what appears to have been a fire to me.

I honestly can't believe someone would have the nerve to try and pass that off as "mint condition".

Keep track of all your time spent on it as well. Might be able to get that back in damages (and afford a new one ;) ).

[Joshua Gillum]

WOW! Man, I'm no fire investigator, but I don't think you have to be one to see the starting point of what appears to have been a fire to me.

I honestly can't believe someone would have the nerve to try and pass that off as "mint condition".

Keep track of all your time spent on it as well. Might be able to get that back in damages (and afford a new one ;) ).

Its being taken care of by CEM LASERS. The best here in so-cal.

I got a hold of the seller and we are working it out.

[Nancy Laird]

Josh, I hope that "working it out" means that the seller will admit to having had a fire start in the laser and sending it out uncleaned, unchecked, and in less than "mint condition." The new pictures you put up in post #1 look like a nice laser in good shape--your picture of the thing after you got it looks like a totally different machine. I'd start checking serial numbers!!!

Nancy (64 days)

[Joshua Gillum]

Josh, I hope that "working it out" means that the seller will admit to having had a fire start in the laser and sending it out uncleaned, unchecked, and in less than "mint condition." The new pictures you put up in post #1 look like a nice laser in good shape--your picture of the thing after you got it looks like a totally different machine. I'd start checking serial numbers!!!

Nancy (64 days)

Yes he refunding the cost of replacement for the new parts. Thanks to all who posted!

[Lee DeRaud]

Its being taken care of by CEM LASERS. The best here in so-cal.FYI, that's SMCer Mike MacKenzie's shop, in case anyone wondered: same place I got my VL200, what seems like years ago.

Actually...come to think of it...it was "years ago". :p

Say hi to Treavor for me. :cool: