Good times, cracked tube

So I see water coming out of my laser. Not a good sign. Turn all power off, dis-connected high voltage. Opened up the back, and I have nice crack in my tube. It was an old tube, so I guess it was about time for it to go.

So question. Just curious how everyone else does this. The tubes I have been getting from light object have not really good way attaching the anode and cathode to the post. How have all of you done it?

I personally have wrapped the wire and around the post, insulated with silicone or another none conductive glue. And that seems to have worked over the years. What about you?

My tube has a threaded connection. EFR brand. I think someone in US stocks, don't remember who though.

In the 6 years I've owned my Triumph I've only looked at the tube a couple of times, and then I never checked out how my tube is wired up-

That said, wouldn't these work?
Attachment 423295
- or are the posts too fragile? Just wondering...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kev Williams

In the 6 years I've owned my Triumph I've only looked at the tube a couple of times, and then I never checked out how my tube is wired up-

That said, wouldn't these work?
Attachment 423295
- or are the posts too fragile? Just wondering...

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Dear lord NO.... the post are way to fragile. They are made of tungsten so you can't solder to them either so don't try that.
I've always just crimped on an insulated female spade connector on the wire and slide the post between the outside of the connector and the insulating plastic.
Been working like that for years.

With any luck, I'll never have to worry about it, so far so good! (knock on my head!) ;)

one of my lasers has an alligator clip on it

Home Depot and others carry small copper connectors, slip over the wires and tighten a screw…. just enough to hold. Over tight and its bad news. Wire nuts will work, same thing tighten gently. This is high voltage just a wire wrap is enough, it does not carry over a 1/2 amp of current at the most, usually100 mA or less. RTV Silicone when its dry and setup makes a good HV insulator.

Solder a small spring to the wire with a bore a fraction smaller than the post, screw the spring onto the post in anti clockwise direction.