Trotec power measurement

[Bob Rath]

I have a 12-year-old 45W speedy 300 and I’m trying to assess the power left in my tube. Originally I was able to rent a power meter from Trotec but they no longer do that. Would appreciate any guidance on how I can tell if my tube is losing strength. Thanks

[Chase Williams]

It’s hard to tell without a meter. Johnson Plastics I believe rents one but it’s still pricy, for what it is. Depending on the tube type you’re probably only talking $600ish plus shipping for a recharge, from one of the 2 big recharge houses. If you can go a 1-2 weeks without the laser. Otherwise, there’s immediate exchange as an option. I’d say if you think you don’t have the same power you used to, you’re probably on to something. Run an old cut file if you have it and see if it cuts through on the same material. Other than that I don’t have a good way to assess the power without a meter. I have a synrad wizard but I think it needs to be recalibrated by synrad. It’s been a bit since I’ve tested it.