Synrad's laser tube problem

[Harrison Kayo]

I have a GCC-LaserPro Spirit 60W:
- CO2 Laser tube: Synrad firestar t60, air-cooled, OEM version (model FST60SFB-GCC)
- RF Source: RF600 Power Supply, fan-cooled. OEM version (model FST60SFB-GCC)

And the problem is that the laser is not continuous.
I was cutting MDF circles and when I changed the table this problem came up.
The laser cut looks like a broken line (see attached image...).
In a visual check, the LED “LASE” (Control I/O connector, back of the tube) turns on every moment during the laser cut. But, even with the LED "LASE" on, the laser pulse is intermittent.
The laser power measure was 61W, when it's not coming and going.

I've checked all the door's sensor and it's alright.
The power level is 30VDC.
I´ve also checked the cables (RF, Power, User I/O...) and everything looks fine.

The laser's date of fabrication is June 2005. And it worked about 8 hours/day or less.

I was wondering if anyone had such a problem like this.

I'm sorry about all this problem, but i'm from Brazil (South America) and here we do not have many technical supports.

Thanks,
Harrison

[Joe Pelonio]

Mine did this at one time, turned out to be an electronics problem with the tube, and it had to be replaced (was on warranty then).

[Jakub Borowicz]

A month ago I had exactly the same problem like you. (GCC Explorer, tube 40W).
Technician from my laser supplier said that this is tube defect, and it must to be replaced. It cost 3500$

[Harrison Kayo]

Thank you Joe and Jakub,

This is exactly what I was afraid to hear...
Now I'll have to find someone that can replace the tube, here in Brazil.

Thanks,
Harrison

[Rodne Gold]

Why not call GCC or synrad for advice - sure worth it if it gonna cost $3500 or more

[Sandra Force]

I am with Rodne, call Synrad and ask about this. If you mention that you know of others who are having the same problem with the tube you may find that they will replace it for at least a discount. Even if it is out of warranty the issue is a manufacturing one and should be covered the same as a recall on a auto would be on a out of warranty part. Any of you who are having or have had this issue should post here and on the other forums so that there is a group dealing with this other than just individuals.

I had a laser tube replaced by another maker after warranty because of an electrical design problem that showed up on a nuber of lasers after about 18 months.

[Darren Null]

Yes indeed- talk to Synrad. Their tech support has been beyond first-rate in my experience.

[Harrison Kayo]

Here we go again...

Two years ago I’ve introduced this problem, solved with the replacement of the tube and the RF power supply.
Actually I’ve got a new one and kept the bad one.

Now, the problem is a little bit different.

When a job is started, after a few minutes, the laser stops fire and the led "RDY" blinks 5 times.
As in t-series manual, it's a RF cable interlock fault.
I've changed the cable and the problem persists.
It could be the connector...

Anyway... now I have bad RF power supply and laser tube, 2 of each.

I've tried to use the "old" RF supply and the "new" tube.
It all looks fine, all the led light up and the blink issue stops.
But the laser didn't fire.

Is it possible to do this combination?
Can Synrad "codifying" the signal between the RF supply and laser tube to not work separately?

I've read other threads that the most common problem are electrical problems, such as bad capacitors, transistors etc...

Does anyone have experience to help me in this electrical problem?

Thanks,
Harrison

[AL Ursich]

Your 100% sure the Mirrors are good, no burnt or spots missing?

What happens if you cut the same pattern in 4 corners?

There have been threads about burnt capacitors here.

AL

[Harrison Kayo]

AL Ursich
Contributor
AL,

Actually I'm doing the cardboard test, you know...
Put a cardboard right in front of the laser.

About the capacitors...
In that thread, the model of the laser is different.

I was wondering if the t-series synrad is safe to open just the top cover.
I'd like to see if there are bad components.

I've attached two pictures... of the RF Power supply and the laser tube.

Hope there's a way to fix it. Because the last 60W laser was about $15,000... that's all that i've earned....

Thanks,
Harrison

[Rodne Gold]

I would send both tubes and RF supply to GCC...Im sure they are not totally messed up..prolly cost you 1/2 the price of a new tube to have all of it fixed.
Intermittent cut lines lines normally = tube broken or not 100% up to snuff.
Did you go into diagnostic mode and attempt to fire the laser?
Even if you did fix the RF boards , you need specialisedc equipment to tune em.
Have you called GCC or Synrad for advice?

[Darren Null]

About the capacitors...
In that thread, the model of the laser is different.

I was wondering if the t-series synrad is safe to open just the top cover.
I'd like to see if there are bad components.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous about opening the cover too. I just made sure it was in a dust-free place, level, and made damned sure I didn't touch any components on any board (static electricity!).

I can't believe the designs are THAT different. In mine, the lid came off; the boards were underneath and the laser was further buried in the case, with just a couple of holes for wires. I can look up the photos if it would help (SMC seems to have cleared out the images in the intervening time, not surprisingly). In my case, the blown capacitor was easy to spot because of the scorch marks...but mine went all at once and stayed off.

I'd open the case; see if it's anything obvious (post pics if it is. some real eggspurts kicking around SMC); and otherwise email/phone Synrad. They were MASSIVELY helpful in my case.

[Harrison Kayo]

Rodne and Darren,

I'll try to open the cover. From the tube and the RF supply...
And post some pictures of them...

Other issue...
Here in Brazil, technical support is very poor...
The GCC and Synrad offices are just import/export. They dont have a real tech support...

Thanks,
Harrison

[AL Ursich]

Spent 20 years fixing Navy Radars, Computers and Power Supplies at the component level... Then a few years fixing Play Stations at Sony... This post has me wanting to get my Electronic Workbench set up....

Wish I lived closer to Synrad....

AL

[Dan Hintz]

Al,

if you ever need a fix, you can stop by my place... Weller and MetCal/Oki soldering stations, pounds of solder and solderwick, SMD and through-hole components, microcontrollers and LEDs of all shapes and sizes, etc.

To paraphrase Apocalypse Now, "I love the smell of solder in the morning..."