#K40LPS
As you know I do a lot of work with LPS’s and therefore I am exposed to HV troubleshooting more than most. I never cease to be amazed at how much energy these machines have.
I do NOT recommend anyone that is un-trained in HV troubleshooting techniques to work on a LIVE laser power supply.
HOWEVER
There are sometimes when you need to work on, in or around your HV subsystem with the power off. So its is prudent to be safe even when not working on a LIVE K40.
Even an unplugged LPS can dump energy, believe me I have seen it first hand. The residual charge can significantly bite or harm you.
I see a lot of broken supplies and HV problems and these are typical questions from users needing to troubleshoot them.
Q: How do you safely work on and around the HV in your hobby laser.
Answer: You make sure all the energy in the LPS subsystem is discharged!
Q: How do you do that?
Disclaimer: I am NOT guaranteeing your safety…you do this at your own risk…
Unplug the machine and let the machine sit for a couple of hours with it unplugged before you inspect the anode wiring or root around in the laser compartment.
BTW: if you do not have an interlock on the Laser compartment door… well shame on you for not listening and playing unsafe".
We are going to use a discharge stick to isolate yourself and insure that the LPS is discharged.
Make a discharge stick [“chicken stick”] (see photos’s below):
See picture below, I think it is self explanatory. Mine is about 2ft long. You can use a dowel or PVC like mine. BTW I can sell you one for $200 …:). Note I recommend PVC as wood can have high moisture content.
Ground the end of the wire opposite the taped end of the wire to bare metal on the cabinet. The terminal post on the back of your K40 is a good place after you insure that it is really grounded to the cabinet. You could replace the alligator clip on my example with a banana jack to make it more convenient.
Hold the end of the stick at the end opposite the taped wire. Put your other hand behind your back do not touch anything else with any part of your body.
DO NOT TOUCH THE DISCHARGE STICKS WIRE
Probe the bare wire end in and around the anode to discharge it before you enter the compartment. If you see a spark just silently say “thank you Don, that woulda hurt!”.
Be safe!
