🚀 go-pugleaf

I have an _ancient_ laser which almost works.  It's a HeNe laser,
model 3100 from Gaertner Scientific (circa 1969).  It worked for a
while, but now has developed an electrical problem.

This laser, when you get down to it, is basically an expensive beer
sign with a couple of mirrors hung on it.  The tube does not run
continuously any longer.  It flickered for a while, and now it just
fires in bursts.

The power supply consists of 2 transformers, 4 diodes, 6 resistors,
and 2 big capacitors.  My first guess is that the caps have become
leaky.  Any tips?

It _does_ lase, when the tube fires.  So the optics are OK.

(Yes, I know that for $50 I can buy a semiconductor laser with more
power and a better beam shape.  That's not the point.)

-- 
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Gordon S. Hlavenka           cgordon@vpnet.chi.il.us
  Don't forget:  Dave Barry/Joe Walsh in November!