Cutting an Alden Connector?

[Wolfman29]

Hey everyone.

In my most recent HeNe adventure, I am assembling a centerpiece-esque gree-ne stand. It's going well - an easy assembly (just some plexiglass, some stands, and some glue), but I am having an issue with the length of the alden connector that came with my gree-ne.

Is it safe to cut and alden connector that is certainly discharged? Could it damage the laser? Of course, this is for a permanent setup, so I would probably just solder the leads from the PSU to the cut leads from the alden connector of the HeNe. But is the ballast resistor of most lasers found near the alden or is it found near the tube? I don't want to be flickering my gree-ne!

Thanks gas guys!

 

[n2stuff]

Hey Wolf the ballast res. will be no more than 3 inchs from the end of the tube. So you can cut off the alden connector and solder to the PS. To discharge the tube and PS just short out with a screw driver shank or I use a jumper wire and one hand.

And we need pictures when your done.

 

[jcranmer]

Just don't forget to short those leads. It's not likely to kill you or anything, but you won't be happy if you let that thing zap you.

 

[Wolfman29]

Righto! Will the ballast resistors be clearly there, or do I just have to guess and hope I don't cut 'em? Also - how will I know which lead is which?! D:

 

[daguin]

Righto! Will the ballast resistors be clearly there, or do I just have to guess and hope I don't cut 'em? Also - how will I know which lead is which?! D:

I would like to see your tube and PSU to be sure.
However, if you cannot see it/them, the ballast resistor(s) are inside the HeNe tube housing.
About the only time you "see" the resistor(s) is when you have a bare tube HeNe
If all you see from the connector are "wires" then the resistor(s) are inside something on or near the tube

Peace,
dave

**EDIT** -- The "fatter" side of the Alden is negative

**2nd EDIT** -- If you haven't soldered high voltage before, just be sure to insulate the pos and neg sides from each other and from potential grounds VERY WELL.
The HV of a HeNe, has been known to "jump" through tape

 

[icecruncher]

And as an aside, if you are cutting to make shorter on the HV side of the PS, the wiring isn't an issue. But if you need to extend it make sure you use HV wiring between the PS and the HeNe.

And like daguin said, I personally would never trust electrical tape on these, wire nuts would be a much better choice.

If you are breaking the circuit for an on/off switch, don't do it on the HV side or you'll probably fry the switch you are using, Cut it in on the positive side of the 120v (US)