Using 80W Laser PSU's 5V for panel meter power
Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:09 am
I'm going to install an ammeter in my laser (80W Reci tube + 80W PSU).
The easiest way to go is with an analog meter, no special power requirements, easy hookup. It's got that retro look going for it as well.
If I choose the digital meter (like the Min3 blue 3-digit one here at LO), can I power it from the +5V output from the 80W PSU?
I'm assuming the digital panel meter does not provide any isolation of its own for the inputs (one of the input terminals is probably common with GND). Since I know that the laser return is also common with the GND pin on the control header, powering from the +5V output of the laser makes some sense to me.
Thanks!
/Mitch.
The easiest way to go is with an analog meter, no special power requirements, easy hookup. It's got that retro look going for it as well.
If I choose the digital meter (like the Min3 blue 3-digit one here at LO), can I power it from the +5V output from the 80W PSU?
I'm assuming the digital panel meter does not provide any isolation of its own for the inputs (one of the input terminals is probably common with GND). Since I know that the laser return is also common with the GND pin on the control header, powering from the +5V output of the laser makes some sense to me.
Thanks!
/Mitch.