getting started
1
20
Synrad
Firestar i401
operator’s manual
Caution
possible
equipment
damage
Turn off DC power before installing or removing any plug or cable
from the
User I/O
connector. Ensure that user connections are made
to the appropriate pins and that the appropriate signal levels are ap-
plied. Failure to do so may damage the laser.
Connecting
Quick Start Plug
In order for your Firestar i401 laser to properly operate, several input signals must be applied to the DB-15
User I/O
connector before lasing is enabled. Voltage must be applied to
Remote Interlock
(Pin 3) and
Shutter Open Request
(Pin 10) inputs before the laser becomes ready to fire. In applications where
Firestar lasers are integrated into automated systems and safety interlocks are required, these input sig-
nals must be provided by the customer’s control system. The
Quick Start Plug
included in the ship kit has
factory-installed shorting jumpers wired into it to enable these inputs. Connect the
Quick Start Plug
to the
User I/O
connector when performing initial start-up and testing of your Firestar laser.
For further information about the
User I/O
connector, see
User I/O connections
in the Technical Reference
chapter for
User I/O
pinouts and signal descriptions. See
Integrating Firestar safety features
, also in the Tech-
nical Reference chapter, for detailed instructions on integrating Firestar’s keyswitch, shutter, and remote
interlock functions with automated control systems.
Other connections
Gas Purge port
A gas purge is highly recommended when operating the laser. Purging the laser creates positive pressure
inside the laser housing that prevents dirt and debris from accumulating on optical surfaces inside the laser
housing. In condensing atmospheres, a gas purge helps to reduce the potential for condensation damage.
To connect the Firestar i401 gas purge port, refer to Figure 1-11 and perform the following steps:
Warning
serious
personal
injury
The use of the
Quick Start Plug
bypasses the laser’s safety interlock
function, potentially exposing personnel in the area to
invisible
infrared laser radiation.
Because this plug jumpers
Remote Interlock
and
Shutter Open
Request
signals, the laser will fire immediately on application of
a PWM Command signal. Your integrated control system should
provide interlock and shutter signals directly to the DB-15
User I/O
connector only after safe operating conditions are established.
The
Quick Start Plug
is intended only for initial testing and trouble-
shooting by qualified personnel. In normal operation, the laser’s
Remote Interlock
input should be connected to the machine’s safety
interlock circuitry.
