Chapter Five: Maintenance
© 2019 Cutting Edge Optronics, Inc.
36
Iklwa Laser User Manual
Approved for Public Release; NG19-2099 CEO-UMAN-0055E
Replace Desiccant Cartridge
The desiccant cartridge shown in
Figure 5-1
removes excess moisture from inside the
laser head. It is located on the lid of the Iklwa laser head. The desiccant cartridge must be
replaced regularly, so it should be checked at least weekly for exhaustion.
Exhaustion is indicated by a change in the color of the indicator paper in the top of the
cartridge. While any sector of the indicator paper in the cartridge top remains blue, the
cartridge can still absorb water. When all three sectors of the indicator paper turn
completely white or light pink, the module has absorbed all the water it can and must be
replaced. Replacement frequency varies with the humidity in the operating environment
and if the laser head is opened.
If the desiccant cartridges are exhausted in a short time frame (e.g., 2 weeks) without the
laser head having been opened, contact Northrop Grumman technical service.
Figure 5-1: 40 Gram Desiccant Cartridge Top
Figure 5-2: 40 Gram Desiccant Cartridge Bottom
Figure 5-3. 5 Gram Desiccant Cartridge
40 Gram Desiccant Replacement:
Remove the desiccant cartridge from the top cover of
the laser housing. Use the refill tool to remove the retainer ring, and exchange the
desiccant. The refill package contains 50 grams of desiccant. Fill the cartridge to the
