Changing the Antares Krypton Lamp

It is recommended that the lamps are replaced every 400 hours of use. Lamps have been used for substantially longer without a drop in efficiency. The rule of thumb is that if you are beyond 400 hours use and you have to regularly increase the current on the laser in order to achieve the necessary power output (6W IR) then it may be time to switch the lamps.

1. Switch off the laser and make sure the keyswitch is in the "lock" position.
2. Unscrew the "bleed screw" on top of the the lamp and rod housing or "POT".
3. Unscrew the 6 hex bolts on the plate closest to the high reflector (HR). Remove the plate. Slowly rotate the lamp connector and pull the lamp out carefully. Don not use excessive force.
4. The lamp may be left inside the pot if the connector furthest from the high reflector has a better "seal" with the lamp. The lamp must still be removed from the end closest to the HR. The other plate can be removed such that these connectors can be removed whilst the lamp is gripped and held within the POT. To do this use a pair of metal haemostats (ideally) or blunt tweezers to hold the lamp and twist off the connector. Gently push the lamp out of the side closest to the HR with a pencil with eraser.
5. Take extreme care when handling the lamps outside of the POT. The lamps are pressurized and if damaged could explode. Wear safety googles at all times. Grip the lamps by the metal ends.
6. Before fitting the new lamps, remove the packing materials, being careful not to touch the lamp envelope (glass) with the fingers, and clean the lamp thoroughly with methanol and lens cleaning tissue.
7. Insert the lamp in the POT, place it firmly in the connectors, replace the end plates, and retighten the bleed screw on the POT.
8. Rest the lamp hours to zero at the remote module.
9. ORDER NEW LAMPS: Kentek LC-3.5CAF

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