PM500AD
LASER POWER METER
REFERENCE GUIDE
PM500AD Reference Guide
February 2002
Published by
Molectron Detector, Incorporated
7470 SW Bridgeport Road
Portland, OR 97224
Phone: 800.366.4340 or 503.620.9069
Fax: 503.620.8964
www.molectron.com
© 2002 by Molectron Detector, Inc. All rights reserved.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in
any form or by any means without permission of the publisher.
Document Number: QD-19.16
Table of Contents
Introduction
Controls and Features
Analog Meter
Digital LCD Display
Range Selector
Probe Zero Adjustment
Meter Zero Adjustment
Power/Battery Check
Analog Output
Battery
Battery Eliminator
Operation
Error Codes
Maintenance
Calibration
Meter Zero Adjustment
Compatible Probes and Ranges
Specifications
Lifetime Warranty
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PowerMax® 500AD Laser Power Meter—an analog power meter that combines
speed and accuracy with versatility and ease of use. When connected to a PowerMax intelligent power probe
(with DB-25 connector), this portable, battery-operated instrument automatically configures itself for that
particular probe.
The PM500AD features an easy-to-read analog meter, as well as a convenient digital LCD display. The front
panel of the PM500AD Laser Power Meter is illustrated, below.
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Controls and
Features
Analog Meter
Digital LCD Display
Range Selector
Read power levels on this 3½” mirrored scale.
Read laser power directly from the 3½-digit LCD screen.
Select a range from 1 mW to 10 kW. Note that each detector operates over only 3 to 4 decades within the
1 mW to 10 kW range. When an inappropriate range is selected, the D=-1 error code appears on the digital
display.
Probe Zero Adjustment
Adjust for ambient thermal effect for any attached probe.
Meter Zero Adjustment
Adjust to account for mechanical offset in the analog meter.
Power/Battery Check
Analog Out
Battery
Battery Eliminator
Activate and deactivate the PM500AD, or test the internal battery level.
The Analog Output connector (on the side of the instrument) supplies 0-2 VDC, representing the percentage
of the full scale reading. For example, if the instrument is reading 102 mW on the 300 mW range, the
voltage at Analog Out is (102/300) x 2 V = 680 mV.
Replaceable, 9 V battery.
The PM500AD ships with a separate Battery Eliminator—either a 120 V, 60 Hz transformer, or a 230 V,
50 Hz transformer. Note: The Battery Eliminator does not recharge the 9 V battery.
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Operation
Measuring laser power using a PowerMax thermopile probe is easy with the PM500AD. Upon power-up, it
automatically searches for an attached thermopile probe and once it queries an attached probe for the
correct conversion factor, the PM500AD is ready to go.
Follow all safety procedures. The laser must be blocked or switched off before
beginning this procedure.
Do not exceed the thermopile probe power limit (as defined in the probe data sheet).
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Place the PowerMax probe in the path of the laser beam in such a way that the beam strikes
the center of the probe surface when power is restored or the laser is unblocked.
2.
Connect the detector to the 25-pin connector on the side of the PM500AD.
3.
Switch on the PM500AD. Verify the battery condition by sliding the Power/Battery switch
to the right. Full scale reading equals 10 VDC. Note: If the reading is less than 5.5 VDC,
either replace the battery or use the Battery Eliminator.
4.
Switch on the laser or unblock the beam. Verify proper positioning of the probe.
5.
Switch off the laser or block the beam.
6.
Using the Probe Zero Adjustment knob, set the meter reading to 0. This eliminates any
ambient thermal conditions.
7.
Switch on the laser or unblock the beam and wait for the PM500AD to settle on the new,
accurate reading.
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Error Codes
Maintenance
Calibration
Meter Zero Adjustment
Molectron Detector calibrates each PM500AD to the described specifications, and recommends annual
recalibration. Calibration is fully NIST-traceable. Contact Molectron Detector, Inc. (503.620.9069 or
800.366.4340) for more information or to schedule a calibration.
The PM500AD front panel features a Meter Zero Adjustment control. The value is
factory-set but the zero may need adjustment in the event of strong mechanical
shock.
Switch off the PM500AD and disconnect detectors before adjusting the zero.
Meter Zero
Adjustment Control
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Compatible Probes
and Ranges
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Specifications
Accuracy (Electronics)
Battery Life (Alkaline)
± 1%
100+ hrs
Battery Life (Carbon-Zinc)
50+ hrs
Battery Life (Heavy Duty)
75+ hrs
Calibration Uncertainty
(Analog Meter)
± 2%
Calibration Uncertainty
(System)
± 3% (± 5% for non-calibrated wavelength)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
7.6 x 4.0 x 2.3 in (19.3 x 10.2 x 5.8 cm)
Displays
Full Scale Ranges
Regulation Compliance
System Resolution
System Response Time
(Analog Meter)
Weight
Analog (3½", mirrored scale) and LCD (3½-digit, ½-inch screen)
1 mW to 10 kW (15 ranges)
CE, ISO9000
2% of full scale
Max 2 secs to within 2% of final value for most <300 W detectors
0.9 lbs (0.4 kg)
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Lifetime Warranty
Molectron Detector, Inc., warrants the PowerMax 500AD Laser Power Meter to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment when properly installed,
maintained, and used for its intended purpose. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the
equipment, and only so long as the equipment is used in the country to which it was originally shipped by
Molectron Detector.
This warranty is null and void if the user attempts to service the equipment (other than performing the
maintenance described in this reference guide), or if service is performed by persons who are neither trained
nor authorized to do so by Molectron Detector. If, after examination by a Molectron Service
Representative, the unit is found to be defective within the period specified above, and Molectron Detector is
satisfied that the failure was due to defective materials and/or workmanship, Molectron Detector will, at its
option, repair or replace the defective parts without charge. Molectron Detector reserves the right to make
the necessary repair/replacement in its own factory, at any authorized repair station, or at the facilities of
the purchaser of the instrument. Any shipping charges incurred shall be paid by the purchaser.
The Express Warranty above is the sole warranty obligation of Molectron Detector and the remedy provided
above is in lieu of any and all other remedies. There are no other agreements, guarantees or warranties—oral
or written, express or implied—including, without limitation, warranty of merchantability, or fitness for a
particular purpose. Molectron Detector shall have no liability whatsoever for any incidental or consequential
damages arising out of any defect, improper use, or unauthorized service or repair.
Prior to return of a unit, or any portion thereof, the Molectron Detector Service Department must be
consulted to avoid unnecessary shipping. If return of the equipment is deemed necessary, a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned. This number must be recorded on the outside of the shipping
container.
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