Ammeter
For whatever reason, most manufacturers do not include ammeters in their machines. Some have started to include a digital ammeter, but they are not as responsive and are often inconveniently located on the power supply. An ammeter is important, because without one, you will likely overdrive your laser tube, and greatly reduce its service life. In general, you will reach the max output for your tube somewhere around 65% power (your tube may vary). Scroll down to read more about ammeter installation.
Click the Image Below to Order an HUA 85C1 30mA Analog Ammeter
30mA Ammeter Installation:
You will need approximately 10 feet of black 16-gauge wire, two small eyelets, two butt wire connectors, and a crimping tool to connect the analog meter.
The videos below will show how install the analog ammeter:
Video: Ammeter Wiring
Video: Ammeter Installation
A few comments about the video: Some laser power supplies are blue and some are black. Some of the newer models have a white wire coming out of the power supply that changes over to a black wire when it reaches the tube. Ideally, try to attach the ammeter wires where there is a splice. NEVER touch the red wire.
If you don't want to drill a large hole in your brand new laser, below is a link to a nice external case that you can 3D print, and it only requires a small hole for the wires (or you can pull them from one of the holes in the back). Please note that you will need to join the free, private group "Made in China CO2 Laser Engraver Cutter Support" before you can download this file.
Download the Ammeter Case STL Files.
Required Components and Tools to Install the Ammeter:
16-Gauge Silicone Wire, 10-Ft [2-Colors]
Optional Components to Install the Ammeter:
If you have one of the newer LCD laser power supplies with an LCD display built into it, there is a port that will allow you to attach an external display. While it is recommend to use an analog ammeter because is faster, you can still use the digital ammeter for comparison purposes, if desired.