THORLABS HLS635 User manual

HLS635
Handheld Laser Source
User Guide

Handheld Laser Source
Page 1 Rev E, January 11, 2018
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions ............................................. 2
Chapter 2Safety ..................................................................................3
Chapter 3Description .........................................................................4
Chapter 4Setup ...................................................................................5
4.1.Initial Battery Charge .................................................................. 5
4.2.Quick Start Information .............................................................. 5
Chapter 5Operation ............................................................................6
5.1.Turning on the Source................................................................ 7
5.2.Adjusting the Laser Output Power ............................................ 7
5.3.Turning the Laser Off.................................................................. 7
5.4.Charging the Unit ........................................................................ 8
5.4.1.Battery Discharging .......................................................................8
Chapter 6Specifications..................................................................... 9
6.1.Handheld Source......................................................................... 9
6.2.Power Supply .............................................................................. 9
Chapter 7Mechanical Drawing ........................................................ 10
Chapter 8Troubleshooting and Cleaning ....................................... 11
Chapter 9Regulatory ........................................................................12
Chapter 10Certificate of Conformance............................................. 13
Chapter 11Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ........................................14

Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
21144-D02 Page 2
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your
device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution, Risk of Electric Shock
Caution, Hot Surface
Caution, Risk of Danger
Warning, Laser Radiation
Caution, Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

Handheld Laser Source
Page 3 Rev E, January 11, 2018
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction
manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly.
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environment.
WARNING
Avoid Exposure – Radiation Emitted from apertures.
Do not look into the laser aperture while the laser is on. Injury to the eye may
result.
Important Note
The HLS635 has been designed to provide many hours of trouble-free
performance. To ensure proper operation, be sure follow the instructions below.
The unit is supplied with a battery charger which has a multi-blade wall adapter.
Choose the plug adapter which matches the socket style for your location. The
correct plug adapter must be attached to the battery charger before the battery
can be charged or wall power operation can begin. Make sure that the line
voltage rating marked on the battery charger agrees with your local supply
voltage. Do not use any other battery charger to charge this product. Use of other
types of battery chargers could result in damage to the product and personal
injury.
There are no user serviceable parts in this product.
This device can only be returned when packed into the complete original
packaging, including all foam packing inserts. If necessary, ask for a replacement
package.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters should not to be
used within the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field
intensity may exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according to
EN50082-1.
LASER RADIATION
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
CLASS 3R LASER PRODUCT
600 - 700 nm <5 mW

Chapter 3: Description
21144-D02 Page 4
Chapter 3 Description
This compact, handheld fiber-coupled laser source (measuring only 5.33" x 2.74"
x 0.94") is intended to be used as a portable alignment laser though it is well
suited for any task requiring a fiber coupled red laser. The laser output of the
HLS635 may be set in 3 modes: low power (~1 mW), high power (≥2.5 mW), and
a pulse mode that switches the laser from high power to off at 2 Hz. The selected
mode is indicated by indicator lights on the front panel of the HLS635. The output
is FC/PC coupled using the standard LPS-635 pigtail without the aluminum
cover. The unit includes an internal 3.6 V NiMH rechargeable battery and
charger. A red rubber cover boot with a kickstand is also included. This boot may
be removed if desired.
The DC power supply is a universal type and will work with line voltages between
100 and 240 VAC from 50 to 60 Hz @ +/- 10%.Connect the appropriate adapter
for the wall plug style after removing the temporary spacer. Connect the 2.1 mm
plug to the front of the HLS635 if charging is needed.
Handheld Lase
r
Power
Su
pp
l
y
Plug Adapters

Handheld Laser Source
Page 5 Rev E, January 11, 2018
Chapter 4 Setup
ATTENTION!
The battery does not arrive fully charged, but may have some residual charge. It
should not be used until it is fully charged. Follow the instructions below for
initial charging instructions.
4.1. Initial Battery Charge
Before using the HLS laser source cordlessly, the battery must be fully charged.
The unit may be plugged in and used with the included power supply, but the
battery will not charge while the unit is in operation.
1. Make sure the adapter for your local mains power is properly installed
and seated onto the power supply.
2. Plug the power supply into the mains outlet.
3. Plug the power supply into the handheld laser.
4. A green LED will light next to the word Charging on the front of the unit.
5. When the device is fully charged, the LED will turn off.
4.2. Quick Start Information
The HLS635 can be used right out of the box safely, but it must be connected to
the AC mains during use. In addition, the battery will not charge while the device
is powered on and enabled. See the operating instructions on the follow page for
more information.
1. Make sure the adapter for your local mains power is properly installed
and seated onto the power supply.
2. Plug the power supply into the mains outlet.
3. Plug the power supply into the handheld laser.

Chapter 5: Operation
21144-D02 Page 6
Chapter 5 Operation
FC/PC Fiber
Port
Power Adapte
r
Port
Fiber Port Dust
Cover
Laser Enabled LED
When green, laser is on.
Unit will not charge when
this LED is green.
Power On LED
Unit is on when green.
Mode Indicator LED
Green LED indicates
which mode is active
Power/Enable Button
Press for 3 seconds to
turn unit on/off. Press
quickly to enable/disable.
Mode Toggle Button
Press button to change
mode from low power,
high power, and flashing.
Charging LED
Unit is charging when
green.

Handheld Laser Source
Page 7 Rev E, January 11, 2018
5.1. Turning on the Source
The HLS635 can be used right out of the box safely, but it must be connected to
an AC outlet during use. Also, the battery will not charge while the device is
powered on and enabled.
The operation of the HLS is the same for power and cordless operation.
1. Remove the dust cap from the connector, clean the connector on an
FC/PC fiber patch cable, and insert it into the connector on the HSL.
2. Depress the Power/Enable button until the Power LED and one of the
Mode Indicator LEDs light, about 3 seconds.
3. Select the desired mode by briefly depressing the Mode button. The
three modes will cycle from Low, High, and a 2 Hz flashing mode
4. Momentarily press the Power/Enable button to enable the laser.
The Laser On indicator will light when the button is pressed and the laser output
will come on after a 2 second delay.
5.2. Adjusting the Laser Output Power
Pressing the Mode button will cycle through the three laser power settings:
Low power is approximately 1 mW,
High power is greater than 2.5 mW but not more than 5 mW, and
Pulse mode will flash the laser on and off at the High power value at 2 Hz.
5.3. Turning the Laser Off
Momentarily press the Power/Enable button to disable the laser, but keep the
unit powered on. The Laser On indicator will go out and the laser will be disabled.
Note that in this mode, the laser will not charge. The HLS635 can be put into
standby by holding the Power/Enable button for approximately 3 seconds. The
HLS635 is in standby when the Power indicator is not lit. Standby should be used
whenever possible maximize battery life if running on battery power.

Chapter 5: Operation
21144-D02 Page 8
IMPORTANT!
Battery charging only occurs when the laser is disabled.
Battery charging only occurs when the
ambient temperature is above 50°F.
5.4. Charging the Unit
When starting from a completely drained battery, the unit takes about 2 hours to
charge during that time, the green Charging LED will light. At the end of the
charge cycle the LED will turn off. The unit can be left on the charger indefinitely
to maintain the full charge. Periodically, the Charging LED may flash indicating
that the unit is “topping off” the battery.
The rechargeable battery will slowly discharge over time even when not in use.
To prevent this, it is safe to leave the unit plugged into the power adapter and
allow the unit to self-charge periodically.
The HLS635 is powered by the DC connector any time it is attached. Battery
power is only used when the DC connector is removed. DC power may be
connected and disconnected while the HLS635 is being used without
interruption.
5.4.1. Battery Discharging
The Power LED indicator will start to flash when the battery is low. After a period
of time, if power is not reconnected or the unit turned off, the unit will turn off and
the battery will be disconnected from all internal circuitry to prevent battery
damage. The power adapter can be plugged in to continue use or charge the unit
normally.

Handheld Laser Source
Page 9 Rev E, January 11, 2018
Chapter 6 Specifications
6.1. Handheld Source
Specification Value
Wavelength (Min, Typ., Max) 625nm, 635nm, 640nm
Operating Mode LOW, HIGH, PULSE
CW Output Power (High/Low) >2.5 mW/1 mW
Pulsed Output Power (High/Low) >2.5 mW/~0 mW
Laser Class 3R
Pulse Frequency 2 Hz, 50% Duty Cycle
Battery Type NiMH, 3.6 V
Battery Temp Limits -20°C (-4°F) to 60°C (140°F)
Battery Storage Temp 5°C (40°F)
Battery Life (High Power) 16 Hrs. Max.
Battery Life (Standby) ~60 Days
Battery Charge Temp Range 10°C (50°F) to 38°C (100°F)
Maximum Charge Time ~135 Minutes
Fiber Connector FC/PC
Output Fiber SM600
DC Input Voltage 9 VDC, 2 A (9.2 VDC Max.)
Dimensions 5.33" x 2.74" x 0.94"
(135.4 mm x 69.6 mm x 24 mm)
Warning
If the temperature of the HLS635 exceeds the battery limits,
battery damage may occur.
When not in use, the HLS635 should be stored in a cool dry place.
The HLS635 battery cannot be charged below 10 °C (50 °F) or above 38 °C
(100°F). The charging lamp will go out and charging will discontinue under
these conditions.
6.2. Power Supply
Specification Value +/- 10%
AC Adapter Input 100 - 240 VAC, 0.48 A, 50 - 60 Hz
Max Power 18 W Max
Output Voltage 9 VDC, 2.2 A