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Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 1:17 am
by MatthewL
I have been on search for a while to find an ion gauge so I can measure the best vacuum I have been able to pull with my diffstack. Recently I've noticed that there are quite a few the MKS/HPS 919 hot cathode ion gauge controller for sale on eBay, and they are fairly inexpensive (https://www.ebay.com/itm/MKS-HPS-919-A- ... 0675.m4236). I still have a lot to learn in the areas of high vacuum, so this question may be a simple one. I was debating on whether or not I should post it in the new user chat area or not. I was wondering if this gauge controller can be used with a standard glass ion gauge tube, or if most controllers are specific to the gauge that they use. If they cannot usually be used without a specific tube, is there any way to make a modification so it can? Also this does not come with a cable or connector. Would anyone recommend trying to find a cable to use, or would it be easy enough to make my own?

Thanks,
-Matthew Lallinger

Re: Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 5:56 am
by Jerry Biehler
I have one of the 919's and they work fine and with basically any ion gauge tube. Make sure it comes with the cable since they use a special d-sub connector for the sensor cable.

Re: Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 2:26 pm
by ian_krase
I use one, and it seems to work fine.

You can make your own cable. Buy the glass gauge connector kit from Duniway, get some moderately heavy gauge sheilded multi conductor and some thin coax, and finally acquire the correct special dsub. They are for sale if you look.

Or hack a more readily available connector into the back panel... But make sure it's able to withstand 200 volts.

Re: Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:41 am
by ian_krase
Quick update:

I think you need these contacts for the giant contact D-sub connector:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Am ... BBg%3d%3d

And this actual connector:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Am ... qMHPtRs%3d

And an actual backshell.


You also need this kit for the ion gauge socket itself:

https://www.duniway.com/part/gd-socket

Re: Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 3:13 am
by Jerry Biehler
Or you can just use AMP CPC pin sockets for the connections on the ion tube. Put a little colored heat shrink on them to color code them and you are good to go. For the collector pun you can use d-sub pin sockets. Thats what I do.

Re: Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 4:16 am
by ian_krase
I... don't really like the idea of having that much exposed 200V.

Re: Ion Gauge Controller

Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 4:30 am
by Jerry Biehler
200v is nothing. And its not exposed. Thats what the heat shrink is for.