Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Every fusor and fusion system seems to need a vacuum. This area is for detailed discussion of vacuum systems, materials, gauging, etc. related to fusor or fusion research.
Post Reply
Andrew Seltzman
Posts: 815
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:02 pm
Real name: Andrew Seltzman
Contact:

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Andrew Seltzman »

McMaster is a US company, they ship fast and have a good selection of products.

What are you using for your vacuum pump, do you know the lowest pressure with the turbo off?
How are you connecting the Yellowjacket to the turbo?
Andrew Seltzman
www.rtftechnologies.org
Jackson Oswalt
Posts: 97
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 9:10 am
Real name: Jackson Oswalt

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Jackson Oswalt »

I've used McMaster-Carr many times. They are top-notch suppliers for almost everything. I will send pictures as requested within the next day. The lowest pressure with the turbo turned off is 50 microns due to the leaks. The Yellowjacket is connected to my system with Npt threads, which is connected to the turbo. When the gauge is placed at the head of the turbo the gauge jumps up to atmospheric once the turbo is turned on. Once the turbo is switched off the gauge drops back down.
Youngest person to build a fusor
Andrew Seltzman
Posts: 815
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:02 pm
Real name: Andrew Seltzman
Contact:

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Andrew Seltzman »

50 microns might just be the maximum vacuum of the backing pump. It's more then sufficient to pack a turbo pump. Jumping to atmospheric when the turbo is switched on is very unusual, I suspect a problem with the gauge.

I would recommend an MKS 901P vacuum gauge instead
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MKS-901P-901P- ... Sw1gRaeOIg
Andrew Seltzman
www.rtftechnologies.org
Jerry Biehler
Posts: 975
Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:08 am
Real name:
Location: Beaverton, OR

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Jerry Biehler »

You may need a better gauge, what are you using?
Jackson Oswalt
Posts: 97
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 9:10 am
Real name: Jackson Oswalt

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Jackson Oswalt »

I agree, I definitely need a proper gauge, not an HVAC gauge. How do I find the pin out for this gauge? Is there a proper controller? How do I read the pressure off it?

Thanks!
Youngest person to build a fusor
Tom McCarthy
Posts: 405
Joined: Wed May 08, 2013 3:36 pm
Real name: Tom McCarthy
Location: Ireland
Contact:

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Tom McCarthy »

The 901P is well worn and has been used by a couple of guys:

http://fusor.net/board/viewtopic.php?f= ... 01p#p78358

http://fusor.net/board/viewtopic.php?f= ... 01p#p78768

You'll find more on it if you use the forum search

Google is generous too:

http://www.idealvac.com/files/manuals/901manual.pdf
Jerry Biehler
Posts: 975
Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:08 am
Real name:
Location: Beaverton, OR

Re: Operating Pfeiffer TC100 Controller

Post by Jerry Biehler »

Ahh, I have had some thermoucouple gauges act weird when they get below their lower limit. These HVAC gauges were never intended to see anything that a Turbo pump runs at.

You can get away with one of the 901P's but if you really want to see what the turbo can do you need an ion gauge. I have gotten several PKR-250 and 251 wide range gauges over the years off ebay. I dont think I have ever payed more than about $100 for one, Varian and other also make versions. Though you just cant go wrong with a standard hot ion gauge. I have a couple analog controllers lying around that I dont need any more...
Post Reply

Return to “Vacuum Technology (& FAQs)”