The damage caused to the regulator (blown power supply, fuse, and 2 op-amp packages) as a result of my negligence in testing taught me or reenforced some interesting lessons: (1) make sure you have a way to shut down your power supply without unplugging it; (2) don't do things when you have no idea how it might help; (3) put your ICs in removable sockets; and (4) HeNe lasers are more fragile than they look.
I've replaced all the parts that I know were damaged, less the laser tube. I'll probably use some basic gas discharge tubes for further tests, as they're $30 a piece new instead of $100 used.
I've replaced all the parts that I know were damaged, less the laser tube. I'll probably use some basic gas discharge tubes for further tests, as they're $30 a piece new instead of $100 used.