New 2015 PowerTIG 255EXT

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08-27-2014, 09:57 PM
performance

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New 2015 PowerTIG 255EXT

We're almost ready to release the 2015 line for the fall. The new PowerTIG 255EXT is on it's way soon. I think this years model has about everything that we could practically put into it and incorporates many common customer requests.
This year we've added a few pleasant features to it.
This years model includes the following new features:

1) 120V/240V 1 phase capability. Yes, that's right. It's slated for UP to 150 amps on 110V. The three phase has been deleted in favor of dual voltage and the 325EXT will be the 240 1 phase/3phase 480 3 phase capable unit now.
2) We've added a spot weld timer for unit so that it has similar capability to the 250EX in that regard
3) We've added purge control so that adjusting regulator settings is not so hard
4) The new E6010 setting will help improve performance when welding with E6010/6011 rods.
It uses the same case and a few controls have been rearranged but it's parameters are largely unchanged. It's been refined into a more versatile unit without messing with what makes the unit a great unit to have.
08-27-2014, 11:25 PM
Kempy

I see the PFC is not on the new 2015 255EXT is it removed or is it not the final face plate? The new features look good.
08-27-2014, 11:39 PM
Oleg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kempy

I see the PFC is not on the new 2015 255EXT is it removed or is it not the final face plate? The new features look good.

Kempy

there is no room for PFC logo :)
08-28-2014, 01:26 AM
Rambozo

Will the 325EXT also get the spot timer and E6010 settings?
08-28-2014, 02:24 AM
performance

It hasn't been put forth yet.
08-28-2014, 02:53 AM
Kempy

Mark as you put it (I think this years model has about everything that we could practically put into it and incorporates many common customer requests.)
This customer is requesting if the two select buttons could go both ways so you don't have to go thru all the selection to get back to the one you just missed. The Gas Purge button is very nice idea.
08-28-2014, 03:11 AM
performance

No. We've discussed this and think as it is there is just no more room to get things in. Factory feels that it just isn't doable...and I tend to agree. It is a little inconvenient, but still works fine as it does not cause a great delay in setup usually.
08-28-2014, 04:47 AM
Datsun1973

While I understand the need for PFC on a transformer machine why is it required on these inverters? 60 amps doesn't seem like that much for an input circuit especially when you consider the "welder only" derate by NEC code for the wiring.
08-28-2014, 05:24 AM
Rambozo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datsun1973

While I understand the need for PFC on a transformer machine why is it required on these inverters? 60 amps doesn't seem like that much for an input circuit especially when you consider the "welder only" derate by NEC code for the wiring.

One big reason is running from a generator. Plus the fact that it's always nice to have balanced loads.
08-28-2014, 10:27 AM
DaveO

More innovation... wow!
09-24-2014, 06:03 AM
Jason

Wow I havnt been on in awhile but I love my origional 255EXT.. I would love to have had it dual phase like the new ones. I didn't think it could get any better..

As to the reverse direction, I would argue the ability of it but really I agree that its not worth the effort to try and incorporate. I have never had an issue with it only going in one direction. Purge button is a good idea and I have mentioned out load to a friend I wish mine had one but really I just tap the pedal and it is not really hard at all to set.
09-24-2014, 02:03 PM
performance

The unit you have is dual phase, but it is not dual voltage. The new ones are no longer dual phase, but dual voltage.
09-24-2014, 11:00 PM
Kempy

Quote:

Originally Posted by performance

The unit you have is dual phase, but it is not dual voltage. The new ones are no longer dual phase, but dual voltage.

Mark
Are you saying they are single phase dual voltage or three phase dual voltage?
09-25-2014, 02:12 AM
performance

New units are single phase 120/240V...only.
09-26-2014, 12:52 AM
Kempy

Quote:

Originally Posted by performance

New units are single phase 120/240V...only.

Mark
At 120V that makes that a very portable machine and that would go nice with the new water cooler that is 120/240V also.
09-26-2014, 01:19 AM
performance

Yes. The unit itself will produce 150 amps TIG and 120 amps stick on 120V.
09-30-2014, 07:06 PM
Seshan

Any idea on a release date yet?

*Edit* NVM Checked the US site and it's there, Guess I'll have to bug the Canadian guys to get it.
10-03-2014, 05:00 AM
Seshan

What's the recommend circuit amp rating for running at 110v? Would 15amp be enough?
10-03-2014, 06:03 AM
Rambozo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seshan

What's the recommend circuit amp rating for running at 110v? Would 15amp be enough?

30A for full power operation. Depending on how much power you need, you might get by with 15-20 at a reduced output level.
10-04-2014, 01:09 AM
performance

Released. Qty's limited though.
10-04-2014, 01:12 AM
performance

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambozo

30A for full power operation. Depending on how much power you need, you might get by with 15-20 at a reduced output level.

Slightly over 30 amp, but a slow trip 30 should do it. 20 amps will work though for TIG fairly well IF you are running in a delayed trip breaker on an circuit that is isolated from other current draw. I used it up to 150 amps with the pedal, and probably was in the 110 to 120 amp range most of the time and did not trip. Did trip at 110 amps with stick though.
10-04-2014, 01:28 AM
performance

2 Attachment(s)

Got several new videos that should have already been loaded on it...had microphone issues. Got a new good one and now it is great. Maybe tonight I can start uploading the revoiced video parts.

ONE thing for guys that like a quieter welding experience, the new unit uses 4 fans...that's right 4 fans...Moves a lot more air, and from my sound measurements about 10-12 decibels quieter. I think you'll be able to hear it on some of the videos...or hear the lack of the fan noise.
10-04-2014, 01:37 AM
performance

1 Attachment(s)

Has anyone seen the new torch connector we are using along with the available "flex" cables?
10-04-2014, 06:01 AM
Rambozo

Very nice updates on the 255. New connector looks good. Any idea of how the gas outlet clocks when it's tight? Yeah, the video volume has been a bit all over the place. Always a big surprise when I forget how high I have the volume cranked up, and the next video comes on. :O
10-04-2014, 05:33 PM
JimMinKent

Wow, Very nice machine, Well done. Nice accessories, too.

I have one water-cooled 20F torch with that connector. In my 255 EXT, when snugged up, the water outlet ends up under the dinze, nearly vertically, almost a perfect alignment. Holding the connector with the water hose down, the dinze lug is facing up, 180 degrees opposite.

With the dual voltage, and the new features, and the accessories, this is a formidable contender. I would get one again, they're just getting better.

So... Where are the videos? I can't track them down anywhere...
10-04-2014, 06:16 PM
performance

Would have been up earlier this week but our 2 year old has been sick. Working on them this afternoon. Too bad too because it's nice outside.
10-04-2014, 07:38 PM
jakeru

Nice work on the new features, guys. A 10-12dB noise reduction is impressive! It's apparent you've been attentively listening to your customers. :)
10-05-2014, 03:21 AM
performance

Part 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHsn...ature=youtu.be
10-05-2014, 04:19 AM
Seshan

So do you think if I stayed under a 100amp I could get away with a 15amp breaker?
10-05-2014, 04:49 AM
performance

Probably not. More like 90, but that is going to depend upon your breaker type or fuse.
10-10-2014, 04:20 AM
performance

Next video. There will be more covering setup of features and actual welding. But there's some neat things to see here in this one. Many improvements we haven't talked much about.<br>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A72JkPSvO_I&feature=youtu.be
10-19-2014, 05:55 AM
performance

Should have added this last week to this page but was busy with other things.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXNQRy5wc1s
10-19-2014, 06:10 AM
performance

AND... Although completed within hours of each other, this was to post a few days later, but due to some sinister early stomach flu bug that hit me and brought me to the edge of incoherence and pain threshold for a day and a half and a couple more of healing, this one was delayed. But it's up and since it's the final one, it's a little longer as we (I) feed you a lot of welding footage. A word of explanation about the video. This is pretty much raw footage as I shot it (with dead air cut out) during the first test run of the unit which was an advanced copy. So, there was a bit of adjusting and playing around with it going on. Parameters are mentioned and many of the settings were "guesstimates" when I started. There are a couple of evident technical errors, maybe even a tungsten dip or two. No excuses, but trying to play around and get a feel of it could best describe what was going on... Something that might feel genuinely useful to a person who "just got their unit". (I hope.) Anyway, feel free to post up any questions or comments! This unit is really, really good. Better in my opinion than last years version by 20%! It just has a little different feel...and the noise level. In this video, the welding sounds are heard and though there is a low background music track you can hear the difference in the fan noise level which is only 5 feet or so from the camera which is actually facing the welder which is over to the left of my shoulder within arm's reach for quick changes to the parameters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrvKmmAXag4
10-19-2014, 07:47 AM
Rugar

Says video is private.
10-19-2014, 01:42 PM
performance

Sorry. Youtube was acting funny last night. When I put it public it balked at my attempts along with saving some other information I had added to the upload. Should work now.