Is this really a way to set the amperage on a 200 DX ?

[Joe from NY]

I'd disagree that the operation of the panel display is clearly described on the web site. " Digital readout for accurate setting of amperage controls." had me thinking that it operated in a similar way in all modes with or without the pedal. I haven't used everyone's welder but don't most all of them work that way? The foot pedal spec states "YES/OVERIDES PANEL AMPS. SET/LIMIT MAX AVAILABLE AMPS ON WITH KNOB ON PEDAL". While after reading this thread, a few others and actually playing with the unit I now realize that the panel knob and the pedal knob work completely differently along the digital display. IF the pedal knob overrode the panel knob BUT the digital display preset the max amps for either knob I'd have less of a disagreement with the specs as documented. Sure I could have called to make sure how it operated but I'd assumed it would work like the other machines I've used so I didn't know to even ask

Tinker, i was about to start typing the same post, then I saw you already said it. I dont think the description "SET/LIMIT MAX AVAILABLE AMPS ON WITH KNOB ON PEDAL" could normally be interpreted to mean that it also precludes the amps from being read on the LED screen. It would seem reasonable to assume that you could control the amps from the pedal, but read the amps on the LED at the same time.

Finding out that the brother got a prototype makes me feel better. I had briefly thought i just missed the changeover point for the newly redesigned 200DX, with several new improvements. i dont have that feeling that i ordered a couple of weeks too soon anymore.

[performance]

I think if one reads and compares the different statements and studies the information, with the fact we have openly discussed this since 2009 on this forum, no one is kept in the dark about the feature. Some people do their homework and some don't. There is also a statement about how the 200DX works in conjunction with the pulse...yet I get people that tell me they don't understand after the information is out there. There simply is just no way to make it where EVERYONE will read all the information. We have a statement about the I tigs not being suitable for aluminum...but we still have people that buy a DC welder to weld aluminum, and then blame us for not saying anything to them about it not welding aluminum when they get it. We try guys, in the limited space you have on a web page, to give as much information as possible. The problem is that when there is more information, its the same as my post now...it's too long. People skip it, or won't read any further and miss it anyway if EVERY detail is there.

The unit sells for just over 1000 dollars. It's an excellent welder, runs, pulses, and makes great welds in stick and tig. You aren't paying for all the additional "bells and whistles". You won't receive the extras typically if you don't pay for them. IF the 200DX was a scaled down 250EX, then you'd in actuality be paying about 50.00 less than the 250EX. The factory charges not so much for horse power (though they do) but more for the features that we put into the machine.
Actually, no, not all foot pedals have worked this way. Several older model tigs had foot pedals set up in the way the this one is. More experienced welders don't usually see a problem. The problem is that people forget that when you are welding with a foot pedal, you are NOT welding by exact amps. You are welding by feel and sight. You really don't care what your max amp setting is. You only care what is going on in the puddle. Welding with a foot pedal is NOT a scientifically controlled way of welding. IF something in the work order specifies, to weld within a narrow range of amps, you will NOT weld it with a foot pedal. The exact top max amps doesn't matter. A foot pedal is always a "guesstimate" of the maximum amps you will need anyway and it's set to be hotter than needed anyway. You cannot look over at the panel while welding to try to determine if you are welding exactly at 65 amps. No you wouldn't know if you were welding at 65, 63 or 56 for that matter...You are only focusing on if the puddle is wetting in or not. A few minutes of experience will teach you all you need to know about welding with the foot pedal that adjusts this way. The value that the pedal puts out when welding is sufficient with a little bit of practice to make a reliable "translation" everytime to guide in the maximum adjustment of amps.