Received New PowerTig 185 Today

[nils]

The newer units I believe have a rheostat that's adjustable on the pedal if you buy the pedal. This is the same way that the new TA's and "someother" brand works as well. Not a quirk, but just a feature of a lower priced welder. IF it is as you say, and want a panel control and won't buy the 185 because of it, then simply get the the 200DV. It's got panel amp adjustment, but you pay for it.

Well, I just bought both the pedal and the unit and there is no rheostat. The panel override is not really an issue with a good pedal. But, if you do go with the cheaper pedal, amperage control swings quickly from one end to the other and requires a finer touch.

The AC frequency and balance settings are a bit of a challenge as there are no mid-range markings. Knowing these exact settings, like on the digital units, is a nice feature but hardly mandatory. In the end, you still have to run it to see if it's right or not and then make adjustments if necessary. There's no getting away from this, even with a Dynasty 350DX. But once you have the precise settings figured out it's nice to be able to call them right up, this is the advantage of the more expensive systems.

[performance]

Did you buy an SSC? They don't have the control on it.

[nils]

Did you buy an SSC? They don't have the control on it.

Yes, it is the SSC pedal and is very nice. Highly recommend. The tape idea is good. I was just going to take a Sharpie and do little tag'n.
Using my 250EX, try to match audible frequency. But, I'll play with it before I get too anal about this. A good welder should be able to set-up, and any critical chit deserves test pieces prior to the real deal.

I want this machine to provide a good stable arc and consistent performance, all the rest is up to me. Been busy and not able to do anymore testing, but maybe tomorrow.

Thanks for your input, appreciate it!

[srp]

Yes, it is the SSC pedal and is very nice. Highly recommend. The tape idea is good. I was just going to take a Sharpie and do little tag'n.
Using my 250EX, try to match audible frequency. But, I'll play with it before I get too anal about this. A good welder should be able to set-up, and any critical chit deserves test pieces prior to the real deal.

I want this machine to provide a good stable arc and consistent performance, all the rest is up to me. Been busy and not able to do anymore testing, but maybe tomorrow.

Thanks for your input, appreciate it!

I would like to hear more about how it welds up next to the 250ex. The only other 110 units that have extended ac balance, frequency up to 250 and pre-flow are Miller and maybe Lincoln that I know of.