MTS211Si not feeding wire

[TheGary]

I do not have a 211I but that is informative. My Thermal arc 250 GTS. would not work with +20 degree temps. It is 2000 vintage so I chalked it up to early stage inverter quirks. This is something that I have not taken into account in the past. I will in the future. The -4 degrees for the MTS250 is livable +14 on that 211 would not be. I will say that neither will replace my miller extreme suitcase feeder in the near future that I can see. I had hoped that an inverter in a pelican case type setup could replace it but the temp limits would be a killer here in the north. There are times when you have to work in sub zero temps although I try not to. Anything that can not be used at least down to zero F would be a no go for sure and -10 would be better. The push controls on the MTS are not a good idea in cold climates either. Everytime I push one I am thinking the plastic membrain over the top of them is going to crack. So far they have not. Even for regular use in warmer weather I am not thrilled with them. I have to take my glove off in order to have enough feel to work the buttons.

[christian]

Yeah,

I sometimes think I could use a MIG unit, and the PowerMTS200 seems like the best 200 amp one for value, quality, features, and adjustability.

But, I can only currently or realistically use stuff that has a max. inrush current of 30 amps right now.

[TheGary]

Yeah,

I sometimes think I could use a MIG unit, and the PowerMTS200 seems like the best 200 amp one for value, quality, features, and adjustability.

But, I can only currently or realistically use stuff that has a max. inrush current of 30 amps right now.

I would still get it if I were you. The max inrush is 34amps a 30 amp circuit would probably handle the surge for a couple seconds and that is all you need. If it does pop the breaker all you would have to do is lower your settings slightly to get the surge lower. I am sure you could run the welder at 95% for sure and you very likely could run it at 100%.
Since you already have a tig welder you really only need something like the 205 though. The synergic function is only of value to someone who is not versed in mig welding. On my MTS250S I never use synergic . It is just as easy if not easier to just set it the way I want it. The tig part you have covered with your other welder.

[mts211si]

I will as I get info. But I am usually last to get updates on tech changes these days. I'll keep pressing for some additional info when Duncan returns.

Hi. Any update on the low temp capacitor issue. Thanks!

[mts211si]

Hi. Any update on the low temp capacitor issue. Thanks!

It's getting cold around here again. Did anyone ever hear back on what the engineers thought the cause might be?

Thanks.

[performance]

Just curious, so I can help figure this out and ...have you hit the fan with a hair dryer or anything to warm it up quickly to see if it helps?

[mts211si]

Just curious, so I can help figure this out and ...have you hit the fan with a hair dryer or anything to warm it up quickly to see if it helps?

Yes, it was a small portable electric heater, and it does help. That's how I'd get it to work when it was cold out.

[performance]

Might be just the fan then, and tolerance issues.

[mts211si]

Might be just the fan then, and tolerance issues.

Not sure I understand.

[Toad]

Not sure I understand.

Sounds like he thinks the issue was the fan not working in the cold, not the whole machine.

[mts211si]

Sounds like he thinks the issue was the fan not working in the cold, not the whole machine.

Yeah that's what it sounds like, but that doesn't make sense. The issue is when it's cold and had been sitting. Turn it on and no feeding or arc. Heat it up and it starts working. A broken fan wouldn't cause this, and the fan works fan fine anyhow.

An updated board improved it, but still an issue.

[performance]

That's what I thought when I replied. I lost the context of the thread and goofed. But the same thing could be causing issues. Too thick of grease in a contact or in the feeder, or tight tolerances.

[Toad]

So, I guess the answer is don't try to weld where the temp is below 40. Sucks if you live up north, or down south if you need to weld in the evening starting about now, LOL.

[mts211si]

Yeah I'm up north

[LincTex]

Yes, it was a small portable electric heater, and it does help. That's how I'd get it to work when it was cold out.

My Power MTS 211Si was built a couple months ago... when it gets colder, I'll report back here to see if it's an issue with my machine or not.

I may have to add a little propane or wood burning stove in the base of my welding cart, LOL!

I agree with previous posts - I used to live in North Dakota, and have had to weld on many -30*F (or colder) days. This is clearly one way in which technology is NOT helping us progress. Having a welder that "is impossible to market to cold environment customers" will kill 30%-50% of your potential customer base. The Alaska Pipeline would have NEVER been built.