Dead Powertig 185

[dgrue]

Technically it's not 'dead'--the machine turns on. But effectively it is: no arc.

HF works, but the arc won't fire. Same with lift/scratch: no arc. It doesn't seem to be a cable or control issue: I checked continuity through the torch/ground back into the unit. I also switched between pedal and finger control, and no change.

I opened the case, and though there are some questionable-looking solder joints nothing obvious seems out of place: capacitors look intact, connectors are connected. I reset the HF points to an 0.035 gap--still, no change.

Does anyone have any ideas? I've searched this forum, and see others with similar symptoms: HF, but no arc. I would really appreciate any insight anyone might have!

Thanks,
Dustin

[christian]

Gee,

Call Everlast. They have paid staff to assist you with your problem.

Did it ever work, i.e., did you buy it used?

[performance]

How old is it?

[dgrue]

Gee,

Call Everlast. They have paid staff to assist you with your problem.

Did it ever work, i.e., did you buy it used?

Yeah, people like you and me pay them by buying their equipment! I'm trying to minimize that by accessing the collective wisdom here.

Bought new. Worked okay. Never great at starts. Arc would take some time to stabilize, especially at low power (ceriated, lanthanated--didn't matter). Otherwise, it was fine. Good arc, once established--'smooth', as we like to say.

I'm kicking myself now, though, for never even firing it up on AC. I've seen AC be the death knell for inverters, and I was always a little gun shy with this thing on that front. Now I wish I'd just gone for it.

[dgrue]

How old is it?

Purchased in 2013.

[performance]

AC has never been an issue with an inverter as far as I know. NOt in modern times, (last 20 years). But arc starts usually have to do with work clamp location/condition and other settings...not the machine itself, unless a point gap issue exists (which is/was possible back then due to point design, but easily corrected). Other than that the 185's have always had flawless starts.

But it sounds as if the inverter has conked out or the control board. Sitting around is worse than daily use for almost anything. Electronics like capacitors tend to dry out.

[dgrue]

AC has never been an issue with an inverter as far as I know. NOt in modern times, (last 20 years). But arc starts usually have to do with work clamp location/condition and other settings...not the machine itself, unless a point gap issue exists (which is/was possible back then due to point design, but easily corrected). Other than that the 185's have always had flawless starts.

But it sounds as if the inverter has conked out or the control board. Sitting around is worse than daily use for almost anything. Electronics like capacitors tend to dry out.

I shouldn't have said arc starts. Arc wandering was more the issue: same torch, different welder = more stability. Which in some sense is no longer any issue: no arc = no wandering! I cover up my disappointment with humour.

I'm not sure the relevance of 'sitting around'. It didn't sit--only on the sidelines for aluminum.

Do you have diagnostics/diagrams for these things?

[performance]

Arc wandering is the arc looking for a circuit path. May be due to a bad work clamp, or an improper clamp location or other operator/environmental issue. If the arc is on, it shouldn't be a welder issue.

If you call tech support as suggested, they have diagnosis they can offer you, along with any relevant printed material needed.

[dgrue]

Arc wandering is the arc looking for a circuit path. May be due to a bad work clamp, or an improper clamp location or other operator/environmental issue. If the arc is on, it shouldn't be a welder issue.

If you call tech support as suggested, they have diagnosis they can offer you, along with any relevant printed material needed.

Just giving my experience with this thing.