Intermittent HF start problem on 250EX

[vfrguy]

I'm having an intermittent HF start issue on my new 250EX. Do you have instructions on how to check the "points" gap on the HF board?

Darren

[dgarnier]

till support gets a better awsner take look at this thread
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...ghlight=points

on the new 250ex the point gap is is towards the front of the machine above the connectors. On mine there is a pretty loud buzz when you hit the torch button and there is a blue flash you can see from the side vents

also if you are using the button on the torch check to see if its clicking when you think it should...I had some problems if I would click it towards the back of the switch. It didnt seems to click or it would stay clicked if I used the back half of the switch , but clicking the front of the switch seems to work ok

[everlastsupport]

Darren,

That thread pretty much covers the point. If you still have a problem locating them, call into tech support and one of us can walk you though it. Also, make sure the unit is unplugged for 20 minutes before adjusting them.

[kenwhite]

...Also, make sure the unit is unplugged for 20 minutes before adjusting them.

Or take a big screwdriver and short out the big electrolytic capacitors a few times to ensure they are completely discharged - they can definitely bite you...

[welderdude]

Or take a big screwdriver and short out the big electrolytic capacitors a few times to ensure they are completely discharged - they can definitely bite you...

Make sure you don't use a nice screw driver. Those capacitors will take a nice chunk out of the tip. I would suggest to just wait 20 minutes instead of getting impatient like I would.

[kenwhite]

Make sure you don't use a nice screw driver. Those capacitors will take a nice chunk out of the tip...

True statement... The energy stored in the capacitors can be quite large...

[Rivets]

Darren,

That thread pretty much covers the point. If you still have a problem locating them, call into tech support and one of us can walk you though it. Also, make sure the unit is unplugged for 20 minutes before adjusting them.

Mike,

Any reason a person could'nt solder a bleeder resistor across each of those caps ?
Have installed them on my heat pump compressors years ago with no issues.

Thanks,
rivets

[vfrguy]

Checked and adjusted the gap. Didn't seem way out but was hard to get a good measurement worrying about touching anything else. Back together and it seems to be consistent now. Really impressed with the smooth controllable arc in DC mode. Need to line up some projects instead of running these practice beads and searching for perfection.

As someone who was trained on a Miller Synchrowave, this 250EX is awesome! Great value and performance.

Darren

[Zoomie]

Off topic and all Darren but ya gotta get that instrument rating! Good luck with 250EX!

[vfrguy]

My "vfrguy" name came from the Honda VFR I've been obsessing over for years. Always wanted to get a pilot's license but never pulled the trigger.

Darren

[performance]

Darren,
What are your AC balance settings? Do you have your torch in the negative?

[vfrguy]

Balance is at 30%. Torch in negative.

Darren

[everlastsupport]

Mike,

Any reason a person could'nt solder a bleeder resistor across each of those caps ?
Have installed them on my heat pump compressors years ago with no issues.

Thanks,
rivets

You could, but the internal circuit load bleeds them pretty fast. We just like to be safe and tell people wait a bit before adjusting the points.

[Ray]

There are in fact bleeder resistors across the caps, and they bleed down pretty fast. but there’s always that one time that something is not at 100% and Zap.
With customers inside the machine we always try to err on the side of caution.
Hey, Mike used to say 2 hours, got him down from that LOL, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

[everlastsupport]

Like if you get the one machine missing the resistors.

[bigjoeinkg]

Yeah, used to charge up 450V caps in high school shop class and leave them laying around for someone to pick up the wrong way.