200 LX intermittent output (current)

[Bucket]

Hi, I hope to get a resolution for this problem that I can fix without sending the unit back.

Problem: I get an intermittent lack of full current flow. For example if I set the unit at 130 amps, sometimes when I fully depress the pedal while welding aluminum everything works fine and I get 130, then sometimes it will not go past about 20 or 21 amps even with the pedal down all of the way for 10+ seconds. It will go back and forth without touching any knobs on the machine. There is no middle of the road either. It's either full power or 20 amps. I have checked the pedal with a multi-meter. It seems to have perfect change in resistance from 0 to 70k something ohms. It does not seem to matter if the machine is cold (just turned on) or hot either.

Thanks for any input.

Buck

[Rambozo]

Hi, I hope to get a resolution for this problem that I can fix without sending the unit back.

Problem: I get an intermittent lack of full current flow. For example if I set the unit at 130 amps, sometimes when I fully depress the pedal while welding aluminum everything works fine and I get 130, then sometimes it will not go past about 20 or 21 amps even with the pedal down all of the way for 10+ seconds. It will go back and forth without touching any knobs on the machine. There is no middle of the road either. It's either full power or 20 amps. I have checked the pedal with a multi-meter. It seems to have perfect change in resistance from 0 to 70k something ohms. It does not seem to matter if the machine is cold (just turned on) or hot either.

Thanks for any input.

Buck

Check it without the pedal, just using the torch switch. There are several things that can go wrong with the pedal and by testing without it, you can narrow your issue down to the pedal or the machine.

[performance]

Yes, sounds like a pedal too. Make sure your cog is not slipping on the shaft. Otherwise, it's time for a new pedal likely. Give us a call if you need help.

[Bucket]

Rambozo you were spot on. Checked with the torch switch. Works like a champ.

Performance, I checked the pedal, the cog is not slipping. I adjusted it when I first bought it and it has been fine since then.

Recommendations for a new pedal?

[performance]

You can get a new chinese pedal or order the SSC. I believe yours does not have a separate rheostat on the pedal does it? That would be the 47k (you can confirm this by looking at the pot in the pedal and it should be marked). That would be the same as what we produce now. Simply call ext 202 and purchase one. Pedals, torches etc. are only warrantied for 6 months. The welder of course is for 5 years.

[Bucket]

Also, I took the multi-meter to the connector again. Pins 3-4 gives 0-40k ohms, then shorts during the last inch of pedal travel. Pins 5-6 gives 40-0 kohms.

[performance]

Ok, the short is likely the cause. Give 202 a call if you want another pedal.

[Rambozo]

Another option is to just replace the pot in the pedal you have.