Points location and other potential problems to check.

[Mad-Dax]

I have a PowerTig 200LX. I have searched most of the day but cannot find a picture of where the Points are located or even what they look like in order to check the gap. Problem just suddenly happened...I go to turn on the machine in DC..T2 mode, set 100ish amps...but the display says 031 amps. When I turn the amp dial all the way up or down the display stays the same...no change. It seems like it is stuck in the post flow mode....like after you let go of the trigger and you are waiting for the argon to stop flowing and the machine will ready to weld again. I thought I would check the contacts and whatever other things you guys might think I should check under the hood. I am going to check my plug wiring as well. All I really need is some pictures show where the components are under the hood because when I took it off I frankly was overwhelmed with all the things I saw and had no idea what to look for.

[zoama]

Your problem is not the HF points. Call tech support and they will walk you through the diagnosis.

[Mad-Dax]

Your problem is not the HF points. Call tech support and they will walk you through the diagnosis.

That's cool....but can you or someone else still give me info on where the contacts are and any other "things to look out for" hints like I asked?? This will still help in the future with potential problems.

[Rambozo]

That's cool....but can you or someone else still give me info on where the contacts are and any other "things to look out for" hints like I asked?? This will still help in the future with potential problems.

Points are two small tabs on the HF circuitboard, there are some photos on this forum (somewhere). Things to look for are loose plugs on all the boards. Check that all of them are seated good. You can also look for any oxides, dirt or corrosion on any of them. Look for any burnt or damaged components. Test all functions of the machine so you have the answers when tech support has questions. Check stick function, TIG AC and DC with pedal and with torch switch, HF and lift start. Note what works and what doesn't and any display readings. Then call tech support and try to be at the machine when you do, so they can walk you through any tests. You said it is like it is stuck in postflow mode, does that mean the gas solenoid is on all the time? Also you need to list all the knob and switch settings when having a problem.

[performance]

Points are two small tabs on the HF circuitboard, there are some photos on this forum (somewhere). Things to look for are loose plugs on all the boards. Check that all of them are seated good. You can also look for any oxides, dirt or corrosion on any of them. Look for any burnt or damaged components. Test all functions of the machine so you have the answers when tech support has questions. Check stick function, TIG AC and DC with pedal and with torch switch, HF and lift start. Note what works and what doesn't and any display readings. Then call tech support and try to be at the machine when you do, so they can walk you through any tests. You said it is like it is stuck in postflow mode, does that mean the gas solenoid is on all the time? Also you need to list all the knob and switch settings when having a problem.

That unit (200lx) is around 5 years old. With age, dust etc, that's not too bad. The points are located at the front, in the center, UNDER the main metal pan and are hanging upside down. They're small. But you should call in to help get this resolved.

[Mad-Dax]

That unit (200lx) is around 5 years old. With age, dust etc, that's not too bad. The points are located at the front, in the center, UNDER the main metal pan and are hanging upside down. They're small. But you should call in to help get this resolved.

Thanks guys...LOL I found them like you said underneath upsidedown...I could only see them through the vents in the front panel...even with the side panels off. You are right that is not my issue... but I think it is a contributing issue for when I am welding AL. The contacts appear to be 2-3 credit card widths but I cannot reach them at the moment to close them up some.

However ..Yes it is like it is stuck in postflow mode after I trigger the torch switch once...it will not stop flowing Ag. The display read 031 amps and would go down to 28 everytime I press the switch. So I turned the machine off again...checked under the hood...there is some burnt looking residue on each side of the green cover but I cannot see anything burnt or smell burntness inside. I uncoiled the torch lead and Grd..unhooked rehooked...unplugged torch control plugged and screwed back in. Cycled switch on back on...and off like 5 times....

Then display read 91 amps...good it matches the amp dial now...I am able to change amps now...seems to be working again. I welded some mild steel seems to work fine in DC T2 mode...postflow delay times seem to correlate with what I set it at......I did not try any A/C welding or any other settings at the moment.

Also just FYI... I have never used stick setting or foot control...I never even plugged them in once.

[joshuab]

The output being stuck at 31 sounds like the remote-detect circuit is active, but the pedal is not plugged in.