PP205 Plasma function stopped

[Buggy Chief]

Was cutting some expanded metal and pilot arc was working and all was fine. Stopped to repostion and pressed the trigger...Air worked and no arc. Changed consumables multiple times....still no arc. Took S45 torch apart and all looked normal...no disconnected wires...made sure was in 2T....changed consumables and still no arc...Air only. Any thoughts and help would be appreciated!!! Thanks.

[christian]

Gee,

Try connecting that momentary contact switch/assembly/cable for the TIG torch, instead of the one with the plasma torch, while still using the plasma torch and settings. That will rule out the switch and cable. Expanded metal can have saw-like edges that might have cut or nicked something.

[Buggy Chief]

Thanks Christian. so you are saying unplug the 7 pin only and plug the tig torch 7 pin to use it's on/off capability to start plasma torch? Just a little skittish because I had my plasma plugged in a few years ago and forgot to switch to cut mode from Tig mode and ended up frying my plasma torch...Thanks again for the help!!

Gee,

Try connecting that momentary contact switch/assembly/cable for the TIG torch, instead of the one with the plasma torch, while still using the plasma torch and settings. That will rule out the switch and cable. Expanded metal can have saw-like edges that might have cut or nicked something.

[christian]

Yeah,

You can do it with a cable assembly alongside the plasma torch or with a whole TIG torch assembly to do it, while only utilizing the switch and its connector to actuate the plasma torch.

[christian]

Gee,

Now I'm wondering if the pinout could be different for the two different torch types on the same machine, when the mode is switched. But I doubt that is the case, and even if it is, there may be no risk involved. But, maybe wait to see if someone here knows better about it. If it were me, I'd be doing it already. But ignorance is often fearless.

[christian]

Or,

Wait a minute BuggyChief, since I do have a CAT250D, which is a similar combo welder/plasma unit, your contact switch must be working if its actuating the solenoid for the air. So, there's probably no need to rule out the switch/cable/connector.

[Buggy Chief]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking. Also tried to strike the arc and no luck. Hopefully Tech Support will weigh in... Thanks again.

Or,

Wait a minute BuggyChief, since I do have a CAT250D, which is a similar combo welder/plasma unit, your contact switch must be working if its actuating the solenoid for the air. So, there's probably no need to rule out the switch/cable/connector.

[Rambozo]

First check all the other modes. When you know what works and what doesn't, it will really help tech support narrow down what failed. Stick, AC/DC TIG, with lift and HF starts.

[Buggy Chief]

UPDATE...HELP!!!
Called into Tech Support and they diagnosed that they thought it was the torch not working properly. I bought new torch and paid to have it shipped 2 day delivery. Plugged new torch in and nothing changed. Pull Trigger and pre flow happens....let off of trigger and post flow...no arc at all. Machine works in TIG mode. Any help here would be appreciated.
Thanks!!!

[christian]

Gee,

So what are you going to do, BuggyChief, send it in for repair?

Strange that the TIG function is still fine. I'd probably, at this point, check the function toggle switch, then maybe open it up and reseat some of the board connections, while also looking for any obvious popped caps, after they've had time to release their energy.

Please let us all hear what you decide and how it goes.

Peace,
C. Livingstone

[Buggy Chief]

Yea Christian...Sent it in to Ray for Repair. Will update once I hear back. Thanks.

[performance]

There are separate inverters for plasma and tig. That's why one can work and not the other.

[Buggy Chief]

Good to know Mark. Thanks! Hopefully Mr. Ray gets it back to me soon.

[Buggy Chief]

Got it back and it now works. Everlast admin was not sure what was wrong as they had a backup of warranty machines to repair. Nonetheless, it works now. The only opportunity for Everlast to consider is the warranty doesn't cover shipping either way...

[performance]

And that is standard across the industry as far as shipping goes. But the other thing is that if it is under the first 30 days, we will cover shipping.

[christian]

Hey,

Nice to hear that, BuggyChief.

I wondered the other day when I was here on the forum if you had gotten you machine back.

Sure, the shipping to and fro is not included for free after the 30-day period. It would ridiculous if were. I mean, it's costly to ship those things around. And that does impose some discipline on users to treat their machines well and to seek to solve certain problems on their own, instead of frivolously demanding that their machines be sent both ways at the expense of the seller, for what would undoubtedly and often turn out to be something silly.

[Buggy Chief]

Thanks Christian!

Hey,

Nice to hear that, BuggyChief.

I wondered the other day when I was here on the forum if you had gotten you machine back.

Sure, the shipping to and fro is not included for free after the 30-day period. It would ridiculous if were. I mean, it's costly to ship those things around. And that does impose some discipline on users to treat their machines well and to seek to solve certain problems on their own, instead of frivolously demanding that their machines be sent both ways at the expense of the seller, for what would undoubtedly and often turn out to be something silly.