160STH defect with foot pedal

[DrivenToMake]

I bought an SSC controls foot pedal to use with the 160STH.

When the pedal is plugged in, the digital display oscillates back and forth between 11 and 12, regardless of what amperage I set on the machine.

I called tech support and was told this is a known quirk (I prefer "defect") when using a foot pedal with this machine. I was told it won't affect my welds. And to unplug the pedal if I want to see the amperage setting.

And while it welds fine, pedal works as intended, I don't consider this missing functionality acceptable.

I plan on returning this machine to Home Depot. And since I have a $160 foot pedal that only works with Everlast machines, I intend to roll the Home Depot credit into an i-TIG 201.

I'm wondering if this is status quo with Everlast? Something's wrong with your machine, you are politely told "deal with it"?

Certainly doesn't make me want to buy another machine with the Everlast name on it.

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[christian]

Nah,

That is undoubtedly a rare thing indeed, for an Everlast unit, even on a lower-end one like that. But it still seems to be a minor point that doesn't affect functionality. I mean, just setting the amps once at the panel, then who really cares what it reads while you're TIG welding?

But, yeah, Everlast is great that way, with the 30-day 100% satasfaction guarantee. So, take or send it back at no-cost to you and upgrade to something else. I've done it myself.

Easy peasey, Parchessi!

[performance]

That is the way it works. It is not a defect. First, you have a entry level machine for 500.00 neighborhood. Anything close is well over 1000 in blue or red. We've sold thousands of those units like that, and while you call it a defect, it is a base model and operates as a base model. If you prefer something different, step up to the Power i-TIG units. If you want that kind of operation, you pay for it. Any base TIG unit like that like a Maxstar 150 did not even have a digital display. You just depended upon a relative position of the knob, which you can do with the 160STH as well. When you actually start welding, you will get the true output of the welder. If you want something that operates more to your liking by another brand, tryout the Miller Maxstart 161sth for 1700+.

Think about it: When you plug the foot pedal in, it is reading the position of the potentiometer on the pedal. As you step on the pedal, the amps will increase and the change will be reflected on the meter. The unit is still max controlled on the panel, through the relative position of the max power potentiometer. This unit is an analog inverter and it means that there are some sacrifices in functionality unless a lot more is paid. At any rate, you weld by what you see, feel and hear in the weld puddle, and not by an arbitrary amp number. Be assured the Maxstar base models won't weld any better than the analong entry level Everlast, but if you want the function, you have to pony up the funds to get that. Call it marketing, or whatever, but that's the way it is. We do not hide it. We actually mention it in the product notes here: http://www.everlastgenerators.com/pr...owerarc-160sth. And it has been discussed before on forums, but rarely a real issue where people are upset and want to return it.

[performance]

In fact Thermal arc had a similar setup on their much more expensive unit. In fact you had to press a switch on the pedal to "disconnect" it to see the actual set amps. Some people thought it worked beautifully but had a problem with the setup, but still with it, it was cheaper than other similar models. At any rate, it was accepted as a small sacrifice to enjoy a capable inverter AC/DC TIG without paying twice the cost.

[Rambozo]

Some machines that display the actual pedal setting require that you floor the pedal to set max amperage. Not sure if that system is used on that model but I have seen that behavior on quite a few older machines with analog panel meters.

[DrivenToMake]

That is the way it works. It is not a defect. First, you have a entry level machine for 500.00 neighborhood. Anything close is well over 1000 in blue or red. We've sold thousands of those units like that, and while you call it a defect, it is a base model and operates as a base model. If you prefer something different, step up to the Power i-TIG units. If you want that kind of operation, you pay for it. Any base TIG unit like that like a Maxstar 150 did not even have a digital display. You just depended upon a relative position of the knob, which you can do with the 160STH as well. When you actually start welding, you will get the true output of the welder. If you want something that operates more to your liking by another brand, tryout the Miller Maxstart 161sth for 1700+.

Think about it: When you plug the foot pedal in, it is reading the position of the potentiometer on the pedal. As you step on the pedal, the amps will increase and the change will be reflected on the meter. The unit is still max controlled on the panel, through the relative position of the max power potentiometer. This unit is an analog inverter and it means that there are some sacrifices in functionality unless a lot more is paid. At any rate, you weld by what you see, feel and hear in the weld puddle, and not by an arbitrary amp number. Be assured the Maxstar base models won't weld any better than the analong entry level Everlast, but if you want the function, you have to pony up the funds to get that. Call it marketing, or whatever, but that's the way it is. We do not hide it. We actually mention it in the product notes here: http://www.everlastgenerators.com/pr...owerarc-160sth. And it has been discussed before on forums, but rarely a real issue where people are upset and want to return it.

Fair enough, and your technical points are understandable and valid. But that's not what your tech support guy said. If he would have explained it like that, I would have taken that at face value. Calling it a quirk leads me to believe that it was unintended.

The rest of your rambling response tells me everything that I need to know about your company's approach towards customers.

At least your tech support guy was courteous and professional.



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[performance]

I don't know what to say, honestly. I lay it out, in plain unvarnished fashion, and you are offended and not happy with that either. I've given you unapologetic proof where it has been mentioned for customers to know before hand and you call it rambling. I really tried to lay it out with your options. It sounds that you will not be happy for anything. You fault the "courteous" tech guy you talked with for calling something a quirk and you fault him for using the word quirk. And then you fault me for telling you in detail with references without whitewashing the situation for you. I was not rude or unprofessional. I laid it out there in plain language. I did not disparage you or try to belittle you. What exactly do you want or expect as professional?

[rick9345]

No research, No RTM, = never happy.

Performance answers clear,concise.