I bought an ACDC 161 second hand, the DC runs great but the AC seems to have a problem. The HF is running sporadically during the weld and the arc doesn't seem reliable, I've tried all positions of the balance and frequency knobs but the problem remains. I've taken the machine apart, cleaned it and reset the HF spark gap. Argon is set to 8lpm, 1.6 gold tipped tungsten, new collets etc, sharp or blunt tips on the tungsten. Welding with short stick out and close to the metal.
I've spoken to r-tech and they have been very helpful, gave me some things to try. With the covers off I placed my phone in view of the HF spark gap and fired up, increasing weld current throughout to the point where the HF shuts off which was around 60A.
IIhave traced the 'arc good' circuit on the AC board and the BJT driving the relay checks out ok as do the caps and resistors. I'm thinking some filtering on the current clamp may have died so it's switching off as the current passes 0A. It looks like it needs to go to R-tech but I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas before I send it off?
Thanks.
I've spoken to r-tech and they have been very helpful, gave me some things to try. With the covers off I placed my phone in view of the HF spark gap and fired up, increasing weld current throughout to the point where the HF shuts off which was around 60A.
IIhave traced the 'arc good' circuit on the AC board and the BJT driving the relay checks out ok as do the caps and resistors. I'm thinking some filtering on the current clamp may have died so it's switching off as the current passes 0A. It looks like it needs to go to R-tech but I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas before I send it off?
Thanks.