Migmate 150 Turbo mods

[fraser]

Hi Guys,

First post here, so be gentle. I have recently aquired a Migmate 150 Turbo of undetermined vintage. Having perused the threads here, I think that I need to make the following changes before even switching it on for the first time -

Eurotorch conversion - The existing SIP torch is on its' way out, and needs a metal liner, and I like the idea of being able to remove the torch for neatness.

Switched Mode PSU - I have found these going really cheaply on the bay, but was wondering if they may be a bit of overkill, and a bit too large, but at £15.00 who cares - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Switched-...ecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item1e6915f689

PWM Motor speed controller - £7.89 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180749001848?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Even though I did an electrical/electronic apprenticeship, I can't be arsed to build any circiuts, so these seem ok.

I may take the pot from the speed controller and replace it with a preset and multi turn pot as seen on this forum, but hopefully will just be a matter of a bit of soldering.

Any comments guys. Do you think that these mods will work, or will I be left with a cloud of smoke.

Cheers

Fraser

 

[nigelpcat]

SIP 150 Turbo

Exactly what I am planning to do on my SIP MIG. I have a cheap PWM controller and a spare 24V power supply . I want to completely remove all the old SIP circuitry . May need a relay to switch the PWM controller. Had this lot in the loft for some tome it's about time I got on with it. I also want to add a gas solenoid and a Euro connector looks easy enough not sure where to take voltage for valve but reckon if I fit a relay I can use same relay for wire feed and solenoid.
Ashley

 

[Sean]

Ive done the separate transformer mod on my Sip as well as having done all the simple mods on here before I discovered this forum, and for what i need its actually a nice little welder now. I think a Euro torch conversion would be a waste of time.

It gets to the point that given the time and effort its not really worth it. Its a Sip, its a diy hobby machine built down to a price and spending on euro torches and the like isnt going to build you an all singing and dancing industrial model.

The torch was one of the better items on the sip - but note that even that has gone down the glued plastic route.

Seem to recall that the motor controllers don't live very long inside a welder - but im no electronics person.

Save up for something you think you want or you'll just fritter the money away on trying to make something it would have been cheaper to buy anyway.

 

[cracker666]

I have a 150turbo Dp
I wouldn't do the pwm motor mod.
I've done like Sean
The laptop PSU c/w relay
Brake mod
100ohm mod
The steel wire mod
Brace and gas feed bulkhead connector mod.

It works great and good control, but I'll save for a portamig or a butters.
Save your dosh mate

 

[nigelpcat]

Sip reply

Thing is i have two SIP machines my old one a 130 turbo about 25 years old case going rusty and a newer 150 turbo in much better condition but with a lousy torch which is much too short to be of any use. I dont like the old push switches on the 130 the 150 has much better switch. So what I want to do is make One good one from the two, but from what I'm reading I would be better sticking with the old machine.
.

 

[the snooper]

Hi Guys,

First post here, so be gentle. I have recently aquired a Migmate 150 Turbo of undetermined vintage.

you have my sympathies

Having perused the threads here, I think that I need to make the following changes

a new welder

i bought a sip many years ago and i wouldnt buy another i still have it but also have another

 

[nigelpcat]

Can't see problem with Pwm control of wire feed, have used a number of these controllers, maybe an issue with the magnetic field set up by the welding transformer but controller will be well shielded. They are so cheap if one packs up of course that may also mean lousy quality, easy enough to get a quality item if it is successful. Any body like to comment about the actual sip welding transformer. On my old unit I have added two fans replacing the single unit to improve cooling, I may well transfer them to the newer machine.
Would like a quality machine but have just bought a TIG welder so funds limited although i do keet a watch on the bay for a local machine at the correct price.
Ashley.

 

[Sean]

the transformer doesn't seem to be any better or worse than any other hobby machine - its an aluminium one, the best industrials and good old ones are copper

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=374540&postcount=133

in this thread
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4061

 

[nigelpcat]

JUst one simple last question. When I squeeze trigger on my SIP mig apart from gas supply and wire feed what does it switch. Does it switch 240 Volts to transformer or does it switch the DC side of things. I do understand wiring diagrams but thought I'd ask this question as I'm planning a complete rewire of control circuits.
A.

 

[AndyLandy]

Hi.

I have heavily modded my 150 and find that it is a great machine now. I have done all the usual like brace, metal liner, seperate psu for wire feed. I have also completely removed the old wire feed control that was lousy and replaced with pwm. I also replaced the power relay with a 30 amp one. I today added a couple of 4700uf 100v capacitors to the output and that made a massive difference to the quality of welds.

In answer to your question, the relay switches the 240v side and in my opinion the relay is under rated and should be replaced.

I have included a picture so that you can see what I have done.