Portamig "Compact Mig 215" vs "216s"

[julianf]

I purchased a used portamig 215 a couple of days ago. Im aware that it is 'last seasons' build, but im wondering what the actual difference is.

Here is the sellers photo of what ive purchased -

The 216s, i think, misses out the word "compact" and replaces it with "prof" but, otherwise, the units look very similar -

The used unit that i purchased was a preferable enough price that im not concerned, but it would be nice to know the detail?

Thank you,
Julian

 

[Wallace]

A bank of capacitors has been added to the newer machines, some details here. I wouldn't mind adding capacitors to my 215 at some stage now it's out of warranty.

 

[julianf]

The silly thing is i got the photo from that page, but did not realise there was more information below the price list.

Looks like the caps are probably an easy enough retrofit if they make much of a difference.

 

[Wallace]

No bank of capacitors in mine, Oxford versions at the time had them and they were more expensive.

 

[redgolf]

A bank of capacitors has been added to the newer machines, some details here. I wouldn't mind adding capacitors to my 215 at some stage now it's out of warranty.

Capacitors wont do much at the bottom end of the voltage scale so if you are only welding thin stuff you won't need them.
Buy the cheaper TecArc machine which is just as good. ( my opinion of course)

 

[Wallace]

I use my 215 across the whole range, it's fine at the lower end but not so smooth on the higher settings compared to other machines I use.