Problems with Hirane AS120 autospotter

[rotchaser]

hi, i've got a old AS120 autospotter, it appears to operate correctly but is lacking in power.it won't weld together two bits of 20 gauge. i have used similair hirane welders before and they all had loads of power.the three green phase lights are on. i've had both of the side panels off blown out all the dust and checked that all the cable and transformer connections are clean and tight. i was wondering if anybody could advise me on anything else i can check. i have a good quality multi meter and a reasonable understanding of elec's. thanks mike

 

[weldequip]

What's the condition of the electrodes? You'd be surprised the difference cleanly dressed electrodes can make
Also try adjusting the arms pressure.
weldequip

 

[rotchaser]

all clean and correctly adjusted. i'm a time served panelbeater and have been using spot welders for over 25years. i'm restoring a mk1 escort and have aquired this welder to do it.

 

[weldequip]

i'm a time served panelbeater and have been using spot welders for over 25years.

With respect, I've heard that a few times...you're expert at beating panels then...not spot welders. Drop JML a line, he services em
weldequip

 

[chiefrrb]

As120 things to check

Just read about the problem with the as120. The lights only indicate that the 3 phase is present. Check and clean all contacts on the board. Then test. If the problem presists proceed. Have the welder side off, either side. Do at least 10 test welds.. With the power off and unplugged check the tempature of each section of the transformer. They should be equal. If they are not you either have a bad rectifier or transformer.

 

[barrydisman]

hirane power loss

hi this is my first post, i have a (i think hirane 120) similar machine, i have a similar problem with what feels like underpowered, i have used smaller hand held m/c's before with more umph. i didn't get the kit new so it is difficult to tell. it was interesting about the thyristors but the sort we use or come across at work are not large or expensive. i wondered if anyone knows if the machines have diodes as in mig sets. i haven't had the panels off yet so what ever comes first i will post again if i get any success. i could do with a manual though or even a copy of instructions on how to use the accessories.

from disman

 

[mike 109444]

Welcome Barry. Can't help directly with the problem you have except suggesting metering the tips as you generate a spot weld and then changing the settings to see if it increases. Note the readings as if you are able to contact a repairer you can quote theses figures. Think they work on very low DC voltage at very high current (compared to a mig).
If you look below in the "Similar Threads" the 1st one may help you or you could contact the chap JML but the last time he posted was back in 2011

 

[barrydisman]

STILL TRYING. still looking for a wiring diagram or similar or some additional tests to try.

do hirane still exist? can you purchase a manual?
it seems a bit vague that there are none out there or no one seems to have had one?

barry.
disman.