Firing up the PMX1100...I need help

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:05:47 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Firing up the PMX1100...I need help

I was able to get previously non-working PMX1100 powered up today.  It came up and hummed like a champ.  I grabbed a scrap piece of metal and clamped the ground on it and put the torch to it.  I was able to get arc start with a little blue "flame" but all it did was scorch the surface of the metal so I figure I might have a grounding issue.  I am going to work on that and I'd be happy to take comments especially wrt how to test or verify a good ground.BUT I think my real problem started only a minute or two after trying the torch.  The machine started making a horrible racket...I have been trying ti figure out how to characterize the noise...sort of like whacking out a fast irregular beat on a snare drum?  I didn't get any smell like arcing but it sounded kinda like that was the cause of the noise...but loud.I powered it off and after a few minutes, I grabbed the video recorder and fired the machine up again.  It ran for about 2 minutes...maybe less...before it started up the noise.  I didn't even have to try the torch so maybe using the torch is unrelated to the cause of the noise?Has anyone got any experience with this type of issue?Thanks!!   Buck Graham
Reply:Here is the video I captured.https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0h...ew?usp=sharing
Reply:most of that sound is the contactor dropping out and pulling back in. Either your line is bad or the plasma is pulling to much current.The contactor connects the main circuit to the line after the precharge cycle is done. Get the service manual from Hypertherm's web site and try doing some testing. You want to check the large diodes and igbts for shorts.Check the lights on the front panel and the control pcb. inside. Check your line voltage and make sure the jumpers are in the right place. 2 big ones and 1 small one.see operators manual for set up instructionsBe careful there are very high voltages inside.
Reply:Thank you.  I will recheck it all but let me make sure you know the setup I have for testing.  For initial bringup and troubleshooting I have wired the machine into a 30 amp single phase 240V circuit using 10g SO cord about 25 ft long.  I have the amp setting for the machine at its lowest.Could it be that I just need to bite the bullet and put a bigger breaker into my panel?
Reply:If'n your breaker wasn't big enough, it would have tripped. Your extension cord could be causing some issues, but not when there is no arc load.Follow ccawqc's advice and double-check the machine's jumper settings, diodes and the pcb. My first impression from your description was capacitors breaking down at lower their rated voltage.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:There are about a dozen experienced Hypertherm techs waiting at the factory for your call. They can help your troubleshoot the machine.....and even better the help is free. Cal Tech Service!Jim Colt  Hypertherm