Need advice on HP Alpha 200X

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Hello all;  I have an HP Alpha 200X Tig welder That doesn't work, and I am looking for advice. The unit will start up, but after 30 or 40 seconds it shuts off regardless of the settings. If the switch is turned off(after a shutdown) for a couple of minutes, then turned back on the cycle will repeat itself.  When it starts up, the upper fan starts up while the lower fan  will act like it wants to start(the fan will jerk back and forth for a couple of seconds) but will not run even if spun by hand.  I assume(a dangerous thing to do!!) that both fans should start when the unit is turned on. I am wondering if the unit is shutting off because it doesn't detect any cooling air from the lower fan.  I have been unable to find any user instructions worth reading, to say nothing about a schematic for it. I will listen to any forthcoming advice!!  Allthough I am  new to TIG, I have been welding (oxy acetylene) for many years and I have a working TIG (Everlast 200LX) so the Alpha is a project(another in a long line)  Any advice, hints or help will be greatly appreciated!!!   Phil G
Reply:Warranty?Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Ugh.. The dreaded it does not work thread...  Try getting a warranty or whatever ahp calls it. Most likely  involve you opening the machine up and doing some diagnostic work ending with you replacing parts. Hope your familiar with electricity
Reply:Call AHP and Troubleshoot, if all fails they should make everything right.  Be prepared because you will be on the phone for a long time and being that its Friday you might not get anything done until Monday. Good luck. On another note...I understand why many of the veterans get all pissed off about the imports  Just saying that's all !!!
Reply:All machines can break.  What happens before and after that is what separates good from great companies.  Destructive testing, quality control and customer service cost money and are reflected in the price.  I realize that not everyone can afford to buy a $4000 machine as their first machine.  I've had the most mish mosh setup that I bought and sold to obtain, finally arriving at a decent combo at the right price.  It sure took some time.  Call Miller about anything on a machine one day.  Ask for the service department.  You will be treated like you own the company and pay their salary.  It's quite amazing.  I've stayed on the phone with them for 45 minutes once, to diagnose a 23 year old Synchro I bought used.  THATS what you pay the extra $$$ for.Good lunch with your machine and please post back what happens.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255All machines can break.  What happens before and after that is what separates good from great companies.  Destructive testing, quality control and customer service cost money and are reflected in the price.  I realize that not everyone can afford to buy a $4000 machine as their first machine.  I've had the most mish mosh setup that I bought and sold to obtain, finally arriving at a decent combo at the right price.  It sure took some time.  Call Miller about anything on a machine one day.  Ask for the service department.  You will be treated like you own the company and pay their salary.  It's quite amazing.  I've stayed on the phone with them for 45 minutes once, to diagnose a 23 year old Synchro I bought used.  OTHATS what you pay the extra $$$ for.Good lunch with your machine and please post back what happens.
Reply:Yep, the lower fan is bad and needs to be replaced. If you bought the welder new then it should be under warranty. If you bought it used then give me a call, my number is on my web site.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:There's not much in there that you are going to fix. it is all printed circuit boards for the most part. Is the machine under warranty? if you are the original purchaser, it should be. Your only real option is going to be contacting AHP for warranty support.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255All machines can break.  What happens before and after that is what separates good from great companies.  Destructive testing, quality control and customer service cost money and are reflected in the price.  I realize that not everyone can afford to buy a $4000 machine as their first machine.  I've had the most mish mosh setup that I bought and sold to obtain, finally arriving at a decent combo at the right price.  It sure took some time.  Call Miller about anything on a machine one day.  Ask for the service department.  You will be treated like you own the company and pay their salary.  It's quite amazing.  I've stayed on the phone with them for 45 minutes once, to diagnose a 23 year old Synchro I bought used.  THATS what you pay the extra $$$ for.Good lunch with your machine and please post back what happens.
Reply:Good afternoon;   I bought it used and knowing it didn't work.  I will give you a call sometime monday.  Thanks,  Phil
Reply:No warranty.  I bought the unit knowing that it wasn't working.  The unit was in the original box and looks unused. Hopefully it will be fixable!!
Reply:No warranty, I'm afraid.  The PO stated it wasn't working when unpacked, and he eventually got tired of getting any results from the seller and decided to dump it. I didnt pay much for it, however he kept all the accessories.  Wish me luck !!!  (I am usually able to recognize a volt when I see it!!!)
Reply:Mechanic 416 posted earlier. He I'd the one to talk to.   Probably one of the folks around here who knows a lot about repairing these Chinese welders.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250