Miller Legend AEAD-200LE

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I picked up a '88 Miller Legend welder.  Have the manuals but am looking for advice from other Miller Legend owners as well as any tips to go through and check the machine out to see if it's working well. Serial number JJ428961I picked up some different welding rods so I can test A.C., EN, EP welding asking with 25' 1/O cable. I also would also like to use this for electrical back up to our house. Anyone with experience using these as a generator, I'd appreciate any advice. Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
Reply:I use my AEAD-200LE as a backup generator.  Mine runs at 1800RPM in generator mode, so it's not too loud, and will last darn near forever.  It's a GREAT generator, although it puts out much less power than a typical machine of the same weight.  With the manual choke, you need to start it by hand (although thankfully you don't need to pull start it), so I don't think it's a good candidate for an automatic transfer switch (with auto-start), but it is fine with a manual transfer switch.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanI use my AEAD-200LE as a backup generator.  Mine runs at 1800RPM in generator mode, so it's not too loud, and will last darn near forever.  It's a GREAT generator, although it puts out much less power than a typical machine of the same weight.  With the manual choke, you need to start it by hand (although thankfully you don't need to pull start it), so I don't think it's a good candidate for an automatic transfer switch (with auto-start), but it is fine with a manual transfer switch.
Reply:Well, mine predates the Legend name.  Just AEAD-200LE.  Mine runs around 125V unloaded, and drops no lower than 115V loaded.  It tends to stay between 58 and 63 hz.  Not like what you get from an inverter, or electronically controlled engine, but still acceptable for my purposes.The adjustments for voltage and frequency should be spelled out in Miller's manual.  Frequency is adjusted on the engine.  Voltage of a generator is adjusted at the exciter.I don't actually weld with mine (I use my Dynasty for that).  I load bank the engine a few times a year with a pair of 1800W heat guns.
Reply:Go to Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, on-line, etc. and get you one of these.Use it to set your generator no-load speed to 62-62.5Hz (1860-1875rpm) and then use it in a convenient outlet in the house to monitor voltage and frequency under load when using the unit for back-up power.As rlitman stated, a frequency of 58 should be the low end limit especially for motors or other frequency sensitive device.The "no tachometer" math:Hz = (RPM /120) x number of generator poles (1800rpm = 4, 3600rpm = 2)ORRPM = (Hz / # of poles) x 120MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Go to Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, on-line, etc. and get you one of these.Use it to set your generator no-load speed to 62-62.5Hz (1860-1875rpm) and then use it in a convenient outlet in the house to monitor voltage and frequency under load when using the unit for back-up power.As rlitman stated, a frequency of 58 should be the low end limit especially for motors or other frequency sensitive device.The "no tachometer" math:Hz = (RPM /120) x number of generator poles (1800rpm = 4, 3600rpm = 2)ORRPM = (Hz / # of poles) x 120
Reply:The Kill-a-watt is a great idea indeed!  I actually test mine with a multimeter, but this may be the excuse I need to buy one...If you're checking frequency off a tachometer that reads using a coil that wraps around a spark plug wire, be aware that this machine is a 2 cylinder, but uses a wasted spark ignition (distributorless), so the tach may read double the actual engine RPM if not programmed correctly.If you live in New York State (I'm not familiar with the laws elsewhere), you can put an axle and hitch on a welder, and tow it on the road without needing to register it and get plates (same thing for a cement mixer, and other towable tools).  You'll need plates on a trailer if you put it on one with much anything else (light boom excluded).The only problem with using a welder as a standby generator is the size of the fuel tank.  Most welder's fuel tanks are sized to be big enough to run during an 8 hour shift (with a little left at the end).  You won't get 24 hours off a full tank.  I keep thinking of retrofitting mine with a 13 gallon boat tank, but never get around to it.
Reply:next question: Didn't want to start a new thread for this. Welding trailers, better to mount the welder side to side or front to back? I've seen both. My first welding project will be putting together it's hauling trailer. Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
Reply:I've determined the cause of the higher voltage in generator mode. When the machine is started, the voltage is good. So are the RPMs. After about 10 minutes, the voltage goes up, but do does the RPM reading. I'm assuming I need to look into the RPM controller. It should have kept it locked in place. Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
Reply:Sounds like your carb needs cleaning.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanSounds like your carb needs cleaning.
Reply:Finally used the welder last night. Not the best weld, but it's the person using the welder, not the welder! Need some more time getting used to the feel of it. This is an awesome machine. DC positive weld with a 7014 rod.