Airco Heliwelder high frequency quits.

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I was messing around with a new torch setup the other day. Everything was working good on DC playing around with some mild steel, so I grabbed a chunk of aluminum, switched the machine over to AC, switched high frequency to continuous and started to weld. After about running an inch of weld, the arc goes soft and fuzzy. No high frequency. Try again. Welds for about an inch then stops again. Switched back to DC setup.  Works fine. If the high frequency quit all together, I would start testing caps, but I don't know where to start with this one. I get about 5 seconds of high frequency, then nothing. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe offer correct, cheap and fast. Pick two.Weldanpower G800XMT 304Syncrowave 250Millermatic 135Maxstar 91Heliwelder 4A/DDR 224/HPA/BHFT Plasma
Reply:Is there a high frequency selector switch on your welder? It sound to me like it's in the "START" position rather than "CONTINUOUS".  If you are sure that it's in "continuous" maybe the switch is bad. I's the first thing that I would check.CharleyLast edited by CharleyL; 01-14-2014 at 08:23 AM.Miller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:It's on continuous. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe offer correct, cheap and fast. Pick two.Weldanpower G800XMT 304Syncrowave 250Millermatic 135Maxstar 91Heliwelder 4A/DDR 224/HPA/BHFT Plasma
Reply:When the HF quits on you, is it still sparking between the points, or does it actually quit there too?Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Nothing at the points. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe offer correct, cheap and fast. Pick two.Weldanpower G800XMT 304Syncrowave 250Millermatic 135Maxstar 91Heliwelder 4A/DDR 224/HPA/BHFT Plasma
Reply:Like CharleyL said, I'd start with the switch first.  Hopefully it's a cheap fix.If you have the airco made by miller (330 a/bp) like in my avatar, I have a tech manual stored here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ijbgx67wuq6ivd/sYvAlvq_LCDave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Yep, looks like yours, MinesotaDave, except it's the 400 amp model. I have the correct owners manual for it and (all gold star series). That tech manual should be a big help. Thanks. Unfortunately I'm pretty certain it's not the switch, because it behaves differently when I flip it to start. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe offer correct, cheap and fast. Pick two.Weldanpower G800XMT 304Syncrowave 250Millermatic 135Maxstar 91Heliwelder 4A/DDR 224/HPA/BHFT Plasma
Reply:Took the high frequency board apart, cleaned everything and re assembled. Works fine now.  Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe offer correct, cheap and fast. Pick two.Weldanpower G800XMT 304Syncrowave 250Millermatic 135Maxstar 91Heliwelder 4A/DDR 224/HPA/BHFT Plasma
Reply:Excellent - cheap fixes are great Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.