Speaking of Power Mig 300

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I just bought a used one and it is being shipped today. it was bought new in 2007 and used for a alum job and has been used only a couple of times since. What are some need to know info on this unit?  I see where alot of guys really like them and I did not want to hijack anyones thread asking about it. I also seen where this unit can be bumped up to a 350??  The unit is being shipped set up to weld steel however I will use if for mig welding alum 90 percent of the time. It is being shipped with all the optional alum welding goodies that was purchased new with the welder.I am really looking foreward to the call that it has arrived and get out in my shop and learn what it can do. Any info on this welder would be appreciated.NetmanLincoln Power Mig 300 with PythonLincoln SquareWave Tig 255 Hypertherm Powermax 45 HH120 w/argon
Reply:The electronics in the 300 and the 350 are the same. Only the software in the control pcb is different. If you know the basics on down loading and installing programs. You will find this easy to do. You will need a computer connected to the internet to down load the new program. Then you will need to connect that computer to the welder and the welder needs to be powered up. When you get the welder, look under the plastic cap next to the tool tray.You will see an RS232 plug. you will need a cable to connect it to your computer.For more complete information go to powerwavesoftware.com. You have to register with your e-mail to use the information there. Down load the instruction manual and read it.  It tells more about the cables needed, serial port or USB port connections. And gives step by step instructions. To weld AL you will need a prince or python style gun. I hope you are getting one with the welder. Look up the accessories for the 350MP on the main Lincoln's main web site.This will show you what you need to weld with.With the code number you also get an owner's from Lincoln's web site.Last edited by ccawgc; 08-09-2011 at 11:33 PM.
Reply:Thanks for your help. I found the Lincoln site and will scour it tonight. I am really looking foreward to getting this welder.  Thanks again.  NetmanLincoln Power Mig 300 with PythonLincoln SquareWave Tig 255 Hypertherm Powermax 45 HH120 w/argon
Reply:If you decide to do the firmware update, be sure to use the recommended cables.  I used off brand cheapo cables and it locked up midway thru the update.  After getting the good ones I tried again and it worked like a charm.  So far I haven't noticed any differences in how it operates, but I haven't used it much since because I have been too busy with my day job.  Good luck and have fun playing.
Reply:If you down load the diagnostic program also. stay out of the calibration area unless you have a load bank and calibrated meters. Both volt and amp. You can really mess up these welders by making changes that are not needed. Then you will have to take it into a good shop and have it set back.
Reply:She arrived today. Came with a python gun for alum along with the 300 magnum gun. Three spools of alum wire,tips,cones, tools,xtra long power cable and extra liner.  In like new condition.  This girl is sweet.  Getting gas tomorrow and changing the plug in for my set up.  Next will to weld with her then bump her to the 350 with the software update.RandyLast edited by netman; 08-16-2011 at 09:36 PM.Lincoln Power Mig 300 with PythonLincoln SquareWave Tig 255 Hypertherm Powermax 45 HH120 w/argon
Reply:Download the 350 manual, it has the machine re-set proceedure in the back. You'll still need the 300 manual because there were several different wire feed drives in early models.I checked with my factory store when the upgrades came out and they told me there was a couple of pulse programs and one stainless program added (I think that was all) so I never bothered. Actually they would have come down and done it for me had I wanted them to.Mine is still going well, and it's an early model.Matt
Reply:The guy I bought mine from said he bought it new in 2007Lincoln Power Mig 300 with PythonLincoln SquareWave Tig 255 Hypertherm Powermax 45 HH120 w/argon
Reply:Originally Posted by netmanThe guy I bought mine from said he bought it new in 2007
Reply:Mine has the Chopper badge on it.Lincoln Power Mig 300 with PythonLincoln SquareWave Tig 255 Hypertherm Powermax 45 HH120 w/argon
Reply:Just had a a few PM 300 and PM350's come through the shop. Did a comparison. Both have the same control and power supply pcb. The main difference is the feeder control pcb and the wire drive system.A bit of information. These welder use a transformer and diodes to make 80 volts DC. This voltage is sent to a high speed switch ( chopper ) This switch is turning on and off at 10000 hz. They very both the on and the off time. This way they make a welding wave form that is good for welding different types of metal and for stick, tig and mig.There are a couple of problems that show up in the PM 300  That can only be fixed with a software update. One the display locks up with an error code that you won't find in the manual. Diagnostic software might have it. The other is, on power up the weld program comes up on its display and the volts and wire feed displays are stuck with scrolling dashes.You can change program but is changes back after a few seconds. was able to run the diagnostic program and load test this welder. Run the snap shot program.The whole time it was hung up. Installed the new software and it came to life.The only choices are attempt new software or replace the very expensive control pcb.Have had a few of these that were working, that would not take the new software at all. So they were left alone.