Sa-200 Idler Upgrades

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Hi Everyone.  As some of you may know from following my earlier posts, I have several SA-200 machines that I am restoring.  One of them has the old vacuum idler control.  The control does work but if it is to be used it needs cleaning and adjusting at the least.  The possible need for an upgrade prompted me to investigate what was available.  I think there may be more than one option available, but the one I looked into was notoriously overpriced in my opinion.  I have worked with electronic circuits and done design work for over forty years.  I seriously examined this idler control and I decided there was really nothing to it.  There is less than fifty bucks worth of parts in it and it could be assembled in a very short time.  The thing could be built and marketed for $200.00 and that would be at least, if not more than double the cost of materials, assembly, administrative costs including shipping.  What is worse, the design has circuitry that isn't necessary if they would have used the right components.  I gotta tell you folks, this ain't rocket science.  The process is simple, sense the current it both the welding circuit and the 115 VDC output for tools.  If either goes up you release the idle control to allow the engine to rev up to governor speed.  If there really is a viable market out there to support a $400.00 plus price tag I'm interested.  I am seriously considering designing and manufacturing a better and simpler device for half the price.  So, my question is, do you guys think there is a market for it?Dave B.E-MAIL:  [email protected] PAGES:  www.wfmservice.comwww.rides4rides.comwww.pvpmedia.com/53f100.htmDad always said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."I say, We can make it better.
Reply:I'm sure they sold enough of those welders. So, anybody in need of one, would look for a reliable source. Getting the word out would be the toughest issue. eBay could help but then they charge you to list, to sell, to view their site...they are greedy.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:theres a man in south la. that sells a complete pc update kit for about $255, that will interchange with lincoln parts
Reply:Originally Posted by GRBtheres a man in south la. that sells a complete pc update kit for about $255, that will interchange with lincoln parts
Reply:will this upgrade take the place of the bellows vaccume thats on my '55 sa200?
Reply:Originally Posted by tompit9will this upgrade take the place of the bellows vaccume thats on my '55 sa200?
Reply:if you can get them to work I would bet interrested in one, if its not cost as much for it as hte others are selling for. you can email me at [email protected]
Reply:I too would be intrested. Perhaps more than one if you can keep the price down.......
Reply:i am in need of one now let me know when ur done.
Reply:"DGM", I'm new to the site, great information here. Your topic interests me and I would like to know if you've come up with an up grade kit? Let me know, thanks.
Reply:Post over on the AWS fourm, you may get swamped with questions.1990 SA 200Miller 225  Rip Miller302Miller 135Lincoln 200 MigHypertherm 600 PlasmaPlasma Cam Cutting TableMikita Cold SawJL Welding Tx . com
Reply:Originally Posted by tompit9will this upgrade take the place of the bellows vaccume thats on my '55 sa200?
Reply:Originally Posted by DGB. . .I have worked with electronic circuits and done design work for over forty years.  I seriously examined this idler control and I decided there was really nothing to it.  There is less than fifty bucks worth of parts in it and it could be assembled in a very short time.  The thing could be built and marketed for $200. . . .I am seriously considering designing and manufacturing a better and simpler device for half the price.  So, my question is, do you guys think there is a market for it?
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepI thought about this and have mentioned it several times, but no one has picked up the soldering iron yet. . . .The solenoid and relay are easy; a cheap reliable current sensor would be the heart of the idler retrofit. Any ideas?