Main board problem with Handler 175?

[1TonTJ]

Hello,
I have a Hobart handler 175 that I have used for two years. I use it a lot for a hobbyist (about 35 punds of .035 per year) After one year, it failed (it would weld about 1 inch of bead then have to sit for a few minutes then weld one more inch).
Got it replaced under wartantee. All was well again for another year. Well it just failed again on the weekend same symptoms.

My welding supplier says it will be "upgraded" to a new main board with some kind of "fault fix". They say there was a fan problem with the main board?

My question is - is this true? Is there a known problem that is fixed, or should I get this thing fixed and sell it and buy up to a bigger better miller unit to avoid having the main booard fail again in another year?

Thanks,
Phil Jensen

[Hobart Expert Steve]

Phil;

First of all, Welcome aboard. Second if you could provide a serial number I can go and check the history of the unit and see what the first problem was. The problem with the fan motor voltage has been corrected and we have not seen issues with this particular problem since we corrected it. Also a different problem with the motor stalling out has been addressed and we do not see any issues with that problem any more. I will include my email address and direct phone number for myself and Rock.
1-800-332-3281

Steve
[email protected]

[Hobart Expert Rock]

1TONTJ..... THIS IS THE STRAIGHT SKINNY ON THE PC BOARDS....... ZIP ON PROBLEMS..............HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS THE FAN TRANSFORMER .............. THE WINDING TO THE PC BOARD, FROM THE SECONDARY SIDE OF THE FAN MOTOR SHOULD BE 24 VOLTS AC..........THE TOLERANCE (BUILT IN) SAYS 24-27 VOLTS IS OK....... HOWEVER IF THE SECONDARY OF THE FAN TRANSFORMER GOES HIGH 27.1 IT WILL EXCEED THE TOLERANCE OF THE REGULATOR CHIP ON THE PC BOARD............... CAUSEING IT TO HEAT UP AND GO SOUTH..............A QUICK CHECK IS MEASURE THE VOLTAGE ON THE PC BOARD................ STILL NEED HELP GIVE ME A CALL AND I WILL HELP............... IF YOUR FAN MOTOR VOLTAGE IS HIGH CALL ME AND I WILL 2ND DAY AIR PARTS TO YOU........... I WILL REQUIRE A AC/DC VOLT METER AND SOME CONVERSATION..... I WOULD NOT WANT TO SEE YOU GET HURT.................BE SAFE....... ROCK.............................
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[1TonTJ]

Thanks for the quick response. I will get the serials for you.

This site is GREAT - great job with recognizing the power of the internet, and making a great site. More manufacturers of all types should be as good as you guys.

Thanks,
Phil