ProWave 185 DOA?

[Bobster]

Finally got the 230vac installed in the garage after discovering I had such an old panel that I couldn't use split breakers and needed to install a sub-panel to get the 230vac plug and some 20amp, GFCI protected 120vac garage outlets.

OK, done. Now cut up some metal for the welding bench(what else would I start with??) and set up the brand new T/A 185.

Plugged it in, connected the argon cylinder, the torch, foot control & ground clamp. Sit down in front of welder with manual in hand to learn how to wiggle all the nifty digital controls, turn on power switch and the fan turns on, fast at first, then slows down and............................................... .......nothing???!!!!

I push the controls to select mode and whatever but no indicators illuminate. I check and recheck the welder hook up. Test the 230vac outlet and find a nice solid 239vac living there.

Is there some secret to getting the digital display alive or have I got a dead machine???

Next email will be to dealer followed by a phone call Monday AM..

Any Ideas??

Be safe,

Bob G.

[Ed in Ga]

Bob,
Sorry, but it sounds like you have a problem with the display/touch pad. Digital display should power up with turn on. The fan sequence you describe is normal with the DRO showing twenty something seconds then changing to the last amp setting or probably zero on a new machine when the fan slows down. Frustrating, but you do have a three year warranty.
Ed

[Bobster]

RE: ProWave 185 DOA

Thanks for your reply, Ed.

When the welder arrived the box looked like UPS had used it as a test case in how not to handle products.

Maybe a connector is knocked loose but I don't want to open it up and void that three year warranty.

[Planet X]

Is that an INVERTER welder?

[Henro]

Bobster,

Sorry to hear about your apparent bad luck.

You should be able to set modes and so on soon after power up. Like you say...maybe something got knocked loose in shipment.

Mine arrived fine and dandy. Luck of the draw I guess. Don't dispare too much. It is a good machine. Things happen. I am glad I bought one and you will be too once you get this problem worked out.

[Scott V]

Originally posted by Planet X
Is that an INVERTER welder?

Planet X,You should put down that ED Craig book you got,and go check your Transformer windings.I think a couple just might be loose!

[Planet X]

Originally posted by Scott V


Planet X,You should put down that ED Craig book you got,and go check your Transformer windings.I think a couple just might be loose!

Does Lincoln Electric own Thermal Arc via Thermadyne? I am sure they will get a replacement machine out asap, now when my no name inverter goes down I won't be so lucky. Caveat Emptor-no new laws needed- I will take responsibility for my own stupidity

Now Scott, you do realize the fun you get stirring the pot with the boy's in Blue is very much like the fun I get with you & inverters

Bobster-now you know why Scott has so many machines.... all kidding aside remain patient and remember the caution from Rock about that "bitter pill" "

[Scott V]

Planet X,Thermal is not owned by Lincoln.I think Miller,and gang this is the best news they heard in a couple of months.The Thermals are just flying out the door.I would love to see the sales # of the 200 DX vs the Prowave 185.

Planet X,You have to remember That I like most Transformer machines.It's just that I like to gamble on a winner most times.

[Bobster]

RE: ProWave 185 DOA

At least I'll be able to report on Thermal Arc's warranty performance.

I still think what I've got is a shipping issue not a design issue, but time will reveal what's what.

For what it's worth, if the 200DX had been even close to the price of the ProWave, I'd have gone that way and used my local dealer.

In the meantime I'll be firing up the oxy-acetylene torch and proceed on my "training project". Pretty much requires the same manual skills as TIG, just gets hotter and not any digital displays to set-up.

And yes, the thought crossed my mind, now it makes sense to have several machines as Scott has, I'm just not wealthy enough to emulate him quite yet.

[Ed in Ga]

Bob,
If the shipping was that rough it could be simply a loose connection. The display board connects with a ribbon cable much like in your computer. I pulled the cover on mine once just out of curiousity.
I think you are right that many of us may well have bought the 200DX had the cost not been so much higher. Henro is right, you'll be happy with the T/A once everthing is sorted out.
Ed

[Dirt Rider]

Certainly not on the same price level...but I feel your pain. I had ordered a new Canon i950 Photo printer online. It finally came, got it all setup....and nothing. The box was pretty beat...this was FedEx Ground. Went all through it with Canon tech support, ended up sending it back and getting a new one....finally. BTW, it prints beautiful, photo lab quality pics! Anyway, those guys are really rough with boxes...I think it's a game to see how hard they can slam stuff around.

Where did you order from? I would be curious what price you paid, you an email me with that if you prefer. I really REALLY want a machine I can weld aluminum with!!

[Ed in Ga]

DirtRider,
If you want to stay local, I bought mine from Welds Supply just north of KC, MO. With ready to weld kit 1700.00
Ed

[Bobster]

RE: ProWave 185 DOA

I couldn't leave it alone. After all, I own screwdrivers and nutdrivers, so I took off the front panel and had a look around.

As Ed suggested, the digital control board was un-plugged.

There are no retainers, it depends on the connector to stay in place. Plugged the board in, put most of the screws back, (front panel bracket appears to be sprung so one screw is sitting on my workbench) and fired it up.

Yea!!! LEDs, digits, welding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, at least the ProWave is welding, my TIG work has a way to go.

I will take it to a service center and have them take a look at UPS's handywork, after I talk to the dealer Monday.

In the meantime, back to getting used to the foot control and learning about this TIG welding process. Based on the few beads I've run, TIG appears to be like oxy/acetylene welding with infinite heat control, very controllable, once you get your foot in sync with the weld. I like it!

BTW, my new Jackson Journeyman helmet is working great also, a good deal for me, I bought it for $75 on EBAY, brand new in the box!

Havin' fun

[BillC]

Originally posted by Ed in Ga
DirtRider,
If you want to stay local, I bought mine from Welds Supply just north of KC, MO. With ready to weld kit 1700.00
Ed

WOW, that's $1000 less than a Dynasty 200 with a contractors kit. From another perspective, I can buy just a welder, or the same class welder and the better part of a plasma cutter. Makes it an interesting decision...

[Dirt Rider]

Ed, thanks. I called Airgas here locally and got $1763, F&M would ship it for $1640 and no tax. I would like to buy it local though, I'll give them a shout.

Bill, I didn't understand your comment on the plasma cutter? But, yes it's quite a bit cheaper than the Dynasty.

I can also get a Miller SD180 for $1460 from Linweld, where I bought my MM175. That's the toss up....do I really need portability??? Who knows. I do know the TA gets some good reviews!