21
supporting E 6010 use if this rod is frequently
used. However, most all other rods weld easily
in stick mode.
9.
Program Selector and Save Function.
A com-
bined total of 9 different programs may be
saved, whether it is in MIG, TIG, Stick or Spool
Gun operation. Nine programs is sufficient to
allow the most frequently used settings to be
stored and instantly recalled by using the green
selector button to toggle to the stored program
number. Keep in mind that the unit is not de-
signed to save 9 programs in each process, but
only a total of nine programs. To save a pro-
gram, toggle with the green selector button to
the desired number where you wish to save the
program. During toggling, the program number
LED will light up. Make sure this is an unsaved
program number or one that you are willing to
have erased as the programming does not block
you from saving over an old program. Make
sure all desired settings are correct before you
save. Then press and hold the green selector
button for around 3 seconds. Release the selec-
tor button when the
“
SAVED
”
light illuminates.
The
“
SAVED
”
light stay lit briefly to confirm the
program has been properly saved. After the
program has been saved and selection activity
ceases, the
“
PROGRAM NUMBER
”
LED will go
out. Be sure to write down which program you
have saved and the basic settings you wish to
preserve in case you accidentally resave over an
old program.
10.
TIG Start Type Selector.
The unit features the
capability to select from two start types when
welding in TIG mode. The default mode is High
Frequency Start (HF Start). This allows the arc
to be started while holding the tungsten just
above the metal, without having to make con-
tact. This results in smoother, contaminant free
arc starts. A HF pulse is generated which will
bridge the gap between the Tungsten and the
work piece. This establishes the arc. This is a
unique feature on the PowerMTS, but is an ex-
pected feature on any true TIG welder. The sec-
ond type of start is the Lift Start. This requires
the tungsten to be touched to the metal and
lifted up to start the arc. This is not as clean of a
start as HF and some tungsten and/or work
piece contamination may occur from time to
time. This is still a smoother start than a typical
scratch type start but not as smooth or easy as
an HF start. This is the same type start found on
many MIG/TIG/Stick welders in this class. It is
more primitive, but does a good job when HF start
is not required or is restricted in HF sensitive envi-
ronments such as hospitals, near electronic equip-
ment.
11.
Stick Arc Control Selector.
In stick mode, there
are 3 additional functions besides Amp adjust-
ment that the user has control over. The first is
the arc force percent. The arc force percent will
be represented in the left display and is adjusted
from 0
-
100%. This gauges the amount of amp
reaction, or boost, when the arc voltage begins to
drop below satisfactory levels (< 20V)while weld-
ing. This helps to prevent the arc from going out
or the rod from sticking in the puddle when the
rod is held close to the puddle while welding. The
goal of arc force is to help maintain overall watt-
age. The setting range of arc force control is the
% of available amperage over and above the
standard welding amperage that the programming
will boost the amperage to maintain the arc. . It
can also be used to help increase penetration by
“
pushing into the puddle
”
when more heat is
needed. This feature can also be referred to as
“
Arc Dig
”
as it allows the user to tightly control the
arc without loosing needed fluidity of the puddle.
As a good starting point, consider setting arc force
for around 30
-
35%. If welding with a cellulosic
rod, such as E6011, more arc force will be needed.
Begin at 50% and work up to 70% to maintain best
arc performance. If E6010 is required, though not
recommended due to possible arc stability ques-
tions, settings of 70% or greater may be required.
The second adjustment is Hot Start %. This is simi-
lar to arc force control as it boosts Amperage, but
different in the fact it is not arc length dependent.
The Hot Start boosts the Amps only at the start of
the arc, to help bring the weld and rod up to tem-
perature quickly, thereby reducing the effects of a
colder start which usually results in porosity and
poor fusion under the arc start area. It also helps
to reduce failed arc start attempts. The Hot Start
% setting is often referred to Hot Start Intensity, as
it adjusts how aggressive the Hot Start will be. A
good preliminary setting is anywhere between 30
-
50%. The third adjustment is Hot Start Time. This
adjustment simply is used to define how long the
Hot Start function stays engaged once the arc
strike occurs. For a starting point, adjust Hot Start
Time to .2 to .3 seconds, increasing or decreasing
from there, as needed.
HINT: Use more Hot Start
Time and Intensity for thicker metals and thicker
Setup Guide and Component Identification
Section 2
