B-1
OPERATION
B-1
OPERATION
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
• Do not touch electrically live parts
or electrode with skin or wet cloth-
ing.
• Insulate yourself from work and ground.
• Always wear dry insulating gloves.
FUMES AND GASES can be danger-
ous.
• Keep your head out of fumes.
• Use ventilation or exhaust to
•
remove fumes from breathing zone.
WELDING SPARKS can cause fire or
explosion.
• Keep flammable material away.
• Do not weld on containers that
have held combustibles.
ARC RAYS can burn.
• Wear eye, ear and body protection.
STARTING THE MACHINE
The “power on-off” switch on the machine control panel
energizes the three phase line contactor from a small
115 volt pilot transformer. This in turn energizes the
main power transformer.
NOTE: All PC boards are protected by a moisture
resistant coating. When the welder is operated, this
coating will “bake off” of certain power resistors that
normally operate at high temperatures, emitting some
smoke and odor for a short time. These resistors and
the PC board beneath them may become blackened.
This is a normal occurrence and does not damage the
component or affect the machine performance.
PILOT LIGHT
The while light on the machine control panel indicates
when The line contactor is energized.
NOTE: If the amber High Temperature Warning Light is
lit, it indicates that one or both of the protective ther-
mostats has opened the line contactor.
OUTPUT CONTROL
The “current control” dial (labeled “
I
”) on the front of the
machine indicates the output current.
On the R3R 375-I, there is only one dial. On the R3R
500-I, and 600-I, there are two dials. The “A” range
controls the current over about 1/2 of the “B” range. A
toggle switch on the control panel allows selection of
the desired range. The output control can be adjusted
while welding.
MACHINE OR REMOTE CURRENT
CONTROL SWITCH
Provisions for remote control are standard on each
power source. A current control switch on the machine
control panel labeled “
“or “
I
“ is provided for
selecting the desired mode of operation, either remote
(
)or at the machine (
I
).
ARC FORCE CONTROL
The arc force control, located on the right side of the
front control panel, is calibrated from one to ten. For
most welding, the dial should be set at approximately
mid-range, 5-6. Adjustments up or down can then be
made depending on the electrode, procedures, and
operator preference. Lower settings will provide less
short circuit current and a softer arc. A setting that is
too low may cause the electrode to stick in the puddle.
Higher settings will provide a higher short circuit cur-
rent and a more forceful arc. Excessive spatter may
result if the control setting is too high. For most TIG
welding applications, adjust this control to minimum for
best operating characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLOGY
REFERENCE
The R3R nameplates feature international symbols in
describing the function of the various components.
Below are the symbols used and an explanation of
what each represents.
A. POWER ON-OFF SWITCH
On
Off
Power Input
IDEALARC® R3R 375-I, 500-I AND 600-I
WARNING
