CV-WIRE MODE
Connect a wire feeder to the Vantage
®
549X and set welder
controls according to the instructions listed earlier in this section.
The Vantage
®
549X in the CV-WIRE position, permits it to be
used with a broad range of flux cored wire (Innershield
®
and
Outershield
®
) electrodes and solid wires for GMAW (MIG) welding.
Welding can be finely tuned using the ARC CONTROL. Turning the
ARC CONTROL clockwise from -10 (soft) to +10 (crisp) changes
the arc from soft and washed-in to crisp and narrow. It acts as an
inductance/pinch control. The proper setting depends on the
procedure and operator preference. Start with the knob set at 0.
For any electrodes, including the above recommendations, the
procedures should be kept within the rating of the machine. For
additional electrode information, see www.lincolnelectric.com or
the appropriate Lincoln publication.
Synergic CV
For each wire feed speed, a corresponding voltage is prepro-
grammed into the machine through special software at the
factory.
The nominal preprogrammed voltage is the best average voltage
for a given wire feed speed, but may be adjusted to preference.
When the wire feed speed changes, the Vantage
®
549X
automatically adjusts the voltage level correspondingly to maintain
similar arc characteristics throughout the WFS range. See Table
B.4 for the available synergy modes accessible via ARCLINK
mode.
Non-Synergic CV
In non-synergic modes, the WFS control behaves more like a
conventional CV power source where WFS and voltage are
independent adjustments. Therefore to maintain the arc charac-
teristics, the operator must adjust the voltage to compensate for
any changes made to the WFS.
ARC GOUGING MODE
For optimal performance when arc gouging, set the Vantage
®
549X WELD MODE SELECTOR knob to the ARC GOUGING position.
Set the OUTPUT CONTROL knob to adjust output current to the
desired level for the gouging electrode being used according to
the ratings in Table B.3 below.
If gouging above 450 amps, it is recommended to set the machine
to HIGH IDLE.
*Maximum current setting is limited to the Vantage
®
549X
maximum of 575 amps.
TABLE B.3
NOTE: If desired the CV-WIRE mode can be used for arc gouging
applications.
ARCLINK MODE
This weld mode is intended to unlock basic non-synergic and
synergic modes intended for use with compatible ArcLink wire
feeders. All of the Vantage
®
549X user interface controls are
disabled in this mode and controlling the power source is accom-
plished from the wire feeder user interface.
Hot Start
– Not used for this welding process.
Arc Control
– Not used for this welding process.
Weld Terminals On/Remote
– Not used for this welding process.
Amperage Display
– This display will display three dashed lines
when the machine is in the idle state. This indicates that
amperage is not settable in this weld mode. While output is
enabled, the actual welding amperage will be displayed. After
welding, the meter holds the actual amperage value for 5
seconds. Output adjustment while in the "hold" period results in
the "prior to operation" characteristics stated above. The displays
blink indicating that the machine is in the "Hold" period.
Voltage Display
– This display will display the pre-set welding
voltage when the machine is in the idle state. After welding, the
meter holds the actual voltage value for 5 seconds. Output
adjustment while in the "hold" period results in the "prior to
operation" characteristics stated above. The displays blink
indicating that the machine is in the "Hold" period.
Output Control Local/Remote
– Not used for this welding process
Output Control
– Not used for this welding process
B-12
OPERATION
VANTAGE
®
549X
ELECTRODE CURRENT RANGE
DIAMETER DCEP (+)
1/8" (3.2 mm) 30-60 Amps
5/32" (4.0 mm) 90-150 Amps
3/16" (4.8 mm) 200-250 Amps
1/4" (6.4 mm) 300-400 Amps
5/16" (7.9 mm) 350-450 Amps
3/8" (9.5 mm) 450-575 Amps