Lincoln Electric IM874 VANTAGE 300 - Manual (Page 21)

B-3 OPERATION B-3
VANTAGE 300
4. ARC CONTROL - The ARC CONTROL dial is active in
the CV-WIRE, CC-STICK and DOWNHILL PIPE modes,
and has different functions in these modes. This control is
not active in the TIG mode.
CC-STICK mode: In this mode, the ARC CONTROL dial
sets the short circuit current (arc-force) during stick welding
to adjust for a soft or crisp arc. Increasing the dial from –10
(soft) to +10 (crisp) increases the short circuit current and
prevents sticking of the electrode to the plate while welding.
This can also increase spatter. It is recommended that the
ARC CONTROL be set to the minimum number without
electrode sticking. Start with a setting at 0.
DOWNHILL PIPE mode: In this mode, the ARC CONTROL
dial sets the short circuit current (arc-force) during stick
welding to adjust for a soft or a more forceful digging arc
(crisp). Increasing the number from –10 (soft) to +10 (crisp)
increases the short circuit current which results in a more
forceful digging arc. Typically a forceful digging arc is pre-
ferred for root and hot passes. A softer arc is preferred for fill
and cap passes where weld puddle control and deposition
("stacking" of iron) are key to fast travel speeds. It is recom-
mended that the ARC CONTROL be set initially at 0.
CV-WIRE mode: In this mode, turning the ARC CONTROL
clock wise 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 a setting of 0.
5. WELD OUTPUT TERMINALS WITH FLANGE
NUT- Provides a connection point for the electrode and
work cables.
6. GROUND STUD- Provides a connection point for
connecting the machine case to earth ground.
7. 14-PIN CONNECTOR- For attaching wire feeder con-
trol cables. Includes contactor closure circuit, auto-sensing
remote control circuit, and 120V and 42V power. The
remote control circuit operates the same as the 6 Pin
Amphenol.
8. 6-PIN CONNECTOR- For attaching optional remote
control equipment. Includes auto-sensing remote control
circuit.
9. WELD TERMINALS CONTROL SWITCH- In the
WELD TERMINALS ON position, the output is electrically
hot all the time. In the REMOTELY CONTROLLED posi-
tion, the output is controlled by a wire feeder or amptrol
device, and is electrically off until a remote switch is
depressed.
10. WIRE FEEDER VOLTMETER SWITCH:
Matches the polarity of the wire feeder voltmeter to
the polarity of the electrode.
WELDING CONTROLS
(Figure B.1 and B.1a)
1. OUTPUT CONTROL- The OUTPUT dial is
used to preset the output voltage or current as dis-
played on the digital meters for the four welding
modes. When in the CC-STICK, DOWNHILL PIPE
or CV-WIRE modes and when a remote control is
connected to the 6-Pin or 14-Pin Connector, the
auto-sensing circuit automatically switches the
OUTPUT CONTROL from control at the welder to
the remote control.
In the CV-WIRE mode, if the feeder being used has
a voltage control when the wire feeder control cable
is connected to the 14-Pin Connector, the auto-
sensing circuit automatically makes OUTPUT CON-
TROL inactive and the wire feeder voltage control
active. Otherwise, the OUTPUT CONTROL is used
to preset the voltage
When in the TOUCH START TIG mode and when
an Amptrol is connected to the 6-Pin Connector, the
OUTPUT dial is used to set the maximum current
range of the CURRENT CONTROL of the Amptrol.
2. (OPTIONAL) DIGITAL OUTPUT METERS-
The digital meters allow the output voltage (CV-
WIRE mode) or current (CC-STICK,DOWN HILL
PIPE and TIG modes) to be set prior to welding
using the OUTPUT control dial. During welding,
the meter display the actual output voltage
(VOLTS) and current (AMPS). A memory feature
holds the display of both meters on for seven sec-
onds after welding is stopped. This allows the
operator to read the actual current and voltage just
prior to when welding was ceased.
While the display is being held the left-most deci-
mal point in each display will be flashing. The
accuracy of the meters is +/- 3%.
3. WELD MODE SELECTOR SWITCH-
(Provides four selectable welding modes)
CV-WIRE
DOWNHILL PIPE
CC-STICK
TOUCH START TIG