Lincoln Electric IM951 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.
ENGINE CONTROLS:
11. RUN/STOP SWITCH - RUN position energizes the
engine prior to starting. STOP position stops the engine.
The oil pressure interlock switch prevents battery drain
if the switch is left in the RUN position and the engine is
not operating.
12. GLOW PLUG PUSH BUTTON -
• When pushed activates the glow plugs. Glow plug
should not be activated for more than 20 seconds con-
tinuously.
13. START PUSH BUTTON - Energizes the starter
motor to crank the engine.
14. IDLER SWITCH - Has two positions as follows:
1) In the HIGH position, the engine runs at the high idle
speed controlled by the engine governor.
2) In the AUTO position, the idler operates as follows:
• When switched from HIGH to AUTO or after starting
the engine, the engine will operate at full speed for
approximately 12 seconds and then go to low idle
speed.
• When the electrode touches the work or power is
drawn for lights or tools (approximately 100 Watts mini-
mum), the engine accelerates and operates at full
speed.
• When welding ceases or the AC power load is turned
off, a fixed time delay of approximately 12 seconds
starts. If the welding or AC power load is not restarted
before the end of the time delay, the idler reduces the
engine speed to low idle speed.
• The engine will automatically return to high idle speed
when there is welding load or AC power load reapplied.
15. ELECTRIC FUEL GAUGE- The electric fuel
gauge gives accurate and reliable indication as to how
much fuel is in the fuel tank.
16. ENGINE HOUR METER- Displays the total time
that the engine has been running. This meter is useful
for scheduling prescribed maintenance.