Firepower MST 180i Operating Manual page 36

Firepower MST 180i
1. Power Indicator
The power indicator is illuminated when the Electricity Supply is applied to the Power Source and when the ON/OFF
switch located on the rear panel is in the ON position.
2. Digital Wirespeed/Amperage Meter (Left Digital Display)
This digital meter displays preview Wirespeed in MIG mode only then actual amperage (weld current) once an arc has
been established. It also displays preview amperage in both the STICK and LIFT TIG modes only then actual amperage
(weld current) once an arc has been established.
At times of non-welding, the amperage meter will display a preview value in both STICK and LIFT TIG modes. This value
can be adjusted by varying the amperage potentiometer (Control No. 3). At times of non-welding, the amperage meter
will preview a wirefeed speed value (Inches Per Minute) in MIG mode only. This can be identified as preview wirefeed
speed by a decimal point at the lower right hand side of the display.
When welding, the amperage meter will display actual amperage (weld current) in all modes.
At the completion of welding, the amperage meter will hold the last recorded amperage value for a period of approximately
10 seconds in all modes. The amperage meter will hold the value until; (1) any of the front panel controls are adjusted
in which case the Power Source will revert to preview mode, (2) welding is recommenced, in which case actual welding
amperage will be displayed, or (3) a period of 10 seconds elapses following the completion of welding in which case
the Power Source will return to preview mode.
The preview functionality provided on this power source is intended to act as a guide only. Some differences may
be observed between preview values and actual welding values due to factors including the mode of welding,
differences in consumables/gas mixtures, individual welding techniques and the transfer mode of the welding
arc (ie dip versus spray transfer). Where exact settings are required (in the case of procedural work), it is
recommended that alternate measurement methods be utilized to ensure output values are accurate.
3. Wirespeed/Amperage Control
In MIG mode, the Wirespeed/Amperage control knob adjusts the speed of the wire feed motor (which in turn adjusts
the output current by varying the amount of MIG wire delivered to the welding arc). The optimum wire speed depends
upon the material type and the welding application. The setup chart on the inside of the wire feed compartment door
provides a brief summary of the required settings for a basic range of MIG (GMAW/FCAW) welding applications.
In STICK and LIFT TIG modes, the Wirespeed/Amperage control knob adjusts the amount of amperage (weld current)
delivered to the welding arc by the Power Source. It directly adjusts the Power Source to deliver the desired level of
weld current.
4. MIG Gun
The MIG Gun adaptor is the connection point for the Firepower MIG Gun. Connect the MIG Gun by pushing the MIG
Gun connector into the brass MIG Gun Adaptor firmly and screw the locking screw in the MIG Gun Adapter within the
Wire Feed Compartment to secure the Firepower MIG Gun in position. Failure to properly lock the MIG Gun into the
MIG Gun Adapter will result in the MIG Gun being pushed out of the MIG Gun Adapter by the MIG welding wire or lack
of shielding gas (porosity in the weld) at the weld zone.
5. Positive Welding Output Terminal
The positive welding terminal is used to connect the welding output of the Power Source to the appropriate welding
accessory such as the MIG Gun (via the MIG Gun polarity lead), electrode holder lead or work lead. Positive welding
current flows from the Power Source via this heavy duty bayonet type terminal. It is essential, however, that the male
plug is inserted and turned securely to achieve a sound electrical connection.
Loose welding terminal connections can cause overheating and result in the male plug being fused in the bayonet
terminal.
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND SETUP
NOTE
CAUTION
3-8 Manual 0-5339