Sync 250 and Lift Arc - How without pedal or contactor?

[Helios]

I have a Sync 250DX and from time to time I want to use the Lift-Arc feature (not scratch-start) with a set amperage (set at the panel). This is for practicing pipe welding.

Is there a way I can do this without the pedal or a contactor?

I'd like to be able to touch the work and lift and start the arc (and the argon) without HF, and without the pedal, but it seems like I have to use the pedal or a hand contactor. It seems like that kind of defeats the purpose of Lift-Arc.

What am I doing wrong? Do I need to unplug the pedal/contactor from the machine?

I could have sworn I used Lift Arc without any kind of contactor on a Syncrowave in my welding class...but I can't make it work at home.

Help!

It's a 2010 Sync 250DX with serial number beginning MA...

[H80N]

Manual...

I have a Sync 250DX and from time to time I want to use the Lift-Arc feature (not scratch-start) with a set amperage (set at the panel). This is for practicing pipe welding.

Is there a way I can do this without the pedal or a contactor?

I'd like to be able to touch the work and lift and start the arc (and the argon) without HF, and without the pedal, but it seems like I have to use the pedal or a hand contactor. It seems like that kind of defeats the purpose of Lift-Arc.

What am I doing wrong? Do I need to unplug the pedal/contactor from the machine?

I could have sworn I used Lift Arc without any kind of contactor on a Syncrowave in my welding class...but I can't make it work at home.

Help!

It's a 2010 Sync 250DX with serial number beginning MA...

Page 34..... section... 4-9. Start Mode

http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o245758c_mil.pdf

[Helios]

Thanks, H80N. Yeah, I read the manual. What throws me is this:

"Touch tungsten electrode to workpiece at weld start point, enable output with torch trigger, foot control, or hand control."

Isn' t there a way to use the Lift-Arc start without TOUCHING the pedal, torch trigger or hand control?

I tried hitting the pedal and then going over to where I had the work, and it wouldn't light. Apparently the only time the arc WILL light is if you keep the pedal depressed, or the momentary contactor held down, or the hand control dialed up.

I want to be able to weld without jacking with any of those things. I just want to touch the tungsten to the work, lift, and weld – with the amperage set constant at the panel.

[H80N]

Thanks, H80N. Yeah, I read the manual. What throws me is this:

"Touch tungsten electrode to workpiece at weld start point, enable output with torch trigger, foot control, or hand control."

Isn' t there a way to use the Lift-Arc start without TOUCHING the pedal, torch trigger or hand control?

I tried hitting the pedal and then going over to where I had the work, and it wouldn't light. Apparently the only time the arc WILL light is if you keep the pedal depressed, or the momentary contactor held down, or the hand control dialed up.

I want to be able to weld without jacking with any of those things. I just want to touch the tungsten to the work, lift, and weld – with the amperage set constant at the panel.

Does sound a bit odd... I have no answer for you.. maybe somebody else has a better answer...

But it does sound like you need at least a momentary contact button to start it...

[cruizer]

Pretty basic machine, so it needs to start a internal low amp procedure for lift arc. Best just to scratch start with no pedal.

[Helios]

UPDATE: It fixed itself. The button the sets OUTPUT to either ON, REMOTE or TRIGGER HOLD was not functioning all the time. I thought the computer was shutting me out by "not allowing certain combinations of settings."

I just tried it and it worked.

Settings:
PROCESS: TIG
AMPERAGE: PANEL
OUTPUT: ON
START MODE: Lift-Arc

Worked like a charm. (Did not listen for gas flow when arc was lit, but the weld looked shielded, so I'm pretty sure gas was flowng.)

Question for Cruizer / Other Techs:

Do you ever use CRC QD Electronic Cleaner like this? I've used it on a number of things and it works great and doesn't harm plastic. Would it be safe to use this spray on switches, etc. on a Sync250DX like mine? (Like on those pushbuttons?)

[Ltbadd]

(Did not listen for gas flow when arc was lit, but the weld looked shielded, so I'm pretty sure gas was flowing.)

If the gas wasn't flowing you would know it right away!

Glad to hear you have this worked out

[H80N]

UPDATE: It fixed itself. The button the sets OUTPUT to either ON, REMOTE or TRIGGER HOLD was not functioning all the time. I thought the computer was shutting me out by "not allowing certain combinations of settings."

I just tried it and it worked.

Settings:
PROCESS: TIG
AMPERAGE: PANEL
OUTPUT: ON
START MODE: Lift-Arc

Worked like a charm. (Did not listen for gas flow when arc was lit, but the weld looked shielded, so I'm pretty sure gas was flowng.)

Question for Cruizer / Other Techs:

Do you ever use CRC QD Electronic Cleaner like this? I've used it on a number of things and it works great and doesn't harm plastic. Would it be safe to use this spray on switches, etc. on a Sync250DX like mine? (Like on those pushbuttons?)

Glad you got it going...