Broke Syncrowave 180SD, hello Dynasty?

[1320Fabrication]

Well my syncrowave 180SD(purchase 11/98)is given me problems. Took it in for service and they say the main board if faulty. The machine'
s high frequency was acting up, and now it's stuck on regardless or what mode, or what's connected to the machine. Probably just a relay on the board. The board cost about $500. I figure since you can buy this machine's new for $1500. Minus the acessories the box is worth about $1000 new. So I have a little trouble spending $500 on a box that's probably only worth $600-700. I can't afford to be without a tig machine for long so might thought is to buy a Dynasty 200DX, or 300DX as a replacement.

I'm thinking I will pull the main board out of the 180SD and see if I can find some one to repair it. The machine was working fine until the HF start quite, and is now stuck on. If I can get the board fixed, I will either keep the machine as a second/ backup, or sell it. . I really like what I've been reading on the Dynasty Inverter machines.

Any thoughts or inputs on this?

Anyone know who can repair this main board in my 180SD?

Thanks,
Daryl

[HAWK]

Re: Broke Syncrowave 180SD, hello Dynasty?

Originally posted by 1320Fabrication
Well my syncrowave 180SD(purchase 11/98)is given me problems. Took it in for service and they say the main board if faulty. The machine'
s high frequency was acting up, and now it's stuck on regardless or what mode, or what's connected to the machine. Probably just a relay on the board. The board cost about $500. I figure since you can buy this machine's new for $1500. Minus the acessories the box is worth about $1000 new. So I have a little trouble spending $500 on a box that's probably only worth $600-700. I can't afford to be without a tig machine for long so might thought is to buy a Dynasty 200DX, or 300DX as a replacement.

I'm thinking I will pull the main board out of the 180SD and see if I can find some one to repair it. The machine was working fine until the HF start quite, and is now stuck on. If I can get the board fixed, I will either keep the machine as a second/ backup, or sell it. . I really like what I've been reading on the Dynasty Inverter machines.

Any thoughts or inputs on this?

Anyone know who can repair this main board in my 180SD?

Thanks,
Daryl

Daryl,

Call Steve in the repair shop at National Welders in Knoxville, TN
865-584-6390. He is a super guy and will probably take time to discuss your problem and maybe look at the PCB. He has helped me out of a jam more than once.

The Dynasty is one of my two favorite machines made by Miller and is my favorite TIG machine. The 200DX is killer with pulse and sequence! It would be a nice replacement for your 180-I think an awesome upgrade is the right phrase! The 300 is a killer machine, but probably overkill from what I have read in your other posts. It is considerable more money than the 200. Adding a Coolmate with a Diamond Back torch and a helium/argon mix will boost your peformance into the 1/4"+ range with the 200DX.

The D200DX can be had for around $2300-$2500 for the machine only. You already have the accessories from your Syncro-180. The Tig Runner packages in the 300 DX with machine, coolmate, cart, torch, amptrol, guages, etc list out at $6700. You can probably buy a new one around $5500 complete plus tax. I do not know the rotation, but Andy occasionally has some year old used units around $4500 in the Tig Runner pack.

If performance and value is the issue and the Sync 180 has done the job, then the Dynasty 200DX is your ticket to Tig pradise! Do get the DX model at an extra $200 it is a bargain!

[Paul Seaman]

I was soldering on circuit boards before I ever struck my first arc. When you pull the board look for a broken terminal and loose solder connections all over the board, a gentle but firm touch will tell if a connection is bad. The schematic should give a electrical flow pattern. I think you should be able to find the relays and more than likely a feed circuit to a relay is burned keeping it on. This is a feel your way along deal so go easy and look it over yourself before you trust anyone with it. Don't leave it with a hack, get a reference or two, a broken board may be fixed but if some fiddles with it and screws it up no one will touch it.

If you take it apart get up close pictures and email me through the forum, it could be something you might be able to fix with some simple tools and patience.

Good luck

[1320Fabrication]

pjseaman and Hawk,

Thanks for the input. I have some experience with electronics as I've been in the Navy, worked for Pitney Bowes doing copier and fax repair, and then worked for Mettler Toledo working on precision weighing equipment, so I've got the confidence to take this thing completely apart if required.

Unfortunatly with electronics today, almost everything has gone to service by replacement, but with the way the problem is with this machine I would think it is some type of relay, or switch problem. Hopefully I'll get luckey and it will be something simple and obvious.

Regardless I'm still wanting that Dynasty.........


Thanks,
Daryl