Dynasty 200DX Pre-Purchase Memory Question

[jolane]

Hello,
I have been reading as much as I can about the Dynasty 200DX, including manuals, this site, etc. I am trying to compare this unit to the T/A 185. The intended use is home shop autmotive type stuff, but I want the ability to weld aluminum. Space is a big concern, as is power draw (I have a 50 amp 220V circuit for my air compressor, and a 20 amp 220V for a table saw). I can upgrade the 20A circuit if necessary. The inverters look great, other than price (T/A definitely has the advantage here).
Okay, to the question... Since I have limited power and space, I will have to unplug the unit every time after I am done welding (to put away basically). The manual says that the 200DX has a memory function, similar to the 300DX. I found an older post here though, and have not come across any other information, that says that it actually has one. Everything says it does not. (Just a note to Miller, why not? It shouldn't be very hard!). The T/A does not have a memory function either. So, what happens after the unit if unplugged? Do you loose your settings, and everything faults back to the factory defaults? I see there is a way to manually reset the defaults, does this mean that the settings are saved. For example, say I am set up to weld 1/8" aluminum, and I have everything set as I want, and now I unplug the unit and store it for a week (while I am cutting, moving it to a different location, cleaning, whatever)? Now I go plug it back in...are all the settings still the same as I left it? Does anyone know if the T/A is similar in respect?
I would love a 300DX, but that is a lot of money for me at this point. I think I would rather have a larger mig (maybe a MM251 or P255) with a spool gun for thicker alum, if necessary. About the same price (200DX and MM251, no spool) as a 300DX alone, no water, right? Add the spool...but it also takes more room and another bottle of gas for the mig/steel and mig/aluminum...
I am rambling now, sorry. Thanks for the help.
Joshua

One last question...anybody want to comment on the T/A 300 versus Dynasty 300? Hard to find much user info on the T/A 300.

[Scott V]

Hello,
I have been reading as much as I can about the Dynasty 200DX, including manuals, this site, etc. I am trying to compare this unit to the T/A 185. The intended use is home shop autmotive type stuff, but I want the ability to weld aluminum. Space is a big concern, as is power draw (I have a 50 amp 220V circuit for my air compressor, and a 20 amp 220V for a table saw). I can upgrade the 20A circuit if necessary. The inverters look great, other than price (T/A definitely has the advantage here).
Okay, to the question... Since I have limited power and space, I will have to unplug the unit every time after I am done welding (to put away basically). The manual says that the 200DX has a memory function, similar to the 300DX. I found an older post here though, and have not come across any other information, that says that it actually has one. Everything says it does not. (Just a note to Miller, why not? It shouldn't be very hard!). The T/A does not have a memory function either. So, what happens after the unit if unplugged? Do you loose your settings, and everything faults back to the factory defaults? I see there is a way to manually reset the defaults, does this mean that the settings are saved. For example, say I am set up to weld 1/8" aluminum, and I have everything set as I want, and now I unplug the unit and store it for a week (while I am cutting, moving it to a different location, cleaning, whatever)? Now I go plug it back in...are all the settings still the same as I left it? Does anyone know if the T/A is similar in respect?
I would love a 300DX, but that is a lot of money for me at this point. I think I would rather have a larger mig (maybe a MM251 or P255) with a spool gun for thicker alum, if necessary. About the same price (200DX and MM251, no spool) as a 300DX alone, no water, right? Add the spool...but it also takes more room and another bottle of gas for the mig/steel and mig/aluminum...
I am rambling now, sorry. Thanks for the help.
Joshua

One last question...anybody want to comment on the T/A 300 versus Dynasty 300? Hard to find much user info on the T/A 300.

I like both of the Thermal 300 models. I have not used the memory on the 300 TSW, so I have no idea if it is saved . The machine settings are remembered when you unplug the unit. I do like the Idea of the repeat mode on all of the new units, for some control of the weld output when using a button. One of these days more people will catch on to that system for out of position ac or dc tig welding. I just never get around to buying the ampehnol plug and the cheap Binzel button. $15.00 for it. It is a clone of the weldcraft button but with a little nicer wire setup.

[HAWK]

JOLANE,

The D200DX will remember the last settings it had when it was powered down. It does not have any other memory or program features in reference to a group of welding parameters.

The D300DX does remember 4 parameter settings for AC also 4 for DC. The memory is nice, but is definitely no deal breaker.

The TA185 is the price winner. However, if you compare the machines side by side and weld with both, I think the Dynasty will win out. Also the option exist to purchase the accessories separate from the contractors kit. This way you can pick and choose the exact torch, flowmeter, etc that you will want to use. Please see attached .zip file

[jolane]

Thanks Scott and Hawk,
I am glad to hear that both machines at least remember the last settings, that at least helps. I really just want the memory functions on both machines...but alwell. Since I will be using it at home semi-regularly, and expect to weld MS, SS, Alum and Ti at various times...man would a memory function be nice.
Hawk, I have seen your list before for the torch, etc. Thanks you very much! I am still a little confused though. If I go with a 200DX, I would consider:
1. SSC foot control (ebay) Is this good?
2. Smith or other Argon flowmeter (ebay)
3. Tweco ground clamp
4. Some stinger at some time...and wire
5. Weldcraft Torch, this is where I am confused. I see 150A models for ~$45, but am unsure of what I actually will get. It says something about Torch head. Do I still have to buy lenses, collets, hoses, etc? I am unfamiliar with all of this, as I have never TIG'd before. I can MIG and gas weld fairly well...but am unfamiliar with the specifics of the hardware, torch wise.

In the end, I really want a 300DX, but space and cost prohibiting, probably either a T/A 185 or a D200DX for thinner material, and a MM251 or PM255 with spool gun. Does that pretty much cover my bases in materials from thin aluminum (covers, etc) up to heavier aluminum (~3/8-1/2", bumpers, truck parts, etc)?

Thanks again for all the help!
Joshua

[fun4now]

jolane

you have my shopping list LOL
i have the ssc peddle from e-bay $150 ish looks great feels good, havent got the dyn200 yet so havent tryed it out i also orderd a weldcraft torch with flex head and 25ft. hose/lead mine came with collets and lenses although you need to check youre listing or ask the seller as that verrys from seller to seller you can get just the torch or you can get the hole ball of wax it just depends on what the seller lists.look closely and ask the seller if he cant or dosent anser i wouldnt buy from him anyway.if you look you can find good deals
my torch WT-17F-25R FLEX-HEAD TIG TORCH w/parts

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3858909430

my foot controle

http://www.ssccontrols.com/products.htm

good luck on youre serch

[HAWK]

jolane,

It sounds like you pretty much have it covered with good stuff. I prefer the Smith flowmeters, but most all brands in the upper end line are good. I have found the Smiths and Gentecs (made by Smith) tend to have less leak off than other brands in a 24 hour period. Most people do and SHOULD turn off their welding gas tanks at the session end or day end whichever may apply.

Torches by Weldcraft, CK and others are typically pretty good quality units. You do have to have collets and collet bodies for the size tungsten you want to use. An assortment of flush, medium and long back caps are nice to have on hand too. 1/16" and 3/32" diameter tungstens will cover the D200DX for 99% of the work most people will do. Extra ceramic gas cups and tungsten supply are a must. Lanthanated tungsten in 1.5% or 2% alloys performs extremely well with the Dynasty 200 and 300 powersources. Ceriated tungsten is a good second choice. Thoriated tungsten will work, but use as a last resort. This is due to its poorer performance, heat tolerance, and radioactive dust when ground to shape.

Here are a few places to check out torches: CK and Weldcraft Check out the TIG list on the left hand side of the site page.

I hope this helps. If you need more specifics, please email: [email protected] I can send you some pictures, etc.

[HAWK]

Torches,

A #17 air cooled torch is good for 150 amps at 100% duty cycle. It is a great starter and keeper torch for the Dynasty 200DX. It will handle the amperage and is small enough to maneuver with ease.

[jolane]

Fun4now and Hawk,
As always, very helpful replies. I really do appreciate your time and effort. I only want to buy good quality equipment, even if the price is slightly more. Want the stuff to last...
Thanks Again,
Joshua

Hawk, I have seen that you recommend the Spectrum 625 over the Hypertherm 600. I am hoping to also purchase a plasma at the same time (tired of using a hand grinder, hard to make curves). It appears that the Spectrum uses a lot less current input than the Hypertherm. First, does this seem right, even though both have similar cutting capacities? Does one cut significantly better than another, or are the differences rather minor? Any idea on the cost of consumables when factoring in lifespan? It seems like the Spectrum torch has more consumables by looking at the brochures.

[HAWK]

jolane,

The HT600 and Spectrum 625 are similar units. THe biggest reason to purchase the Miller Spectrum over the HT 600 is if you have any intention of running the plasma from a generator. I must say the little Spectrum 625 does a fine job.

I have used both and like both. I prefer the Miller 625 by a slight margin in cut quality with aluminum. I also like the fact it runs well from a Bobcat or Trailblazer. Either way you go you will have a very nice plasma cutter. Both units use HT torches. However, the parts are not interchangeable by intentional design. Consumable cost is similar. Both last a good while as long as your air supply is relatively dry and oil free. Use a dedicated air line. Do NOT use an air line used on air tools as it will have some oil residue in it. Oil in the air lines can cause the consumables to explode!

I have not researched the current draw, but would think it would be similar for both units.

[jolane]

Hawk,
Yeah, I thought that it was wierd that the input power required was:
Hypertherm Powermax 600: 208/240V 46/40
Miller Spectrum 625: 208/230V 33/30

I would also like to use a generator if needed in the future, so that is important. The next model Hypertherm only uses 44A at 240V, so maybe the spec sheet is a misprint. Since my compressor uses 50A (well, at least that is what was called for for the breaker from Ingersoll-Rand), it is important to keep the Plasma lower power consumption.
I appreciate your first hand experience and insight. I guess Blue it is (although I do own a Red machine also currently).

Joshua

[HAWK]

jolane,

Good luck and let us know what you do purchase. I thought some more about the Hypertherm last night. Here is one specific experience I remember that really does influence my evaluation of the HT 600. I attempted to cut some 3/8" aluminum tread plate on an old dirty dock plate outside at a customer's location.

I had the machine on demo from a regional Hypertherm rep. I tried it from wall power as well as from a Trailblazer 301G. I experienced arc outages and poor cut quality. I tried the same dock plate with a Miller 625 and was pleasantly surprised. It gave a clean cut with only 2 arc outages over 20 linear feet of cutting. I call the HT rep and discussed the situation. He determined I followed the correct operating procedure. He never really said whay I had the problems. I asked for a different unit to see if this one had problems, but was declined.

I like the Miller Spectrum series and currently own a 2050. I have cut 1" with this unit form commercial, residential, and generator power. It would be overkill for your application though.