Operation

B-1	OPERATION	B-1

WARNING

OUTPUT CONTROL

The “current control” dial (labeled “I”) on the front of the machine indicates the output current.

ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.

•Do not touch electrically live parts or electrode with skin or wet cloth- ing.

•Insulate yourself from work and ground.

•Always wear dry insulating gloves.

FUMES AND GASES can be danger- ous.

• Keep your head out of fumes.

•Use ventilation or exhaust to

•remove fumes from breathing zone.

WELDING SPARKS can cause fire or explosion.

• Keep flammable material away.

On the R3R 375-I, there is only one dial. On the R3R 500-I, and 600-I, there are two dials. The “A” range controls the current over about 1/2 of the “B” range. A toggle switch on the control panel allows selection of the desired range. The output control can be adjusted while welding.

MACHINE OR REMOTE CURRENT CONTROL SWITCH

Provisions for remote control are standard on each

power source. A current control switch on the machine
control panel labeled “	“or “ I “ is provided for

selecting the desired mode of operation, either remote
(	)or at the machine ( I ).

•Do not weld on containers that have held combustibles.

ARC FORCE CONTROL

ARC RAYS can burn.

• Wear eye, ear and body protection.

STARTING THE MACHINE

The “power on-off” switch on the machine control panel energizes the three phase line contactor from a small 115 volt pilot transformer. This in turn energizes the main power transformer.

NOTE: All PC boards are protected by a moisture resistant coating. When the welder is operated, this coating will “bake off” of certain power resistors that normally operate at high temperatures, emitting some smoke and odor for a short time. These resistors and the PC board beneath them may become blackened. This is a normal occurrence and does not damage the component or affect the machine performance.

PILOT LIGHT

The arc force control, located on the right side of the front control panel, is calibrated from one to ten. For most welding, the dial should be set at approximately mid-range, 5-6. Adjustments up or down can then be made depending on the electrode, procedures, and operator preference. Lower settings will provide less short circuit current and a softer arc. A setting that is too low may cause the electrode to stick in the puddle. Higher settings will provide a higher short circuit cur- rent and a more forceful arc. Excessive spatter may result if the control setting is too high. For most TIG welding applications, adjust this control to minimum for best operating characteristics.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLOGY REFERENCE

The R3R nameplates feature international symbols in describing the function of the various components. Below are the symbols used and an explanation of what each represents.

A. POWER ON-OFF SWITCH

The while light on the machine control panel indicates when The line contactor is energized.

NOTE: If the amber High Temperature Warning Light is lit, it indicates that one or both of the protective ther- mostats has opened the line contactor.

IDEALARC® R3R 375-I, 500-I AND 600-I

Off

Power Input