Lincoln Electric VANTAGE 500 (CE) IM894-B - Manual (Page 21)

B-3 OPERATION B-3
4. ARC CONTROL - The ARC CONTROL dial is active in the CV-
WIRE, CC-STICK and DOWNHILL PIPE modes, and has different
functions in these modes. This control is not active in the TIG and
ARC GOUGING mode.
CC-STICK mode: In this mode, the ARC CONTROL dial sets the
short circuit current (arc-force) during stick welding to adjust for a soft
or crisp arc. Increasing the dial from –10 (soft) to +10 (crisp) increas-
es the short circuit current and prevents sticking of the electrode to
the plate while welding. This can also increase spatter. It is recom-
mended that the ARC CONTROL be set to the minimum number with-
out electrode sticking. Start with a setting at 0.
DOWNHILL PIPE mode: In this mode, the ARC CONTROL dial sets
the short circuit current (arc-force) during stick welding to adjust for a
soft or a more forceful digging arc (crisp). Increasing the number from
–10 (soft) to +10 (crisp) increases the short circuit current which
results in a more forceful digging arc. Typically a forceful digging arc is
preferred for root and hot passes. A softer arc is preferred for fill and
cap passes where weld puddle control and deposition ("stacking" of
iron) are key to fast travel speeds. It is recommended that the ARC
CONTROL be set initially at 0.
CV-WIRE mode: In this mode, turning the ARC CONTROL clock wise
from –10 (soft) to +10 (crisp) changes the arc from soft and washed-in
to crisp and narrow. It acts as an inductance/pinch control. The proper
setting depends on the procedure and operator preference. Start with
a setting of 0.
5. WELD OUTPUT TERMINALS WITH FLANGE NUT-
Provides a connection point for the electrode and work cables.
6. GROUND STUD- Provides a connection point for connect-
ing the machine case to earth ground.
7. 14-PIN CONNECTOR- For attaching wire feeder control cables.
Includes contactor closure circuit, auto-sensing remote control circuit,
and 42V power. The remote control circuit operates the same as the
6 Pin Amphenol.
8. 6-PIN CONNECTOR- For attaching optional remote control
equipment. Includes auto-sensing remote control circuit.
9. WELD TERMINALS CONTROL SWITCH- In the WELD
TERMINALS ON position, the output is electrically hot all the time.
In the REMOTELY CONTROLLED position, the output is controlled
by a wire feeder or amptrol device, and is electrically off until a remote
switch is depressed.
10. WIRE FEEDER VOLTMETER SWITCH-
Matches the polarity of the wire feeder voltmeter to the polarity of the
electrode.
11. VRD (Voltage Reduction Device) INDICATOR
LIGHTS- On the front panel of the VANTAGE® 500 (CE) are two
indicator lights. A red light when lit indicates OCV(Open Circuit
Voltage) is equal to or greater than 32V for (Codes 11298, 11299), 30V
for (Codes 11524, 11525, 11574, 11575) and a green light when lit
indicates OCV(Open Circuit Voltage) is less than 32V for (Codes
11298, 11299), 30V for (Codes 11524, 11525, 11574, 11575) .
The VRD “On/Off” switch inside the control panel must be “On” for
the VRD function to be active and the lights to be enabled. When
the machine is first started with VRD enabled, both lights will illumi-
nate for 5 seconds.
These lights monitor the OCV(Open Circuit Voltage) and weld voltage
at all times. In the CC-Stick mode when not welding the green light
will illuminate indicating that the VRD has reduced the OCV to less
than 32V. During welding the red light will illuminate whenever the
arc voltage is equal to or greater than 32V. This means that the red
and green light may alternate depending on the weld voltage. This is
normal operation.
If the red light remains illuminated when not welding in the CC-stick
mode, the VRD is not functioning properly. Please refer to your local
field service shop for service.
If the VRD is turned “On” and the lights don’t come “On”, refer to the
trouble shooting section.
TABLE B.1
VRD INDICATOR LIGHTS
MODE VRD "ON" VRD "OFF"
CC-STICK OCV Green (OCV Reduced)
While Red or Green
Welding (Depends on Weld Voltage) *
CV-WIRE OCV Red (OCV Not Reduced)
Weld Terminals On
Red (OCV Not Reduced)
Weld Terminals Remotely Controlled
Gun Trigger Closed
Green (No OCV)
Weld Terminals Remotely Controlled
Gun Trigger Open No Lights
While Red or Green
Welding (Depends on Weld Voltage) *
PIPE OCV Green (No Output)
While Not Applicable (No Output)
Welding
ARC GOUGING OCV Green (No Output)
While Not Applicable (No Output)
Welding
TIG OCV Green (Process is Low Voltage)
While Green (Process is Low Voltage)
Welding
* It is normal for the lights to alternate between colors while welding.
VANTAGE ® 500 (CE)