Theory of operation, Arc control, Weld output terminals with flange nut – Lincoln Electric VANTAGE 400 User Manual

Page 20: Ground stud, 14-pin connector, 6-pin connector, Weld terminals control switch, Wire feeder voltmeter switch, Vrd (voltage reduction device) indica- tor lights

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THEORY OF OPERATION

B-4

VANTAGE® 400

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 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) increases the short circuit current and
prevents sticking of the electrode to the plate while welding.
This can also increase spatter. It is recommended that the
ARC CONTROL be set to the minimum number without
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 weld-
ing to adjust for a soft or a more forceful digging arc (crisp).
Increasing the number from –10 (soft) to +10 (crisp) increas-
es 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 induc-
tance/pinch control. The proper setting depends on the pro-
cedure 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

connecting the machine case to earth ground.

7. 14-PIN CONNECTOR-

For attaching wire feeder con-

trol cables. Includes contactor closure circuit, auto-sensing
remote control circuit, and 120V 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 cir-
cuit.

9. WELD TERMINALS CONTROL SWITCH-

In the

WELD TERMINALS ON position, the output is electrically
hot all the time. In the REMOTELY CONTROLLED posi-
tion, 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) INDICA-

TOR LIGHTS-

On the front panel of the Vantage

400 are two indicator lights. A red light when lit indi-
cates

OCV(Open Circuit Voltage) is equal to or

greater

than 30V and a green light when lit indicates

OCV(Open Circuit Voltage)

is less than 30V.

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 illuminate
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 indi-
cating that the VRD has reduced the OCV to less than
30V. During welding the red light will illuminate when-
ever the arc voltage is equal to or greater than 30V.
This means that the red and green light may alternate
depending on the weld voltage. This is normal opera-
tion.

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