211 millermatic issues

[eecervantes83]

I wish they would have reversed the power switch location with the spoolgun switch, power in the front and spoolgun in the rear.

I'd go further than that - I think the spoolgun switch shouldn't even exist - the machine should auto-detect when the spoolgun is connected, and react appropriately. It would take a couple of extra components on the PC board to detect the current flowing (or not) to the drive motor via the small connector, or maybe even NO changes on the PC board to wire the gun drive motor to deactivate the power supply drive motor.

As to the power switch: I've already gotten fed up with that. I was borrowing a Lincoln with a front switch before I bought this 211, so that was a big shock to find the Miller switch on the back. I moved it last night...



I have a few other ideas for internal mods that I'll work on later: hanging multiple spools in the case, connecting BOTH gas bottles & auto-selecting them...

Like what you did. I might follow.

[Steve83]

I used a Brother P-Touch with white-on-clear ES adhesive to add "ON - OFF" labels beside the switch in a font similar to the welder's original, so now it almost looks factory.

[Thrutraffic]

Thanks Steve83. I'll be moving that switch this weekend too. It's annoying back there.

And you are correct. The sensing components for the spool gun would cost less that the switch gear.

[cruizer]

Your welcome to do what ever you want to, however, if it was still on warranty, it isn't now.....

[Doughboyracer]

Are you guessing or have experience...?
I would think that the warranty issue would have to be proven to be a result of adding/moving the switch...?
kind of like the whole adding a tuner to your diesel truck blah, blah, blah, out there which isn't true.
Not looking for a war, just a clarification, I trust your judgment.

(Edit: PS sorry to second guess you)

[cruizer]

Unless you got the ok in writing from Miller, doing ANYTHING inside the machine will nullify your warranty. I'm a Miller CST tech, and I know what you can and can not do.

[Steve83]

Well, it's disappointing to hear that from a Miller CST. I'm a professional, too, and I've never voided a customer's warranty on one issue because he did something UNRELATED to another part.

But since I don't plan to put this machine anywhere NEAR its limits, I don't plan on using the warranty; not that I think my local dealer would even accept it for warranty without the mod since I didn't buy it from him. If something goes out, and Miller won't direct-ship me a replacement part, I'll buy one and install it myself.

I wonder how long it'll be before Miller moves the switch to the front, and if they do, will mine go back INTO warranty?

While we're on the subject, and we have a knowledgeable CST participating... Whom should I contact to get that OK in writing? It should be easier now that there's a photo showing how well the wiring was modified & repaired, right?

[Steve83]

Here's the labelled switch:

[Danno]

Here's the labelled switch:

**** you, why didn't I think of this mod, now I'm going to have to steal your idea!

On my 211 I have the factory Miller cart that goes with it and had to slide a piece of 1/2" plywood behind the machine and the cart to get to the switch and its still a PITA.

Good job!

Danno

[BD1]

Sounds like YOU just gave MILLER the idea on the switch location. It will be interesting to see if they do it. Great location for it.