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2.1 General Description, Purpose and Features.
PowerARC 161STH:
The PowerARC 161STH is a compact digitally
controlled inverter welder that provides DC stick
and DC TIG welding capability (DC SMAW/DC
GTAW). The new digital design has allowed the
incorporation of extra features and improve
overall performance. It has also improved ser-
viceability and reliability of the unit by reducing
internal circuitry and discrete structures. The
welder is ideal for welding tasks where portabil-
ity and commercial performance are required.
With 120V/240V capability, the unit can be oper-
ated almost anywhere a power outlet is found,
and can be used with small clean powered gen-
erators rated for at least 7000 watts (240V).
(USA/Canada models only. Other regions may
vary.)
Stick Features.
The improved Stick arc performance of the
PowerARC 161STH includes the ability to weld
with E6010/Cellulose rod type as well as the
ability to weld with almost any other type of
welding rod. The smooth and stable Stick weld-
ing characteristics of the PowerARC series are
well known, particularly with iron powder type
rods. However, the addition of the E6010 func-
tion on this machine makes setting the unit up
for cellulose rods simple as touching a button to
attain the crisper, more driving arc performance
that is needed to weld with this type of rod.
The addition of adjustable arc force control, hot
start intensity and duration further refines the
performance of the machine with all welding
rods. Adjustable Hot start in stick mode reduc-
es rod sticking while striking an arc by provid-
ing a controlled surge of amps to temporarily
increase welding wattage. Similarly, the adjust-
able arc force controls the intensity of the amp
reaction to the arc length and by providing ex-
tra current to the arc when the arc length is
shortened and voltage begins to fall below 20
volts. This prevents the arc from extinguishing
and helps to improve overall arc performance in
all position welds by increasing amps to main-
tain a level welding wattage (Remember: Volts x
Amps = Watts). However, if the rod should
stick fast in the weld, the anti-stick function of
the machine will terminate weld output within 3
seconds so the rod can be more easily removed
and the chance of accidental arc flashing of the
user or bystanders will be reduced. Voltage
reduction technology (VRD) has been added to
meet low OCV requirements on jobsites where
the chances of electrocution may be present.
TIG Features.
Additionally the unit has been improved in TIG
function and features. The user now has 3
choices for starting the arc, which can be cho-
sen to match the type of operation that is re-
quired in different circumstances. The low con-
tamintation Live lift function provides a continu-
ously live arc and allows the arc to be struck
without the use of a foot pedal or torch switch
that is needed to initiate the arc. The torch will
always remain live, and when contact is
sensed, current is lowered. The torch is simply
placed on the metal and lifted up to start the arc
and then the current automatically increases
once contact is broken. Not to be confused with
“Live Lift”, the Lift TIG Start function also pro-
vides a clean, interference free start for elec-
tronically sensitive areas where high frequency
(HF) arc starting is restricted or prohibited.
However, the lift TIG function must be used with
the torch switch or foot pedal to start the arc.
For those wanting the most cleanest and easiest
form of starting with a foot pedal or torch
switch, the high frequency function allows
quick, contamination free starting where HF in-
terference issues are not a potential problem.
The HF point gap is adjustable and can be readi-
ly serviced as points get contaminated or worn.
The new Live Lift function is designed to oper-
ate without an amp control option.
NOTE: This unit is DC output only. This unit is
not intended to TIG weld aluminum or magnesi-
um. However, the unit can be used to stick
weld aluminum with specially designed alumi-
num stick welding electrodes (rods). Flux-
coated aluminum stick welding rods are expen-
sive. Other than occasional use for emergency
repair, are not generally considered a econom-
ically viable alternative to AC TIG welding or
MIG welding aluminum. While DC+ and DC–
TIG have both been used to weld aluminum in
the past, both have technical and practical is-
sues. AC TIG is generally considered to be far
superior, and is generally considered by pro-
fessionals the best method of welding alumi-
num.
2.2 Basic Overview and operation.
Basic Welding Package.
The PowerARC 161STH package includes both a
stick welding and TIG welding package along
with a compact carry case which can hold the
unit and accessories, offering maximum porta-
bility. The stick package includes a stick elec-
trode holder with cable, and a work clamp with
cable. Work clamp and electrode cables are
approximately 10 ft. in length. Longer cables
lengths can be added to the electrode holder
General Setup and OperationSection 2
