The ESAB Rogue ET 200iP is an inverter-based power source designed for various welding applications, including Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, and High-Frequency TIG (HF TIG) welding. This versatile machine is suitable for both industrial and domestic environments, though users in residential locations should be aware of potential radio interference.
Function Description
The Rogue ET 200iP serves as a robust and reliable power source for arc welding. It is designed to provide stable current for melting electrodes or tungsten, facilitating the joining of metal workpieces. The unit automatically adjusts to the supplied input voltage, ensuring consistent performance. A key feature is its energy-saving mode, which minimizes power consumption when the unit is idle.
For MMA welding, also known as stick welding, the machine melts a coated electrode, and the coating forms a protective slag over the weld. The power source needs to be supplemented with a welding cable with an electrode holder and a return cable with a clamp for this process. The connection polarity for MMA welding depends on the type of electrode used, and this information is typically found on the electrode packaging.
For TIG welding, the Rogue ET 200iP initiates an arc from a non-consuming tungsten electrode to melt the metal of the workpiece. Shielding gas protects both the weld pool and the electrode. To perform TIG welding, additional equipment is required, including a TIG torch with a gas valve, an argon gas cylinder, an argon gas regulator, and a tungsten electrode. The unit supports two TIG start methods: Live TIG and HF TIG. Live TIG involves placing the tungsten electrode against the workpiece and then lifting it away to strike the arc at a limited current level. HF TIG, on the other hand, strikes the arc using a spark from the tungsten electrode to the workpiece when the electrode is brought closer and the torch trigger is pressed.
The machine incorporates a Voltage Reduction Device (VRD) function, which ensures that the open-circuit voltage does not exceed 35 V when welding is not being carried out, enhancing safety. A lit VRD indicator on the panel confirms this function is active.
Usage Features
The Rogue ET 200iP is designed for ease of use with several integrated features that enhance welding performance and control.
- Setting Panel: The front panel provides intuitive controls for various welding parameters. It includes an overheating indicator, a display for showing settings, a VRD function indicator, trigger mode indicator, pulse mode indicator, and a frequency indicator. There are also buttons for options and process selection, along with a welding current control knob that doubles as an advanced feature control knob. Dedicated indicators for MMA, TIG Live, and TIG HF modes simplify process selection.
- Process Selection: Users can easily switch between TIG HF, TIG Live, and MMA modes using the process selection button. This button also allows for navigation and parameter selection within the menus.
- Advanced Features (TIG HF or TIG Live mode): By pressing the process selection button for 3 seconds, users can access an advanced feature menu. Here, the welding current control knob is used to adjust values for:
- Gas pre-flow time (PREG 0 - 5 s)
- Start current (IGNA 10 - 100%)
- Up-slope time (SLPU 0 - 10 s)
- Down-slope time (SLPD 0 - 10 s)
- End current (FINA 10 - 100%)
- Gas post-flow time (POSG 0.5 - 15 s)
- Background current (BKGA 10 - 100%)
- Advanced Features (MMA mode): In MMA mode, the advanced feature menu allows adjustment of:
- Hot start (HOTS -10 - +10)
- Arc force (ARCF -10 - +10)
- Cellulose electrode (CELL On / Off)
- Options Button: The options button provides access to settings for:
- Trigger mode (2-stroke / 4-stroke)
- Pulse mode (On / Off)
- Frequency (0.2 - 500 Hz), available only when Pulse mode is ON.
- Hot Start: This function temporarily increases the current at the beginning of the weld, reducing the risk of insufficient fusion and electrode sticking or scratching. This feature is exclusive to MMA welding.
- Arc Force: The arc force function controls how the current changes in response to variations in arc length during MMA welding. A low value provides a calm arc with minimal spatter, while a high value results in a hotter, more "digging" arc.
- Remote Control: The unit supports remote control connectivity. When a remote control is plugged into the front socket, it automatically activates. The maximum current setting of the power source will be governed by the front panel control, regardless of the remote control device's setting.
- Fan Control: The ET 200iP features a "fan as needed" function, which automatically switches the cooling fan off when not required. This minimizes power consumption and reduces the ingress of contaminants like dust into the power source, thereby extending its lifespan.
- Thermal Protection: The power source is equipped with thermal protection to prevent overheating. If the unit overheats, welding is stopped, an overheating indicator illuminates on the panel, and an error message appears on the display. The protection automatically resets once the temperature has sufficiently decreased.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe, reliable, and long-lasting operation of the Rogue ET 200iP.
- Routine Maintenance Schedule: A recommended maintenance schedule is provided, with checks to be performed prior to every use, every 3 months, and every 6 months.
- Before Each Use: Users should verify that the product and cables are not damaged and that the torch is clean and undamaged.
- Every 3 Months: This involves checking and replacing unreadable labels, cleaning weld terminals, and checking/replacing weld cables.
- Every 6 Months: The internal components of the equipment should be cleaned using dry compressed air at reduced pressure.
- Cleaning Instructions: To maintain performance and extend the lifetime of the power source, regular cleaning is mandatory. The frequency of cleaning depends on the welding process, arc time, and working environment.
- Safety First: Before any cleaning, the mains supply must be disconnected. Cleaning procedures should be carried out in a suitable, prepared workspace. During cleaning, it is essential to wear recommended personal safety equipment, including earplugs, safety glasses, masks, gloves, and safety shoes.
- Internal Cleaning: To clean the interior, the enclosure should be opened, and a vacuum cleaner used to remove accumulated dirt, metal filings, slag, and loose material. It is important to keep the shunt and lead screw surfaces clean, as accumulated foreign material can reduce the welder's output welding current.
- Authorized Service: Any repair or electrical work should only be performed by an authorized ESAB service technician using original ESAB spare and wear parts. Unauthorized repairs will invalidate the warranty.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to help users identify and resolve common issues before contacting a service technician. This covers problems related to MMA welding, TIG welding, no arc, and frequent thermal protection trips, offering corrective actions for each.