W.A.C. Amperage Controller Manual
Getting Started
Always ensure the welding unit is powered off before connecting or disconnecting the remote unit.
Plug the receiver unit into the 14-pin (for AR1-L, AR1-M, AR3-M) or 6-pin (AR3-L) remote control connector on your welder.
When using a WAC amperage controller, leave the welder’s power knob at maximum power.
Power up the welder and ensure the red light on the receiver unit is lit. The amperage meter on the welder should now show minimum power.
Always press the red button to turn off the power before shutting off your welder.
Turning On & Changing Amperage
Choose the amperage you want on the remote by turning the knob to the desired value, then press the green button. The remote will beep once and display the set value.
When the receiver receives the command, its green light will turn on. It will send a confirmation signal back to the remote, causing the remote to beep twice more. This call-and-response usually completes within a few seconds.
Please note: the value displayed by the remote is a percentage of the full welder power, rather than an absolute amperage value. For example, when the remote reads “65,” the welder will output 65% of its maximum setting, not 65 amps.
Once the amperage is on, any adjustment to the knob will change the set amperage. Just like when turning the remote on, it will beep once, then twice more to confirm the change.
If the remote is not adjusted for 20 minutes, it will go to sleep to save battery power. The remote will tell you it is sleeping by briefly flashing “SL” on the display. While the remote is asleep, it will not register knob adjustments and the receiver unit will remember the last amperage setting. To wake it from sleep, press the green button again.
One-Button Half Power
Pressing the black button will set the welder’s output to half of its current value. The halved percentage value will be shown on the remote’s display.
Pressing the green button will restore full power output.
Full and half power can be toggled between at any time by pressing the green or black buttons.
Turning Off Power
To stop welding and reduce the welder’s power output to a minimum, press the red button. This action will be confirmed by a single beep followed by a double beep, similar to turning the power on.
The green light on the receiver unit will turn off.
Always press the red button before shutting off your welder.
Recording Values
When you start using your WAC remote and receiver, it can be helpful to write down the percentage power you need for each of your rods. Set the amperage dial on your welder to its maximum, then adjust the remote until your welder shows the values you need.
Record the percent values on the included card, or print off a copy (The default card is for 6010 & 6011 rods. For other rods, use this card).
It can take some practice to use percent of maximum power instead of absolute amperage. You will quickly become familiar with the settings you use regularly.
Troubleshooting
If the remote only beeps once when a button is pressed, it is sending the command but not receiving confirmation from the receiver unit. Check that the red power light on the receiver unit is lit. If the light is off, try the receiver unit with another welder to determine if the fault is in the receiver or the welder.
If the receiver unit’s red power light is on but it does not respond to the remote, it may have forgotten the unique address ID of the remote. To resynchronize, hold down the button on the side of the receiver, then press the red button on your remote. The green light should flash rapidly and the remote should beep twice to show they are synchronized.
If the remote does not respond at all to button presses or adjustments to the knob, try installing 3 fresh AAA batteries. The remote can run out of battery very suddenly because it consumes very little power and will run until the batteries are almost completely empty.
Alkaline batteries lose 50% of their power below -20°C (-4°F). If you are working in cold conditions, lithium AAA batteries can provide power down to -40°C (-40°F).