MM 180 in Europe

[seamus]

Anybody know if I can use the MM 180 (230v, 60hz) in Germany (230v, 50hz)? I just bought this thing in January and would rather not have to sell it.

I asked Miller through their CONTACT US link on the webpage and was told "it is not recommended" which didn't actually answer my question.

Also what effect would the lower hz have on welds?

[seamus]

22 views and no replies?

I finally asked the question that nobody can answer?

What do I win? :D

[SundownIII]

seamus,

I have lived in Germany and had to deal with the 50 Cycle thing. The frequency thing really throws off electronic timers. When I was there, I couldn't use my Kitchenaid dishwasher (electronic timers). Most manually controlled appliances work fine with the stepdown transformers (readily avail. at the thrift shops).

Regarding the MM180, that machine has an infinite power range (no taps). Being a 220V unit you wouldn't have to worry about stepping down the voltage, but the cycles are the problem. The biggest problem, I suspect, is that the cycles will alter the wire feed speed. Also, the reduced cycle rate will affect the weld puddle.

Considering the amount of electrical components in the MM180, I would have to recommed that you follow Miller Tech advice. Store the unit stateside. It won't go bad.

If you're military, and depending on location, the craft shops will have what you need to keep your hand in welding. I was stationed in the Stuttgart area and the craft shop there was much better equipped than my home shop here. Nearly all the welding equipment was miller. That combined with being with an engineer unit, I never had a problem "making sparks".

Another option would be to just pick up a cheaper/used Euro unit, use it while you're there, and sell it when you rotate home. Always good deals to be had in the post ads.

Where in Germany are you headed?

[seamus]

It's not definite yet, just an option posed by HRC. I was stationed in Illesheim twice already (was dragged back to the states each time :D). I learned after my first time and all my major electronics are dual voltage. Illesheim is tiny and doesn't have anything near what Stuttgart had.

I was kind of hoping it wouldn't have an effect because if I go this time, it'll be for a minimum of 5 years.

Thanks for the info. If I go, it'll be pretty obvious. There will be a for sale thread for a MM180.