Maxstar 161S 1.4.3 Error

[Chris T.]

I've got a Maxstar 161S that has a 1.4.3 error problem.

About a week after buying it I got the code and reset the machine, no problem.
I've now had the machine for a little over a year and it did it again. This time I was on a rooftop powering it off my trailblazer 325 on 220 with 150' of heavy cord. LWS replaced the board and it blew again at their shop on house power. They installed board #3 and tested it out with a couple rods.

I'm back at the same job running off the tb325 and 10 rods in it displays the same error and fan runs full blast even when the machine is powered off and display is blank.

I run my other inverter machines off the same trailblazer and have no issues. The manual suggests max cord length of 146' so I'm right there and wire size calc for 3% volt drop @ 150' is 10ga wire.
The maxstar was at 105A burning 1/8" 6011 so its nowhere near capacity. Nobody has really been able to explain what 1.4.3 actually means or what PC1 controls.

Any help is appreciated

Thanks,

Chris

[MinnesotaDave]

[See O.M. ERROR 1.4.3]
Input current too high.
To clear error, remove power from unit, then reconnect power to unit.
If this error does not clear or happens frequently, contact a Factory Authorized Service Agent.

I had a machine that wouldn't power on if the input voltage was out of range. (not miller)
Also, when breaking the arc it suddenly removes the load and the input voltage can surge.
I don't know if that happens with your nice engine drive, but it does with old crappy stuff like one of my generators.

Edit: although, the more I think on it, I'm starting to think it means the machine has drawn more power than it should have, so that sets the code.
...not voltage related...
I'm no electrical expert so this is really just me "thinking out loud"

[ccawgc]

fan running soon as plugged in is not good. Call Miller tech support and tell them what all has happened to this welder. They might replace it. The service shop might have to call for you. I have done this for a few machines that kept failing.
On you generator you will need to confirm that it can hold 60 herts of power and the correct voltage under loads. or it could be killing the welder.
You may have to get it load tested be a shop with the right test equipment.
[See O.M. ERROR 1.4.3]
Input current too high. To clear error,
remove power from unit, then reconnect
power to unit.
Check for loose connection T1 to PC1. Replace PC1.
This is what the service manual says about the fault.
Make sure your service shop is installing the newest software in your welder.
Quite simple if the shop has the kit from Miller.