AHP Alpha 200X Tig Arc Starts fine the loses amps/power

[jbar]

I have a 2018 model AHP Alpha 200X tig welder. This past week when using TIG it seems to lose power after starting. I've read of issues with the high freq contacts causing it not to start; but that's not my problem. In fact my issue is the opposite, it starts fine, welds 1-2 seconds and then the power drops from the weld setting (135 to 160 amps) to 27amps. My helper noted that every time it dropped it went to 27 amps. Sometimes it welds for 5-10 seconds before dropping but usually within a second or two of arc start.

My first thought was perhaps a duty cycle issue; but that dosen't seem to be the case since it starts fine and the issue works from a cold start. All connections & grounds have been checked. I usually use the foot pedal, but swapped that out for the finger control and the issue persists. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[ronsii]

Is 27 the lowest it is capable of going or can it go lower?

[mechanic416]

A few things you need to check. Make sure you are it 2T, pulse is off (switch all the way down) start amps and end amps are off.

[jbar]

Is 27 the lowest it is capable of going or can it go lower?

Minimum amps you can select is 10. This morning I set to 150 amps and started welding within a second of arc start it went down to as low as 16 amps. Also, I've had pulse shut off. I turned pulse on and it did not make a difference.

[jbar]

A few things you need to check. Make sure you are it 2T, pulse is off (switch all the way down) start amps and end amps are off.

Yes, I have set to 2T, pulse off. I tried start & end amps off and also at 50%. Neither setting made a difference. I know enough to get myself in trouble, but it feels like a bad capacitor?? Had an electric oven in the house that would start heating and then kick-out. It turned out to be a bad capacitor. I replaced the capacitor and it worked like new ever after.

[mechanic416]

Does it do this in AC and DC? Will it work stick welding?

[jbar]

Does it do this in AC and DC? Will it work stick welding?

Today, I tried in AC and it works fine..............very puzzling. I did switch to DC; held AMPS in DC today also, obviously buzzes alot. But very puzzling that it works fine today. Yesterday it wouldn't hold amps for more than 1-2 seconds after arc start. Today I laid 3 or 4 lines each 3" long, at 135 amps. Once again any ideas as to cause are appreciated. On the bright side, it's above zero in Nebraska!!