Using the Orion's Advanced Options

Trigger Mode

The Orion has the ability to trigger a weld in one of two different ways. Automatic mode triggers a weld anytime connection is made between the + and – terminals. Alternately, Foot Switch mode triggers a weld anytime the foot pedal is depressed.

When this is selected, the Trigger dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

When the setting is changed, the following message is displayed:

NOTE: The trigger mode can also be quickly changed from the Run Screen by pressing and holding the Run/Stop Button for at least one second.

Power Adjustment Steps

This menu item changes how much the power meter bar rises or falls with each movement of the Adjust Wheel. In many cases the default adjustment step of 10% is sufficient, but if finer control is desired, both 5% and 1% steps are available.

When this is selected, the Power Steps dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

After a selection is made, the following message is displayed:

Gas Flow

The Orion precisely controls the amount of time argon is injected through the stylus both before and after the weld. The amount of time for both can be customized to best match the current gas flow rate and user preference. The pre-weld gas flow time begins as soon as a weld is triggered (both Auto and Foot), and ends as the weld begins. Gas continues to flow during the weld. The post-weld flow time begins right after the weld. As a note, Tack welding mode does not utilize the shielding gas.

When this is selected, the pre-weld Gas Flow dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

Once one of the options is selected, the post-weld Gas Flow dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

Once one of the options is selected, the following message is displayed:

Tip Retraction

The Orion precisely controls the moment when the electrode is retracted into the stylus thus forming the welding arc. Different users hold the stylus with varying degrees of pressure. To compensate for this, a pre and post-weld tip retraction delay is customizable. As a note, Tack welding mode does not utilize the stylus and consequently the tip retraction delays.

When this is selected, the pressure Tip Retraction dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

Once one of the options is selected, the hold time Tip Retraction dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

This setting controls how long after the weld that the tip remains retracted into the stylus. This is ultimately a matter of preference. Once one of the options is selected, the following message is displayed:

Lens Darkening Time (Microscope Shutter Time)

The Orion precisely controls the moment when the darkening lens darkens or the microscope shutter closes. Different users may prefer different pre and post-weld delays for these devices. To accommodate this, these device delays are customizable.

When this is selected, the pre-weld Lens Timing dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

Once one of the options is selected, the post-weld Lens Timing dialog appears with the current setting highlighted:

Once one of the options is selected, the following message is displayed: