InfraStructures - December 2009 / January 2010 - The First Professional System for "Off-the-Grid" Welding

The First Professional System for "Off-the-Grid" Welding

Hobart introduces the Trek 180, a portable MIG welding system ideal for DIY, metalworking enthusiasts in automotive restoration, racing and home hobby markets. This revolutionary wire welder operates off its self-contained battery or 115 V power, welds 24-gauge up to 6,35 mm (1/4”) mild steel in a single pass and recharges off an automotive power inverter or 115 V receptacle.

The Trek 180 is designed to operate while plugged in or completely cordless. Its detachable power cord plugs into standard 115 V receptacles. Convenient for traveling professionals, the Trek 180 can be charged inside a vehicle with an automotive power inverter (400 continuous watt minimum.)
While charging, Hobart's patented AutoPower™ technology automatically scans the available input charging power as not to over stress low-capacity devices such as automotive inverters.
Two internal, high-performance, sealed lead-acid batteries provide the energy storage needed for welding in remote applications. The batteries feature Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, which allows the Trek to achieve a 20-min, 80% quick charge or full charge in approximately 90 min.

When fully charged, the unit delivers approximately 2540 mm of continuous weld bead using .030 dia. flux-cored wire on 3,18 mm (1/8”) mild steel. Unlike other battery welders, battery power is monitored continuously to provide consistent welding voltage regardless of the charge level. The Trek’s low battery shutdown feature disables the welder when the battery runs low, protecting the life of the battery and quality of weld output.

On battery power alone, the Trek 180 offers a rated output of 120 amps, 17 VDC at 20 percent duty cycle. When plugged into standard 115V power, the unit is capable of delivering 180 amps, (an output previously limited to 230V welders!)
The Trek's low 12-amp power draw allows the unit excellent performance when using cheap or low-quality extension cords commonly found in home improvement stores.

A removable storage bag is a handy compartment for securing all the Trek's cables, MIG gun, work clamp and removable power cord with additional room for extra wire, contact tips and welding gloves. The bag can be detached, allowing the unit to slide under a seat of a truck, or strapped down.

Inverter-based technology enables Hobart's Trek 180 to control arc characteristics thousands of times faster than conventional transformer technology. As a result, the unit provides welding characteristics--positive arc starts without popping and minimal spatter while welding--that are far superior to any other small MIG welder. This includes highly stable, low-spatter welding with self-shielded flux-core wire and outstanding results when using mixed gas.

The Trek 180 features a durable built-in wire feeder with a quick-release tension lever. Accepting 4-in. spools of .023-.035 wire, its cast aluminum dual-groove drive rolls can be configured for a smooth or knurled feeding performance. Its infinite voltage and wire feed control provides a broader operating window for each wire, allowing operators to quickly and easily fine-tune the welding arc for their desired output on different materials and thicknesses.

The Trek 180 also ushers in a new form of operator/machine communication. LED diagnostic lights on the front of the unit provide quick information on temperature, charging and battery status. The real advantage to operators is the ability to quickly identify if the unit momentarily shut down due to duty-cycle, or low battery; saving unnecessary trips to service centers.

Source: Hobart Welding Products