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How does the CST™ 250 stack up to the competition? | 
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| Comparison Chart | Miller CST 250 | Lincoln Invertec 250S | Thermal Pro-Lite 260S | Thermal Pro-Lite 300S | Comments |
| Welding Range | 5-250 | 1-250 | 5-260 | 5-300 | The CST provides a higher duty cycle and voltage. |
| Related Output | 50% @ 250 amps, 30 V | 35% @ 250 amps, 30 V | 40% @ 260 amps, 30 V | 40% @ 250 amps, 25 V | The CST provides a higher duty cycle and voltage. |
| Maximum Open Circuit voltage | 72V DC | 80V | 64V | 64V (73V on 575) | Comparable |
| Input Voltage (V) | 230/460-575 (50/60 Hz) |
208/230/460 (50/60 Hz) |
208/230/460 or 460/575 (50/60 Hz) |
208/230/460 or 460/575 (50/60 HZ) |
The CST will operate on 460 or 575 without changing the link. The CST provides 230 - 460 or 575 V in one machine. |
| Primary Link Method (Switch & Jumper) |
Manual | Manual Link | Switch and Smart Logic | Switch and Smart Logic | CST does not require linking from 450 - 575 V. Window displays voltage link. |
| Input Voltage Phase Capability | Single Phase/3-Phase | Single Phase/3-Phase | Single Phase/3-Phase | Single Phase/3-Phase | Same |
| Primary Power Cord | 9 feet | - | 10 feet | 10 feet | |
| Weight (lb) | 40 | 36 | 46.3 | 39.6 | CST provides high duty cycle at low weight. |
| Dimensions W"xD"xH" | 13.5x7.5x18 | 15x9x20 | 16.9x8.3x16.5 | 16.9x8.3x16.5 | Comparable |
| 3rd Party Certification | CSA | UL | CSA | CSA | |
| On/Off Switch | Front | Front | Back | Back | Ease of turning on or off from front panel, especially in racks |
| Process Select Switch | Yes - Rotary Switch | Yes, Toggle | No | Yes, Toggle | The CST process select switch also establishes current dig setting which simplifies the operator interface and use of the product. |
| Hot Start Control | Adaptive | Variable | Factory Set Dip Switch Variable |
Variable | Adaptive hot start automatically increases output amperage at the start of the weld. Other require setting for each electrode type. |
| Dig Control | Automatically selected by process. | Variable | Factory Set Dip Switch Variable |
Variable | The CST automatically provides the proper dig setting based on process selected. |
| Lift Arc TIG Arc Start | Yes | No | No | Yes | Tungsten contamination free TIG starting without the use of high frequency. |
| Output Control | Yes, 5-250 A, Pot | Yes, 1-250 A, Pot | Yes, 5-260 A Pot | Yes, 5-300 A, Pot | Comparable |
| Remote Control Connector | 14-Pin | 6-Pin | No | 8-Pin | The CST has remote detect does not require remote switch. |
| Remote Operation | Amperage Control | On-Off, Amperage Control | No | On-Off, Amperage Control | CST permits remote amperage control needed in construction applications. |
| Fan-On-Demand | Yes | No | No | No | Fan only operates as needed. This reduces power cost and internal contamination. |
| Diagnostics | LED's for over current, over/under voltage and over temperature. | Only thermal overload protection. | Only power on and thermal overload LED's | LED's for over current, over/under voltage and over temperature. | Simple method of identifying problems and servicing product. CST also has internal diagnostic LED's for troubleshooting. |
| Connectors | 50 mil, Dinse or Tweco Style | 50 mil, Dinse Style | 50 mil, Dinse Style | 50 mil, Dinse Style | Only CST offers a TWECO style connector for the construction market. |
| Warranty | 3 Years Parts/Labor | 3 Years Parts/Labor | 1-2 Years Parts/1 Year Labor | 1-2 Years Parts/1 Year Labor | No one offers a better warranty with solid support. |
| Racks | 4-Pak | 4-Pak | No | No | The CST rack weights only 340 pounds fully loaded. |
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