Because wire welding improves productivity, contractors often pair their engine-driven welder with a wire feeder. To be suitable for field use, portability, rugged cases, reliability, "sun-friendly" digital meters and good feeding performance are table stakes. That said, the choice is between two basic types of portable feeders: remote control and voltage-sensing. Remote control feeders only work with DC constant-voltage (CV) welders. They provide remote control of wire-feed speed and voltage at the feeder, but require a "brain cable" between the feeder and the welder; this cable also provides power for the feeder's drive system and meters. Construction sites require long cables. A 100-foot brain cable can cost as much as $1,000, and they're heavy, making it difficult to move feeders around.
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