UniMi 240 - help please to get started

I recently bought a second hand UniMig 240 to upgrade from my old CIG stick welder which I've had for 30 years. I'm a weekend warrior and the world's worst welder despite taking myself off to TAFE years ago to try to learn how to do it properly. No matter what, I still have only just got my hand in by the time I finish a job and then have to do the same thing next time I have a welding job to do.



I had hoped the UniMig would answer all my problems and make welding a dream. Alas over the last weekend I couldn't even get up and running. I've downloaded a UniMig 240 manual which is next to useless as it basically only tells you what each control does; but it doesn't give any info on what settings to use. For instance it tells you that the S mode is for adjusting Wire Speed, which is helpful but the next question of course is what wire speed should I use? I haven't got a clue. After lots of trial and error I gave up because I couldn't maintain an arc so no welding actually happened.



Because I couldn't find any info on what the settings should be for each variable, I don't know whether I have the settings wrong and its never going to maintain an arc on current settings or if the settings are ok and it's pilot error. So - help please from anyone who can help me with the most basic questions on getting started:-

1. I'm using gasless wire 0.8mm, welding mild steel and gal steel, ranging from 4mm to 10mm


2. Amps - The manual says there are 8 voltage settings:-
   
   a. I assume the Power Regulation knob on the front of the unit adjusts voltage (no reference in manual at all??)
   
   b. Does this knob adjust both voltage and amperage simultaneously?
   
   c. How do you know what voltage and amperage is appropriate to the job? (would be nice to have a guide table??)
   
   d. How do you know what voltage/amperage equates to each setting on the knob (1-8)?


3. Mode - I have set it to Manual mode (2) which I assume is appropriate for basic gasless mig welding but please advise if something else is appropriate eg Automatic


4. Wirespeed - How do you know what wire speed to choose? (I was pulling the trigger to get the arc started but with the arc stopping and starting all that happened was more and more wire feeding. I ended up with multiple short pieces of wire stuck to the job from the initial arc which then fizzled and broke off about 70mm back. More wire then just fed out which I had to cut off. waste of wire if nothing else)


5. Pregas - as I am using gasless, I assume this is not relevant


6. Rampup - not sure what to set this at???


7. Burnback - not sure what to set this at?


8. Time on - assume this only applies to stitch, spot etc welding


9. Pause - assume this only applies to stitch, spot etc welding


10. Anything else critical to making the thing weld? - appreciate any and all help.

cheers