0445428001 - ESAB Mini PCIe 3G/GPS Telematics Card

Technical Overview of the ESAB 3G Mini PCIe Module

The ESAB 0445428001 is a specialized communication module designed to bridge the gap between industrial welding hardware and modern digital fleet management systems. Engineered with a standard Mini PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, this card integrates directly into the control architecture of compatible ESAB power sources. The module combines 3G cellular network capabilities with Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality, providing a dual-layer telemetry solution that handles both data transmission and physical asset tracking.

From a maintenance and repair perspective, this component is critical for the functionality of ESAB's WeldCloud and other online connectivity suites. The Mini PCIe form factor ensures a secure, vibration-resistant connection directly to the machine's motherboard or communication bus, which is essential in the high-vibration environments typical of heavy fabrication shops and field sites. Unlike external dongles or consumer-grade modems, this OEM part is built to withstand the electromagnetic interference (EMI) and thermal fluctuations generated by high-amperage welding inverters.

Technicians replacing this unit should ensure that the host machine is powered down and locked out before accessing the internal control electronics. The module typically requires the connection of internal antennas for both the cellular and GPS signals to function correctly. Once installed, the 0445428001 acts as the gateway for the machine, pushing operational data—such as voltage, amperage, wire feed speed, and error codes—to the cloud, while simultaneously reporting the machine's geographic location. This part is the exact OEM replacement for units that have failed due to electrical surges or physical damage, ensuring full compatibility with the machine's firmware.