Welding systems and devices having a configurable personal computer user interface

A welding system, comprising:

• a welding power source, comprising:
• power conversion circuitry configured to receive input power from an input power source, convert the input power to output power, and provide the output power to one or more welding devices,
• control circuitry in electrical communication with the power conversion circuitry, the control circuitry configured to control the conversion of the power conversion circuitry, and
• a universal serial bus (USB) hub configured to connect with a USB port of a computing device, the USB hub being in electrical communication with the control circuitry such that the computing device and control circuitry are enabled to coordinate control of the power conversion circuitry when the USB port of the computing device is connected with the USB hub.

A retrofit kit for a welding power source, comprising:

• a USB hub configured to electrically connect to a USB port of a computing device;
• a USB to RS485 converter configured to electrically connect to the USB hub and control circuitry of a welding power source;
• and
• a computer power supply configured to electrically connect with the computing device, the computing power supply further configured to electrically connect with an input power source of the welding power source at a location upstream from, or in parallel with, a power switch of the welding power source.