18 replies to this topic

[fuzzypumper]

Hi All

I have one of those Techmen auto darkening solar powered helments , Din3 to din11 and lately it
seems to randomly fail to auto darken immediately leaving me with that temporary blindness
in the beginning untill it switches and then I cant see where in welding till the eyes readjust again.

Admitedtely most of my welding these days(arc or mig) is usually under the car or inside the cabin where there is less
existing ambient light. Would this cause it.
Is this common or is the normal for these helmets to do that ?

Thanks, Archie.

[kiwi-lilj]

Try a new battery.

[TerrA LX]

Lighting factors may influence the timing of the auto darkness but I have found mostly it is in the quality of the item, I use a cheap one and just learn to shut my eyes just before I arc up helps alot.

[Statler]

Clean the sensors.

They get clouded with smoke & perform like that.

Failing that, as Blair said, change the batteries.

[ReplicarSLR]

Don't know about the Techmen helmet but the CIG I have has a small switch (DIP type switch with 3 different settings) on the inside above the lense section to adjust the sensitivity of the darkening function. If yours has the same switch maybe it has been bumped to the least sensitive setting which can result in the slight delay with the auto darkening function.

[fuzzypumper]

Thanks Guys,

The glass is clean and it doesnt have any adjustment but Question? What bloody batteries?
It doesnt have any, its a sealed , non serviceable solar powered unit .

Maybe I just need more ambient light shining directly into the solar cells of the helmet in these low light scenarios.

Edited by fuzzypumper, 08 February 2013 - 04:43 PM.

[rodomo]

I find mine (same brand) works good if I sit it facing the sun for 1/2hr before I begin work.

[Statler]

The glass is clean and it doesnt have any adjustment but Question? What bloody batteries?
It doesnt have any, its a sealed , non serviceable solar powered unit

It's a speedyglass you have. Throw it in the bin.!

They come with a 12mth warrenty usually. I went thru 2 before they gave me my money back! Solar powered? Line of 'panels' across the top?

[its Paul]

I have 3 millers and one similar to yours, can't remember the name, it came with the alloy MIG, if it plays up like you have described, I sit it in the sun like Rob said, but for a few hours, I just grab another helmet.

[Dave6179]

I tried one of these when they first came out here, around 1988ish(?). They cost over $500, and I wasn't impressed as it didn't darken quick enough. I would have thought they'd be proply sorted by now???

[Shtstr]

I have been welding for just under 25 years and have used the auto darking ones and still always go back to the most trusted one of them all. The good old fixed shade $15 special. There is no room for error when it comes to your eye sight and if your not carefull you will end up with welding flash, (very painfull.) I use the std sheild for all types of welding from tig stick and mig. I just change the din shade lense.

[wot179]

M

 

I have been welding for just under 25 years and have used the auto darking ones and still always go back to the most trusted one of them all. The good old fixed shade $15 special. There is no room for error when it comes to your eye sight and if your not carefull you will end up with welding flash, (very painfull.) I use the std sheild for all types of welding from tig stick and mig. I just change the din shade lense.

 

 

My preference,too,Dave.

[Statler]

+1. (except for T.I.G.)

[TerrA LX]

M

 

 

 

My preference,too,Dave.

 

 

The old head flick, or do you leave a gap on the lenses flap?

[Shtstr]

old head flick mate 100% safe