Auto darkening welding mask

[DaveH]

I have an auto  welding mask.
Today I started welding and it when dark. However it stayed dark for a few minutes  
Then it when clear and I started to weld again but it didn't go dark.

I realize something is wrong with it (I'm not a total idiot ) but is it finished?
 
DaveH

[Highpower]

Have you checked the batteries? 

How about the outer clear protective lens. Is it clean and not blocking the sensors?

[DaveH]

Hi Willie,
It has solar cells which I assume charge the batteries. No idea where the batteries are It is clean.
Do you think it just needs charging?
Looking at it the battery/batteries must be enclosed in the darkening unit.
 
Dave

[Roadracer_Al]

Normally, the ones with batteries also have adjustable shade and adjustable dwell (how long it stays dark after the arc goes out).

If yours doesn't have those controls, it may not have a battery.

I recently purchased a spare helmet from Home Depot for $70. It's a non-adjustable model with a large window & solar cells. Works great, and is much lighter than my expensive Miller helmet. I actually like it better.

[DaveH]

It wasn't an expensive model although is was expensive 8 years ago.
No adjustments either dark or not.
Looking around they seem to have come down in price - well the non adjustable ones.
I'm not that bothered if it is broke so be it, I'll buy another.
 
DaveH

[Highpower]

Al is right Dave. Yours may not have any batteries.   

What kind of helmet do you have? (Manufacturer & model.)

[DaveH]

(04-09-2015, 04:24 PM)Highpower Wrote: What kind of helmet do you have? (Manufacturer & model.)

It just says "Shine" on it. No idea of the model. I have had a look on the web can't see anything that looks like mine   They are all these fancy looking ones - mine is just plain grey.

DaveH

[Vinny]

Put it face up in the sunlight or under an incadescent light bulb for about 15 mins and see if it starts working. On mine they say to put it face down when storing to turn it off.

[Highpower]

(04-09-2015, 04:29 PM)DaveH Wrote:

(04-09-2015, 04:24 PM)Highpower Wrote: What kind of helmet do you have? (Manufacturer & model.)

It just says "Shine" on it. No idea of the model. I have had a look on the web can't see anything that looks like mine   They are all these fancy looking ones - mine is just plain grey.

DaveH

Oh. The first thing that popped up when I tried doing a search on it is .... 'Changzhou Shine Science & Technology Co., Ltd ..."
They obviously make welding helmets, but my malware software stopped my machine from accessing the site. 

So yeah, I'm going to say it's time to buy another helmet. 

[DaveH]

I tried leaving it in the sun for about 20 mins but it was cloudy. Still didn't go dark  
 
DaveH