Can auto darkening welding helmet capsule be restored.

[WindyParticipant @windy30762]

Can auto darkening welding helmets capsule be restored..

After some years decided to practice Aluminium Tig welding today.

I have a Parweld helmet that is as new I hardly used as not fine enough for low amp welding that I was doing on my flash steam stainless generators.

Also a SWP that was great for welding with a few amps.

The auto capsules are not working any chance they can be made working again.

Did get an odd darkening but very rare..

They both are hardly used I know there are some cheap solar ones on Ebay.

If I can repair them easily would prefer to do that..

Edited By Windy on 16/07/2021 20:37:40

[WindyParticipant @windy30762]

Can auto darkening welding helmet capsule be restored.

[Anonymous]

Flat batteries?

Andrew

[Joseph Noci 1Participant @josephnoci1]

As Andrew said, probably the batteries, and most of these cheap helmets don't allow easy battery replacement – I had two such and did cut open the module – there were two lithium cells, in series, with the center tap also connected so seems like it used a split supply. Did that about 7 months ago, and this weekend the helmet is playing up again..

This helmet also has small PV panels, but as I don't do much welding, the helmet sits in a box so no sunlight and no welding UV and it appears the quiescent current is not insignificant.

I again replaced the batteries, but with two D Cells, duct taped to the top of the helmet..

Joe

[peak4Participant @peak4]

If your local store has any left, Lidl had some on offer recently, which may work out easier.

I've not tried them, so I don't know the quality

Bill

[WindyParticipant @windy30762]

Have jumped the gun the parweld has mainly been in its box for ten years its manual says the built in battery will only last 6 years.

After being in the light all day its working again.

The 10 year old SWP has started working again after leaving near when I practiced a few hours ally Tig welding.

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

The SIP basic £40 one has a grinding option which switches the battery off. The battery is a CR3032 car key fob type. If it sees welding flash it still darkens.

[Jim Smith 8Participant @jimsmith8]

It will be the batteries. I had 2 Chinese that went the same way. The first had a draw for an AAA cell but the cell had been in too long and I had to clean up the terminals. The second had a coin cell battery inside which I replaced and neither helmet is now going to land fill.

During the helmet recovery process I discovered in addition to the electronic auto shut off, my darkening control knob had a switch on the end and when off, nothing drains the battery. I now remember to turn it to the off position.

[Andy_GParticipant @andy_g]

Posted by Windy on 16/07/2021 20:35:37:

If I can repair them easily would prefer to do that.

If they are the type with the small solar cells on the front, I believe they can sometimes be 'kick started' by leaving them in the sun for a few hours.

I have one of the cheap supermarket ones (Aldi, I think) with 2 arc sensors and while it is/was fine for stick welding, it wouldn't reliably stay dark with low-ish amp TIG. (A relatively inexpensive 'Tacklife' branded one with 4 arc sensors did work OK, however.)

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Posted by Jim Smith 8 on 17/07/2021 17:06:40:

During the helmet recovery process I discovered in addition to the electronic auto shut off, my darkening control knob had a switch on the end and when off, nothing drains the battery. I now remember to turn it to the off position.

Otherwise known as grinding mode

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