Auto dimming helmet issue

[NDriver]

Sorry if this is in the wrong area but I wasn't sure whether to put it here or in the TIG section.
I have been getting plenty of TIG practice in recently but I find when I'm welding my R-Tech auto dimmer randomly allows it to flash.

Could this be a helmet faulty or am I doing something wrong when welding ?

 

[shenion]

Some helmets have a hard tome with low current TIG. Some work better than others.

Also, try not to block the sensor with the torch.

 

[wheresmejumper]

have you turned up the sensitivity setting?

 

[Paul.]

As said some helmets don't like low amp DC tig, one thing you can try is if you have both delay and sensitivity settings, set the delay to maximum or long, and the sensitivity to maximum.

 

[NDriver]

It was a at fairly high current, 80/90 amp maybe so can't see it being a low current issue.

I'll try setting the delay a little longer as it is at minimum at the moment if I remember correctly.

Cheers guys.

 

[NDriver]

Hello again fellas,
What you advised worked a treat on flat plate however now when I'm trying to weld a fillet it's doing the same. I've tried pretty much every setting on the helmet and changed the screen/cleaned the sensor etc.
Beginning to think te helmet may be playing up itself. Any other ideas ?

 

[brightspark]

Hello again fellas,
What you advised worked a treat on flat plate however now when I'm trying to weld a fillet it's doing the same. I've tried pretty much every setting on the helmet and changed the screen/cleaned the sensor etc.
Beginning to think te helmet may be playing up itself. Any other ideas ?

buy a new one

 

[NDriver]

buy a new one

That's what I was trying to avoid, hoping I was just doing something wrong haha.

Anyone local to Rotherham fancy giving me a go with your (Known working) helmet so I can see how it should be ?

 

[wheresmejumper]

any chance youre blocking the sensors when positioning for different type welds

 

[NDriver]

any chance youre blocking the sensors when positioning for different type welds

I was thinking this when I was trying it so re-positioned myself to make sure and can say I'm 100% sure it is definitely not this now.

 

[NDriver]

I've come to the conclusion my helmet must be screwed. Suggestions on a decent replacement ?

 

[Paul.]

I've come to the conclusion my helmet must be screwed. Suggestions on a decent replacement ?

Depends on what you want to spend, A good budget mask that works perfectly with low amp tig is this one http://www.weldequip.com/swp-welding-helmet.htm

I have one and can't fault it.

 

[NDriver]

That looks like it would fit the bill at a better then reasonable price. I shall order one if my R-Tech one isn't warranted. Cheers TIG Paul

 

[rohart]

Bit late to the party on this, but I had much the same experience as you. But, the helmet I had it with was that SWP one.

My dealer thought the battery was failing. I had left the helmet in the dark for a couple of weeks when I was on holiday. If didn;t recover with a good dose of sunshine.

I took another more simple lid and that was fine until today. Then it developed the same symptoms. Starts flashing from the start.

I've now gone for a non autodark, and I'm having to relearn a lot of my technique.

 

[NDriver]

Bit late to the party on this, but I had much the same experience as you. But, the helmet I had it with was that SWP one.

My dealer thought the battery was failing. I had left the helmet in the dark for a couple of weeks when I was on holiday. If didn;t recover with a good dose of sunshine.

I took another more simple lid and that was fine until today. Then it developed the same symptoms. Starts flashing from the start.

I've now gone for a non autodark, and I'm having to relearn a lot of my technique.

Mine had been boxed up for a few month so left it out in the sun for a day or 2 and it was a lot better. Then realised the sensor is at the top and I was in fact blocking it. Seems to be a lot better since repositioning my head around the weld although still occasionally flashes.