ESAB VS not working :((

[gerrymoore]

Just come to use my helmet after many months of not using it..retired supposedly!! Anyway it's not darkening - does for a split second and then lightens again. I've taken the unit out and noticed the solar panel seems to be damaged - see photo.

Now a new lens seems very expensive and I doubt if I can fix the solar panel?? Only going to be welding off and on ..can I buy a cheapo replacement or not??

 

[Turbo]

Replace the external battery if it has one.
If it has an internal battery leave the mask in a sunny window for a day or 2 and the battery might recharge.

I learned the lesson never to store these masks out of sunlight for long periods. It drains the battery!

 

[roofman]

What @Turbo says Gerry .

 

[gerrymoore]

I've managed to get the whole thing apart.... the solar panel is knackered and gives no output
...I've sent for a couple of 3 volt panels from Ebay...If they work I'll stick them on the outer of the mask... if not I'll buy a cheap replacement as not doing a lot of welding these days.. thanks both for replies

 

[harveyp6]

Replace the external battery if it has one.
If it has an internal battery leave the mask in a sunny window for a day or 2 and the battery might recharge.

I learned the lesson never to store these masks out of sunlight for long periods. It drains the battery!

Just to clarify, they don't have to be switched on, just standing in the sunlight?
I had to replace the lens unit in one of mine because of this I think, and although I have three masks now it tends to be the same one gets used all the time.
I've just stuck the other two on a nice sunny windowsill.

 

[Turbo]

Just to clarify, they don't have to be switched on, just standing in the sunlight?
I had to replace the lens unit in one of mine because of this I think, and although I have three masks now it tends to be the same one gets used all the time.
I've just stuck the other two on a nice sunny windowsill.

Not sure about switching on.
I didn't really have an on switch on any mask I've done this on.

 

[harveyp6]

I'll leave them switched off and see what happens. Leaving them on is definitely going to drain the batteries.

 

[Turbo]

The welding process gives off uv light that is supposed to charge the mask as you weld.
If you don't do any welding for a long time the battery will go flat.
That's why you need to store them somewhere that gets natural light.

You were lucky that you could get access to the solar panel wiring. A lot of these masks have the electronics covered in potting compound, including the battery. This makes repairs very difficult.