Helmet batteries

[slim_boy_fat]

I had to replace the batteries [2 x 3-volt CR2450s] in the helmet yesterday and it occurred to me that they hadn't lasted long. When I checked them with the meter they showed 2.7 and 2.6V still there. How low you you expect them to drop before the screen stopped going dark?

Anyhoo, I've been looking on the 'Bay for rechargeable replacements, but can only find 3.7V L-ion ones at c. £3 each - not that price is a major consideration. Will the higher V b*gger up the internal electronics or would I be safe to go with them?

Also, I noted that some listings say "charge fully before use" - how do you do that if the only way to charge them is in the helmet? Stick them in and leave the helmet in the sun for a while? [Dopey question, I know....]

 

[Dcal]

Have a look in Lidl, the have multi packs over here for a couple of quid.

 

[Craig-SM]

How often are you using the helmet as rechargeable tend to discharge faster over time so you could go to use it and find the batteries flat. I'd stick with standard batteries.

 

[Shox Dr]

I’ve aload of measuring equipment that tales CR2032 batteries. Most of them dont shut down completely, so drain the little batteries if left fitted. So I find it easier and cheaper to just remove them after use.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

How often are you using the helmet as rechargeable tend to discharge faster over time so you could go to use it and find the batteries flat. I'd stick with standard batteries.

Not as often as I'd like [or should ]. It's just more of a nuisance when the 'normal' ones don't work. What's with the apparent 'decent' charge held, yet not enough to fire the darkening?

 

[Craig-SM]

Not sure what make of helmet you have but a solar powered one might be better suited.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Not sure what make of helmet you have but a solar powered one might be better suited.

It's just a cheap eBay job, but it does have a charging strip on it.

 

[Dcal]

Get a £20 Lidl one they take AAAs

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Get a £20 Lidl one they take AAAs

I'd imagine they'd last even shorter.

 

[Craig-SM]

I got this one from Machine Mart and despite it sitting covered up in a box for 3 months before I used it, first time I used it just worked as it should

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-arc-activated-grindingwelding-headshie/

I then found out the Optrel WeldCap I got with a welder isn’t just a piece of Chinese junk. I now flit between the two and reaction times between the two are similar but the Optrel has wider and clearer optics

 

[Dcal]

I'd imagine they'd last even shorter.

Maybe yes maybe no, but at least you will be able to get batteries anywhere.

I've the lidl and a miller that was 10 times the price and I use both for everything.
Sure the miller is a nicer and better lid but the Lidl is perfectly fine.

 

[Wallace]

Try leaving it facing a window John, I do that with both my Optrel masks.

 

[Turbo]

I had to replace the batteries [2 x 3-volt CR2450s] in the helmet yesterday and it occurred to me that they hadn't lasted long. When I checked them with the meter they showed 2.7 and 2.6V still there. How low you you expect them to drop before the screen stopped going dark?

Anyhoo, I've been looking on the 'Bay for rechargeable replacements, but can only find 3.7V L-ion ones at c. £3 each - not that price is a major consideration. Will the higher V b*gger up the internal electronics or would I be safe to go with them?

Also, I noted that some listings say "charge fully before use" - how do you do that if the only way to charge them is in the helmet? Stick them in and leave the helmet in the sun for a while? [Dopey question, I know....]

I think some of those lids have an internal rechargeable cell that gets charged when you are welding. If you store it covered up it goes flat then the coin cells will go flat too, especially if you are not using it regularly. Leave it somewhere so that light can get to the solar panel to keep the battery charged. If it has been flat a while you might need to leave it somewhere sunny for a few hours.

I used to store my lid in the cupboard & it ate batteries. It now lives on the gas bottle of my mig in a well lit shed & the batteries last for months!

 

[Turbo]

Maybe yes maybe no, but at least you will be able to get batteries anywhere.

I've the lidl and a miller that was 10 times the price and I use both for everything.
Sure the miller is a nicer and better lid but the Lidl is perfectly fine.

I've one of those lidl lids & I agree they are nearly as good as much more expensive lid.

I thought the aaa batteries just supplied the led light but one night I forgot to turn off the light, ran down the batteries & it wouldn't darken for welding!

 

[Wallace]

I have replaced the Optrel sealed in cells in a couple of lids and they are normal button cells, I don’t remember seeing any other battery in there unless it uses a capacitor charging from the solar panel. I might still have the bits of one to check.

 

[scottmk1]

My Miller helmet also does this. I don't use it a very often but it's a right pain when you go to do some welding and it's dead as a dodo!!!