TV triggers an auto-darkening helmet!

joshuabardwell · Oct 19, 2012

Before I start using my auto-darkening helmet, I always turn it off and back on again. When it's turned on, it flicks dark for a moment, which assures me that the batteries are working and all. Then, before I start welding, I put the rod just out of my peripheral vision and drag it to make sparks, to check that the sensors are working too. The "flick" of dark is pretty subtle, so the other night when I was about to weld, I went indoors and stared at a lamp through the lens so I could see it. As I turned away, the hood went dark! Something in the room was triggering the sensors! I finally figured out that it was my LCD television, so that was kind of cool and unexpected. I did a little more experimentation, and it appears to be any fluorescent light that triggers it. They must put out a bunch of UV, in addition to visible light. My television, not being the absolute latest and greatest, has fluorescent backlights instead of the newer LED.

I suppose if I really cared to, I could keep a small blacklight flashlight in my welding kit, to easily confirm the functioning of my hood. It may sound like overkill, but I've accidentally flashed myself once (before I got the auto-hood) and I don't intend to repeat the experience when (not if) my hood finally bites the dust.

undercut · Oct 20, 2012

To test my helmet, I point my TV remote at the sensor and press a button. Depending on how the remote sends its signal, it will either send a single long signal or a bunch of short signals while a button is pressed. If you have a spare remote or one you don't use for anything, this can be handy for testing. Cheers!

SHORT KID · Oct 20, 2012

Try using your torch striker and see if that darkens it.

murphy1244 · Oct 20, 2012

joshuabardwell said:
Before I start using my auto-darkening helmet, I always turn it off and back on again. When it's turned on, it flicks dark for a moment, which assures me that the batteries are working and all. Then, before I start welding, I put the rod just out of my peripheral vision and drag it to make sparks, to check that the sensors are working too. The "flick" of dark is pretty subtle, so the other night when I was about to weld, I went indoors and stared at a lamp through the lens so I could see it. As I turned away, the hood went dark! Something in the room was triggering the sensors! I finally figured out that it was my LCD television, so that was kind of cool and unexpected. I did a little more experimentation, and it appears to be any fluorescent light that triggers it. They must put out a bunch of UV, in addition to visible light. My television, not being the absolute latest and greatest, has fluorescent backlights instead of the newer LED.

I suppose if I really cared to, I could keep a small blacklight flashlight in my welding kit, to easily confirm the functioning of my hood. It may sound like overkill, but I've accidentally flashed myself once (before I got the auto-hood) and I don't intend to repeat the experience when (not if) my hood finally bites the dust.

I would of loved to see you walking around the house like jason playing with your helmet.

CNC Dan · Oct 20, 2012

Just the flint sparks from a butane lighter will trigger it. I test if I haven't used it for a while.

And even if it doesn't darken, you still have UV and IR protection.

The kid · Oct 20, 2012

I have one of those flame helmets from Arbour Freight and it has a dial which turns off AD when grinding. I have twice forgot to turn the AD back on and got flashed. Lesson learned. Now it's the first thing I check. It was more like a strong camera flash afterwards. I have a bunch of old remotes and tape a hook to it to hang on my welder stand. That's a good tip.

joshuabardwell · Oct 20, 2012

CNC Dan said:
And even if it doesn't darken, you still have UV and IR protection.

That is an excellent point. If I do flash myself, I may see spots, but I won't get "arc eye".

joshuabardwell · Oct 20, 2012

The kid said:
I have one of those flame helmets from Arbour Freight and it has a dial which turns off AD when grinding. I have twice forgot to turn the AD back on and got flashed. Lesson learned. Now it's the first thing I check. It was more like a strong camera flash afterwards. I have a bunch of old remotes and tape a hook to it to hang on my welder stand. That's a good tip.

Right. I have the same helment, and it's "grind mode" that I'm concerned about. I try to apply some of the same discipline that I learned with firearms, and create a mental procedure whereby every time I take the helmet off or stop welding, I check that it's back on again before I strike another arc. Currently, I do that by scratching sparks out of my peripheral vision, but having a simpler way to do it might be nice. Eh. Then again, it might just be a hassle. Striking the arcs isn't that hard.