Keep getting Flashed with HTP helmet on 1/16

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I got the Carbon Fiber looking Helmet from HTP, Auto-DarkeningThis hood flashes me whenever I use 1/16 tungsten or low amperage like for 16 gauge steel.I just switched from 2% Thoriated to 1.5% Lanthanated and the 1/16 always flashed me.The 2% Thoriated tungsten in 3/32 also flashes me when doing low amperage for 16 gauge.I've got the setting to HIGH for Sensitivity and 12 on the Dark setting.  Recharged it in the sun for a whole day.I'm going to switch to a traditional helmet for these low amps stuff, which sucks because those are the delicate welds where I need the auto-darken feature.I haven't had a problem with doing 3/32 tungsten for 1/8" steel though. The Helmet performs well for that.Last edited by coolcat2002; 11-01-2009 at 08:11 PM.
Reply:What's the sensitivity control for on auto-darkening helmets?It's to stop you getting flashed, as is happening.Apparently your helmet has such device--try it.Also try lower shade setting.Make sure that you're not blocking the sensors light path to the arc.That's very easy to do. This low-end helmet just may not have adequate sensitivity controlas the high end units do...or it's got other problems.The high end units have sensors both above and below the viewplate, which really help to prevent arc path blocking.Last edited by dave powelson; 11-01-2009 at 08:18 PM.Reason: additionBlackbird
Reply:You're not blocking the sensors, are you?A guy that was in school with me wayyyy back had a cheap jackson autodarkening with only 2 sensors. He would get flashed quite often no matter what he was doing, if his arms or mig gun/tig torch whatever... got in the way of the sensors to the arc.So he'd complain about getting flashed quite often.
Reply:Does the helmet also have batteries?  I was surprised to learn my auto-darkening solar-powered helmet also needed a pair of AAA batteries.  I learned it when it started flashing me.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:Dirty lens, low batteries, sensitivity set too low can all cause flashing.  Or, maybe the lens just doesn't read that low of light level.I've been usin 2-sensor Jackson hoods for years and very rarely get flashed due to sensors being blocked.  I do know to be concious of head position in relation to obstacles though.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Well it works fine if the amps is for 1/8" steel so it's not the battery or sensors.It seems to darken better with 2% thoriated tungsten, if that makes sense.
Reply:What machine are you using?  My old Jackson EQC would not reliably darken when welding with DC after I bought a Dynasty 300DX . . . even at 150 amps . . . it worked fine with the Synchrowave.  After some experimenting, I found that it worked with pulsed DC.  I set the frequency at 200 hz with max current time at 95% and min current level at 50%.   I replaced the EQC with a Jackson NexGen and have no more problems.
Reply:That's interesting.  Both of my Jackson EQC's darken just fine with all the welding machines I own and several I don't own that I've welded with, including a Dynasty 300DX and a Dynasty 350, both in AC and DC.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33That's interesting.  Both of my Jackson EQC's darken just fine with all the welding machines I own and several I don't own that I've welded with, including a Dynasty 300DX and a Dynasty 350, both in AC and DC.
Reply:Originally Posted by HassYou're not blocking the sensors, are you?A guy that was in school with me wayyyy back had a cheap jackson autodarkening with only 2 sensors. He would get flashed quite often no matter what he was doing, if his arms or mig gun/tig torch whatever... got in the way of the sensors to the arc.So he'd complain about getting flashed quite often.