Auto darkening helmet blinding me?

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Just wondering if my helmet is defective or this is normal..I just got a Jackson Halo X Arctic helmet... my first autoI noticed since I bought it that there is quite a bit of delay before the lens darkens.  I estimate the delay to be about 1/4 to 1/8 of a second.It's not a huge delay but tonight I was doing some stitch welding (where you strike an arc repeatedly instead of running a continuous bead) and in doing this I got really annoyed because each time I struck an arc it was blinding me slightly until I had a blind spot like after you look strait into a light bulb.  Also sometimes when I would stop welding and try to inspect the weld the lens would stay dark... the only way I could get it to clear was to look up at the wall.  And there wasn't any molten metal or anything down in the weld.  The other weird thing is I have florescent lights in my garage and if I look up at the lights through the helmet the lens will darken... Even on the lowest sensitivity.  I've heard some people say that they look into the sun with their auto helmets and they don't darken.  Even now, an hour after I stopped welding..  My vision still feels a little funny... I have a slight blind spot like I was staring into some bright lights with no protection.Anyway is this normal behavior for a jackson auto or did I get a defect?
Reply:what setting do you have your helmet?Drink a Guinness Draught....Millermatic 140Do you still rememberDecember's foggy freeze --when the ice thatclings on to your beard isscreaming agony.
Reply:Originally Posted by GiddyWelderwhat setting do you have your helmet?
Reply:Yes, the lens should darken instantly.Some things to check-Ensure the batteries are fully charged.  If not fully charged, the lens can act crazy just before it dies and won't darken anymore untill fresh batteries are put in.Ensure the outter cover lens is clean.Ensure the light sensors have a direct view of the arc.My EQC's will darken with flourescent lights and shop lights if they're bright enough and the sensitivity is set high enough.  I normally leave the sensitivity almost to minimum.  To make it darken from sunlight, I usually have to turn the sensitivity up more.The delay time is adjustable.  Set it to mininum delay time if you are doing repeated tack welds and you won't have to wait so long for it to go back to clear after the weld is done.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i had bad experiences with ad's..as you are describing.had a radnor, they replaced the mechanism, still nfg. now  i only use it to pee in. i bought a $40 huntsman and experimented with lenses, (found a #9 gold was best for me).keep coverplates clean and see real well when the arc  comes on..just my opinion.
Reply:I have another thread going on with my HTP helmet.  I've seen it advertised 1/10000 of a second to 1/25000 of a second but 1/16 of a second or more is way too long.  My helmet does darken when looking up at a flouescent light but only in the highest sensitivity.It works well when doing 1/8" or more but flashes me when I do low amps.
Reply:Well I went to the welding shop today and told them what was going on... They offered to swap out the lens in my helmet for another one.When I got home this new lens is exhibiting the same behavior.  If I'm doing stitch welding by the forth or fifth stitch it's hard to see what I'm working on because I have a blind spot.Is it not possible to stitch weld with auto helmets?  Are they all like this?  The shop offered to swap out the helmet for a different model if I was not satisfied and I think I'm going to go that route.  I'm going to try another auto (Maybe the miller hobby pro or a speedglass... maybe even miller elite) and hopefully get better results.-tibimLast edited by tibim; 11-03-2009 at 08:48 PM.
Reply:Exactly which model of EQC lens are you using?I've been using EQC Pro Variable lenses for a few years now and have never experienced the problems you're talking about.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:It is the Jackson Arctic EQC...  It's supposed to be good down to -13F.  Bought it because I live in Alaska.Like this one: http://store.cyberweld.com/jawehearauda.htmlI don't know if the slow reaction time is a byproduct of increased operating temperature range.... But it definitely does not work well for stitch welding.I cannot find it on Jackson's site anymore... Maybe it's been discontinued.  I was trying to look up the response time specs.Last edited by tibim; 11-03-2009 at 09:43 PM.
Reply:I would be on the phone to someone at Jackson...Not that i don't trust my LWS, but something just isn't right.The best things in life all come on a stick!
Reply:I don't have the same problems with my Miller Elite.Can turn slowly toward a halogen lamp and will not darken usually but if I suddenly turn towards the light it darkens.  When welding it darkens so fast I never see the brightness of the arc.Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:I have a cheap auto darking helmet from harbor freight, it has always darkened immediately on striking an arc. Tacking has never been a problem either. I had to replace the batteries once, but it went dark and stayed dark then.Rob H.
Reply:Hmm.. I've never heard of a special Arctic lens.  I would call Jackson and tell them what it's doing and see what they say.1-800-253-7281www.jacksonsafety.comMM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Simple fixBuy a Homer Simpson fixed shade helmet, and forget about it.  The things actually workNo batteries, no sensors to block, and look pretty cool too.Mmmmmmmm DONUTS!!!!!!!!!!I don't trust a darn thing when it comes to my eyes.  You gonna believe some manufacturer that tells ya that the AD helmets are safe????????  Probably the same doods that used to manufacture asbestos insulation"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Samm, they're safe, as long as they're working properly.   I use my fixed shade hoods too sometimes.  I switched to auto when I started doing volume production welding.  Too much hood flipping with the old hood, tires out the neck.  I like the autos, so I stuck with them even though I don't do production anymore.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Set the sensitivity so that it flashes over to the dark state.  then back it of till it changes back to undarkened.  That will set the sensitivity for the lighting conditions you are in.  Now the fact it stays dark after welding tells me that you have the delay set up. Turn it all the way down if you want instant action.  Or better still go get a miller digital elite.  That’s what I have.  They are very sensitive and user friendly.
Reply:A Homer Helmet always works properly, unless ya take it off and hang it on the wall Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Call Jackson directly.  My Jackson AD is the best hood I've ever owned, and IMO, the best AD unit out there.  They've got great customer service and will set things straight.
Reply:I just went ahead and returned the hood to my local welding shop.  Thankfully they were very helpful and took it back without hesitation.  Excellent service from them.I don't think there was anything wrong since I tried another EQC and it exhibited the same behavior.  I think the "arctic" EQC just isn't good for tacking or stitch welding.  I have seen some helmets say they are not to be used for this(like the miller pro hobby for example).  I think the arctic falls in this category.  My eyes still feel a little funny, especially looking at the computer screen.So I did my research on another hood...I've ordered another helmet which unfortunately my welding shop didn't stock(would have loved to pick it up from them after the good service), a speedglas 9100x...  This seems like it will be a much better helmet, although at a higher cost.  Hopefully it lasts a lifetime.Last edited by tibim; 11-04-2009 at 08:10 PM.
Reply:I owned a Jackson Journeyman AD fixed shade 10 for yrs.  When it ceased to operate anymore I went looking for another.  Both LWS that I do bussiness with and who were Jackson stocking dealers have discontinued dealing with or stocking any type of Jackson AD helmet.  Their comments almost were identical in that the Jackson brands were exhibiting too many problems when compared to other brands and that the Jackson company became too dificult to deal with concerning warranty and defective equipment issues.   So, I fell back on my fixed shade hood of old til I get an ARC ONE module which neither of my LWS stock or order.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Please excuse if this was already addressed, but....my cheapie HF has two switches inside.  (1) sensitvity, and (2) delay, the last of which could cause the problem you mention.  I just double checked to make sure I was not talking through my hat...uh...helmet .
Reply:I have had a Speedglas for several years now and have no complaints.  I have neve tried another brand so I can't bash any of the others.  It is very lite weight and very adjustable for low amp work.Dan
Reply:Originally Posted by tibimI just went ahead and returned the hood to my local welding shop.  Thankfully they were very helpful and took it back without hesitation.  Excellent service from them.I don't think there was anything wrong since I tried another EQC and it exhibited the same behavior.  I think the "arctic" EQC just isn't good for tacking or stitch welding.  I have seen some helmets say they are not to be used for this(like the miller pro hobby for example).  I think the arctic falls in this category.  My eyes still feel a little funny, especially looking at the computer screen.So I did my research on another hood...I've ordered another helmet which unfortunately my welding shop didn't stock(would have loved to pick it up from them after the good service), a speedglas 9100x...  This seems like it will be a much better helmet, although at a higher cost.  Hopefully it lasts a lifetime.
Reply:If the delay is set to slow, the lens should remain dark the short time between arc strikes.Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180Originally Posted by tresiMy Miller pro hobby works for tacking and stitching. Didn't see anything in the manual advising not to use it for that.
Reply:Originally Posted by waginIf the delay is set to slow, the lens should remain dark the short time between arc strikes.
Reply:Originally Posted by tibimIt's on Miller's site for the Pro-Hobby™ FS #10 helmet.  This is the for the #10 fixed shade.  They say "Not recommended for industrial applications as well as TIG or repetitive tack welding applications. "  Just pointing out that some helmets are designed in a way where they're not recommended for tacking/stitching.  I guess most autos handle it fine, but I don't think the arctic EQC did. The new Speedglas 9100x I'm getting has a special tack mode where the lens lightens to #5 instead of #3 while in this mode.  So some manufacturers take special measures to provide extra functionality while using their helmets for tacking, and for some models it's not recommended at all.
Reply:Hey TIBIM,  just a thought on your AD woes.   Not sure if you have a solar or battery powered unit.   We use mostly battery powered units, have probably 50 - 60 in the shop of all brands and types and never ever had any problems.  We also have had some solar powered units and still have a few out there. These seem to be more troublesome. First off they have to be fully charged when taken out of the box, usually have to be put outside ALL DAY in the sun to fully charge them. Once this is done, they will charge by the arc flash sort of. If you only use this type of AD inside you'll always seem to have some problems. If used outside ALL the time, they work okay. We have 40 -50 inside guys and 15 - 20 outside field guys and some ( a few ) like the solar units, some don't care, and all won't do without. We get better work performance, less complaints, less injuries, less down time repairng helmets and head bands(head gear) from flipping all day, and more product turnout with AD's.  You know you done a days work when you had a welding helmet stapped to your noggin for 10 hours a day.ESAB250w/spool gun attachMillerBobcat 225GMIllerEconotig 150MillerSynchrowave 350LincolnLn25Miller Xtreme 12SHobartMegaArc 300DMillerTrailblazer 44G2004FL70 14'mechanics body14k crane 70cfm compr
Reply:That charging issue is one reason I got the all battery powered EQC when I switched to auto dark when I was working in my production job.  It was all inside work so I thought a solar one might not charge right.  The batteries are just normal over the counter AAA's and no hassle to replace them.  Simple, I like it that way.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Ya know I bought a jackson auto darkining helmet a long time back when they first came out.  it had the same problem and in addition to that it was all blurry looking through it.  when I took it back to the dealer to complain he reached inside and pulled the protective plastic stick on covering off and pulled one off of the front to and handed it back and said ok try it now.  I got to say I felt pretty stupid as it worked perfect.  I usued it all the time for stiching and never had a problem.  In the end I went back to the huntsman helmets as they are just so much lighter.
Reply:I have a very 'thorough' personality, I don't feel right knowing all the options before making a choice that I have time to make.  So when I did my searches for a welding helmet, I looked at it all.  I considered just getting a lens and making a mask out of cardboard and a strap, but I found something I liked way more.  It's called 'accu-strike'.  The helmet is perfect in my eyes, I haven't had a single problem with it, I've been using it for a few months now.  The toughest part was adjusting the helmet to fit my head, but it's hard to call that tough.  The helmet's best feature is the jaw operated lens.  Essentially, you can lift the visor that contains the dark lens (I use gold 10) and it exposes a clear plastic lens so you can see.  It's quick, and you aren't being blinded for that moment before the auto-darkening helmet activates.  Only once have I flashed myself, I had my foot on the pedal, it wasn't pleasant.  Even the most expensive precision auto-darkening helmet cannot compete with this idea or product.Miller 330 a/bp water cooledI believe in gun control, I hold my gun with two hands.  If you want to know why, click here.Buy American or bye America.
Reply:To be honest, I was never a fan of the auto lens. My eyes would always burn before I'd strike an arc.. I'd actually cringe a little cause of the sting it'd cause my eyes.. Fixed lens for me. The first 3-4 hours the auto lenses run just fine, but after that... Maybe I just had a lemon but no more auto lenses for meLast edited by tx-pipeliner; 01-15-2010 at 10:21 PM.