Customs Auto darkening helmet question

I have owned a Shademaaster Tradesman auto darkening lens for my helmet for quite some time now. It is solar charged with an internal battery(no compartment). I tried to use it Saturday and wouldn't darken. Left it out in sun for a few hours, tried it again last night, still doesn't darken.

I tried searching for recharging instructions but to no avail. Anyone know if there is a procedure for "refreshing" these solar type shades?

 

Sometimes those auto-darkens have a small battery that the solar cells re-charge, also the UV from the weld arc is supposed to charge them as well.. Maybe the battery finally gave up the ghost?

 

Don't mess around, man.......if there is ANY question to the shade not flipping, then replace the helmet.

Even if the helmet only lasted three years, it saved you a ton of headaches and neck aches from all the nodding you would have done with a regular helmet.

Carl Hagan

 

putting mine out in the sun has always brought it back to a good charge.

I'd google the name of yours and see if there are any instructions online.

 

As they age the internal battery gets to where it doesn't take much of a charge anf then where ity doesn't take any charge. If you can't replace the battery then chunk it and buy a new helment. Horrable freight has some Auto Darkening if its just for occasional use. If it's for work or daily use then spend the big bucks.

 

I'd be careful on just laying it out in the sun. I'd scrapped a helmet that way already, when I went & picked it up off the loading dock....the shade was just flipping back & fourth by itself, without using a lighter for the spark test....it was just flipping back & fourth and was still flipping when I tossed it.

Carl Hagan

 

Replace the interal battery. You'll probably have to use a screwdriver but it's likely just a AAA

 

My Lincoln requires that you 'push" the corner or the lens to activate. Then the light switches it light to dark. After 10 min or so of no activity, you have to push the lens again..................

 

I replace mine about every 2-3 years. Not worth taking a chance to me, I only get this one set of eyes and they are getting worn out as it is.

Put it in the sun for several hours, what have you got to loose? Its either junk as is, or it may be junk after sitting in the sun. If that doesn't revive it, toss it and buy a new one. Gene

 

Its The battery. Most are aout the size of a Nickle. If its bad you could leave it in the sun for a week and it wont help. Ive had an autodarking helmet since they first came out and all b ut one time it was the battery finally gone bad..

 

Thanks for the suggestions and input. The battery is built in and not replaceable on this one. I did read in one of the google searches last night that the battery can go low through inactivity, and should be recharged before use. Unfortunately, that has been the case, so will try leaving in front window at home today to recharge. If that doesn't work, time to pick up new one. Maybe even get a cheater lens for it; sometimes required as I get older.

 

Before you toss it, try shining a work light on the weld area. Mine does not work on overcast days under a white awning without a little extra light.