Why doesn't the darkening work on chameleon welding helmets?

Like all other welding helmets, the Chameleon protects the welder's eyes from infrared radiation. The automatically adjustable light filter operates in a convenient mode: the screen changes the degree of darkness depending on the illumination of the working field. When the Chameleon welding helmet does not darken, it is dangerous to work.

You need to figure out why the screen is not working. Sometimes it is enough to change the power supply elements and charge the battery. A dirty screen reacts worse to light; it may need to be wiped. If this does not help, it is better to turn to professionals.

  • fireproof glass that does not transmit ultraviolet and infrared radiation,
  • layers of polymer crystals that change transmission capacity,
  • In order for the filters to darken, they are connected to a current source,
  • light sensors (from 2 to 4, depending on the model),
  • connection diagram to the power supply.

Welding helmet Chameleon

At the moment of welding, a spark appears, then a luminous flux. The radiation triggers the sensors, the crystals are polarized, and the screen darkens. The welder sees the junction of metals within the range acceptable to the eye. After turning off the light source (electrode or arc), the sensors are triggered again. The screen brightens.

The tuning system regulates:

  • the degree of screen darkening, it is selected according to the instructions, depending on the type of welding,
  • sensitivity to changes in light flux,
  • shutter speed, that is, the time period for turning off the light protection.

The adjustment is made at the preparatory stage, when the serviceability of the Chameleon mask is checked before work.

How to properly prepare a welding helmet for work is written in the operating instructions. Setting up a chameleon mask includes several steps:

  • a comfortable distance from the face to the protective screen is established, this is done by loosening the clamps,
  • the position of the filter is adjusted, the comfort of viewing the working area depends on this,
  • the intensity regulator is installed: they determine in what mode the Chameleon welding mask is used, the operating instructions must contain adjustment tables,
  • depending on the current strength of the welding machine and the illumination of the workplace, the sensitivity mode is selected, high is indicated by the letter “H”, low – “L”, minimum – “L0”, it is selected experimentally, it is easy to adjust the Chameleon welder masks during work,
  • the holding time depends on the type of welding; for spot welding, a minimum interval is enough; for electrode welding, when a melt pool is formed, it is necessary for the screen to remain darkened longer.


Chameleon filter

Possible malfunctions and methods for eliminating them

  1. The screen will not respond to light unless connected to a power supply. If the model is equipped with AAA alkaloid batteries or rechargeable batteries, charging indicators are displayed in the screen area. If the red light is on, it's time to replace the batteries. Solar panels are charged while welding. If the mask does not turn on, point it towards a light source for a few minutes.
  2. If the screen darkens unevenly, check the distance from it to both eyes. Perhaps while they were adjusting the mask and adjusting it to the head, the filter shifted. It should be parallel to the face. Loosen the clamps and align the casing.
  3. If the screen flickers during welding, it may be due to the outer glass. Sometimes it is enough to wash it. In case of mechanical damage (scratches, surface chips) it must be replaced. If the filter continues to act up, check the cleanliness of the sensor surface. When there are two operating modes (welding and grinding), check which position the switch is in. The screen may flicker when low-current welding in low sensitivity mode. The desired level can be established experimentally during operation.
  4. The filter does not darken immediately in the cold. Viewing screens quickly change the degree of darkness in the temperature range from +50 to -10°C; Chameleons are not intended for harsh winters.
  5. If the weld seam is difficult to see, there may be several reasons. Sometimes the film is forgotten on the protective glass. You can try cleaning it, switching the dimming control.

Principle of operation

The appearance of the mask is not very different from classic models. The design is as follows:

  1. A housing that protects the welder from splashes of molten metal and other harmful factors.
  2. Liquid crystal multilayer light filter with the function of automatic adjustment of the darkening level, depending on the intensity of work.
  3. Module for setting and controlling the light filter.
  4. Removable power supply.

A light filter is installed in the viewing glass. It is a device with several liquid crystals. In an inactive state, they do not show themselves in any way - the glass only protects from glare. But when the light sensors signal, the filter comes into operation, rearranging the arrangement of the crystals, darkening the glass. The reaction to the flash is almost instantaneous - about 0.0005 seconds.

The filter also reacts to the end of work with a delay, the level of which is set manually.

Please note that the design, thanks to built-in filters, provides protection from infrared and ultraviolet radiation even if it breaks.

How to test a Chameleon mask without welding

When you hold down the Test button for five seconds, the filter should darken. If there is no such configuration function, you need to check Chameleon in other ways. The sensors are triggered by a powerful light beam. The filter is turned towards the light source at least three times, the screen should darken in all cases. Light protection reacts to:

Checking the Chameleon filter

  • radiation from the sun (the filter should darken and open after the exposure interval, because the flow is of constant intensity),
  • red spirals of incandescent lamps (darkening persists for the entire period of being near the emitter, it operates at an alternating current frequency),
  • a spark from a silicon lighter (the filter darkens sporadically when the wheel knocks out a spark),
  • remote control for household appliances (sensors respond to infrared radiation pulsed, the light output of the remote control is uniform),
  • smartphone screen during flash.

If the filter does not respond, check the power supply: change the batteries or batteries, charge the solar panels. The sensitivity of the filter is checked with an incandescent lamp. If the spiral is equally visible at different settings, the regulator does not work.

Work order

As an example of self-repair, consider the process of restoring a professional device, which, after five years of operation, began to show signs of malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. The cause of the breakdown was the operating mode - the mask was used several days a year.

The optimal operating mode for lithium-ion batteries is daily. If the work is seasonal, the battery requires periodic charging in the sun. It is recommended to store the mask at room temperature.

Description of the problem: at first the light filter did not work during evening work, while during the day it functioned flawlessly. After some time, the filter stopped working at any time of the day.

The following tools and materials are required for repairs:

  • Screwdriver Set;
  • Stationery knife;
  • Glue gun;
  • Lighter or matches;
  • Battery holders (2 pcs.);
  • Batteries (2 pcs.).

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

Dismantling the chameleon module

We carry out the work according to the scheme below:

General design of the welding helmet.

Scheme of dismantling the chameleon module.


Chameleon module. Inside view.

Let's open it

The front and back of the module are glued using heat sealant. Using a utility knife, make a continuous cut. Be careful not to damage important structural elements - shading glass, control module and connecting cable. In addition, the module contains glass solar cells. After modernization they will not be needed.


Internal structure of the module.

Removing solar panels and lithium battery

After dismantling the solar panels, access to lithium-ion batteries will open. All connecting wires must be removed


Remove the solar cell and lithium battery.

Installing battery holders

The type of holder depends on the specific model. In our case, the type of battery holders is CR-2025. Another area of ​​application for these power supplies is motherboards.

We connect the contacts with the holder by soldering to the terminals from the batteries, after which we attach them to glue.

The nature of the connection of the elements is serial, with connection to the positive terminal of the connection from the solar battery.

Battery holder type 2025/2032.


Batteries installed. Pay attention to the positive terminal.

Assembly and installation of the module

Place the module halves on glue. After assembly, you can check with matches - the filter should respond to a flash of light.


Module after repair.

Carrying out maintenance

Welders should inspect the Chameleon at least once a month. Dirt is removed with a soft rag or cotton cloth. Cleaning products with aggressive, oily and abrasive bases are not suitable for glass. It is important to remember that filters are fragile and cannot withstand shock loads. To get to the light sensors, the casing is dismantled. This is done when the power supply is turned off, just remove the batteries.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the protective screen:

  1. The cartridge latches are moved to the center of the filter and opened.
  2. The damaged glass is removed along with the rubber gasket, and it is replaced with a new light filter of the Chameleon mask.
  3. The assembled cartridge is installed in its working position. It should fit tightly.

When replacing the filter, remove the regulator knob and potentiometer. Then the elements are assembled in the reverse order. Be sure to check the sensitivity lever; the delay time adjustment should work perfectly so as not to catch “bunnies”.

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For individuals: sales and cash receipts, stamped warranty card and operating instructions.

Safety precautions

Before putting it on, check the settings, operating mode switches, and battery charge. Always check to see if the filter is getting dark. If it turns off during welding, the protective glass protects the eye to a small extent from IR and UV rays. But it’s safer to stop working immediately. It is dangerous to use a faulty mask. If a defect is found or the filter does not respond, the malfunction is serious and welding cannot be continued.

It must be remembered when working that the powerful radiation of the arc and molten electrodes is destructive. In addition to discomfort, this threatens to damage the retina. To prevent loss of vision, it is necessary to correctly adjust the degree of darkening of the filter.

To preserve the mask, it is important to follow the storage regime: non-functioning filters and solar panels protect from exposure to light.

Peculiarities

According to marketing and business research, Resanta holds a leading position in the welding equipment market. The company's products can be used for any type of work. The company regularly increases its range and improves product quality. The Resanta arsenal of welding helmets includes various models. This applies not only to price, but also to the functional features of the products.

Particularly noteworthy are the chameleon masks, which optimally protect the welder’s face, neck and eyes.

Contacting the service center

Additional options make repairs more difficult and increase the risk of mask failure. If the degree of darkening has decreased significantly, it is necessary to inspect the structure.

Some components cannot be repaired and require mandatory replacement. If you cannot do this yourself, you need to contact a service center. The guarantee is valid only for complete masks. If you managed to delve into it, you will have to pay for the service.

There is no point in undertaking repairs to the system board: this is a matter for professionals. It is better to contact the service center immediately. Unsuccessful DIY repairs can result in additional costs.

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