Auto darkening helmet failure

[hugenostrils]

I have had an ESAB eyetech and now an Optrel Sattelite helmet which have stopped working after a couple of years. Has anyone else had this problem with 'solar powered' helmets or have I just been unlucky.

Has anyone tried changing the rechargable battery in the sealed casette?

 

[Paul.]

I reckon 2 years is about right for an Esab, I've had 3 of these now and they always seem to pack up just out of warranty

 

[MarkG]

ESAB use Optrel cartridges in their headshields... well in the Eyetech range anyway.

Warranty is generally about 18 months with both manufacturers....and depending on use can last a fair few years. One of our customers has just had his ESAB one pack in after 8 years...and that's in constant use 9hrs a day. I guess he got lucky.

There is a way of changing the internal battery, but it's not overly easy.

If you want a decent replacable battery headshield, go for the Speedglas 9000 series. Not cheap, but are a good lid.

 

[miller]

I was given a brand new Optrel mask ,loved it, but only lasted just over a year it was sent back under warrenty the replacement lasted about the same amount of time .I'm glad i did'ent fork out the £160+ +vat for it. Then tried a £30 chinese one , not very good at all .Now have a american one £60 its ok but not as good as the optrel ,(when it was working correctly.)

 

[fingers99]

I picked up a Speedglas on eBay and reconditioned it. I think every part is replaceable apart from the shell itself.

Even at Speedglas dealer prices the batteries only cost about 6 quid: probably £3 at ASDA!