ESAB Eyetech II 5-13 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

[citizen kane]

I do a fair amount of Tig work on thin steel building bike frames. I find my current Speedglass a bit dark and I like the idea of a 5 to 13 shade also the shop are doing a good price. Previously I had an ESAB eyetech in which the batteries died after a few years and unlike my Speedglass, you cant simply replace them. Anyone know if the Eyetech II's have user serviceable batteries in them or are they throw away when dead.

 

[Shox Dr]

Can't vouch for the ESAB, As I use a Optrel Satellite and use that for TIG down to 10amps all the time and find it the Best lid I've used

 

[marceleitor]

check the optrel e680 (the newer version of the optrel satellite). 5 to 13 shade. You can change the batteries, it claims to be good enough for 1.5 amps. Another nice choise is the e670 because it automatically select the protection level and constantly adapt it to the welding application using the intensity of the arc during the welding process, but the shade only goes from 9 to 13...


http://www.optrel.com/doc/manuals/expert/Optrel_e680_Manual_us.pdf

optrel.com

 

[NTwoO]

As I understood, the ESAB helmets use the optrel lenses

 

[citizen kane]

Thanks guys, I've had a look at the Optrel and its a similar price to the ESAB so looks like a good alternative.

 

[weldequip]

The ESABs do use the Optrel LCD cartridge yes, but have much nicer headgear

 

[citizen kane]

Does this mean the ESAB batteries can be replaced ?

 

[weldequip]

No, they're sealed inside the LCD cartridge. So long as the battery has some charge from the solar panel - by storing in natural light - they will last many years. It's storing them out of light for ages that kills em.

 

[Welderpaul]

I have the bad habit of leaving mine face down on the bench, blocking the solar panel, when i stick it back on i end up catching a flash when its first used, then it works as it should. If i remember and lay it on its side, it's ok. Is it on its way out?

 

[Shox Dr]

No, they're sealed inside the LCD cartridge. So long as the battery has some charge from the solar panel - by storing in natural light - they will last many years. It's storing them out of light for ages that kills em.

And therein lies the problem, I don't like leaving my lid about. The lens get dirty and there is no good way to clean them without scratching them, and as you know they're not cheap. So I keep my lid in a Helmet bag when not in use.

What's the answer?

 

[weldequip]

Is it on its way out?

Sounds like it Paul...buy yourself another in the shop!
Could just be sh1te on the lenses obsuring the sensors?

 

[weldequip]

And therein lies the problem, I don't like leaving my lid about. The lens get dirty and there is no good way to clean them without scratching them, and as you know they're not cheap. So I keep my lid in a Helmet bag when not in use.

What's the answer?

Not a problem, they can be in stock at the manufacturer/wholesaler/retailer for weeks, maybe months, sat in their box & are completely unaffected. I'm talking ages before the battery completely discharges to the point where it won't re-hold any charge.

 

[Welderpaul]

Sounds like it Paul...buy yourself another in the shop!
Could just be sh1te on the lenses obsuring the sensors?

Lenses are usually quite clean - i change the clear screens quite often.

I'll go to the shop...I'll take 10 please

 

[English Steve]

Lenses are usually quite clean - i change the clear screens quite often.

I'll go to the shop...I'll take 10 please

Coo, thanks Paul - that'll be one each for the 'older' forum members I assume?