Dead auto darkening helmet

[hizoot]

Mine did this a couple of years ago....naturally just out of warranty. It had been awhile since I had used it. Got to thinking back on the last use, and remembered loaning it and my Miller 135 to a friend. He had brought it back to me in the back of his truck....during a drizzling rain. Evidently water didnt mix well with the electronics. So...not only did my "friend" not replace the cutting wheels, mixed gas, welding wire (of which most was gone) my helmet was fried too. lesson learned

 

[hizoot]

Mine did this a couple of years ago....naturally just out of warranty. It had been awhile since I had used it. Got to thinking back on the last use, and remembered loaning it and my Miller 135 to a friend. He had brought it back to me in the back of his truck....during a drizzling rain. Evidently water didnt mix well with the electronics. So...not only did my "friend" not replace the cutting wheels, mixed gas, welding wire (of which most was gone) my helmet was fried too. lesson learned

I'm sorry guys. I just realized this is my first post...after lurking for awhile. Not a good way to introduce myself with the complaining and whatnot. I promise to be better in the future....

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I'm sorry guys. I just realized this is my first post...after lurking for awhile. Not a good way to introduce myself with the complaining and whatnot. I promise to be better in the future....

Well we'll forgive you if you buy the first round of coffee.....
Welcome to TBN.. Now that you have posted something add wisdom to the site when you can.. Sorry about your helmet being cooked. Sometimes I will take rubbing alcohol and a brush to component boards to clean off battery poo or corrosion..which sometimes helps

 

[OrangeinWis]

I have a Miller helmet (part number 217290) that I haven't used in a few months. Took it out of its bag and it wouldn't turn on. Replaced the battery, but no go. Left it in the sun for a few minutes, but still nothing. Any suggestions for trouble shooting, or is this a case of looking for a new helmet?

Thanks,

Ihfarm, I have a Miller Elite that uses 2 batteries, and experienced the same exact problem. I changed three sets of batteries, tried charging it in the sun, in the workshop lights, left it on the dash of the work truck all day, all to no avail. I asked one of my wife's customers (he works at Miller Electric in my town) to help me, he gave me a number for cust. support. They said the module was probably bad, and told me to take it to Airgas and have them look at it. I took it there, knowing Airgas as a top notch welding supply house, they said they're not equipped to test the modules on these hoods though.
Decided to look harder at it myself, what could I lose, all indications were that the hood was kaput, and I was looking at buying a new one. I started at the batteries again, and thought of how I'm always telling the kids to take the back off and give the battery a spin, and abracadabra, that stupid dead remote works again. Magic! So, I removed the batteries, cleaned the contacts with alcohol, scratched them a little with sandpaper, and as an afterthought, gave the contacts a little bend with a small needlenose to grab the battery a little tighter, threw the batteries back in, and lookit that, the hood fired right up and has been working fine for over a year now. Hope this helps, these hoods are not low-priced items, please post back if you get it running again

 

[gwdixon]

I'm sorry guys. I just realized this is my first post...after lurking for awhile. Not a good way to introduce myself with the complaining and whatnot. I promise to be better in the future....

This site is a great help to many people. That is what it is designed for. Helping is part of the fun so your participation just adds to the joy.

Nobody is complaining about your post and responders are happy to try to come up with a solution where indicated. It is good mental exercise after sitting on a tractor all day.:laughing: In your case it is a chance to blow off some steam and share an experience that may help others.

Ihfarm: I, too, have the Miller Elite and find it well suited to the job. Miller's reputation is top notch so the company will probably make it right in the end. They don't need to be perceived as abandoning customers.

 

[lhfarm]

Been out of town, so haven't gotten back to the helmet. I have a note into Miller, but haven't heard anything. The battery arrangement is odd and may be the cause of the problem. The plastic "cap" holds the battery in place, while the "+" contact is made on the side of the battery. I'll make sure everything is shiny and clean

More later,

 

[IXLR8]

Been out of town, so haven't gotten back to the helmet. I have a note into Miller, but haven't heard anything. The battery arrangement is odd and may be the cause of the problem. The plastic "cap" holds the battery in place, while the "+" contact is made on the side of the battery. I'll make sure everything is shiny and clean

More later,

To clean the contacts... I would start with a good pencil eraser. Clean contacts in helmet and on batteries, avoid sandpaper unless you are using 600grit or finer.

 

[lhfarm]

I've had a couple of notes from a tech at Miller. He recommended cleaning the contacts and bending them for better contact - same advice I got here . Still doesn't work. I'm going to pick up a different battery and try that.

I'll keep reporting.

 

[lhfarm]

I picked up a different brand battery. Still doesn't work. I find it hard to believe I'm not making good contact, but am still hoping that is the problem. There is lots of movement once you insert the battery. I may try wiring up some external leads to see if I can get power in that fashion.

I'll continue to post.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I have a Hobart that sounds like the same as the OP. In addition to the replacable batteries, there is a Lithium battery inside, probably soldered in place somewhere. I assume that the arc charges the Lithium. I've had mine about 6 years and use it frequently. I don't remember the last time I replaced batteries.