How to check a chameleon mask without welding

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

How to set up a Chameleon mask for welding

How to assemble a welding helmet - Machine tools, welding, metalworking

Every professional welder or DIYer who has to deal with this type of work knows how important it is to provide personal protection.

For example, using a high-quality and comfortable protective mask will greatly simplify the task.

It is worth noting that the use of a standard sample is not always possible, because the anthropometric data of each person is individual, so knowing how to make a welding mask with your own hands is worth it for everyone who is engaged in this difficult but important work.

Adjusting the Chameleon welding helmet

To understand how the Chameleon welding helmet works, you need to know the basic structural elements of the protective device. The overview screen has a layered structure:

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

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 convenient distance from the face to the protective screen is set, 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: it is determined 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

Types of adjustments

The following basic parameters are subject to adjustment of the chameleon mask.

Adjusting the position of the mask on the head. Reliable fixation of the mask on the head is carried out using a handle located at the back of the head and a belt passing through the top of the head.

Selecting the optimal distance from the eyes to the filter. There are latches on the mask, by loosening which you can move the filter closer or further to the eyes . After choosing the optimal distance, you should not forget about securing the clamps.

Select the dimming level. By rotating the wheel located outside the mask, the darkening mode is selected . The scale indicates levels from 0 to 16 according to the European DIN standard , where the sixteenth will have the maximum darkness. Despite the existence of all kinds of tables, each welder approaches the choice of darkening intensity in his own way, as well as the choice of the electrode and welding current.

Adjusting sensitivity. This adjustment allows you to select the optimal filter threshold . During the welding process, you can rotate the wheel to select the on/off mode, not only taking into account the intensity of the welding arc radiation. The sensitivity of the filter is influenced by the radiation of the molten metal, glare from the welding of a neighbor - a welder, and other light sources.

Adjustment of delay time. Welding technologies leave behind seams with varying degrees of cooling rates. After welding with a high current, the deposited mass will cool for a long time, and a short weld made at a low current will cool very quickly. The opening of the filter in the first case will be with a greater time delay, in the second it will open almost immediately.

Possible malfunctions and methods for eliminating them

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Why doesn’t it dim, doesn’t dim well and other faults

Chameleon protective masks, like any other welding equipment, do not last forever; they can break for various reasons. most frequently .

There is no darkening of the filter screen for radiation from the welding arc . The main reason is a broken power supply. Dead batteries should be replaced; the batteries can be recharged from the mains. Some designs use solar panels to power the electronic unit. To replenish energy, they need to be sent directly to a light source for a certain time.
Dirty protective glass causes the filter to flicker when reacting to the welding arc. It needs to be washed periodically. In case of severe mechanical damage, glass replacement is required.
Budget options from some “manufacturers” suffer from poor dimming . Low technological discipline contributes to the ingress of dust particles onto the liquid crystal layers. Such crystals can no longer close completely over the entire working surface of the screen. Ineffective darkening will cause eye inflammation after intensive work with such a mask.
Uneven darkening may cause a deviation in the horizontal position of the filter relative to the face. Eliminated by leveling the casing.
The use of masks in cold winter conditions is not intended . The filter will darken slowly, making it impossible to provide effective eye protection.
A common reason for poor visibility of the weld seam during operation arises from forgetting to remove the film from the protective glass .
Water may get into the electronic unit . A mask with such a defect should be sent to professionals for repair.
The weak point of some mask models is the contacts from the control unit to the light filter . They often break and the mask screen stops working. An example of the defect is described in the following video. The author claims that he eliminated the defect by soldering with a regular soldering iron in road conditions. Not overheating the filter during such a repair is a great success. The actual process of restoring contact is not shown in the video.

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 an exposure interval, because the flow is of constant intensity);
red spirals of incandescent lamps (darkening persists throughout 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 react to infrared radiation pulses, 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.

Instructions for using the Resanta MC2 protective mask

Before proceeding directly to welding work, you need to make sure that the light filters are turned on and their reaction to changes in lighting in the room. To perform this test, you need to put on a mask and then look at the lamp or the sun. If the dimming does not work, you need to check the wiring or replace the battery. After making sure that the dimming is working, you need to make the necessary settings. The choice of darkening power should be made based on the specific power of the welding equipment used. It is prohibited to remove the mask while performing welding work.

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:

The cartridge latches are moved to the center of the filter and opened.
The damaged glass is removed along with the rubber gasket, and it is replaced with a new light filter of the Chameleon mask.
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”.

Work order, necessary tools

If the light filter of the chameleon mask does not work, it completely eliminates its protective functions. There are two options left: throw the mask in a landfill or try to repair it. Self-repair can be carried out by familiarizing yourself with the procedure for performing the work and the tools used and materials from the video.

The most common reason for the lack of dimming is the failure of the power supply . The author immediately determined that his round factory battery had run out. Still, it is better to make sure that there is no voltage on the contacts using, for example, a multimeter.

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.

Principle of operation

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

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

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.

Welding work always involves increased eye strain. That is why a welder’s mandatory equipment set, in addition to working clothes, must include a special protective mask. Traditionally, tinted glass has been used as a filter, but it is extremely inconvenient. New welding helmets of the “Chameleon” type are much more practical and functional. But how to choose the right model?

A little about the design

The main element of the mask is a light filter made of a liquid crystal matrix. The principle of operation is to change the degree of light transmission at different voltage values.

Chameleon mask and filter circuit

In addition, the design has an initial filter element that protects against ultraviolet radiation invisible to the eye. The use of this technology has opened up new operational possibilities for welding helmets.

Possibility of automatic darkening of the filter depending on the light intensity of the welding arc.
Manual control of functions - response delay time, setting the degree of shading.
Located sensors automatically activate the matrix when the intensity of light radiation increases.

At first glance, the chameleon welding mask is the best choice. However, in addition to a high-quality light filter, there are several factors that directly affect the ease of use.

Main settings

It should be noted that the chameleon mask differs from the traditional one not only in performance, but also in price. Even the cheapest Chinese model will cost at least 2,500 rubles. Therefore, the choice must be approached with maximum responsibility. Let's consider the main parameters.

Shade level

This parameter specifies the minimum and maximum filter darkening values. In professional models, when inactive, the overview panel remains completely transparent. During welding, voltage is applied to the liquid crystal grid and it darkens. But you need to take into account that when the mask is disconnected from the power supply, the degree of filtration will be maximum.

Selection table by degree of darkness

There is a classification of this characteristic, which is expressed in standard DIN or C indicators. For welding work with an average level of arc radiation intensity, you can use models with a maximum DIN 13. But it is best to first calculate the optimal value for specific work.

Switching speed

The time of exposure to light radiation on the eyes depends on this. It is knitted with a degree of darkness. The larger the range, the slower the switching from one filtering mode to another will be.

For example:

From DIN4 to DIN13 – 400 ms.
From DIN4 to DIN9 – 200 ms.

Manufacturers indicate this characteristic as 1/X, where X is the on-time. For home use, you can choose models with a parameter of 1/10000 sec (100 µs). For continuous operation, the turn-on time should be at least two times less - 1/20000 sec (50 µs).

Classification of filters

It is defined by EN379 standards and consists of four parameters: optical class, light scattering, homogeneity and angular darkness. Each of them can have a value from 1 to 3. The accepted notation is as follows - 1/1/1/3.

Optical class. Determines the clarity of the image through the filter. Ideally, there should be no distortion of the object. There must be clear focusing.
Light scattering. As light passes through the liquid crystal grating, its direction may change. If this happens, the welder observes the object as slightly darkened. For class 1 devices, light scattering occurs without distortion.
Homogeneity. Possible uneven darkening of the filter surface. Slight deviation from the norm in the corners is allowed.
Angular degree of darkness. Characterizes the change in darkening depending on the angle of incidence of light on the filter.

Light filter

Masks with the designation 1/1/1/1 on the filter have the best possible performance parameters. For household use, you can purchase models with ½/12 ratings.

Location of the control panel and number of light sensors

The best work comfort will be provided by masks with the control unit located on the outside. It is usually located on the side. However, this is not always possible to do. Therefore, there are types in which the adjustment blocks are located on the inside.

The activation of the filter depends on the number of sensors. Usually they are installed on the front panel in the amount of 2 pieces. But when side welding, the arc does not always fall within their range of action. In this case, it is recommended to purchase masks with additional side sensors.

Manufacturers and cost

The German company OPTIMA FUBAG specializes in the production of welding equipment. Their product range includes chameleon masks. The main difference is the impact-resistant plastic from which the mask body is made. Buyers in reviews note the reliability of the filter. .

If you need a more affordable model, you can choose one of the Russian-made Caliber masks. In addition to the affordable price, one can note the large size of the filter cartridge (110*90 mm) and its fairly fast operation. .

In addition to these brands, we can note the products of the following companies - Resanta (Russia), Vita (China).

Possible degrees of adjustment

Before purchasing the selected model, it is recommended to try it on. In this case, you should pay attention to the degree of size adjustment, weight and viewing angle. It is often more profitable to buy a chameleon mask that is a little more expensive, but with better characteristics.

Hello! We gave a chameleon mask FUBAG Optima 9-13. I’m a complete amateur when it comes to welding, so I’m afraid to use it because... I don’t understand much about how it works and I’m afraid to do something on my own so as not to harm my health. Tell me how to properly set up this mask in order to protect yourself as much as possible when welding?

First you should check the serviceability of the filter. This can be done in two ways: point it towards a bright lamp or strike it in front of it with a silicon lighter. If the filter is working properly, it should darken. Next, ignite the arc and make settings according to the instructions in the operating instructions, which say the following:

The mask is intended for manual arc, argon and semi-automatic welding. If you are going to use it as PPE for laser or oxy-acetylene welding-cutting, it is not suitable for these purposes. This should be clear based on the data on dimming adjustment 9-13DIN - these are values designed for powerful arc radiation, but not for protection from an oxygen-acetylene torch and the like (read “UVEX Gas Welding Goggles”). The torch will be faintly visible.

The operating temperature of the mask ranges from (-5 ... +55) oC. At temperatures below -5, it stops working, since the liquid crystal elements freeze and do not change. You also need to be prepared for this. In cold weather, use a regular welder's shield with a replaceable filter.

Also, due to safety precautions, our Chinese friends do not advise those who suffer from myopia to wear contact lenses, even if you are working in a mask, since, we quote: “this can lead to gluing of the contact lens and the cornea of the eye,” to which our experienced ones welders answer that “if you apply an X-ray film to the back of your head during the welding process, you can get a clear image of the brain...”. This, of course, is ironic, however, you need to know that the manufacturer does not recommend using lenses, only ordinary distance glasses when welding. Perhaps this is due to moments when the filter can open arbitrarily for various reasons - at this moment dangerous ultraviolet and infrared radiation has its detrimental effect. It is generally not recommended to do any dirty/dusty work or the like in lenses.

Further, the mask will not work correctly with a flickering arc.

It is possible that all the necessary settings are already available. These and other nuances can only be clarified by igniting the arc.

Before ignition, set the operating mode knob to WELDING. Make sure that all parts of the mask are intact and that the sensor windows located on the front of the filter are not dirty. Before igniting the electrode, make sure once again that the light filter is working - strike a lighter in front of it. If you are using FUBAG Optima for the first time or after a long period of inactivity, it is recommended to expose it to the sun for half an hour to recharge.

Before starting work, you need to set the parameters that will allow you to complete the work most comfortably: adjust the degree of darkness, light sensitivity, as well as the delay time - opening speed, selected individually (for more details, see the article “Budget chameleon masks”)

The main thing is to select the degree of darkness by rotating the adjustment knob, from 9 to 13 DIN according to the following table:

Light Sensitivity: In the “Low” position, most welding work is performed. “High” is set in the argon-arc welding mode with a non-consumable electrode at low currents.

Welding helmet operating instructions

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE WELDING HELK.

ATTENTION!

A welding helmet with an automatic light filter protects the eyes and face from sparks, molten metal splashes and harmful radiation from the welding arc under normal welding conditions. The filter automatically switches from light to dark when the arc is ignited and returns to the light state when welding is completed. The welding helmet with automatic light filter is supplied fully assembled. Before use, you need to install two AAA batteries into the filter, adjust the mask according to your individual characteristics, select and set the required degree of darkness, sensitivity and delay time of the filter.

ATTENTION!

This mask is not intended for gas and laser welding and cutting.
Never place the mask and filter on a hot surface.
Do not open the filter cartridge.
This welding helmet is not intended to provide protection against severe impacts.
Do not use this welding helmet while working with explosives or corrosive liquids.
Do not make any changes to the filter or mask unless otherwise specified in these instructions. Use only spare parts specified in this manual. Making unauthorized modifications or using unauthorized parts will put the welder at risk and void your warranty.
If the filter does not darken after igniting the arc, stop welding immediately and eliminate the possible causes of the malfunction. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, contact a technician or dealer.
Do not immerse the filter in water.
Do not use solvents when cleaning the filter and other parts of the mask.
Use the mask only at temperatures between -10ºC and +55ºC.
Store the mask and filter in a dry, cool, dark place when the mask is not in use for a long time. Storage temperature from -20ºC to +70ºC.
Protect the filter from contact with liquid and dirt.
Regularly clean the surface of the light filter from dust and dirt; do not use strong cleaning solutions. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to clean optical sensors and solar cells.
Replace the outer protective glass regularly if splashes of molten metal adhere to the surface, or if pitting, cracks, scratches, unevenness or clouding appear.
The headband may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people where the adjustment straps come into direct contact with the skin.
To extend battery life, switch the filter to Grind mode after use. When the red “LOW BATTERY” LED on the inside of the filter lights up, replace the AA batteries.
Before starting welding work, adjust the mask to your liking to achieve maximum comfort and protection, install two AAA batteries in the filter, select and set the required degree of darkness, sensitivity level and filter lightening delay time depending on the conditions and method of welding.

Preparing for head size

The circumference of the headband can be increased or decreased by rotating the knob while pressing on the back of the headband (see “Y” in Fig. 1). This procedure is performed with the welding helmet on and allows you to obtain the tension necessary to securely fix the welding helmet on the head.
If the headband sits too high or too low on your head, adjust the strap that goes over the top of your head. To do this, loosen the end of the belt by pushing the locking pin out of the hole in the belt. Move the two parts of the belt relative to each other to the required length and insert the locking pin into the nearest hole (see “W” in Fig. 1).
Check the fit of the helmet by raising and lowering the welding helmet while it is on. If the headband feels loose, readjust until you get a secure fit.

Adjusting the distance from the eyes to the filter

Loosen the locking nuts (see “T” in Fig. 1) and move the mask towards or away from your face. Make sure that the distance between both eyes and the filter is the same to avoid uneven darkening of the filter.
After adjustment, tighten the locking nuts.

Adjusting the viewing angle of the mask

The viewing angle regulator is located on the right side of the mask (see Fig. 2). Loosen the right lock nut, push the lever pin out of the hole, turn to the required angle and tighten the lock nut.

Adjusting the degree of darkness (SHADE)

In the table “Degrees of darkness”, select the required level of darkness depending on the welding method and the value of the welding current. Set the darkening control located on the outside of the mask to the desired position. The degrees of darkness can be adjusted during welding using an external regulator.

Adjusting sensitivity (SENSITIVITY)

Sensitivity can be “H” (high) or “L” (low). Smooth adjustment of the filter sensitivity is carried out using the “SENSITIVITY” control knob located on the inside of the cartridge (see Fig. 3a). Medium-high sensitivity is recommended for most applications. Maximum sensitivity suitable for low amperage welding, TIG and other special applications. When working in the sun, in a brightly lit room, or near another welder, it is necessary to set the “SENSITIVITY” control knob to the “LO” (low) position (see Fig. 3b). To obtain the optimal effect, it is recommended to first set the sensitivity to high, and then gradually reduce it to a level where the filter begins to respond only to the welding arc, and not to ambient light (sun, bright indoor lighting, arc of another welder, etc.).

Adjusting the delay time (DELAY)

The filter automatically returns to the light state after welding is completed. Adjusting the delay time can prevent premature opening at the end of welding, when there is no longer an arc, but the hot metal still glows brightly, as well as to prevent the “blinking” of the light filter during short pauses. The delay can be short “S” (0.1 sec.) and long “L” (1.0 sec.). Smooth adjustment is carried out using the “DELAY” control knob located on the inside of the cartridge (see Fig. 3b). Short delay is suitable for spot welding, long delay is for high amperage welding. The long delay is also suitable for low current TIG welding and pulsed TIG/MIG/MAG welding.

Operating mode selection

The Weld welding mode is used for most welding jobs. In this mode, the filter automatically darkens when a welding arc is detected by optical sensors. In this mode, the degree of darkness, delay time and sensitivity are adjusted. Before welding, check the sensitivity adjustment and make sure you are already out of grinding mode. The “Grind” grinding mode is used when processing metal with abrasive wheels and grinding. In this mode, the light filter is turned off. The degree of darkness is fixed at 3.5 DIN, which gives clear visibility when working with an angle grinder.

Nutrition

When the red “LOW BATTERY” LED on the inside of the filter lights up, replace the batteries with new ones (see Fig. 5). To replace, use new AAA batteries of the same type. Make sure the batteries have not passed their expiration date.

Test

Before starting welding, to diagnose the functionality of the light filter, press and hold the “TEST” button (see Fig. 5), if everything is in order and installed correctly, the light filter will go into a dark state, and when released, it will automatically return to a light state (3.5 DIN).

MAINTENANCE

Replacement of protective glass filters. Replacement of the protective glasses of the light filter is carried out when they are damaged (scratches, cracks, chips, dirt, clouding). Slide the latches to the middle of the cartridge (see Fig. 6), lift the cartridge and remove the protective glass with rubber frame. Remove the frame and put it on the new glass, put the glass back in place. Snap the cartridge in reverse order. Replace the inner protective glass if it is damaged (scratches, cracks, chips, dirt, clouding). Remove the damaged glass with the end of your finger using the niche located at the bottom edge of the viewing window. Attach the new protective glass in the reverse order.

Replacing the cartridge/filter element. Remove the dimming control knob, unscrew the nut and remove the potentiometer. Slide the latches towards the middle of the cartridge and remove it (Fig. 6 and 6a). Take the new cartridge and insert in reverse order. Snap the cartridge into place and ensure that its front edge is securely held by the locking tabs, as shown in Figure 6. Insert the potentiometer axis into the hole from the inside of the mask, put a washer with a scale on the outside of the axis and tighten the nut. Place the dimmer knob onto the shaft.

Cleaning. Wipe the mask with a soft cloth. Clean the cartridge working surfaces regularly. The use of concentrated cleaning solutions is not permitted. Wipe optical sensors and solar panels with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth moistened with ethyl alcohol. Then wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Uneven dimming. Different distance from the eyes to the filter due to incorrect adjustment of the mount. (Adjust the mount so that the distance from the eyes to the filter is equal.)

The filter does not work or flickers. 1. The outer protective glass is dirty or damaged. (Replace the outer protective glass.) 2. The optical sensors are dirty or blocked. (Clean the surface of the sensors, exit the Grind mode.) 3. Welding current is too low. (Set the filter sensitivity to high.) 4. Check the batteries, make sure they are in good condition and inserted correctly, also check the contact surfaces and clean them if necessary.

Slow response. Operating temperature too low. (Do not use the welding helmet when the ambient temperature is below -10°C.)

Bad review. 1. Contamination of the protective glass or filter surface. (Replace the protective glass or clean the filter from dirt.) 2. Insufficient lighting. 3. Incorrect dimming level setting. (Adjust the darkness level). 4. The film has not been removed from the protective glass. (Remove the film).

The mask does not fit well on the head. Incorrect headrest adjustment. (Adjust the headband.)

How to use

The rules for using the chameleon mask are indicated in the instructions supplied with it.

Before starting work with a new mask, remove the film from the protective plate . For used ones, check for visible damage.

Check the functionality of the light filters using one of the methods indicated in the section of this article “How to check without welding.”

Adjust the parameters specified in the “Types of adjustments” section of the article. The settings must be appropriate for the nature of the work being performed.

Welding work must be carried out at temperatures from 15°C to 55°C.

The use of the mask in plasma and gas welding is limited.

It is not recommended to leave the mask shield on heated surfaces.

Strong blows to the shield are contraindicated.

You cannot use spare parts for repairs that are not specified in the user manual.

If the mask does not perform the basic functions of darkening the screen, you should stop welding and look for the cause of the malfunction.

Avoid getting moisture on the filter. This may disable it.

The use of chemical detergents and solvents for cleaning is prohibited . It is recommended to wipe the filter elements with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth.

When the red light on the filter turns on, you need to replace the batteries . Replace it after switching to open screen mode.

The protection plate should be changed regularly. Droplets from molten metal cause pitting, cracks, and ultimately clouding of the screen.

Which Chameleon welding mask is best to buy?

Safety when working with a welding machine comes first. There is always the possibility of injury or burn to the cornea, directly leading to partial or complete blindness. Therefore, the choice of welding helmet must be taken seriously. A chameleon welding mask is considered an excellent solution.

Welding helmet chameleon

The chameleon mask for welding from different manufacturers has a similar design. More precisely: the case, the control board, the light filter and the power supply. The housing protects against metal splashes during operation. The board controls the change in light filter settings, so the screen is automatically darkened during welding. The power supply automatically switches the filter.

Principle of operation:

The viewing glass of the mask is covered with a darkening film, protecting the human eyes from glare and burns. The light filter is located in the sight glass and includes several layers of liquid crystals. Some include 3 layers, others 4. In a quiet position, the filter crystals are in one position, but during an arc flash, the control board gives a signal about the restructuring of the crystals. And the sight glass darkens in ten-thousandths of a second. The intensity of the darkening depends on the brightness of the arc.
After welding is completed, the crystals do not immediately return to their original quiet position, ensuring high safety.

Chameleon filter

In all chameleon welder masks there is a delay in the activation of crystals, and you can also set individual delay values. Also, many of them are equipped with steam vents that prevent the glass from fogging up.

Operating the Welding Chameleon

The main requirement for caring for the mask: the light filter must be taken care of: it is easily scratched. Therefore, you cannot put the mask face down. It should only be wiped with a completely clean and soft cloth. If necessary, you can moisten the cloth with clean water. DO NOT wipe with alcohol or any solvents: the filter is covered with a protective film that dissolves in these liquids.

There is one more feature of any welding chameleons: they begin to “slow down” at low temperatures. That is, they operate with a delay, and in both directions - both for darkening and for brightening. This feature is very unpleasant, so you won’t be able to work normally in them in winter, even if the operating temperature is specified as -10°C, as on the TECMEN DF-715S 9-13 TM8. Already at -5° everything cannot darken in time. So in this regard, OTOS turned out to be more honest, indicating the starting operating temperature from -5°C.

Finally, watch the video on how to choose a chameleon mask for welding.

Characteristics

Products of different models have individual technical characteristics, but it is worth knowing the basic criteria that are worthy of attention. It’s easier to understand this using the example of the Forte MS-1000 model.

Main settings	Meaning	Explanation
Mask body material	Polypropylene	The stronger the material, the longer the service life.
Filter type	Chameleon
View window size	92x42 mm	The wider the viewing area, the more comfortable the welding process.
Filter size	110x90x8.2 mm
Degree of protection	16 DIN	The higher, the safer the eye mask.
Darkening during welding	9-13 DIN
Initial darkening	4 DIN
Total weight	0.45 kg	The lighter the mask, the more comfortable it is to work.
Triggering of infrared sensors	Automatic	Increases speed and convenience of work.
Manual adjustment of filter sensitivity	—	Not required for home use. Professional welders choose manual adjustment.
Filter response delay time	1/20000	On average, masks have a response time from 0.000033 to 1 second. The lower the value, the faster the performance.
Type of welding	Electric/gas welding
Operating temperature	— 5°С — +55°С	At temperatures below -5°C, the response of the light filter is delayed.
Storage temperature	-20°С – +70°С

Advantages of this mask model

The advantages of this model include the following:

Light weight and compact dimensions simplify its use.
This model has an affordable price.
Availability of two power sources.
Easy-to-use dimming spectrum.

For the sake of fairness, it is necessary to note the shortcomings of Resant MS2. The following can be distinguished from them:

Insufficient body rigidity.
The lithium battery used is not capable of holding a charge for a long time.
Step change in darkening.
A small step under the light filter on the mask body can prevent metal droplets from rolling off.

Many craftsmen complain about the flimsy fastening, which forces them to use additional fastenings from improvised means. We also note that due to the liquid crystal design used, in low light conditions the filter works with a clear delay.

Features of the technical characteristics of Resanta MS2

This model is equipped with additional functions, which makes welding work much easier. For example, there is delay adjustment and light level adjustment. Built-in light filters provide high-quality eye protection from ultraviolet exposure. We also note the presence of a grinding and welding mode switch. Dimming is performed in the lighting range of 4-13 DIN, which allows you to compare these mask models with other professional options from leading manufacturers. The response time is 0.01 seconds. The dimming delay is 1 second.

How to choose the right Chameleon mask

The main points of choice are:

Optical class - distortion in the viewing window. Budget models are made with low quality glass, as a result, a person’s eyes quickly get tired while working. Optimal mask with class 1.
Light scattering is the scattering and deflection of light by a filter. Determined by the purity of liquid crystals and their quality. The best class for this indicator is 1.
Homogeneity - uniform darkening of glass in different parts of it. The unit of measurement is DIN. Complete darkening in the middle part occurs at 13-16 DIN. The homogeneity indicator for class 1 is 0.1 DIN, for class 2 – 0.2, etc.
Angular dependence of the degree of darkness. The chameleon mask has a different indicator depending on the viewing angle. For class 1 it is equal to 1 DIN, 2 - 2 DIN, 3 - 3 DIN. Measurements are taken at an angle of 15 degrees, with the exception of the increased dimensions of the filter.

It is worth choosing a mask with the following indicators: 1/1/1/2. Further, the choice of a chameleon welder mask is based on:

The material of the case, its weight and shape.
Manufacturer. The company is obliged to provide publicly available certificates of conformity of product quality and complete information and guarantee. If at least one point is violated, then quality and safety are difficult to confirm.
Type of welding.
Size of viewing window. The wider it is, the more convenient it is to work. The disadvantage of such models is the increased fragility of the filter.
Possibility of manual adjustment of the light filter. Using a welding machine at home involves choosing a mask with automatic screen dimming.

The correct choice of a chameleon welding helmet implies high safety for humans. It is considered important to focus on the presence of the “diagnostics” function and displaying information on the monitor.

Which one to buy

For the welder, there are budget and professional models. But the most popular among electric welders are:

DECA WM 30 LCD. The advantages of this model: fireproof body material, European build quality, allowed to work with argon welding, highly functional light filter. Disadvantages: lack of a replaceable battery, stepwise dimming adjustment. DECA WM 30 LCD
Limex Line MZK-800D. Pros: manual and smooth adjustment of the filter, replaceable battery included, high dimming speed. There are no downsides as such. Limex Line MZK-800D
FORTE MC-4100. Advantages: low cost, replaceable protective glass included, smooth and manual adjustment, suitable for all types of welding. Disadvantages: outdated design, powered by a solar battery, no replacement included. FORTE MC-4100

Among the budget models are: Interskol MS-400, SibrTech with a folding block 110x90 cm and Foxweld Korund 5895. Professionals prefer: Zubr Expert 11079, 3M SPEEDGLAS 9100 or FUBAG ULTIMA 5 - 13 Panoramic Black.

Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. But the selection parameters should include: the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the filter, ensuring proper protection and high quality of the product.

Rating of Chameleon mask manufacturers

The following companies are popular:

Fubag (Germany). Chameleons are made of impact-resistant material, with an automatic light filter, protection from UV and infrared radiation.
Resanta (Russia). It produces models with automatic high-quality light filters. The market offers models for argon welding, manual, semi-automatic and professional masks.
Brima (Germany). It produces not only masks, but also all welding equipment. The company’s advantage is the presence of service centers throughout Russia.

Also gaining great popularity:

Forte (China).
Dnepr (China).
Krohn (Germany).
Soyuz-SAS (China).
DECA (Italy).
Proton (China).
Limex (Croatia).

When choosing a manufacturer, it is recommended to base it on the popularity of the company, the number of positive reviews about the product and the quality of the products.

How to adjust the mask, auto darkening degree

The author of the following video, a practicing welder and at the same time a talented teacher, shows in an accessible form how to adjust the parameters of the chameleon mask. An inexpensive Chinese-made mask is used as a sample.

A specific example shows how to choose the optimal darkening. It is emphasized that with proper adjustment, a small area of the heat-affected zone should be visible. The advantage of the video is that it contains a table of correspondence between the dimming parameters and the current strength of the welding operation being performed. The values in the table are recommended; the author draws attention to the effect of dimming the vision of the welder on the setting.

Briefly, but very clearly, the process of selecting the delay time for opening the screen window after welding is described.

Setting the sensitivity or response threshold of a light filter causes difficulties for novice welders, because depends on external conditions. The author clearly explained why, due to incorrect sensitivity settings, you can “catch a bunny” (see the arc not through a darkened screen). The author's fundamental rule for adjusting sensitivity

A small drawback of the video is the lack of description of how to adjust the mask for convenient fixation on the welder’s head. Perhaps the author wanted to leave more time for summing up the results of the competition.

Does a beginner need a chameleon mask when working with MMA?

When working with TIG or MIG welding, the chameleon is essential because it affects productivity. MMA welding is less commonly used for volumetric welding processes. Should a new RDS student spend money on an automatic mask?

My answer is yes"! Will explain. When you are just taking your first steps in welding, there are no developed reflexes: maintaining the height of the arc as the electrode is shortened, performing transverse vibrations to apply a wide seam, making a seam intermittently on thin metal, etc. Each process has to be literally controlled by the mind. A mask with a regular light filter only adds distractions. I remember that at the beginning it was very difficult to orient myself in order to accurately hit the place where the seam began with the electrode. You start to strike with the electrode, flashes of light appear, and you need to use them to navigate where the joint is. If this is the front part of the product, then all these marks had to be additionally cleaned with a grinder. While you are knocking with the electrode, the arc does not light up the first time - this way you can “jump away” far from the place where you started welding. Numerous knocks knock off the coating, the electrode begins to stick, it needs to be burned a little on a rough piece of metal.

When using a chameleon, this unnecessary pain is eliminated and welding skills develop faster. I put on the mask, pointed it at the joint, knocked - everything is controlled thanks to visibility. After finishing welding, the slag was immediately removed - the mask protects the eyes from hot scale.

MMA welding in limited areas with a regular helmet requires constant raising of the shield. Once I welded the frame of a truck crane under the boom. There was nowhere to lift the mask with the constant darkening of the filter - there was a huge hydraulic cylinder above my head. I took it off and put it on the frame while I beat off the slag. Then I couldn’t lift it - it stuck to the hot area that had been boiled a minute earlier. With a chameleon there would be no such losses.