ElectroMagnetic Arc Sensing

[Pele]

I am currently in a TIG class at my local community college and it's very fun. (This is my first experience striking an arc.)

I bought a Radnor Cobra 24v a couple years ago when I got my MillerMatic 210 and it all sat in storage since because I couldn't figure out how to use it...

I kept getting flashed in class and I thought my helmet was bad due to sitting without usage. Turns out that it only has two arc sensors and when I block one with my hand or something, it lightens up.

I'm considering a Jackson NexGen type helmet that others in the class have. They have a larger viewing window and look like they have four sensors. But I'd like to eliminate the possibility of blocked sensors entirely if I can afford it. (I am not paying the over $300 that a Miller Elite series costs.)

Does anyone know if this helmet has ElectroMagnetic Arc Sensing?

[hankj]

Never heard of electromagnetic arc sensing. The sensors on the hats I'm familiar wtih are photoelectric.

Hank

[awill4x4]

The Miller/Saf digital helmets have what is called X Mode where 2 of the sensors will detect the electromagnetic field as the arc is initiated. I have both helmets Miller and Saf with this function and for working outside or in high backlit lighting I find it fantastic. Sunlight will not trigger the helmet only the arc will.
To my knowledge they are the only helmets with this feature.
Regards Andrew from Oz.

[Bob the Welder]

I've had a NexGen for close to 5 years and love it! Bought a Jackson Halo-X hood for it a year ago to replace my Shadow and that is one sweet combination. A lot of money to spend for a hobby welder but an excellent investment for a pro.

Unless they have something new the NexGen uses 4 sensors to trigger the lens. Properly adjusted it will not blink on you while welding even if some are blocked. When first using one it may take a little experimenting to get the settings right but you will soon learn how to set it. It can even be used for tig welding down to about 5 amps as well as a grinding shield or for torch cutting. Very handy on the job!

I've used mine inside, outside, standing in a test booth looking at overhead lights while welding 6G coupons and on the job in all kinds of situations and its never let me down. One thing, like any blinkie, it doesn't like real cold weather.

Carry a spare set of batteries, as anyone using a blinkie should (they last a very long time but you never know), and I think you would love a NexGen.

[usmcpop]

APPLETON, Wis., Feb. 27, 2008 Miller Electric Mfg. Co.'s new Digital Elite Series auto-darkening welding helmets offer the flexibility of using one helmet for welding, cutting and grinding. Building on the features of Miller?s popular Elite series helmet, the Digital Elite series also allows the user to quickly switch between four modes Welding, Cutting, Grinding and X-Mode while retaining the user's preferences for shade, sensitivity and delay.

The X-Mode electromagnetically senses the arc, providing full protection for those instances when there is an arc present, but the sensors are obstructed. X-Mode eliminates interference from sunlight and out-of-position welding angles, such as those found in pipe welding or in obstructed or hidden-cavity welds.
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The regular Elite series has 4 sensors and the Performance Series has 3.