Do you have a rechargeable auto darkening helmet???? I don't do a lot of welding so mine sits on the wall in the garage. When I use it, it tends to be really really dark... Found out by reading the instructions.... (Who would have thought) If you do not use the helmet in a while the rechargeable battery may get low... Put it in direct sunlight for a while before use and it will recharge. Well go figure... It works fine once I figured that out.