1 week in - couple of questions

[schmoker]

So I've been vaping my 901 for about a week now, and have only had one analog in that time, which I'm really pleased with. I have enough juice to last me a while now, and a few flavours to try out (currently on some Janty Cola, which seems pretty nice).

I just have a few queries which I'm wondering if people can help me out with. I've been topping off so far and occassionally refilling entirely to freshen up my cart etc, but there's one thing that's bothering me a little.

It seems even when vapour production dies off and I figure the cart needs topping off (after about 20-30 puffs, which seems about right based on what I've read), that I can only get about 1 drop of juice onto the cart material before the juice starts to pool on the top, rather than soaking into the cotton (or whatever it is). Now, I know from vids and reading here that I don't want to have juice pooling on the top of the cart as it could run down the side and out of the mouthpiece, as well as into the atty and possibly through to the battery (I think I've already killed one battery this way), but I'm sure it shouldn't be quite like this.

I generally drip a couple of drop onto the atomiser too when I top off - is this a bad idea and could it be causing/worsening my problem? As I say, when vapour production drops right off, I take the cart off to top off and it still seems pretty wet with juice, so I'm not sure why vapour is not coming, could my atty be on its way out? I mean, once I top off (and leave a little juice pooled on top of the cart) things are good for a little while, and I've not had any juice in my mouth yet, but it seems a bit hit and miss...

I'm going to order a couple more atomisers (and another battery, as I only have one right now!) and see if that helps, but any additional tips would be appreciated. As I said, I have completely removed the stuffing from the cart and cleaned it under hot water a couple of times. It goes completely white like new, which I thought was a sign it was ok to continue using, but I'm just wondering why so much liquid seems to stay soaked into the material and isn't being vapourised...

Also, where is the best place for me to get a USB passthrough for my DSE901 in the UK? I figure that could solve any battery problems when I'm at the PC and remove one possible problem from the chain...

Anyway, help appreciated, but overall loving vaping so far, although my first juice order was 16mg, which I don't think I need (I was not even a 1 pack a day smoker), so my second order (from TW, 30ml Cherry, 30ml Lemon) was 11mg, which should suit me better...

 

[schmoker]

 

[davidgo9ers]

I had the same problem with some carts I bought and it was because they had used too thick of wool when they made the carts. The wool was packed so tight that it wasn't really allowing all the liquid to wick into the atomizer.

The wool should have a lot of air space in it. If yours seems kind of compressed, when you wash the it out next time, try cutting a little off one edge and fluffing it out so it fills the cartridge loosely.

 

[Vince1]

You need a syringe to stick down into the cart and fill from the bottom up. Air in the cart keeps the juice from soaking in. Get a large one, 18ga. needle.

 

[MlrGrl]

I had the same problem with some carts I bought and it was because they had used too thick of wool when they made the carts. The wool was packed so tight that it wasn't really allowing all the liquid to wick into the atomizer.

The wool should have a lot of air space in it. If yours seems kind of compressed, when you wash the it out next time, try cutting a little off one edge and fluffing it out so it fills the cartridge loosely.

Hmm....I've been doing it for a week too, and I wonder if that's why I'm having so much pooling at the bottom of my wick?? Not enough air space in the wick for the liquid to travel up when the atomizer is hot? <is that even understandable??>

I just assumed that the way they came, was the amount I should try to emulate if I was going to drip myself....

Oh the experimenting going on in my kitchen, looking for the perfect wick for me this weekend LOL . I have to keep reminding myself that juice isn't something I can just run to the store and get if I run out LOL

 

[Paradiso]

I use a paperclip to push the filler down into the cart, then fill. The issue is that there is no place for the air in the cart to go when you fill from the top, especially if the liquid is thick.

 

[MlrGrl]

I use a paperclip to push the filler down into the cart, then fill. The issue is that there is no place for the air in the cart to go when you fill from the top, especially if the liquid is thick.

...........which is why it's recommended that you have a syringe when dripping!!
See, I knew once I just buckled down, picked out an e-cig and actually started using it, all the things I've been reading would start to make sense!
THX!

 

[schmoker]

Ok, that all makes sense. I noticed when washing a cart for re-use that water would stay in the cart unless shaken vigorously or blown into from the mouthpiece end.

Rather than using a syringe, is it possible to remove the filler, put a couple of drops (or more) in, then insert the filler and drip a couple more onto the top? Syringes just seem like such a pain if I'm honest...

 

[katink]

Ok, that all makes sense. I noticed when washing a cart for re-use that water would stay in the cart unless shaken vigorously or blown into from the mouthpiece end.

Rather than using a syringe, is it possible to remove the filler, put a couple of drops (or more) in, then insert the filler and drip a couple more onto the top? Syringes just seem like such a pain if I'm honest...

The filler can be removed well with tweezers. Then you can rinse the filler under a (warm) tap; when finished squeeze most water out, and to get it even dryer just squeeze it inbetween some kitchen-paper - you will have them all the way dry that way.
Then fill the cartridge with e-liquid until a bit under the top (so that would be 3/4 full and then some); now put the filler back in slowly so it can soak the liquid while it is going down. If needed you can put a leg of the tweezer down the side (between filler and cartridge) to push the bottom bit of the filler into the bottom of the cartridge (isn't always neccessary, but sometimes it's needed).
Now a few more drops on the top (not so much that it pools) and you are good to go.

 

[swoods93631]

Or use the coffee straw mod, simple, easy and works

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/tips-tricks/11421-cart-mod-better-refilling.html

 

[Jules22871]

The bigger the number on the gauge of a syringe, the smaller the hole in the needle is. I have found that a 3ml 16 gauge syringe is perfect for fill the carts. Anything smaller and the juice is often to thick to be drawn up into the syringe. YMMV though.

 

[schmoker]

Or use the coffee straw mod, simple, easy and works

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/tips-tricks/11421-cart-mod-better-refilling.html

Just tried this and wow, that works amazingly, thanks!

 

[yield2me]

You can also just remove the material in the cart (original batting) and replace it with a rolled up piece of paper towel or a rolled up piece of tea bag paper (recommended) and your vapor production will go through the roof! I used the tea bag yesterday for the first time and I was blown away.

 

[ZexMarquies01]

Rather than using a syringe, is it possible to remove the filler, put a couple of drops (or more) in, then insert the filler and drip a couple more onto the top? Syringes just seem like such a pain if I'm honest...

YES!

This is how i re-fill my carts. I pull the batting out, and dry it off. Then I put about 10 drops into the empty cart ( filling it just above half way ), then I insert the batting. Then I put a couple drops on the top of the batting, and then I grab my tweezers, and lift up and down on the batting material a few times, so all the liquid gets fully soaked in.

Using a 3ml or a 6ml dropper bottle, I can usually get about 14 drops into my cart using this method.

 

[mamu]

Air in the cart keeps the juice from soaking in.

This should be labeled best tip of the day!! Makes so much sense. Thanks for posting this.

Hey - would be nice when we check in to the forum that at the top or somewhere prominent - tip of the day.

 

[Jules22871]

This should be labeled best tip of the day!! Makes so much sense. Thanks for posting this.

Hey - would be nice when we check in to the forum that at the top or somewhere prominent - tip of the day.

Awesome idea!

 

[MlrGrl]

Using a 3ml or a 6ml dropper bottle, I can usually get about 14 drops into my cart using this method.

What kind of PV are you using? From what I understand, different models can hold different amounts.

I've only been vaping for a short time, but one thing I'm pretty sure about is my 901 cart won't hold anything near 10 drops.....but, I could be doing something wrong! LOL

 

[MlrGrl]

This should be labeled best tip of the day!! Makes so much sense. Thanks for posting this.

Hey - would be nice when we check in to the forum that at the top or somewhere prominent - tip of the day.

Great idea!!