Blackjack battery question

[waymire]

Hello,

I was hoping some with better experience could help. I am relatively new to e-cigs, I switched in December 2010. They are really hard to find locally, I tried one which never worked at all (nicstick), and another that functions fine but has very little drag, no throat hit, and very low nicotine content (21st century smoke). After some research online I ordered a blackjack from 21 century smoke which I really like. I keep having problems with battery failure however. The starter kit I purchased came with two batteries, these lasted a little over a month before refusing to charge. The light on the charger will be red (uncharged) and instead of switching to green (charged) after a couple of hours charging time, it will flash back and forth from red to green with the led at the end of the battery flashing a couple of times each time it switches back and forth. The battery will not be charged and will refuse to charge no matter how long you leave it. I contacted the vendor and they sent me two replacement batteries, but now one of them is doing the same thing and it has only been two weeks since I started using it. I thought perhaps I had a bad charger before I contacted the vendor to return the original batteries so I ordered a new one. It did nothing to help the old batteries and it is the only one I have used with the new ones. Any ideas if this is simply bad product or something I'm doing wrong?

I would be happy to hear suggestions of another e-cig to replace it with but want to stay with a similar type, automatic preferably, that looks like a cig (I prefer white with red or orange led). I have been considering the vapor king which from reading the forums is very similar to the blackjack and appears to possibly even be the same model. The carts are 1/2 the price I have been paying which is another plus... but really I just want a reliable product. I've wasted an awful lot of money the last few months on products that do not work, not to mention the frustration of not being able to vape when they break down. Tried regular cig in despiration and I do not want to go back, icky.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Rosa]

Yes, go with the vapor king. You'll be much happier.
Vapor King Premium E-Cig Kits and Cases - Vape On! (coupon code "evape")

Also, vapor4life is a respected supplier around here.

 

[waymire]

I spend quite a bit of time on the boards last night and saw several posts regarding the vapor king batteries failing as well??

 

[Rosa]

I don't suppose you have a link?

edit: I only mean I didn't see that, not trying to imply that you are wrong (didn't sound right on re-read). So if you do happen to know where you read that, I'd be interested in reading that info.

 

[Stosh]

21 century smoke is an overpriced rebrander of inferior products. Googled 21st century ecigs and looking at site / store, they seem overpriced and don't even offer juice to refill a cart.

$20 for a replacement atty is also a bit high, and $69.95 for a battery, a wall charger, instruction manual, and 5 cartridges is also way more than a starter kit should go for. JMHO

Vapor King Premium E-Cig Kits and Cases - Vape On! (coupon code "evape") is a KR808-D1 with supplies and parts available from dozens of suppliers.

Also, vapor4life is a respected supplier around here.

 

[waymire]

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/vapor4life/32814-problems-my-vapor-king.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-issues/127528-kr808-d1-batteries-vapor-king.html

Not bashing the vapor king, I'm actually really considering buying one, but it makes me wonder if it is just a general problem with e-cigs and not the particular one I have.

21 century has the same problem as Vapor king with multiple products using the same name. This is the site where I bought mine Entertainment - electronic cigarette news | tobacco free cigarettes | best e cigarettes | tobacco-less cigarette | menthol electronic cigarettes, electronic mini cigarette | quit smoking

You are right about them being expensive though. I am paying $40 for a battery and $13.25 for 5 carts. Highway robbery. Unfortunately as a newbie I was comparing them to green smoke and others that were even more expensive... and the cheap ones I can get locally were garbage... so I thought I had to pay that much for a good e-cig. Other than the fact the batteries are failing left and right I am really happy with the e-cig performance. Of course I have limited experience to base it on.

 

[Rosa]

Well, having read the linked posts, I still am under the impression that; #1 it would be more rare for the VK battery to fail, #2 if it did fail there may be an easy fix and #3, seems like the customer service is top notch so you're sure to get a replacement should there be any problems.

All I know is that people come here and rave about them and rave about vapor4life. I use eGo products, so I don't even use the VK, but I know that's what I'd get if I wanted a smaller sized 2 piece system based on all the good reviews I've seen here.

Good luck in whatever you choose. My best advice for new members is this: stick with the forum suppliers, they are tried and true, vetted by the members -- they know that if they let down ECF they'd be making a huge business mistake.

 

[Stosh]

waymire,

There are much less expensive options that will work dependably. For the price of the 21st Cent, you could buy some of the mid-range mod specials, but that might not be the best for a starter kit. The mods assume you have some experience fiddling with an e-cig so there's a bit of a learning curve.

The V4L KR808 usually get good reviews by the long term users here, and if there's a problem, check this reply from a registered Forum Supplier http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/vapor4life/32814-problems-my-vapor-king.html#post502161

As Rosa said, the forum suppliers are known for great customer service, quickly, as their reputation is their business.

Personally I like and use the 510 type myself, but have tried 808 components and can't complain.

And check the forum sticky video here http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/120044-i-made-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html

Video 5 is all about the care and feeding of the Kr808D-1.

The other videos also have a lot of good information.

 

[waymire]

Thank you, I will certainly check that out. And I was thrilled to see vk stepping up to help that one person, especially since their website states a 45 day warranty which I thought was a bit short.

Back to my original question..... is whatever is happening to my batteries a known problem? Any ideas what is causing it or any way to fix it? I would like to keep this system working long enough to finish my cart supply without having to shell out $40 for another battery and I am still unsure if the vk batteries would be compatable with my carts. So far every system I have purchased has been completely different attachment system.

 

[Rosa]

I do remember reading this exact this recently. I couldn't find it from searching the forum (I know only that it was in the new members forum) and I couldn't remember the model of e-cig either.

But I was wondering about the center post of the battery.. I'm always hearing people talking about pulling up the center post with a paper clip or something so that it will make better contact with the charger. I have an idea of what they are talking about but can't seem to visualize it when I look into my eGo battery, and not sure if other batteries would be easier to pull out the center post (whatever that is).

Is yours an automatic or a manual battery? Because the other idea is that the battery can get ruined with leaking e-juice or even moisture from the vapor in automatic batteries because they are not sealed off like the manual ones are (manual batteries are highly recommended). And the last idea is that the connectors need to be cleaned well with a q-tip or wad of paper towel -- all the threads on both the battery and the charger.

Good luck!

 

[waymire]

waymire,

....And check the forum sticky video here http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/120044-i-made-videos-newbies-particular-broke-newbies.html

Video 5 is all about the care and feeding of the Kr808D-1.

The other videos also have a lot of good information.

I'm about halfway through your wonderful videos... so wish I knew all that info before, believe me.... and had a couple of questions. I think the cleaning technique you mention might help my batteries... but it states only for manuals. Is the another technique for automatics? Also, it seems like the manuals are more reliable than autos... has that been your experience? I believe what I currently have is a 510, a kr808, and something else lol, it is a 3 piece system but the battery threads are reversed from what I think is a 510 and it has a funny shaped cart (not round where it attaches to the atomizer). I may try refilling the 510 carts with a better quality liquid and see how I like it. It has been MUCH more reliable than the kr808 I have. I really hate to have to buy yet another system if I can get one of the ones I already own to work in an acceptable manner. Do you know of a resource with good photos to show the different models in detail so I can ID my stuff accurately?

Thank you in advance.

 

[waymire]

....But I was wondering about the center post of the battery.....Is yours an automatic or a manual battery? ... And the last idea is that the connectors need to be cleaned well with a q-tip or wad of paper towel -- all the threads on both the battery and the charger.

Good luck!

Thank you again.

I too have seen the "pull the pin" trick. After careful examination, I cannot find the offending pin. My batteries have exterior threading, a hole in the middle that does not appear to have a pin inside, and what looks like the top of a flat head screw where the battery and the cart make contact. The hole is located in the middle of the slot where the screwdriver would fit if it were a screw. I wish I could draw a picture on here lol. I also saw the "staple trick" and have considered trying that.

All my batteries are auto, and I do believe I will be buying manual next time.

Clean with a q-tip and water? or rubbing alcohol?

 

[Rosa]

You tube is my friend

YouTube - How to fix the V4L 65mm "Shortie" Battery

edit: I know this is for the VK, but your may be similar.

 

[waymire]

AHHHH!

That is definately my battery... and I finally understand what the heck they were trying to tell me to do.

Unfortunately, I has not fixed the problem with the battery that is refusing to work, however I think it improved the battery that is starting to fail but not quite there yet. Hubby is cleaning the bad battery as I type so I will cross my fingers.

 

[waymire]

Just to update:

The bad battery is still bad

The other one is holding out for now. I'm having to charge it much more often than usual before the performance drops to unacceptable levels. Now that I know you do not have to run it to empty before you charge I've been feeding it a few times a day to keep it doing it's job.

After some self education last night... thank you forums... I decided to buy a manual battery from v4l, along with a bottle of juice in the same flavor as the cartos I already have (chocolate, yum). Going to "hopefully" mate the new with the old and try my hand at refilling as well. I think the next purchase will be a passthrough. Have you ever seen one that plugs in the car?

Oh, and the odd shaped cart e-cig was definately the 510. Had that one wrong. So what the heck is the round shaped one? lol! It has a teeny little "exposed" (no case around it) atomizer if that helps.

Thank you so very much for all of your help.
Charlotte

 

[Rosa]

It has a teeny little "exposed" (no case around it) atomizer if that helps.

Does it look like (or similar to) this one?

(Free Shipping) Mini E-Cigarette DSE103 Starter Kit +Travel Case : Wholesale E-Cigarette - China Ruyan Wholesale - Discount Electronic Cigarette Wholesale From China

 

[waymire]

Does it look like (or similar to) this one?

(Free Shipping) Mini E-Cigarette DSE103 Starter Kit +Travel Case : Wholesale E-Cigarette - China Ruyan Wholesale - Discount Electronic Cigarette Wholesale From China

Quite similar to the one assembled on the battery, the atomizer is slightly different, mine the "bridge sticks up all the way out the top, otherwise the same.

 

[Rosa]

Do you remember where you bought it from?

 

[Rosa]

maybe it's an m401?:
M201, M402, M401 Battery, Atomizer, Passthrough for E-Cigarette Buy Now

 

[waymire]

Not M401, threads aren't right, but design is similar. Mine has internal threads on battery, external on atomizer.

I bought it from my local tobacco shop, it is 21st century smoke brand (not to be confused with 21 century smoking which is where I got my 808). It was the first e-cig I bought. It was quite cheap about $30 for the starter kit. I looked and they finally have a website Buy 21st Century Electronic Cigarettes Now! - CB Distributors, Inc. you cant see the atomizer in the pics it is completely covered by the cart. there is a slightly smaller plastic tube in there that is filled with poly fiber. Extremely simple design.

I would like to figure out what it actually is so I can possibly buy parts elsewhere for it. That is one of the biggest problems with buying the branded models, you are made to believe its a special thing when really they are all one of a few types. It has been pretty reliable, other than one failed charger and one atomizer it has worked. I have had to resort back to it when my "good" one has failed over and over. The carts are cheap, taste nasty, and have too low nic content though (box says 1.6 % per ml, not sure what that actually is, but they do not satisfy my cravings like my 24mg 808 carts do), and only come in two flavors (nasty and nasty with mint lol). I plan on trying to refill them, but would like to buy some blanks in case I can't get whatever is in there out.

I would ask on another board but I've got newbie lock out for a little while still.