Double checking before plunging into mechs

[Bshollow]

Ok, so I'm getting into rebuildables and eventually a mech and wanted some re-assurance that I know what I think I know when it comes to mechs and possibly sub-ohms. And before you bust out the pitchforks, I won't be attempting sub-ohm coils for some time (if at all, but I'd be lying if I said the concept doesn't intrigues me). I am planning to work with 1.3 ohms and higher until I have mastered that and I plan to begin my rebuildable journey using a Vamo V5 with a kayfun 3.1 and an IGO-L. I have not even decided on a mech yet, but defintely know I want to go that route at some point regardless of sub-ohming or not.


As far as the building process itself, I'm fairly confident that I can pull it off. I have, albiet a bit rusty, working knowledge of Ohm's Law courtesy of the United States Navy. My main concern is dealing with mechs.


As far as what sits in my toolbox, I have a multi-meter and just for good measure I picked up an Atomizer Resistance Reader...but moreso because it seemed like a neat toy and impulsive shopping got the better of me. I also have a variety of electrical tools, several soldering irons, etc. Most of these items will probably not be necessary.


With my understanding of mechs, you are vaping directly off the battery with no protection, and it's very important to understand your battery's limitations and that your build is solid with no hot spots. Let's assume all of that is seven different kinds of hunky dory. So with a fresh battery, let's say an authetic AW IMR 18650 1600mah battery, you have an amp draw limit of 24. Obviously over-taxing the battery is not a good idea, so only pushing it to around 75% of that number is a great way to play it safe. So for safety's sake I should keep my build drawing at maximum of 18 amps.


So that means I should be able to use that battery for builds down to a resistance level of .24 ohms, which would draw 17.5 amps. (Amps = Voltage/Resistance) 4.2/.24 = 17.5


I am using 4.2 volts as this would be the voltage on a fresh charge.


Now obviously, shooting for a target build of 1.3 ohms to 1.5 ohms, that should mean I could use a mech with this battery and be completely fine. I am choosing this battery simply because from my research it would appear to have the safest chemistry, and going forward perhaps the best versatility with almost any build I am brave enough to throw at it.


Am I understanding this correctly? Is there more I need to grasp before taking the mech plunge?

 

[dchest02]

Short answer is yes, a 1.3 to 1.5 ohm coil on an AW 18650 1600 mah is completely fine. I run ~.65 ohm coils on all three of my Reos with AW 18650 1600 mah batteries, and have never had a problem.

Obviously I am a sub-ohm vaper, however it is NOT to chase clouds. I went to sub-ohm coils because I love a very warm vape. I have not altered any of my air holes, and my builds never go below .65 ohms.

Can I get a satisfying vape from my Kayfun at 1.5 ohms? You bet, but not on any of my mechs. One thing that you left out was voltage drop. A freshly charged battery will put out ~4.2 volts, but you don't get to use all of that because of the natural resistance that happens between your firing pins, your battery, and the mod itself. Most good mechanical mods will have a voltage drop of around .3-.4 volts.

So, on a mechanical mod with .4 volts of drop with a 1.3 ohm coil
3.8/1.3 = 2.923 amps = well under the limit of the battery. The vape would probably be good on a fresh battery, but every time you hit the button you get less and less voltage due to draining the battery. On my Provari however 3.8 volts on a 1.3 ohm coil is great for the life of the battery.