Frustrated with my Reo

[dchest02]

So, to say I'm a bit frustrated with my Grand is an understatement. (It may be my fault, but bear with me) I had it for no more than a couple of days before I smoked the hot spring...the first time. Got three replacements from Rob, just in case ya know. Installed a new one, straightened out the firing pin, and put on a 1.5 Cisco spec atty from Avid. Everything was fine. Got out my A7, made a wick and coil, tested said wick and coil on my $30 Chinese GG clone, everything running great. Attach A7 to my Grand, hit the button, and...wait for it...there goes my hot spring, again. This time not only did it melt the hot spring, and curled my firing pin, but also melted the firing button. Rob is out of repair kits for the Grand, and I am sad.

The thing I don't understand is what am I doing wrong? I have built countless coils on my GG clone, and never had an issue, matter of fact it has become my at work vape. I know the A7 has the adjustable center pin, but you would think that if I have no issues on the clone, I'd have no issues on the Reo. I REALLY want the Reo to work. I LOVE it, but at this point I am almost to the point of putting in the classies and taking a loss because I am so frustrated. HELP REOVILLE!

BTW, wicks in the A7 are 200 stainless, fully oxidized, and coils are a 3/4 wrap of 30 AWG Kanthal A1 that usually come out around .7 ohms. (The only reason for the 200 stainless is that I got it for free from the mesh store when I bought my 500, so I'm using it, and it is actually pretty darn good)

 

[nerak]

So, to say I'm a bit frustrated with my Grand is an understatement. (It may be my fault, but bear with me) I had it for no more than a couple of days before I smoked the hot spring...the first time. Got three replacements from Rob, just in case ya know. Installed a new one, straightened out the firing pin, and put on a 1.5 Cisco spec atty from Avid. Everything was fine. Got out my A7, made a wick and coil, tested said wick and coil on my $30 Chinese GG clone, everything running great. Attach A7 to my Grand, hit the button, and...wait for it...there goes my hot spring, again. This time not only did it melt the hot spring, and curled my firing pin, but also melted the firing button. Rob is out of repair kits for the Grand, and I am sad.

The thing I don't understand is what am I doing wrong? I have built countless coils on my GG clone, and never had an issue, matter of fact it has become my at work vape. I know the A7 has the adjustable center pin, but you would think that if I have no issues on the clone, I'd have no issues on the Reo. I REALLY want the Reo to work. I LOVE it, but at this point I am almost to the point of putting in the classies and taking a loss because I am so frustrated. HELP REOVILLE!

BTW, wicks in the A7 are 200 stainless, fully oxidized, and coils are a 3/4 wrap of 30 AWG Kanthal A1 that usually come out around .7 ohms. (The only reason for the 200 stainless is that I got it for free from the mesh store when I bought my 500, so I'm using it, and it is actually pretty darn good)

My daughter has vaped for two years. Owns and runs REO's. She collapsed springs in 5 REO's, multiple springs in some. All because of the A7. She knows frustration!

She brought over the A7's and I showed her that center post. I showed her on the ohm meter how it would change ohms easily depending on how tight you screwed it on.

That will transfer to your REO. It will cause a short.

You must make that center post stable. I use pieces of carto condom fitted beside it to hold it in place. I also have started using a 510/510 adapter on my A7's that I run on any other REO than the VV.

The A7 is a great looking atty. It is easy to build coils. But the center post is crap. IF not stable you get shorts, period. Yes it may work fine on another PV. But chances are it will end up shorting on a REO.

Contact Robert about the repair kit. He might have what you need.

I understand it is frustrating when things like this happen. But really it is not the REO that is to blame. It did what it was supposed to do. The hot spring worked.

It will be good as new when you replace the parts.

 

[ltrainer]

This is why i like multimeters over other other testing devices. With a multimeter you can put the RBA on the Reo and then test for shorts by using the leads on the RBAs posts. By using the other box type ohm testers or using another mod to test for shorts you are not testing with the atty on the mod that you are going to use. There can be times when an RBA or atty can test ok but when mounted cause a short. I hope you get things sorted out. Sorry for your troubles.

 

[inkdog]

I had the same problem with my a7. I insulated the bottom post as described above and all is well now. One you get everything dialed in you will be very happy!

 

[super_X_drifter]

Bro, sorry to hear about your troubles. I have never had a short - but then again, I have never used an A7. An experienced REOnaut advised me before I purchased my first RBA that they were prone to shorting so I steered clear.

I can tell you that it's not the REO and its not you. It's that 20 dollar short prone atty.

It sounds like you will need more than a rebuild kit, unless they come with buttons? I would call rob. He always answers his phone bro.

Get a higher quality RBA and your troubles will be vaporized.

 

[nerak]

This is why i like multimeters over other other testing devices. With a multimeter you can put the RBA on the Reo and then test for shorts by using the leads on the RBAs posts. By using the other box type ohm testers or using another mod to test for shorts you are not testing with the atty on the mod that you are going to use. There can be times when an RBA or atty can test ok but when mounted cause a short. I hope you get things sorted out. Sorry for your troubles.

That is a great point Loren! With the post wobbling on the A7 it can read fine on one PV but move just enough when put on another to cause a short. I test it on my ohm meter and every time I must drop the center post to get a reading. Then I have to screw it back in before putting it on a REO. Testing as you said would eliminate using the spring as your short checker!

 

[Commie]

I think it may not be a bad idea to make a big sticky about A7's center post. So many people burn their springs

 

[ltrainer]

That is a great point Loren! With the post wobbling on the A7 it can read fine on one PV but move just enough when put on another to cause a short. I test it on my ohm meter and every time I must drop the center post to get a reading. Then I have to screw it back in before putting it on a REO. Testing as you said would eliminate using the spring as your short checker!

I like your apes!

 

[nerak]

I think it may not be a bad idea to make a big sticky about A7's center post. So many people burn their springs

There is a thread about the A7 and it was discussed on that. It kinda got lost though with the many new threads.

I agree it is the cause of many shorts. Must say that at $4 a pop plus shipping it can add up if you lose many springs. Also melted buttons happen in some cases of a short.

 

[nerak]

I like your apes!

Thanks Loren! I love them!

 

[redeyedancer]

This is why i like multimeters over other other testing devices. With a multimeter you can put the RBA on the Reo and then test for shorts by using the leads on the RBAs posts. By using the other box type ohm testers or using another mod to test for shorts you are not testing with the atty on the mod that you are going to use. There can be times when an RBA or atty can test ok but when mounted cause a short. I hope you get things sorted out. Sorry for your troubles.

This is the only way to do it in my opinion . If you test it on the mod you no for a fact its not going to short .

 

[redeyedancer]

Hello dchest02 the problem is the atty my friend not the mod toss it in the trash and buy a good atomizer Or mod it so the center pin is solid . The atty is a mod killer and to be honest doesn't vape well compared to most rbas I have tried . The only + it has is its price but you already lost the saving by smoking your mod .

I have rebuild kits for people that have to have one I am not listing them because I am waiting for supplies and running low . Pm me your info email and address and I will send out a paypal request .

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

Karen....shoot me the links to your A7 discussion and I'll copy them to a new thread and place it in the stickies.

 

[Sterno]

before puting A7 on your reo make sure and i mean every time you put it on and take it off check that the center pin is flush with the threads if it sticks out to far it will short your mod and do not over tighten it

 

[ancient puffer]

I have the A7 too (among others) and it's an "okay" atty, but the center pin, as noted, is a disaster waiting to happen. I did Karen's mod on the center pin with a piece of carto condom and it seems fine, but I also use a shortstop, just in case, since replacing the spring is more hassle (and expense) than I'm willing to put up with.

 

[Plaz]

I use an A7 also, and employed the carto condom sliver post stabilization tips... I also adjust the post to where it's just barely longer than flush with the threads, and I haven't had a short yet.

This forum is chock full of useful knowledge from those who have already "been there!" Really invaluable information lurks in these pages, and as you see, Rob is the man! Don't get too frustrated, you can get it working reliably with just a few thoughtful tweaks.

 

[dchest02]

First, I want to thank everyone for the help.

I actually did try the carto condom thing mentioned here after the first time I did it, but it wasn't in there when I put it back on the Reo because I forgot it after I put the A7 back together.

I will PM Rob so I can get a rebuild kit (or two) and keep at it, and save some money for a better RBA. Only problem is I can't seem to find an ERA in stock. I've been looking.

I did read the post from clyde2801 about the Fatty V2, it seems like a viable option, any thoughts?

I do want to say though that even though I am super frustrated, that first vape on my Grand (before I smoked the spring the first time) was heavenly. Hopefully I can get back to that point.

 

[hildicat]

I would suggest you wait for Rob's Reomizer V2. It should only be a couple of weeks from now and be half the price of any of the better BF RBA's.

 

[super_X_drifter]

First, I want to thank everyone for the help.

I actually did try the carto condom thing mentioned here after the first time I did it, but it wasn't in there when I put it back on the Reo because I forgot it after I put the A7 back together.

I will PM Rob so I can get a rebuild kit (or two) and keep at it, and save some money for a better RBA. Only problem is I can't seem to find an ERA in stock. I've been looking.

I did read the post from clyde2801 about the Fatty V2, it seems like a viable option, any thoughts?

I do want to say though that even though I am super frustrated, that first vape on my Grand (before I smoked the spring the first time) was heavenly. Hopefully I can get back to that point.

D, a hornet is also a great RBA. I think they're available now. Good luck. It is definitely worth your investment to get a quality RBA (or stocker) on top of your REO. Once you get a good setup, you'll never look back bro.

 

[CATastrophe]

This is why I didn't buy an A7. They scared me with that sloppy post. I've never collapsed a spring in over a year's worth of REO use. I do have an extra spring in case one goes, though.

I metered all new atties and carts and now that I've moved to RBAs, 2 hornets and a reomizer, I always meter the atty when it's on the mod before I fire it up. Always!