*GEM: A new RTA by MarkBugs

[Hitcat44]

Personally I find the GEM to perform poorly with Ti in TC mode. In fact I find it poor with any coil wire in TC mode.

Thanks much Sir
That combined with Intel from TheotherSteveS is "Nuff Said" for me.
Passing on the GEM for now.
T.O.S.S. says there is a Ti version of the GEM coming sometime and I will follow for that and revisit it the next time GCS (Gear Compulsion Syndrome) hits me.

 

[turbocad6]

I've used my gem in temp mode since I got it and never had a problem with resistance at all, but I've never used it in the 510 mode, only hybrid on a wizard. I think the temp/resistance issue applies more to using it with the 510 connector, so if you have a temp controlled wizard then I think it will be fine, but I guess there really aren't that many temp controlled wizards out there really, so....

 

[TheotherSteveS]

I've used my gem in temp mode since I got it and never had a problem with resistance at all, but I've never used it in the 510 mode, only hybrid on a wizard. I think the temp/resistance issue applies more to using it with the 510 connector, so if you have a temp controlled wizard then I think it will be fine, but I guess there really aren't that many temp controlled wizards out there really, so....

That is pretty interesting actually. Never though to ask about the DNA40 WAE2! In my mind there is no doubt that the device is fine for TC with the exception of the 510 pin. It just needs to be beefed up and maybe lengthened a tad and will probably be rock solid! Its not that it doesnt work, but it is mighty flaky, at least in my hands!

 

[HBcorpse]

Hey Q!
Howdy gang!

Just picked up my first Mark Bugs today.
The Gem.
I've been disappointed by "Out Of Stock" online vendor, one after another.
Then today, after dropping my lady off at the salon, I look up and notice VapeRev had opened a new location on Melrose Blvd.
So I jay-walked across the street, and stepped into a very nice shop!
After talking "shop" with the guy, I thought I'd seen a Gem hanging out in one of the display cases. Sure enough, there she was. The last one they had.
I completed the purchase, and brought her home after a long day.
Now she is dismantled on my lap, and I'm noticing some grime and smudges all over. This was definitely the floor model.
No biggie.
Any preferred methods for cleaning? I'm sure the standard Kayfun bath method would work, but I also know that MB gear is a special breed...
How about some build tips?
Todd makes it look nice and easy, but then I look at this build deck, and scratch my head.
I'm aiming to get a 1.2ohm coil with 28g here.
Can I slap my typical KFL build on here?
Sorry for the intrusion, for those who don't know me.
I've been around the block several thousand times, and been vaping since 2010. No rookie here.
Just being cautious with this new device. Being mindful that MB is a genius all his own, like Zen or svoemesto.

 

[raitizz]

Congrats, HB.
Yes, your build will work just fine. I usually build the same, on a 2.4mm screwdriver.
An I give it the same old kayfun bubble bath. It's stainless after all.

R

*via Tapatalk

 

[qorax]

Hey Q!
Howdy gang!

Just picked up my first Mark Bugs today.
The Gem.
I've been disappointed by "Out Of Stock" online vendor, one after another.
Then today, after dropping my lady off at the salon, I look up and notice VapeRev had opened a new location on Melrose Blvd.
So I jay-walked across the street, and stepped into a very nice shop!
After talking "shop" with the guy, I thought I'd seen a Gem hanging out in one of the display cases. Sure enough, there she was. The last one they had.
I completed the purchase, and brought her home after a long day.
Now she is dismantled on my lap, and I'm noticing some grime and smudges all over. This was definitely the floor model.
No biggie.
Any preferred methods for cleaning? I'm sure the standard Kayfun bath method would work, but I also know that MB gear is a special breed...
How about some build tips?
Todd makes it look nice and easy, but then I look at this build deck, and scratch my head.
I'm aiming to get a 1.2ohm coil with 28g here.
Can I slap my typical KFL build on here?
Sorry for the intrusion, for those who don't know me.
I've been around the block several thousand times, and been vaping since 2010. No rookie here.
Just being cautious with this new device. Being mindful that MB is a genius all his own, like Zen or SvoëMesto.

Congrats HB! And:

1. No, it is not coiled like our K'funs.
2. With GEM it is wise to place the coil head upside down, unlike in the K'funs.
3. Cut wick tails exactly at the brim of the feed slots. No hanging over.
4. Push bottom end of the wick tails downwards into the feed slots.
5. Lift upwards the top end of the wick tails. Flare up, aka Erlkonigin.

And you'd be perfectly fine with this atty.

A couple of pages back (#135) some nice pictures are posted by @dems86 of his wicking. Pls take a look.

All the best buddy!

 

[HBcorpse]

Congrats, HB.

Congrats HB!

Thanks guys!

I got stubborn and stayed up to put a build in it.
Ended up figuring out that I need to wrap my coils, starting on the NEAR side of my drill bit, instead of the far side (like I do with everything else).
I was cautious with the amount of wick.
I used 1/2 of a quarter sheet of KGD, and even trimmed maybe 1/4 of that off, again.
I didn't know to "drop and fluff" the wick tails, but they kind of did that naturally...
Got her running about 1.0-1.1 ohm, so maybe an extra wrap next time.
Fired at 10 watts.
BAM. Flavor avalanche.
And with my restricted lung hit style of vaping (I lung hit KFLs all day, with no mods to them), I'm able to get a pretty airy draw on this thing wide open! I even turned it down a hair!
I only took a few rips off it last night, so I'm awaiting how I'll experience it today!

Two things:
1. I closed the airflow all the way, and top filled. As soon as I closed up the top, I opened the airflow ring. FLOOD-ZILLA. What gives? I already guessed I should invert it before opening the airflow back up, but anything else?
2. The airflow ring is SOOO LOOSE! I could tell by examining the parts during disassembly, that it wasn't going to snap/lock into place like an Aspire tank or anything...but damn. This ring will spin with the slightest touch! Any tips? Is this normal?
Thanks again! Glad I could get some semblance of a working build on my first shot! Hope it vapes well today!

 

[spacetime]

HB, Congrats!!,

1. I take one more step than you mentioned and all is well. Only fill to about 80-90%. When tightening the fill cap back, only tighten enough to seal the o-rings, flip it upright then tighten all the way and then open the airflow. This works for me 99% of the time.

2. Did you get a spares pack? There should be a strip of an o-ring that has been cut, that is the tensioner spare (I think). You may need to cut a longer piece and replace the current, it'll tighten up the AFC.

 

[h00ligan]

Does anyone know where we can buy premade twisted 30 gauge? I haven't been able to Find anything less than 28 in double twisted.

I received my wae ii. It really is VERY nice with the gem. I may buy the smaller tube for 18500
Mode. It's quite slim.

I thought there would be a touch fire system after discussing mechanical - I gathered that was he firing system. But the buttons are small. If not particularly tight. The mod holds well in hand and while
I wouldn't pay $300 for a regulated mod (probably not even with the DNA 40 but I'm laid up and budget isn't what it used to be) it is a very good buy if you got one at $99-150.


I still haven't had a response from mark bugs. Maybe I'll message him via the forum with my images of the issues. They need to find a way to get spares to customers who didn't get them.

And re: the glass situation - my fasttech tanks will be here by Christmas Eve day at the latest unless usps can't handle the load. I bought a digital
Caliper so I will have accurate measurements for you all shortly. And a thumbs up or down. I have every faith the 5 for $4 Chinese tanks are going to be a pile better than the unavailable expensive brittle ones which came with the kit. If they aren't and they too break easily then it's not glass but a design problem With the way the glass rests directly on metal.... Or maybe mark bugs uses the same source as fasttech. Lol

 

[HBcorpse]

HB, Congrats!!,

1. I take one more step than you mentioned and all is well. Only fill to about 80-90%. When tightening the fill cap back, only tighten enough to seal the o-rings, flip it upright then tighten all the way and then open the airflow. This works for me 99% of the time.

2. Did you get a spares pack? There should be a strip of an o-ring that has been cut, that is the tensioner spare (I think). You may need to cut a longer piece and replace the current, it'll tighten up the AFC.

Ya know, I was wondering about spares.
I know VapeRev has a great reputation, and they aren't just another mom'n'pop ripoff shop...
That being said, I'm not surprised that all the gear wasn't in the box...because no, there was only:
Extra glass, metal tank, second fat pin, all the bottom rings, the Gem itself.

So I'm missing a slice of an O-ring that helps stiffen the airflow control movement? Good to know. I'll find a pic (or wait for one to be posted) and MacGyver one myself.

 

[h00ligan]

Ya know, I was wondering about spares.
I know VapeRev has a great reputation, and they aren't just another mom'n'pop ripoff shop...
That being said, I'm not surprised that all the gear wasn't in the box...because no, there was only:
Extra glass, metal tank, second fat pin, all the bottom rings, the Gem itself.

So I'm missing a slice of an O-ring that helps stiffen the airflow control movement? Good to know. I'll find a pic (or wait for one to be posted) and MacGyver one myself.

A ton of us did not get spares. It's not an oddity. It's a shortcoming of Mark bugs in box choices or final ship. quality control. You may have the run prior to the decision to include spares.

 

[spacetime]

Not sure they come with a spares kit, mine didn't. I also bought mine at a B&M.

A few pages back there were some posts about a spares kit and looking at the pics I noticed the strip.

I just salvaged one of the many I had laying around and it works great.

 

[h00ligan]

Well if it's the o ring I mean. It's an
O ring. Cut one up. Job done. That's said the spares included more useful things. Particularly the small o
Rings. Make sure you plug the sink when cleaning I lost one down there. I haven't been able to find prongs that small on fasttech that fit the gem. So in not sure where to assemble my own o ring kit from. Anyone with ideas?

 

[WhiteHighlights]

Dems,
Just take any 1mm thick oring and cut a small piece of it and put it in the hole.
U have to cut it short enough to do it's job!

GEM O-ring Sizes (OD x Thickness)
1) Drip Tip: ................... 6mm x 1mm
2) Center Topcap Hole: ... 6mm x 1mm
3) Fill Holes: ................. 3mm x 1mm
4) AFC Ring: ................. A small piece from a 1.5mm thick O-ring

HB, yes you can MacGyver it.
One thing I haven't seen noted is that (I think) the AFC ring has an upside and downside. When the upside is aligned with the air hole, the ring just rotates about a quarter turn, riding in a groove. You might be able to see the notch in the pic above.

 

[qorax]

...One thing I haven't seen noted is that (I think) the AFC ring has an upside and downside. When the upside is aligned with the air hole, the ring just rotates about a quarter turn, riding in a groove. You might be able to see the notch in the pic above.

Yes the AFC ring has a metal notch which slides inside a grove at the GEM's base. There's thus only that much it'd rotate.

 

[TheotherSteveS]

heres the complete o-ring list...again! Maybe we can sticky this somehow. Ive posted it about 10 times lol!

Interior diameter x thickness:

Tip: 6mmx1mm
Center filling deck: 6mmx1mm
Filling holes: 3mmx1mm
Afc ring: piece of an 1.5mm thick oring

Tank and deck rings
-8mm x 1mm Bottm of the deck
-13mm x 1mm Seals thee deck
-15mm x 1mm Tank

Replacement glass tubes from IBTanked. The size is 20x1.2x25.5 mm.

 

[qorax]

Gem Ti

Few modifications in this version:
1. The juice holes are now at 2mm
2. Feed O-rings are placed in a better way inside
3. O-ring inside the Chimney is fixed in a better manner
4. Rebuilding base (dry burn piece) has a different look and finish
5. Implant grade Ti
6. Only 206 pcs ever made
7. Serial # on the Chimney stem
8. Spares baggy included

Should be available at MB site in a couple of days.

 

[TheotherSteveS]

Gem Ti

Few modifications in this version:
1. The juice holes are now at 2mm
2. Feed O-rings are placed in a better way inside
3. O-ring inside the Chimney is fixed in a better manner
4. Rebuilding base (dry burn piece) has a different look and finish
5. Implant grade Ti
6. Only 206 pcs ever made
7. Serial # on the Chimney stem
8. Spares baggy included

Should be available at MB site in a couple of days.

looks good. Larger JF is nice and will solve some of the issues peopel are having I think. Serial number a great idea - wish he had done it with the SS! Ans the spares baggy now standard! Joy

Any idea of pricing brother?? I doubt whether I wll indulge myself but interesting to know!

 

[raitizz]

Oh my...

R

 

[raitizz]

Looks like the chimney is now one piece.
What's the NET weight on a, let's say, 510 21mm?
Am I about to sell my car?

R