*GEM: A new RTA by MarkBugs

[h00ligan]

Question... The wick feed holes on the new Ti gem are larger than the original ss gem?

Does that improve wicking?
Would it be possible to drill out the feed holes in an original ss gem to 2mm?
Would that improve wicking?

Just a few thoughts maybe the experts here could answer....

Yes theyre bigger. The Ti holes are 2 mm. There's a discussion between myself and another member a few pages back which details how easy it would be to reem the holes by hand with the proper bits. The wicking is improved for thicker eliquid imo. I didn't have an issue with thinner liquids say below 80% vg. If you're having wicking issues with a lower vg content than 80% you should be able to just adjust your wicking or coil to solve the issue.

Have a look going back a few pages and look for a link to a drill bit set in blue. That will be a good visual anchor via tapatalk. It's not that long ago we talked about it. Maybe a week or so.

 

[h00ligan]

So I just got a text Bill from UPS and I think UPS on DHL we should probably meet us for the gym titanium. I'm gonna have to contact them because the actual value of this device is not taxable and that means that Mark bug just putting the wrong amount on the waybill

The gem ti does NOT meet import tax requirements. They really need to start putting he proper value on not the piece including a big tax we don't pay in the USA.

Also I sent an email specifically regarding this which like almost all of my other emails was ignored. Even after racking it on to a $225 order.

The issue isn't the $15. It's the fact it's being wrongfully requested and Mark bugs should know people outside the Eu don't pay VAT and the fact they isn't answer a damn email

 

[TheotherSteveS]

So I just got a text Bill from UPS and I think UPS on DHL we should probably meet us for the gym titanium. I'm gonna have to contact them because the actual value of this device is not taxable and that means that Mark bug just putting the wrong amount on the waybill

The gem ti does NOT meet import tax requirements. They really need to start putting he proper value on not the piece including a big tax we don't pay in the USA.

Also I sent an email specifically regarding this which like almost all of my other emails was ignored. Even after racking it on to a $225 order.

The issue isn't the $15. It's the fact it's being wrongfully requested and Mark bugs should know people outside the Eu don't pay VAT and the fact they isn't answer a damn email

isnt it import duty rather than VAT??

 

[qorax]

@qorax is there any real benefit to yarn or was is more of a "why not" thing? You're pretty big on rayon- see yourself switching to yarn in general - or in the gem specifically any benefit?

You've tried everything but cotton bacon ! I'm telling you wicks like the best of rayon and cotton with virtually no flavor or break in. I am really stuck on it.

Oh, I've been using SnC yarn for a while now. Off-n-on, in every atty. It wicks great. No off taste once the processing has been done. The main reason for using SnC is ease of use and consistency. You have an automatically measurable amount to be inserted ~ so there's no trial-n-error involved to check the density of your material vis-a-vis the diameter of your coil. Easy work

 

[h00ligan]

Removed. What's the poin in taking up the space repeating what's been stated.

I won't be buying more Mark bugs stuff. Their customer support is the worst I've seen at these kind of price points. I won't continue to line the pockets of someone who can't answer an email or get a replacement part out with my new order when I've bought five items totaling $1000 or more - then I expect more. It's vaping Not solving world hunger. Respect your customer or lose them. There's a reason the Ti gem stuck around so long and people didn't break the Internet trying to get it. My guess is super expensive items known to be finicky and poor post sale support on a premium product have a lot to do with it. We will see

 

[qorax]

So I just got a text Bill from UPS and I think UPS on DHL we should probably meet us for the gym titanium. I'm gonna have to contact them because the actual value of this device is not taxable and that means that Mark bug just putting the wrong amount on the waybill
The gem ti does NOT meet import tax requirements. They really need to start putting he proper value on not the piece including a big tax we don't pay in the USA.

Also I sent an email specifically regarding this which like almost all of my other emails was ignored. Even after racking it on to a $225 order.

The issue isn't the $15. It's the fact it's being wrongfully requested and Mark bugs should know people outside the Eu don't pay VAT and the fact they isn't answer a damn email

Edit: Removed. What's the poin in taking up the space repeating what's been stated.

I won't be buying more Mark bugs stuff. Their customer support is the worst I've seen at these kind of price points. I won't continue to line the pockets of someone who can't answer an email or get a replacement part out with my new order when I've bought five items totally $100 or more form then I expect more. It's. Doing. Not solving world hunger. Respect your customer

@h00ligan : We have discussed this VAT issue with MB in detail. In 2013. Via VaporWall. It seems taking it off for non-EU customers, like us, is not a possibility in their country. Remember it is Romania, things are a bit different / difficult there.

A flat rate price for all - and simple paperwork is the only possibility out there. If they want to do different pricing for buyers from different regions - they'd've to get separate permits, region wise, independent paperwork for each shipment and not to mention the holdup time for non-EU processing. Besides permit fees.

So instead MB is processing all orders in the same parlance as it is within the EU. And yes, they are paying VAT even for us. The money is not held by MB - but is going to the Romanian coffers.

So MB, unhappily, is unable to honor a Non-VAT price for us, folks in the US. They had conveyed their regrets on the matter during our 2013 discussions.

And btw, they ship UPS to all. Even within Romania or the EU. They have a corporate pricing stuck with UPS for the same. And they don't have that with any other couriers. And btw2, shipping costs in Romania is, hmm a Kill Bill.

 

[h00ligan]

@h00ligan : We have discussed this VAT issue with MB in detail. In 2013. Via VaporWall. It seems taking it off for non-EU customers, like us, is not a possibility in their country. Remember it is Romania, things are a bit different / difficult there.

A flat rate price for all - and simple paperwork is the only possibility out there. If they want to do different pricing for buyers from different regions - they'd've to get separate permits, region wise, independent paperwork for each shipment and not to mention the holdup time for non-EU processing. Besides permit fees.

So instead MB is processing all orders in the same parlance as it is within the EU. And yes, they are paying VAT even for us. The money is not held by MB - but is going to the Romanian coffers.

So MB, unhappily, is unable to honor a Non-VAT price for us, folks in the US. They had conveyed their regrets on the matter during our 2013 discussions.

And btw, they ship UPS to all. Even within Romania or the EU. They have a corporate pricing stuck with UPS for the same. And they don't have that with any other couriers.

I appreciate that. All they'd need to do is send an email explaining that. Or word it better on their site. On the site as I read it - it says simply we won't lie about the value. And I get that and wouldn't expect them to. It doesn't say - we will be stating the price includes VAT wrongly even though you don't pay it.


For the benefit of conversation $5.69 tax with $9 brokerage fee. Not much but for those scraping to buy a gem - probably you'll want to find a local reseller.

That puts the total cost of the Ti up to a whopping $240. I don't know too many atomizers which are more expensive and not coated in gold like the (terrible) e-Phoenix firebird.

 

[TheotherSteveS]

@h00ligan : We have discussed this VAT issue with MB in detail. In 2013. Via VaporWall. It seems taking it off for non-EU customers, like us, is not a possibility in their country. Remember it is Romania, things are a bit different / difficult there.

A flat rate price for all - and simple paperwork is the only possibility out there. If they want to do different pricing for buyers from different regions - they'd've to get separate permits, region wise, independent paperwork for each shipment and not to mention the holdup time for non-EU processing. Besides permit fees.

So instead MB is processing all orders in the same parlance as it is within the EU. And yes, they are paying VAT even for us. The money is not held by MB - but is going to the Romanian coffers.

So MB, unhappily, is unable to honor a Non-VAT price for us, folks in the US. They had conveyed their regrets on the matter during our 2013 discussions.

And btw, they ship UPS to all. Even within Romania or the EU. They have a corporate pricing stuck with UPS for the same. And they don't have that with any other couriers. And btw2, shipping costs in Romania is, hmm a Kill Bill.

To be fair brother, MB should clearly state these issues on the site, clearly, to avoid all this bad feeling. It does seem like his CS is not the best. I know its a one man operation, but business is business and he really needs to do better with that. These are not cheap devices and customers deserve at least a timely response, even if its a 'your call is held in a queue' type thing. Better than nothing! You know there is a similar storm brewing with mini e-cig for exactly the same reasons of poor CS and ambiguous shipping arrangements. There is a lot of bad feeling with that also and people are genuinely just not buying their gear any more!

 

[h00ligan]

To be fair brother, MB should clearly state these issues on the site, clearly, to avoid all this bad feeling. It does seem like his CS is not the best. I know its a one man operation, but business is business and he really needs to do better with that. These are not cheap devices and customers deserve at least a timely response, even if its a 'your call is held in a queue' type thing. Better than nothing!

You know of all of it the biggest thing that stuck in my teeth. I ordered he Ti gem. Explained I had 2 other gems and one didn't have a spares. Asked for another spares bag. And was ignored. I just bought another $225 item and e couldn't be bothered to put a $.25 extra bag of spares in

Come. On.

I understand not wanting it have a conversation about chimney upgrade plan etc. and it's fine to say. Duly noted I'll consider. Or maybe when gem 2 arrives email me and we will work something out since you're clearly having issues.

Also in waiting on the 510 adaptor. He's not taking thousands of orders a day. Why didn't he just put one in with the Ti

 

[TheotherSteveS]

You know of all of it the biggest thing that stuck in my teeth. I ordered he Ti gem. Explained I had 2 other gems and one didn't have a spares. Asked for another spares bag. And was ignored. I just bought another $225 item and e couldn't be bothered to put a $.25 extra bag of spares in

Come. On.

Its stupid because he was happy to send a stack to @qorax to distribute so why not throw one in with your order. Particulalry since you own two already. I dont think its bloodymindedness, it is just carelessness and that it bad, very bad!

 

[qorax]

I appreciate that. All they'd need to do is send an email explaining that. Or word it better on their site. On the site as I read it - it says simply we won't lie about the value. And I get that and wouldn't expect them to. It doesn't say - we will be stating the price includes VAT wrongly even though you don't pay it.

For the benefit of conversation $5.69 tax with $9 brokerage fee

The problem here, as I see is, many of us aren't well aware of MB. Hadn't dealt with them for long. And it's no fault of us in this forum b'coz MB is fairly new to ECF and with a minimalist presence. It was in VaporWall that they started. Had a vibrant presence. And we had been under deliberate discussions with Bugs over there for loooooooong. So we know all the issues involved, with whatever MarkBugs.

 

[h00ligan]

The problem here, as I see is, many of us aren't well aware of MB. Hadn't dealt with them for long. And it's no fault of us in this forum b'coz MB is fairly new to ECF and with a minimalist presence. It was in VaporWall that they started. Had a vibrant presence. And we had been under deliberate discussions with Bugs over there for loooooooong. So we know all the issues involved, with whatever MarkBugs.

Well if you mean aware of the issues in that he doesn't support his customers. No I learned that on my own. And it's not something I'll tolerate when buying a 1% device.

His whole attitude comes off like extreme arrogance. It may not be. But that's how it's perceived

If he does believe he can be successful without loyalty from existing customers I'm afraid he's in for a rude awakening.

Take me for example. I'm done buying. I definitely can't recommend his products at this point.

We're dealing with items that have minuscule differences in practical use. If the gem is +-1% compared to a GP Product of course I'm buying and recommending the GP product who have phenomenal customer support and I know will stand by their stuff

If my wae broke what would I do? Would he even answer an email when I told him It's broken?

Here's a chuckle at my expense.

After all this I was actually writing an email to
Mark bugs to discuss the import tax And vat. I got about a paragraph in and realized how stupid I was

By the way my frustration is largely burn from the fact I love the gem and wae ii. If he made ugly devices that worked awfully it would be simple
To dismiss these things. It stinks that ice been left no choice by pull my support for future products. I greatly enjoy the devices when working

Ps

@qorax When I first found the gem and came in here I said it sounded like it had a fair bit of issues. People were very defensive if not mad at me for saying that and some others said "no, it's a few issues but Mark bugs takes care of his customers and is around the forums" (paraphrased)

After being "told off" by several People I acquiesced and attributed it to coming into the thread at the wrong time. The reality of the situation is those people who were frustrated actually had been showing the real case and my tingling spider sense that told me to stay away from Expensive devices where people are complaining about support was on the money.

I'm not bringing this up to place blame. But rather to pint it that we , as fans not just customers and in our zeal to promote what we consider great items, tend to understate issues and take discussions of things which fall short too much to heart. I think most "fanboys" for lack of a better word within the vaping community should probably try to be a it more objective at least about things like, pricing, support, communication, etc. I wholly include myself in that and it's certainly not just this brand and customers who do This .

 

[druckle]

Removed. What's the poin in taking up the space repeating what's been stated.

I won't be buying more Mark bugs stuff. Their customer support is the worst I've seen at these kind of price points. I won't continue to line the pockets of someone who can't answer an email or get a replacement part out with my new order when I've bought five items totaling $1000 or more - then I expect more. It's vaping Not solving world hunger. Respect your customer or lose them. There's a reason the Ti gem stuck around so long and people didn't break the Internet trying to get it. My guess is super expensive items known to be finicky and poor post sale support on a premium product have a lot to do with it. We will see

Apparently Mark Bugs refuses to communicate with almost everyone. I have tried multiple times and have given up. They clearly do not care about their customers enough to bother to answer email and produce products that promise quality and deliver inconsistent performance with modern temperature controlled vaping. I know folks say the GEM was not designed to work well with temperature control. That may well be so and if Mark Bugs warned customers that the product was unsuitable in that mode it would be a acceptable however I have never seen such a warning and they do not appear to be addressing their product deficiencies.

Paying VAT to the Romanian govt? There's no need to discuss that. I choose not.


There are excellent alternative flavor producing tanks such as the Ubertoot, Hurricane and Crown tank so I too will not bother with Mark Bugs again in the future.

All in all a reasonable customer position vs Mark Bugs I think.

Duane

 

[druckle]

I'm not bringing this up to place blame. But rather to pint it that we , as fans not just customers and in our zeal to promote what we consider great items, tend to understate issues and take discussions of things which fall short too much to heart. I think most "fanboys" for lack of a better word within the vaping community should probably try to be a it more objective at least about things like, pricing, support, communication, etc. I wholly include myself in that and it's certainly not just this brand and customers who do This .

AMEN

As an engineer I primarily value function and integrity. I do not value emotional attachment to a product. After all vaping is not a religion.

Duane

 

[h00ligan]

Apparently Mark Bugs refuses to communicate with almost everyone. I have tried multiple times and have given up. They clearly do not care about their customers enough to bother to answer email and produce products that promise quality and deliver inconsistent performance with modern temperature controlled vaping. I know folks say the GEM was not designed to work well with temperature control. That may well be so and if Mark Bugs warned customers that the product was unsuitable in that mode it would be a acceptable however I have never seen such a warning and they do not appear to be addressing their product deficiencies.

Paying VAT to the Romanian govt? There's no need to discuss that. I choose not.


There are excellent alternative flavor producing tanks such as the Ubertoot, Hurricane and Crown tank so I too will not bother with Mark Bugs again in the future.

All in all a reasonable customer position vs Mark Bugs I think.

Duane

Thanks this thread is very good for the most part about helping and there's not really blind fanboyism these days in here that i see. Whenever I post something like this I'm always worried about getting blasted off on by other members and caught up in an Internet tantrum / fight. Probably because I had a really bad experience on the forums with another brand which I let get even worse by getting sucked in - it's still Coming up in various threads) but I want to be fair to the members here. Even those with no issues and who are big fans try to help everyone else and recognize things should be better with customer support.

I'm an engineer too and I feel like a lot
Of times (not this thread) it's really a waste of
Time and most people can't follow the logic when blinded with love for inanimate objects.

This thread and the GP thread have been very helpful for me and if Mark bugs offered even half the consideration of his devoted fans this wouldn't be a topic. Most
People accept that s*^t happens - it's when nothing is done and communication fails it becomes an issue

For temp Control in running a nickel build in one right now with no issues but it does take a minute to set the sender pin the right way. I've noticed higher resistance materials like titanium and stainless tend to read better for successful initial pairing but the fluctuations of the gem and lower tcr typically mean that for at least stainless steel it's not terribly reliable or accurate - hence choosing nickel. We're there a bit more room to make a build over .1 ohm I think the issues would mostly resolve.

Im going to try and by som me nickel wrapped kanthal (or is it vice Versa) and calculate the proper tcr for the Yihi mods I have. That may be the best of both worlds in here. Decent tcr difference and higher build resistance. Might solve the issues.

Where do you have most of the troubles ? And are you using dna200 devices or others?

I try to unscrew the center pin only far enough that it registers (barely) with the mod. It takes a couple times on and off but when set it can stay there a while - so while not ideal it's not too inconvenient. Also I use a 521tab and saturate the build heavily. Then i pulse fire quickly. Since nickel particularly "settles" quite a bit after firing this allows that settling without the massive swings that can be seen if the initial pulses are done on mod.

Finally for the DNA 200 I always just locked it after pairing and he pulses were done. That device while technically clever and very cool to use is overly sensitive imo which makes a horrible companion for a temperamental atomizers. So I only out settled builds on the mod and lock right away.

Hope some of that can help you. If you don't have w build station that can fire they're very helpful for tc builds that need to be broken in - though you want to wick and not dry burn tc materials obviously.

 

[druckle]

Thanks this thread is very good for the most part about helping and there's not really blind fanboyism these days in here that i see. Whenever I post something like this I'm always worried about getting blasted off on by other members and caught up in an Internet tantrum / fight. Probably because I had a really bad experience on the forums with another brand which I let get even worse by getting sucked in - it's still Coming up in various threads) but I want to be fair to the members here. Even those with no issues and who are big fans try to help everyone else and recognize things should be better with customer support.

I'm an engineer too and I feel like a lot
Of times (not this thread) it's really a waste of
Time and most people can't follow the logic when blinded with love for inanimate objects.

This thread and the GP thread have been very helpful for me and if Mark bugs offered even half the consideration of his devoted fans this wouldn't be a topic. Most
People accept that s*^t happens - it's when nothing is done and communication fails it becomes an issue

For temp Control in running a nickel build in one right now with no issues but it does take a minute to set the sender pin the right way. I've noticed higher resistance materials like titanium and stainless tend to read better for successful initial pairing but the fluctuations of the gem and lower tcr typically mean that for at least stainless steel it's not terribly reliable or accurate - hence choosing nickel. We're there a bit more room to make a build over .1 ohm I think the issues would mostly resolve.

Im going to try and by som me nickel wrapped kanthal (or is it vice Versa) and calculate the proper tcr for the Yihi mods I have. That may be the best of both worlds in here. Decent tcr difference and higher build resistance. Might solve the issues.

Where do you have most of the troubles ? And are you using dna200 devices or others?

I try to unscrew the center pin only far enough that it registers (barely) with the mod. It takes a couple times on and off but when set it can stay there a while - so while not ideal it's not too inconvenient. Also I use a 521tab and saturate the build heavily. Then i pulse fire quickly. Since nickel particularly "settles" quite a bit after firing this allows that settling without the massive swings that can be seen if the initial pulses are done on mod.

Finally for the DNA 200 I always just locked it after pairing and he pulses were done. That device while technically clever and very cool to use is overly sensitive imo which makes a horrible companion for a temperamental atomizers. So I only out settled builds on the mod and lock right away.

Hope some of that can help you. If you don't have w build station that can fire they're very helpful for tc builds that need to be broken in - though you want to wick and not dry burn tc materials obviously.

h00ligan

I've primarily tried to use the SXM, DNA 200 and Reuleaux RX 200 with the GEM (ss version). There are definitely times when I can fiddle with the very loose positive pin and make the device decently for a little while but because of the poor design and poor tolerances of the positive pin any slight movement or heating/cooling of the tank can and often does cause the whole thing to go totally wonky.

I've had my problems with Fanboys elsewhere on ECF also. One notable example was those who blindly supported Evolv during their DNA 40 fiasco. Evolv had a series of problems over an extended period of time and provided little to no customer communication. They rightly turned off a lot of their then current and many prospective customers.

When the DNA 200 was introduced I did a lot of homework and decided to give the product a try because it appeared that Evolv had learned from their previous experience. They apparently did learn a lot about customer support. They have addressed issues with the new product rapidly and have provided astounding support to customers who have experienced difficulties.

One hopes that other suppliers can learn the same lessons Evolv appears to have learned. Failure can only be reversed by recognizing there is a problem and addressing the issues immediately whether they issues are purely technical or in customer support.

My interest in the GEM was initially in the aesthetics of the product, and the potential for flavor production together with what I perceived as a devoted customer base that I assumed was based on excellent customer support.

My disappointments are with poor engineering and manufacturing execution and obvious failure in customer support. Mr. "Mark Bugs" should contact Brandon at Evolv sometime to discuss how to rise from the ashes.

The GEM is a great idea. It never produced results up to the standards of the Ubertoot for me but still there is potential there and I hope that sometime in the future I can give Mark Bugs the benefit of the doubt after they have learned how to compete more successfully in the vaping market.

Duane

 

[h00ligan]

@druckle - when you say the very loose positive pin you mean the one on the bottom that screws I to the deck right? That should be incredibly tight. If it's not giving significant resistance when you're turning it then you have a faulty part that needs to be replaced. I have had three gems and none of them have a loose pin.

Inside the deck there are some Delrin parts and black o rings. Can you shine a light down there and take a picture? I can do the same. I have a feeling you're missing a washer inside the base and that's causing the problems for you.

If you scre in the hybrid pin is hat loose too? Or just the 510 long pin?

Also I read you can use a kayfun lite or similar bottom pin I believe. Which may sort it
Out. But end of the day it sounds like ii have a deck/ base issue. That would explain why you're descriptions of the issues are so much more serious than the "minor" sort of
Inconveniences most of
Is have seen. Dna200 not withstanding. If you lock the resistance on the DNA 200 and still have issues you have a hardware issue imo

I realize it doesn't help you immediately as bugs has to actually answer an email.

If we can establish its an issue and if you can't get markbugs to help you I may be able to
Sacrifice my spare deck to
You - you send me your defective deck. Obviously if really rather not do that if you can get support from Mark bugs. But I will if it's he only possibility for things to work for you.

As a side note if you are chasing flavor and want excellent support the piccoloid setup (spheroid v4 tank) is the only other device I have that tastes as good as the gem. The piccoloid combo is ting taking 14500 batteries and man its craftsmanship is a thing to behold. Should you have occasion to get one I think you'll be very satisfied. I recently had a really strange issue wih the heron v2 (HnP hybrid) and GP knowing I can't drive or really even walk right now sent me a prepaid dhl pickup. Advance replaced the entire unit and literally anything they could have done they did. At heir expense. I ended up buying a few ancillary parts to offset their losses in helping me out so amazingly. Probably cost them €25+ to do what they did as well as completing a replacement. They even let me change my. Mind on tube size for the paps part - since their brushed finish is paired tank and mod they were replacing the tube anyway. But he point is. They sent six or so emails helping me trouble shoot. And wen way above and beyond. So buying a $275 hybrid from them all of a sudden seemed really worth it.

But the stand out is also the flavor. given I think the gem is the best tasting atomizer I've ever tried. I don't say that lightly. It's also about as simple as simple gets and their gpin setup is very intuitive as are their switches.

 

[TheotherSteveS]

@druckle - when you say the very loose positive pin you mean the one on the bottom that screws I to the deck right? That should be incredibly tight. If it's not giving significant resistance when you're turning it then you have a faulty part that needs to be replaced. I have had three gems and none of them have a loose pin.

Inside the deck there are some Delrin parts and black o rings. Can you shine a light down there and take a picture? I can do the same. I have a feeling you're missing a washer inside the base and that's causing the problems for you.

If you scre in the hybrid pin is hat loose too? Or just the 510 long pin?

Also I read you can use a kayfun lite or similar bottom pin I believe. Which may sort it
Out. But end of the day it sounds like ii have a deck/ base issue. That would explain why you're descriptions of the issues are so much more serious than the "minor" sort of
Inconveniences most of
Is have seen. Dna200 not withstanding. If you lock the resistance on the DNA 200 and still have issues you have a hardware issue imo

I realize it doesn't help you immediately as bugs has to actually answer an email.

If we can establish its an issue and if you can't get markbugs to help you I'll
Sacrifice my spare deck to
You - you send me your defective deck. Obviously if really rather not do that if you can get support from Mark bugs. But I will if it's he only possibility for things to work for you.

you may be right but even with them intact, I have serious problems with TC with the GEM. I have to spend much time screwing the 510 in and out to find a point where the correct R will register. Like Duane, mine will be vaping well (and it is very good when it is tuned in) and then suddenly, R jumps to some ludicrous value (I mean from 0.2 to 0.4 on occasions) and vapour ceases to be. Remove 510, clean the end, screw it back in, test R, take it off, screw the pin in or out a bit, try again...I have the same problem with my Squape Rs, same cause - dodgy 510 pin acknowledged by Stattqualm who have no intention of addressing the problem apparently. What is strange is some seem to have no problem but I find it hard to see what could be different whith the well-behaved units.

edit: Just to say that, unlike me who has been guilty of some unecessary tantrums about stuff in the past, Duane is much more sanguine and considered, and if he is unhappy, there is good reason!

 

[druckle]

@druckle - when you say the very loose positive pin you mean the one on the bottom that screws I to the deck right? That should be incredibly tight. If it's not giving significant resistance when you're turning it then you have a faulty part that needs to be replaced. I have had three gems and none of them have a loose pin.

Inside the deck there are some Delrin parts and black o rings. Can you shine a light down there and take a picture? I can do the same. I have a feeling you're missing a washer inside the base and that's causing the problems for you.

If you scre in the hybrid pin is hat loose too? Or just the 510 long pin?

Also I read you can use a kayfun lite or similar bottom pin I believe. Which may sort it
Out. But end of the day it sounds like ii have a deck/ base issue. That would explain why you're descriptions of the issues are so much more serious than the "minor" sort of
Inconveniences most of
Is have seen. Dna200 not withstanding. If you lock the resistance on the DNA 200 and still have issues you have a hardware issue imo

I have two GEMS and both of my positive pins are loose/sloppy. Believe me I have investigated the causes in depth and it appears if you have tight pins then Mark Bugs has significant quality control issues compounding marginal engineering design.

Locking the resistance in the DNA 200 does not solve the problem at all. It allows one to continue to vape albeit with varying performance since the actual resistance is in fact unstable. Telling the device that it is not does not change the actual performance.

I am machining replacement pins for my GEMS to explore whether the device can ultimately compete with the Ubertoot in vaping performance. I hope it does because while the Ubertoot is the best performing tank I have ever used it certainly will never win any beauty contests.

Duane

 

[h00ligan]

you may be right but even with them intact, I have serious problems with TC with the GEM. I have to spend much time screwing the 510 in and out to find a point where the correct R will register. Like Duane, mine will be vaping well (and it is very good when it is tuned in) and then suddenly, R jumps to some ludicrous value (I mean from 0.2 to 0.4 on occasions) and vapour ceases to be. Remove 510, clean the end, screw it back in, test R, take it off, screw the pin in or out a bit, try again...I have the same problem with my Squape Rs, same cause - dodgy 510 pin acknowledged by Stattqualm who have no intention of addressing the problem apparently. What is strange is some seem to have no problem but I find it hard to see what could be different whith the well-behaved units.

The gem design is such that excess liquid passes to the top of the 510 pin. I've also noticed if I over juice it initially and he pin gets slathered in eliquid it really makes hints worse.

That said if his pin can literally wobble side to side there is clearly an issue.

I don't have any dna200 decides left right now and probably won't buy any more because there enormous and have been unreliable for me. But I can say on the 350j chip. The istick. The lower end Yihi chip in the evic mini and the aspire Pegasus mini mod so long as the gem has a crab center pin and is barely screwed it long enough to make contact with the mod - once it's parked and settled from the initial build (or pulsed on the build station) it works fine for me. I don't have stuff happening like I did with the DNA 200 where I'd be vaping and then all of a sudden my cotton would catch fire due to a read resistance change etc.

I believe the issues are here but I wonder - I have a last batch gem and a titanium. So I wonder if the hole is slightly smaller or the pin bigger or some other change was made. The older one of the two I have now is 2 months and came with spares.

How old are your gems guys ? Did it come with spares?