*GEM: A new RTA by MarkBugs

[h00ligan]

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

Ok man. Well I hope you can sort it out. Let me take a video showing how tight my 510 pin is Sit tight.

Eh without a force meter it's sort of hard to get it across. I can screw the pin half way out, hold the mod secure and try to wobble the center pin. If I do that the whole mod moves.

That's about he most clear I can be without hard numbers. Both the Ti and the ss final run are like that.

So as for the ubertoot. As with the hurricane and maybe even more k see taifun' design at work. From what I see it has the same build deck and roughly the same design made busier wih slightly more air flow. I'd expect the vape to be very very similar to both the others I mentioned. I own an authentic taifun gt2 which I bought at W good price and then added to. I just can't really throw like $300 at a company who didn't come up with anything unique. Show any real Innovation etc. also I just don't think it would be different enough to warrant selling he taifun gr2 and spending another $200 or whatever. I'd be tempted to get the very well rated clone to see what's different. But I'm trying to stay away from clones. They take up space. I rarely end up using them. And here's almost always a deal killer. That said aside from the authentic gt2 I own a tobeco hurricane clone. And based on that. The hurricane is a shameless rip off of the gt2. Even the name seems similar.

I'm open to the possibility there's innovation in the authentics I don't see since I don't own them. But I didn't see enough to bother or go to the expense.

Reason I mention that is those kind of tanks all taste very similar to me. Let's call
It flavor profile a. The gem and the piccoloid both give flavor profile b if you will. Same juices taste different. I've only really seen two major flavor representations and then a bunch of variation within each type. But when you have a gt2 or an ubertoot or a hurricane. The only reason to move on really is air flow or different fill method. Most people won't think a 1-2% increase in flavor is worth a couple hundred bucks.

It's actually fkr that reason I'm pretty much done I think buying stuff. Given the taifun gt2 has a removable top
Cap they could easily release a top fill cap for it which would be awesome.

Also the phenomenon lite may be the most dense vape I've tried flavor profile c - a dead mix of a/b

If it wasn't for the terrible full system and awful afc I'd probably have like four of them.

 

[Cloudrider]

Anybody ever take a q-tip to the threads of the build deck where the different 510 pins screw in?
If you haven't, might want to try, there is usually quite a bit of crap in there.
Not sure if its micro arc oxidation or oring wear, but it does impede the quality of the connection.
Have multiple Gems in SS and Ti since their release, they are not perfect, but have merited the position as my primary ADVs.

For all who are frustrated with MB and email, I have another suggestion. Try FB, website email boxes tend to get ignored by small companies who solely rely on subcontractors to handle their website programming. I've run across many businesses who use FB as their primary tool when communicating with their customers.

Hope some of this helps somebody

 

[TheotherSteveS]

Anybody ever take a q-tip to the threads of the build deck where the different 510 pins screw in?
If you haven't, might want to try, there is usually quite a bit of crap in there.
Not sure if its micro arc oxidation or oring wear, but it does impede the quality of the connection.
Have multiple Gems in SS and Ti since their release, they are not perfect, but have merited the position as my primary ADVs.

For all who are frustrated with MB and email, I have another suggestion. Try FB, website email boxes tend to get ignored by small companies who solely rely on subcontractors to handle their website programming. I've run across many businesses who use FB as their primary tool when communicating with their customers.

Hope some of this helps somebody

differnt 510 pins on the build deck??? Dont follow

 

[Cloudrider]

510 pin and hybrid pin, the positive connectors that screws in the build deck.
The female threads in the deck get quite dirty.

 

[TheotherSteveS]

510 pin and hybrid pin, the positive connectors that screws in the build deck.
The female threads in the deck get quite dirty.

aaaaaaahhhhh. Sorry. And yes, cleaned it all out several times but good general advice.

 

[h00ligan]

510 pin and hybrid pin, the positive connectors that screws in the build deck.
The female threads in the deck get quite dirty.

I rely on the ultrasonic weekly to get he cracks and crevices and so far that works well. I dry with a smallComputer air compressor (the kind meant to replace canned air aka the greatest con man
Perpetrated on the public )

The sonic cleaner is $39.99 on Amazon and the datavac compressor is like $55 or so bought locally at frus electronics but available
Online too .

 

[druckle]

Ok man. Well I hope you can sort it out. Let me take a video showing how tight my 510 pin is Sit tight.

Eh without a force meter it's sort of hard to get it across. I can screw the pin half way out, hold the mod secure and try to wobble the center pin. If I do that the whole mod moves.

That's about he most clear I can be without hard numbers. Both the Ti and the ss final run are like that.

So as for the ubertoot. As with the hurricane and maybe even more k see taifun' design at work. From what I see it has the same build deck and roughly the same design made busier wih slightly more air flow. I'd expect the vape to be very very similar to both the others I mentioned. I own an authentic taifun gt2 which I bought at W good price and then added to. I just can't really throw like $300 at a company who didn't come up with anything unique. Show any real Innovation etc. also I just don't think it would be different enough to warrant selling he taifun gr2 and spending another $200 or whatever. I'd be tempted to get the very well rated clone to see what's different. But I'm trying to stay away from clones. They take up space. I rarely end up using them. And here's almost always a deal killer. That said aside from the authentic gt2 I own a tobeco hurricane clone. And based on that. The hurricane is a shameless rip off of the gt2. Even the name seems similar.

I'm open to the possibility there's innovation in the authentics I don't see since I don't own them. But I didn't see enough to bother or go to the expense.

Reason I mention that is those kind of tanks all taste very similar to me. Let's call
It flavor profile a. The gem and the piccoloid both give flavor profile b if you will. Same juices taste different. I've only really seen two major flavor representations and then a bunch of variation within each type. But when you have a gt2 or an ubertoot or a hurricane. The only reason to move on really is air flow or different fill method. Most people won't think a 1-2% increase in flavor is worth a couple hundred bucks.

It's actually fkr that reason I'm pretty much done I think buying stuff. Given the taifun gt2 has a removable top
Cap they could easily release a top fill cap for it which would be awesome.

Also the phenomenon lite may be the most dense vape I've tried flavor profile c - a dead mix of a/b

If it wasn't for the terrible full system and awful afc I'd probably have like four of them.

I only mentioned the Ubertoot because it's my standard of comparison for the GEM or anything new I purchase or consider purchasing. I have original Ubertoots and one of the Coppervape clones. I can tell you that the Coppervape clone performs as well as the Original in every way and it's actually available for purchase. (I wish I knew why one would design a successful product and then not satisfy the resulting market demand).

As far as the Ubertoot performing the same as the Taifun....not at all. I gave up on the Taifun long ago. It was good in it's day but that day is gone. Appearances are similar in many ways , but performance isn't even close. Don't ask me why.

That said, tastes in hardware/wick/juice and wire vary greatly. Recounting ones experience is fair game I guess but recommending to others isn't likely to help anyone much.

I understand not buying more gear right now. I have things that work really well and expensive "fails" ...well, I've had enough of those recently.

Duane

 

[Cloudrider]

This is after using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.

 

[DonnyX]

I just got this in the mail the other day. So the Wizard Apprentice Evolved ll DNA 40 was $278 plus these 2 charges. Yikes

Sent from my iPhone 6S+ using Tapatalk

 

[h00ligan]

Q tips for everyone!

Looks like tarnish almost. Did you ist use a wet swab or soapy or ?

 

[h00ligan]

I just got this in the mail the other day. So the Wizard Apprentice Evolved ll DNA 40 was $278 plus these 2 charges. Yikes

Sent from my iPhone 6S+ using Tapatalk

Ti gem

Like I said I just don't see the issue with putting he real price on there. Which is 20% less than what we paid (20% is VAT). It would avoid further charges for almost every item on their page. Not the wae unfortunately.

 

[Cloudrider]

That is a dry swab used after drying the deck using compressed air at 450 psi.

 

[h00ligan]

I'll definitely start doing that thanks

 

[hippieben]

The sonic cleaner is $39.99 on Amazon and the datavac compressor is like $55 or so bought locally at frus electronics but available
Online too .

I recommend hitting up ebay. I spent about 60 dollars and got a really good, used, ultra sonic cleaner. Kicks the piss out of the 40 dollar one from amazon.

 

[Asbestos4004]

I recommend hitting up ebay. I spent about 60 dollars and got a really good, used, ultra sonic cleaner. Kicks the piss out of the 40 dollar one from amazon.

Which one do you have? I've just started looking. I figured I'd need to drop at least $100

 

[qorax]

MarkBugs' Personal Email Addresses

Guys, Bugs came back to me stating that they might have erroneously missed some of their site based emails, which they deeply regret. And asked me to make public their personal email addresses:

For Mark: mark@markbugs.com
And for Bugs: dragos@markbugs.com

Whoever have any issues pls get in touch with them on the above IDs and you should be able to get a reply. If a problem still persists pls PM me and I'd take the matter forward if need be.

 

[hippieben]

Which one do you have? I've just started looking. I figured I'd need to drop at least $100

It's an E/MC RAI model 250 I believe

 

[turbocad6]

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

did you check the envelope well? I thought they forgot mine too as it wasn't in the tin but then I decided to take the packaging out of the trash and recheck it and there it was, would hae been easy to miss

 

[h00ligan]

Which one do you have? I've just started looking. I figured I'd need to drop at least $100

Amazon.com - Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Polishing Jewelry Cleaner with Digital Timer for Cleaning Eyeglasses, Watches, Rings, Necklaces, Coins, Razors, Dentures, Combs, Tools, Parts, Instruments (MGUC500) - Electronics Cleaning Products

Review of the ultrasonic cleaner for those who care
------
If you look at the reviews you'll see some negatives about it breaking fast or whatever but look how many reviews there are and he overall rating. I've had mine six months now maybe I use it a few times a day.

The first one of these i bought had a bad seal and water got in the front panel. From what I've seen that was around the time a couple other people had an issue where their buttons stopped working - which was the symptom of he flooded front. Maybe the deal guy called in sick for a day or two and his replacement robot arm didn't get it right?? It was exchanged with absolutely no hassle and the second one has been flawless. I should add also the recommendation is wait thirty minutes before running a second cycle. I didn't know that and I've run this with hot water, Four 8 minute cycles in a row. No issues.

Anyway the percentage of people with issues is very small overall. And the device is $40 so as far as I'm concerned if it lasts a year I got my money's worth. If or when it dies I may step up to an industrial but the effectiveness of this cheap one is so high that it's hard to justify spending any more on another. It gets things .... n span. We put a bracelet in that hadn't been cleaned in 20 years and even without polishing it was night and day. Natter a polish it looked brand new. The water was almost brown on that one.

I do my spectacles (4 pair) every few days. I clean Invisalign night time guards with it. I clean all my vape gear and some jewelry. I speed steep
Juice in it. It literally runs four times a day and has now since late August.

That said make sure you give it s good run under the water to make sure he deal is good and after that don't turn on the tap until the decide is under there.

regarding the email issue
-----------

@qorax interesting about the site emails. Does that mean the emails they sent me I responded to didn't get there either - if they weren't those messages? I guess that wouldn't have affected the bit in the notes for my titanium order for spares. Or getting the replacement base out. It's hard to discern what impact this had on my interaction with them. I believe I typically mailed the office @ Mark bugs ro address for some of the things. And others were either in form fields or responses to their emails. Any idea if they received replies to their mail ? I'm not going to resend every email. They'd get like 8 in a row from me and they missed so much I doubt much would even apply any more. I'm still waiting for my base but other than that....

most of you will want to skip this next bit about my thoughts on purchasing Mark bugs moving forward
---------

I was going to get another ti gem and decided against it - 3 gems now I've seen enough. I was considering the DNA 40'wae too but I'm afraid if the chip Goes I'll be out of luck.

However I did consider getting a chalice iii as I just ordered my first squonk mod. Ultimately I had to decide against it. Maybe I'll check back in with others in a few months and see if things have improved. It just seems like it's been a battle to be their customer since day one and I'm not sure the site email issue really covers that - and I'm not sure there's any real way to put it right since they missed the time frames and I've already not spent but wasted a lot of money dealing with their items in terms of losses selling things on That don't end up working properly for me and I can't find a fix because I couldn't get support.

Maybe ill find the chalice iii thread and see what issues there are - if there are. But I don't know. I feel like at least for me a lot of good will And faith was lost.

Not to get too off topic but Are the inconsistencies across to the chalice line for anyone who owns one?

Does temp control work better than the gem / is the fit and finish consistent etc?

I wish I could see one locally cuz I just don't think I can blind purchase products from Mark bugs anymore. And until they stop listing the prices including vat on the waybill I won't order from his site. Not taking a few moments to calculate 20% of an item cost and deduct it from the total For true item price is just lazy - it doesn't matter if he's in Romania. Non eu buyers don't pay vat. The end.

I think some places in the USA have the chalice but we don't get return policies.

The fact I can have this length of a post venting and frustrated and debating if I can convince myself that I can justify buying what probably are my favorite devices in looks and flavor is telling. It should be a battle to not splurge not a battle to give Mark bugs the benefit of the doubt again.

summary
--------

It's definitely a love disappointment relationship. I'm sure you're all so tired of seeing me post about this stuff. I'm getting tired of posting about it. So This will be the last I contribute or bore you all with my thoughts and experiences. I'm sorry if I have frustrated any of you. I'll of course be here to help if I can but I won't yammer on about this support and inconsistency stuff any further.


I love the flavor and design of the gem. It's my favorite atomizer

 

[h00ligan]

did you check the envelope well? I thought they forgot mine too as it wasn't in the tin but then I decided to take the packaging out of the trash and recheck it and there it was, would hae been easy to miss

My spares for the Ti were in the tin. I didn't see another in the envelope and it was open. I inspected the waybill and didn't see it. It's possible I missed it but unlikely. Did you ask for a second bag of spares or was it the one that shopped with it which came in the envelope?

@qorax I have to say that for very very thick eliquid the perfect length of mesh is just about the best wicking we can get in the stainless gem. It has to be right up to the side as you stated. And then it wicks pretty consistently even at relatively high temps and does have a pure flavor - though different than cotton or rayon. For my adv I've come to prefer rayon or mesh. With the mesh build I am now doing a 6 wrap 1 ohm stainless build and running about 4 volts / 15 watts. Thanks for your help through everything. Mark bugs should definitely be stocking you up With devices for all the help You give to Their community. You should change your username to @qorax_premiere_boitique_ecig_support_guru

Speaking of which. Is there a way to set the wae ii to show volts primarily ? I don't tend to set things in watts usually. I looked but only saw orientation and locking button combos so in guessing not