HELP!!! My BRAND NEW Itaste 134 acting WEIRD!!! Wrong Battery? Bad Mod? Confussed!!! :(

[EtherMagic]

About an hour ago I opened my brand new iTaste 134, I filled up my brand new Salt and Pepper Carto Tank (with a dual coil atty in it), turned the device on, and started vaping (well kind of started vaping!). As the instructions stated, I put an 18650 battery in it, but the instructions state an "IMR" 18650 (I'll ask this question in a minute).

Anyways... I start vaping, first hit was GREAT, a TON of vapor! Then came the second hit, third, and 4th, with NO activation when pressing the button (button did glow a tiny bit green then light died out), I got NO vape. Then comes the fifth hit and it works great again! As I started to try to vape some more, when pressing the button it only activates a little bit some of the time, only getting a tiny bit of vape!

After turning it off, then back on again, then off and on, and trying to vape each time, only half the time the thing hits/works as it should. I thought maybe it could be the Carto, so I switched out the Salt and pepper tank with my Vivi nova that I have on my Tesla Mod. I start to vape with the Vivi Nova, and the same thing is happening, so it's not my carto or atty! It feels like this thing has a mind of it's own, also it seems to activate better when I leave the Mod alone for a couple of minutes. I read through the entire instructions, and I am not doing anything wrong! I've been vaping since 2009, I'm not new to this game, but I am a bit new to Mods.

So here is a couple questions I have...

Is "IMR" as far as the battery is concerned just a namebrand? I'm wondering if this is happening because of the battery (it obviously would make sense). I tried 2 separate battery's, both 2200 mah 18650's with no success.

2nd question is... Can this be a short within the electrical components of the iTaste 134? Basically, do you guys think I received a bad unit?

3rd... Has this ever happened to anyone on here before (with any Mod)? If so what was the issue?


This has been so frustrating! Any help would be appreciated!


Thank You


EM


EDIT: Thanks for all your answers guys!

Quick update: I actually did put a IMR 18650 Battery in it (I tore off the stickers when I received it, just checked the order number on the site I bought it from, and it is an IMR 18650), but this battery was the one that was in my Tesla all day that I have been vaping, so it was very low and is charging now.

The "very first" battery I put in the iTaste 134 was a no name brand battery (freshly charged) that I received with my Tesla kit.

This "No Namebrand 18650 battery" operates at 2200mah, while the 18650 IMR operates at 2000mah. I'm wondering if the mah has anything to do with it? I am charging my IMR right now, if it does not work right after a full charge, it is obviously the unit.


BTW, I just put a fresh battery in the iTaste (one of the no name battery's), and it hit great the first 5 hits or so, then the shorting out started happening again.

 

[Rocketpunk]

Some batteries won't work well with certain mods. I learned that with my SVD. It may just be the battery. Efest batteries might work. I'm not a battery guy, my battery-fu is very minimal. But it's worth a shot.

 

[Abbell]

IMR are different chemically if I recall right. They are also higher drain usually. It could be that the board in the device is setup to use a higher drain battery....just a theory

 

[tom_chang79]

What kind of 18650 is it? Could be a low quality battery with high series internal resistance, which would cause the voltage drop when high current is being pulled from it...

Also, are you using protected batteries? Try an unprotected battery, the protected battery limits the peak source current...

 

[tA71ana]

Would this happen with a protected battery?

 

[Mattnatti]

I vaped on a 134 over the weekend with a AW IMR 18650 and it was hitting like a freight train. My very first 11,12 watt Vape ever. WOW! I liked the 134.

 

[EtherMagic]

Thanks for all your answers guys!

Quick update: I actually did put a IMR 18650 Battery in it (I tore off the stickers when I received it, just checked the order number on the site I bought it from, and it is an IMR 18650), but this battery was the one that was in my Tesla all day that I have been vaping, so it was very low and is charging now.

The very first battery I put in the iTaste 134 was a no name brand battery (freshly charged) that I received with my Tesla kit.

This "No Namebrand 18650 battery" operates at 2200mah, while the 18650 IMR operates at 2000mah. I'm wondering if the mah has anything to do with it? I am charging my IMR right now, if it does not work right after a full charge, it is obviously the unit.


BTW, I just put a fresh battery in the iTaste (one of the no name battery's), and it hit great the first 5 hits or so, then the shorting out started happening again.

 

[Rocketpunk]

About an hour ago I opened my brand new iTaste 134, I filled up my brand new Salt and Pepper Carto Tank (with a dual coil atty in it), turned the device on, and started vaping (well kind of started vaping!). As the instructions stated, I put an 18650 battery in it, but the instructions state an "IMR" 18650 (I'll ask this question in a minute).

Anyways... I start vaping, first hit was GREAT, a TON of vapor! Then came the second hit, third, and 4th, with NO activation when pressing the button (button did glow a tiny bit green then light died out), I got NO vape. Then comes the fifth hit and it works great again! As I started to try to vape some more, when pressing the button it only activates a little bit some of the time, only getting a tiny bit of vape!

After turning it off, then back on again, then off and on, and trying to vape each time, only half the time the thing hits/works as it should. I thought maybe it could be the Carto, so I switched out the Salt and pepper tank with my Vivi nova that I have on my Tesla Mod. I start to vape with the Vivi Nova, and the same thing is happening, so it's not my carto or atty! It feels like this thing has a mind of it's own, also it seems to activate better when I leave the Mod alone for a couple of minutes. I read through the entire instructions, and I am not doing anything wrong! I've been vaping since 2009, I'm not new to this game, but I am a bit new to Mods.

So here is a couple questions I have...

Is "IMR" as far as the battery is concerned just a namebrand? I'm wondering if this is happening because of the battery (it obviously would make sense). I tried 2 separate battery's, both 2200 mah 18650's with no success.

2nd question is... Can this be a short within the electrical components of the iTaste 134? Basically, do you guys think I received a bad unit?

3rd... Has this ever happened to anyone on here before (with any Mod)? If so what was the issue?


This has been so frustrating! Any help would be appreciated!


Thank You


EM


EDIT: Thanks for all your answers guys!

Quick update: I actually did put a IMR 18650 Battery in it (I tore off the stickers when I received it, just checked the order number on the site I bought it from, and it is an IMR 18650), but this battery was the one that was in my Tesla all day that I have been vaping, so it was very low and is charging now.

The "very first" battery I put in the iTaste 134 was a no name brand battery (freshly charged) that I received with my Tesla kit.

This "No Namebrand 18650 battery" operates at 2200mah, while the 18650 IMR operates at 2000mah. I'm wondering if the mah has anything to do with it? I am charging my IMR right now, if it does not work right after a full charge, it is obviously the unit.


BTW, I just put a fresh battery in the iTaste (one of the no name battery's), and it hit great the first 5 hits or so, then the shorting out started happening again.

Was the initial battery a 2200 mah battery, most especially a blue battery?

Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk 2

 

[EtherMagic]

Was the initial battery a 2200 mah battery, most especially a blue battery?

Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk 2

YES!!! It's BLUE and 2200mah! I received 2 of them with this Tesla kit. The battery is pictured here, this is the kit I bought that they came with... The TESLA- Variable Voltage, Variable Wattage FULL KIT! - Groove-E-Juice Store

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

Gobs of useful info here

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/129569-rechargeable-batteries.html

 

[anavidfan]

Now, Im not a battery expert but here is what Ive learned and understand. The mAh rating is relative to how long it lasts not necessarily how strong. An 18650 weather its protected /unprotected, IMR or high drain are all the same strength, or out put of 3.7 volts.

Even when a battery like the IMRs or high drain are called unprotected they are not unsafe. It just lets you get more power/ or voltage out of it, especially when using a Variable voltage device. Protected batteries have a lower cut off? I hope I explained it correctly? LOL

What resistance or Ohm is your carto/ atomizer and what voltage are you setting the 134. Maybe you are using too high of voltage or too low of a resistance for the VV device. Usually VV devices do not like anything lower than 1.7 or 1.5 . ANy lower is pushing your amperage too hot and the device will protect itself by not firing.

The device and the wrong type of batteries will try to avoid frying itself so it will shut off. MOst of the high end VV devices will state on the specs to ONLY USE IMR / HIGH DRAIN batteries and some of the best are the AW brand. THere is a panasonic IMR with a longer lasting or higher mAH but they are not always compatible with all devices.

I use a KIck which regulates my wattage and it did not do well on my device with the Panasonics.

Make sure you are using a good IMR such as the AWs or genuine EFests. Make sure your atomizer/ clearo etc is not too low of a resistance and I know it sound silly , but make sure its facing the right direction.

Im sure someone much more saavy with VV devices and batteries will ring in and tell me I got it all backwards

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

Li Ion charge to 4.2vdc when you pop em off a fresh charger...most APV's stop hitting when the voltage hits 3.2vdc...as you use it voltage slowly tapers off

Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

 

[anavidfan]

Like WarHawk said, they come off the charger higher, but then it tapers. But again its a VV device you dont get tapering off of performance it out puts at the voltage you set it and the battery will discharge till it reaches aprx 3.2 as not to drain it completely.

Thats why some people will say that they dont like VV / VW because the battery doesnt last as long, but really if you go full mechanical then you have a tapering off of performance so you end up changing it sooner anyway.

 

[EtherMagic]

Now, Im not a battery expert but here is what Ive learned and understand. The mAh rating is relative to how long it lasts not necessarily how strong. An 18650 weather its protected /unprotected, IMR or high drain are all the same strength, or out put of 3.7 volts.

Even when a battery like the IMRs or high drain are called unprotected they are not unsafe. It just lets you get more power/ or voltage out of it, especially when using a Variable voltage device. Protected batteries have a lower cut off? I hope I explained it correctly? LOL

What resistance or Ohm is your carto/ atomizer and what voltage are you setting the 134. Maybe you are using too high of voltage or too low of a resistance for the VV device. Usually VV devices do not like anything lower than 1.7 or 1.5 . ANy lower is pushing your amperage too hot and the device will protect itself by not firing.

The device and the wrong type of batteries will try to avoid frying itself so it will shut off. MOst of the high end VV devices will state on the specs to ONLY USE IMR / HIGH DRAIN batteries and some of the best are the AW brand. THere is a panasonic IMR with a longer lasting or higher mAH but they are not always compatible with all devices.

I use a KIck which regulates my wattage and it did not do well on my device with the Panasonics.

Make sure you are using a good IMR such as the AWs or genuine EFests. Make sure your atomizer/ clearo etc is not too low of a resistance and I know it sound silly , but make sure its facing the right direction.

Im sure someone much more saavy with VV devices and batteries will ring in and tell me I got it all backwards

Once again, I thank everyone for your input trying to help me ...


They are standard 2.5ohms, so can't be a problem with ohms.

I did notice something else aswell. The device after about 5-10min of not vaping seems to turn itself off (no where in the manual states that it's sposed to do this)? IDK what up with this thing, it is vaping a bit better though, but I am still getting these off and on hits. When I press the button, it literally seems to have to charge the atty for about 2 seconds before I start to hear the juice start to sizzle.

I am vaping on 8 watts.


EM

 

[Gary Mcroy]

If its a protected battery that you had in when you were having problems that would explain it. Protected batterys dont work right in vv mods. They can activate and work but then thell just not work the next hit or work for half a hit then turn off, sounds like that mighta been your issue. Try the imr battery after it charges and see if you have anymore issues

 

[anavidfan]

One more thing it might be. Have to you tried another carto? It might be your cartomizer. Check to make sure that the cartos pin is out far enough to be completely making contact. You can pull the connection pin on a carto with a paperclip so it sticks out just a tad longer. Check to see if the 510 connection pin on the 134 itself might be adjustable.

If its not making good contact that might account for the misfires. Make sure that your tank has enough space between the top of the 134 and the edge of the tank so you get enough air flow.

Try another carto if this doesnt help or even a single coil carto. SOme people have found that some dual cartos dont work as well as a good ole single coil Boge.

 

[EtherMagic]

One more thing it might be. Have to you tried another carto? It might be your cartomizer. Check to make sure that the cartos pin is out far enough to be completely making contact. You can pull the connection pin on a carto with a paperclip so it sticks out just a tad longer. Check to see if the 510 connection pin on the 134 itself might be adjustable.

If its not making good contact that might account for the misfires. Make sure that your tank has enough space between the top of the 134 and the edge of the tank so you get enough air flow.

Try another carto if this doesnt help or even a single coil carto. SOme people have found that some dual cartos dont work as well as a good ole single coil Boge.

BINGO! But still not working correctly, but I believe you solved the mystery! I can hear the iTaste 134 buzzing when connected, the evidence seems to be pointing at the device itself, so it's not my Carto/Carto's fault, the connector/conductor that presses against the carto pin seems like it is not working properly. I can turn the tank/twist it right to left and hear it connecting at times, then not connecting. When it connects there is a buzzing sound (as other members who own the iTaste 134 have mentioned before concerning the buzzing sound with the 134).

I'm going to ask the seller for an even exchange, as I already like it better then my Tesla (when the dang thing is working! lol)!!! It hits wonderful and feels so much more solid and is much heavier.


I will update, and thanks everyone for all the wonderful help, greatly appreciated!


EM

 

[SissySpike]

Please take the time to read up on the batteries your using. What they are, what they are capable of how to use them safely. Injury and property damage can result from lack of knowledge. An hour of surfing and reading about Li on battery use is time very well spent.

 

[unsure]

Sorry to here about your initial issue. Mine worked super right from the get go. The only batts I use for all my different mods are...

 

[XeniaMike]

Sorry to here about your initial issue. Mine worked super right from the get go. The only batts I use for all my different mods are...

With my 134 I find I really have to be squarely on that button or I only get a partial activation. I've been using AW IMR 18650 batteries just like unsure posted (except mine are 1600mah), and they seem fine so far. I'm wondering if you might be able to exchange it, does it have a warranty? Nothing that came with mine stated anything about it.

It took a tumble yesterday in the car and I was like "EEEEEK!" but I think I got away with it. One thing it does say over and over in the manual is not to drop it. That's like telling a toddler (or a drunk) not to spill his drink.