HIGO RDTA by Focusecig

Status
Not open for further replies.

Elyptic

Super Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Nov 16, 2014
565
1,158
Upstate NY
I was seriously interested in this tank, but given what I've read in the last couple days, just pulled the trigger on a griffin. One of the main concerns was the "adjustable" 510 pin. I like to run Temp Control, and I've yet to find an adjustable pin that gives a solid enough connection unless it's cranked all the way down.

Going to keep watching this thread to see if updates are made though. Again, looks like a great option when they release a v2.
 

John Eldredge

Senior Member
Nov 16, 2015
227
1,070
50
I added the small o-ring to the 510, putting it under the silicone ring/collar that was already there. It firmed up the 510 enough to get a stable connection. It's coming in at .14 on the DNA200 and .13 on the RX200, which is similar to other tanks. When I first started vaping, it seemed to do okay, I'd get bubbles after a pull, but then it seemed to stop. It wasn't quite dry hitting, but you could tell it wasn't feeding enough juice. I pulled the base off and tried to move the rayon away from the feed holes a bit to see if that would help feed it more. It seemed to help a little, but not as much as I was hoping for. It's a DIY 30/70vg menthol and when I pulled the deck out and looked at the bottom of the chimney, there was juice in all the holes like it should be feeding. Seems strange that the bottom green o-ring sits on top of the holes, basically blocking them by about 1/2. Also, the juice control ring - has anyone tried without that installed? Think I'll pull that out and see if it helps or floods...

Here's what I did to my tank, because the green o ring proved to be 1/2 of my issues.
It's a pita I had to even do this, but I figured it might be of use to the people at focusecig, and more importantly, my vaping peers. It helps a lot. I used a thin cardboard tag. It's a pain to get lined up after I trimmed the card flush with a razor, but I shouldn't have to open the tank much anyway, so it's my permanantly temporary solution.
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
 

Marc411

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Mar 17, 2014
4,737
10,918
Windy City
Here's what I did to my tank, because the green o ring proved to be 1/2 of my issues.
It's a pita I had to even do this, but I figured it might be of use to the people at focusecig, and more importantly, my vaping peers. It helps a lot. I used a thin cardboard tag. It's a pain to get lined up after I trimmed the card flush with a razor, but I shouldn't have to open the tank much anyway, so it's my permanantly temporary solution. View attachment 525580View attachment 525581View attachment 525582View attachment 525583

The master craftsman of the group!

Although he never charges his phone ;)
 

John Eldredge

Senior Member
Nov 16, 2015
227
1,070
50
I added the small o-ring to the 510, putting it under the silicone ring/collar that was already there. It firmed up the 510 enough to get a stable connection. It's coming in at .14 on the DNA200 and .13 on the RX200, which is similar to other tanks. When I first started vaping, it seemed to do okay, I'd get bubbles after a pull, but then it seemed to stop. It wasn't quite dry hitting, but you could tell it wasn't feeding enough juice. I pulled the base off and tried to move the rayon away from the feed holes a bit to see if that would help feed it more. It seemed to help a little, but not as much as I was hoping for. It's a DIY 30/70vg menthol and when I pulled the deck out and looked at the bottom of the chimney, there was juice in all the holes like it should be feeding. Seems strange that the bottom green o-ring sits on top of the holes, basically blocking them by about 1/2. Also, the juice control ring - has anyone tried without that installed? Think I'll pull that out and see if it helps or floods...

Here was step two when it still didn't quite wick enough... Just tapered the holes slightly bottom and top. I went a little at a time. I've run my thick juice in there, and it's wicking but I think it needs a bit more, I'm kinda scared to run a drill through it yet, I might do 2 holes... The way it is, I've run 60 vg without wicking or flooding, although I actually had to crank the jfc ring more than 1/2 way shut

image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg


Here's my ugly build.

image.jpg
 

ccwaters

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Aug 31, 2013
1,779
4,426
Minnesota USA
First off, going to make a general warning, DO NOT tighten the 510 pin to tight on the Higo!

Here is why...

VJYqXhw.jpg


That is the insulator which keeps the shoulder of the 510 pin from shorting on the shoulder of the 510 connector on the base. If you crank it down you will pinch it between two metal edges, this has the potential to cut the soft silicon insulator, and allow the 510 pin to hard short! It should be fine if you do not over tighten it.

However that is most certainly not a good situation since this same 510 pin tightens the positive post into place.

I just got done doing some modification to this beast! I thought the flavor was great before doing so, now that it is keeping the wick saturated, WOW, off the charts for flavor.

Just to test wicking after the changes I made I ran through a tank of 100VG DIY juice, chain vaped a tank @ 60 watts .5 ohm 3mm build! I know it would go much higher and keep up, very wet dense, saturated vape! I didn't go higher because the heat output was too much for me.

After that tank was gone I refilled with 20/80VG, did get just a couple drops out the bottom air flow, probably have to increase wick density just a little.

Now it was wicking previously 100VG up to 45 watts, but I could tell it would not have gone any higher. pretty much same build, cotton medium tight in the 3mm coil, wick tails thinned to about 1/3 density. Well after the changes saturation is pretty much maxed out, and about perfect. The difference in flavor is huge, even though it was good before, it just wasn't up to potential.

So what did I do? I opened 1 juice flow hole on each side to about 2.5mm, I also took a needle file and slightly enlarged all the holes for the tank feed. I will also caution here, one each side of the upper air flow slots mine has 4 of the 6 juice holes, if you were to go to large you would risk cutting into the air flow, which would ruin the atomizer.

I've also had it resting with a full tank, no flooding or leaks. I believe all four of the juice holes could be enlarged to 2.5mm without issue, may have to compensate a little with wick density though. Forgot to mention I did nothing with the flow control so it still could be adjusted with that if need be. I've removed the flow control ring completely for now.

I've also modified the poorly done 510 connection. I had a plastic insulator in my parts bin from an unknown clone RDA, it fit pretty much perfect, except I had to file the collar a bit shorter. I think they may have chosen the silicon for sealing from any seepage? Sort of makes sense. My solution to help insure against leakage was a grommet from an old pro-tank head with the ridge cut off. I don't think it would have leaked without it as it is a very tight fit, but added the grommet on the deck side just in case. A similar arrangement with factory machined parts would be perfect.

A small o-ring may be helpful if you are unable to find a hard plastic insulator. should help keep any potential for a short to a minimum.

OK, well on to the pics.

An o-ring, and a the cut off piece from donor protank head. either would be better then nothing, and was my first attempt, but wasn't happy with results.

wJ8Nvc7.jpg


cSi0K9q.jpg


The bright piece is the OEM insulator, darker is the hard plastic from donor RDA.

yV2FKGa.jpg


Modified 510 pin insulators, first is hard plastic piece, then Protank grommet to help seal.

W3ZG1KT.jpg


510 tightened and corrected with donor RDA insulator.

NIfndhk.jpg


From the inside after mod, perfect, and tight!

x3PQB4p.jpg


Enlarged Juice flow hole, couldn't really go any larger vertically.

oWpp6vG.jpg


Tank flow holes slightly enlarged with a jewelers needle file.

MjaVFjV.jpg
 
Last edited:

John Eldredge

Senior Member
Nov 16, 2015
227
1,070
50
First off, going to make a general warning, DO NOT tighten the 510 pin to tight on the Higo!

Here is why...

VJYqXhw.jpg


That is the insulator which keeps the shoulder of the 510 pin from shorting on the shoulder of the 510 connector on the base. If you crank it down you will pinch it between two metal edges, this has the potential to cut the soft silicon insulator, and allow the 510 pin to hard short! It should be fine if you do not over tighten it.

However that is most certainly not a good situation since this same 510 pin tightens the positive post into place.

I just got done doing some modification to this beast! I thought the flavor was great before doing so, now that it is keeping the wick saturated, WOW, off the charts for flavor.

Just to test wicking after the changes I made I ran through a tank of 100VG DIY juice, chain vaped a tank @ 60 watts .5 ohm 3mm build! I know it would go much higher and keep up, very wet dense, saturated vape! I didn't go higher because the heat output was too much for me.

After that tank was gone I refilled with 20/80VG, did get just a couple drops out the bottom air flow, probably have to increase wick density just a little.

Now it was wicking previously 100VG up to 45 watts, but I could tell it would not have gone any higher. pretty much same build, cotton medium tight in the 3mm coil, wick tails thinned to about 1/3 density. Well after the changes saturation is pretty much maxed out, and about perfect. The difference in flavor is huge, even though it was good before, it just wasn't up to potential.

So what did I do? I opened 1 juice flow hole on each side to about 2.5mm, I also took a needle file and slightly enlarged all the holes for the tank feed. I will also caution here, one each side of the upper air flow slots mine has 4 of the 6 juice holes, if you were to go to large you would risk cutting into the air flow, which would ruin the atomizer.

I've also had it resting with a full tank, no flooding or leaks. I believe all four of the juice holes could be enlarged to 2.5mm without issue, may have to compensate a little with wick density though. Forgot to mention I did nothing with the flow control so it still could be adjusted with that if need be. I've removed the flow control ring completely for now.

I've also modified the poorly done 510 connection. I had a plastic insulator in my parts bin from an unknown clone RDA, it fit pretty much perfect, except I had to file the collar a bit shorter. I think they may have chosen the silicon for sealing from any seepage? Sort of makes sense. My solution to help insure against leakage was a grommet from an old pro-tank head with the ridge cut off. I don't think it would have leaked without it as it is a very tight fit, but added the grommet on the deck side just in case. A similar arrangement with factory machined parts would be perfect.

A small o-ring may be helpful if you are unable to find a hard plastic insulator. should help keep any potential for a short to a minimum.

OK, well on to the pics.

An o-ring, and a the cut off piece from donor protank head. either would be better then nothing, and was my first attempt, but wasn't happy with results.

wJ8Nvc7.jpg


cSi0K9q.jpg


The bright piece is the OEM insulator, darker is the hard plastic from donor RDA.

yV2FKGa.jpg


Modified 510 pin insulators, first is hard plastic piece, then Protank grommet to help seal.

W3ZG1KT.jpg


510 tightened and corrected with donor RDA insulator.

NIfndhk.jpg


From the inside after mod, perfect, and tight!

x3PQB4p.jpg


Enlarged Juice flow hole, couldn't really go any larger vertically.

oWpp6vG.jpg


Tank flow holes slightly enlarged with a jewelers needle file.

MjaVFjV.jpg

Nice work! I'm glad your having success. I was looking at those juice channels, but I only do one thing at a time, in little bits. How much did you open up the holes at the bottom of the tank? That's the bottleneck, in my opinion. I've seen the potential this thing has when the tails are saturated, I'm vaping it right now!! Nice work!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MMW

ccwaters

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Aug 31, 2013
1,779
4,426
Minnesota USA
I did not measure them before, but currently they are about 1.7mm each, guessing, I would say I opened them maybe .5mm each. Before I opened up the flow holes in the base I tried it with just the tank opened, didn't notice much change. I also filled the tank partially full of pure VG before opening them just to see how well it flowed from the tank, not the best, but it did flow slowly. That kind of leads me to believe it was flowing OK for the 45 watts, but opening them up a bit would be helpful for higher power levels.

Couple other things I noticed, I left the bottom seal out of the tank before opening the tank holes, didn't leak a drop, and didn't seem to improve the power cap I saw. Also of interest, as soon as you fire the atty a few times the tank warms up enough that flow increases quite a bit with 100VG.

Right now mine can chain vape 100VG @ 60 watts with no issue, good enough for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MMW

ccwaters

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Aug 31, 2013
1,779
4,426
Minnesota USA
No I did not, still not done going through other atomizers to see if I can "frankenstein" something different for it. Even opening them up will leave much to be desired, at least for me, First thing I did was to check the Bellus to see If the chimney was threaded the same, unfortunately it is not.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MMW

roxynoodle

Unregistered Supplier
ECF Veteran
Jun 19, 2014
15,344
37,213
Ohio
I am also planning to make a solid insulator for the 510 pin eventually. Mine is being stable so I'm leaving it alone for now. That was my first feedback to them, that I wasn't keen on the silicone insulator, and as of a few days ago they began agreeing with me. The engineers are now designing a rigid one. That will also extend the 510 pin so its no longer recessed, and prevent the short possibility.

And I was able to effectively run 80vg at 60W yesterday wit no modifications on mine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: freedogg

ccwaters

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Aug 31, 2013
1,779
4,426
Minnesota USA
I think the obvious, and easy answer (build technique) probably is not the whole story. Many seemingly insignificant details can make a difference. The only one who can say for sure PG/VG ratios are DIY people, vendor juice is definitely not always what it is supposed to be. Ambient temperature. All cotton does not wick the same! Density is extremely important in many atomizers, this one definitely fits in that category.

I would not have modified My Higo, it really did run just fine as it was. I probably would not have run this over 60 watts, depending on the build. However, the fact that Focusecig really is concerned about customer satisfaction, and is sending me a replacement sort of gave me a free hand to do what I wanted.

Yes the 510 connector NEEDS some attention, along with the top fill, but the rest of it is pretty decent. I don't need to run 140+ watts to be satisfied, but it was a fun distraction! And the fact it will do it says a good bit. I would say with a bit of build tweaking it would run 80-90 watts with no changes.

I look forward to Focusecig's future offerings, I'm impressed by the attitude they take on support.
 

roxynoodle

Unregistered Supplier
ECF Veteran
Jun 19, 2014
15,344
37,213
Ohio
We considered all of these:

Temperature. And my house was the coldest, not the warmest.

Vg level of the juice. I'm using diy so I know its 70 or 80vg. However my diy at 70vg is thicker than any of my 70vg ITC. The ITC was one that was causing issues for other testers. He has more of their flavors than I do, so it seems all bottles couldn't be mislabeled.

Wicking density and material. A lot of experimentation here to see if they could get this going.

Overfilled tank. Nope, I saw pics. No one was overfilled.
 

DP2Raja

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Dec 31, 2012
1,051
2,272
New Mexico
I'm going to wait for v2, I don't mind modifying some, it is kind of fun, but I will not buy one I KNOW I have to modify for it to work correctly. My DIY NET justices are 80+ vg and so from the start I am pretty sure I would need to open the juice holes on the bottom of the tank section. Also, that 510 pin situation is just not acceptable right out of the box. Not only should they fix that, they should make sure they replace the ones they have already put out there to the vendors. I hate waiting for an atty and then have to send it back or wait for a replacement part.

I like the overall design of this system, but hopefully they can recover and get these few things resolved and a new batch out. It sounds like the flavor is really good and I would enjoy experiencing that highlight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: freedogg

MMW

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Oct 8, 2015
3,661
9,531
48
NH
Wicking density is pretty important. I've been gradually thinning my wicks every couple days to find the "breaking point" of what is too little and what stays saturated, but doesn't leak.

With the juice I'm running(30/70vg) the wattage(40w) I'm running, and the frequency of pulls(differs but I don't chain) the flavor has increased and so has the density of vapor. I'm happy right now with this tank.

EDIT TO ADD:
When I thinned the wicking, I also switched to side address only airflow.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread