Hohmwrecker G2 Kanthal/NiCr TC issues (fully updated firmware)

[ddirtyvapes]

I got a Hohmwrecker G2 a few weeks ago with a busted USB port from ecig.com, who were really helpful once I contacted them BUT ran out of the color I wanted by the time they were ready to ship out again. I ended up getting a refund and having to track down another G2 in full black at the same price I originally found it, which I managed to do. That's the simple version, but it was a giant pain.

The reason for mentioning that is twofold: First, and more importantly, because the USB port wasn't functional, my device had an older version of firmware on it. I don't remember which. I have only had the most recent firmware in my hands for a couple of days. Secondly, I just really hope that I don't have another faulty device, but that goes without saying and I think/hope I'm just missing something.

The device I have was fully updated out of the box. Digital Watts mode and "normal" (Ni, Ti, SS) temp modes seem to work as expected.

NiCr and Kanthal temp modes are really touchy for me, though. Are these meant to be presets, or do they require fiddling? I tried putting a (definitely working) nichrome build on the G2, put it in NiCr TC mode, set at 105W and 200C and it wouldn't fire. When I pressed the fire button, it showed it was putting out 0W and 0V to the coil. However, once I disconnected the atomizer and pressed fire to force a "connect atomizer" message and clear the screen, reconnecting the atty helped and it worked as I suspected.

The same thing happened just 30 minutes ago or so, with the same atomizer/build. This time, taking the atty off and putting it back on didn't help; I was still getting 0W/0V when firing. I DID notice when I bumped up the temp to 225C, I got a tiny bit of vapor and the display showed some power going to the coil, but it definitely wasn't right. I checked in wattage mode and the coil is absolutely fine, and I'm positive it's Nichrome.

Do those of you who have a G2 even use Kanthal/Nichrome TC modes when you're looking for that, or do you just go straight to XXX?

So... in summary, sometimes it works, which leads me to believe there's a solution. Or perhaps the fact that it works sometimes and doesn't others means there is something actually wrong again. Either way, if anyone has any ideas, that would be super awesome. Thanks in advance.

TLDR: Hohmwrecker G2 either showing 0W/0V being applied to coils in NiCr or Kanthal Temp modes... sometimes. Sometimes it works fully, and sometimes it's running way too cool for what's on the screen. Other standard temp modes (Ni, Ti, SS) work right, as does wattage.


(editor's note: for those of you who haven't heard of the G2 and may or may not be a bit confused, yes it does temp control for all wire types.)

 

[Heatingman]

Try a different coil material. Either the chipset is not programmed right, or the feature is a no go. Nichrome tc is a fairly new concept from what I have read. My kbox 160 has the selection also, but I have never tried it.

I usually use Stainless or Nickel for TC modes.


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[Heatingman]

But I have noticed the actual temperature the kbox runs is 50 to 75 deg F below the target temp, so I just adjust accordingly.

Maybe you need to do the same.


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[ddirtyvapes]

Yeah, the presets aren't set right/there's too much variance between different coils and you've just gotta get lucky if you want to use the presets. It looks like the best thing to do for non-SS/Ni/Ti on the G2 is to go into XXX mode and adjust the FSK curve, which I've done. Still fiddling but it's working better. Why they'd even bother with presets when they don't really work is still an open question, but whatever. I missed a whole section in the manual that explained it, though in my defense a) I had to find the manual online because the one that came with the device is outdated and b) the information was actually in the manual for one of their other devices that uses the same chip.

Based on my testing so far, I don't blame you for not using the NiCr mode on the Kanger. Supposedly the FSK chip does TC about as well as any other (maybe save for DNAs, matter of opinion) and their NiCr preset still blows at the moment. There's a new update out soon but idk if it will address NiCr and Kanthal TC, it seems to have more to do with varying SS grades.

SO YEAH, more than a bit confusing but all good now!

 

[Heatingman]

I think the real issue with kanthol is that its resistance does not really change too much, not sure about the nicrome, but nickel, titanium, and stainless have definite and predictable resistance change when heated, which is the metric that the chips measure to find temperature. I think the issue with the K-box is just that its not that good of a TC mod. My IPV-3 blows it away in my opinion, but I cant run stainless on TC mode and the chipset is not upgradeable.


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[Super Flex]

NiCr and Kanthal temp modes are really touchy for me, though. Are these meant to be presets, or do they require fiddling? I tried putting a (definitely working) nichrome build on the G2, put it in NiCr TC mode, set at 105W and 200C and it wouldn't fire. When I pressed the fire button, it showed it was putting out 0W and 0V to the coil. However, once I disconnected the atomizer and pressed fire to force a "connect atomizer" message and clear the screen, reconnecting the atty helped and it worked as I suspected.

Go into the FSK mode (press the Home(on and off) button along with the up and down buttons at the same time) this will let you adjust the the FSK mode, it will fire at 0w and 0v while you are not taking a vape that is the way it is set up, ( I have the G1,G2 and Hohmslice) also there is a Hohmtech Youtube page where Ben explains how to use the different temp modes and on the Hohmtech.com page there is a downloadable owners manual. It takes sometime to get use to but once dialed in man oh man you will never want to put it down, it will and I do mean will temp control all wire, you just have to set the Find the sweet spot in FSK mode.

 

[mjag]

There is a new firmware that was released right about the time you made this post. Might want to go to hohmtech's website and see if you do have the latest.

The new firmware has really made the presets much better. I still use xxx mode for kanthal though, just use to it but i hear from others that the kanthal preset works better. They also updated the battery algorithm or something like that, all I know is it seems i get better battery life.

Like super flex said the FSK board is one of the best out there once you get to know how to use it to it's fullest. I like my DNA'S as well but the ability to change my vape on the fly without hooking it up to a computer is what I love.

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[ddirtyvapes]

I should have updated but I haven't been on the site in weeks. I got it working beautifully. I forget exactly what settings I ended up using for whatever coil I was using then but I do believe firmware was part of the issue... but yeah, no problems now really. Just took some fiddling and learning. Incidentally, if anyone else is having problems, I could probably answer most of the questions I had at first lol. Thanks everyone!

 

[mjag]

I should have updated but I haven't been on the site in weeks. I got it working beautifully. I forget exactly what settings I ended up using for whatever coil I was using then but I do believe firmware was part of the issue... but yeah, no problems now really. Just took some fiddling and learning. Incidentally, if anyone else is having problems, I could probably answer most of the questions I had at first lol. Thanks everyone!

Great to hear, glad you got it working the way it should [emoji106]

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[mjag]

FLASH SALE just went live, I ordered a Silver G2 LE, always regret selling that one to a friend. Came out to $53 for me as I live in CA so had to pay sales tax but for all of you outside the Communist regime of California will pay less than $50 shipped for a brand new G2 LE.

The link below says the sale won't go live until 3PM but it works now, just used it:

Hohm Wrecker G2 (Limited Ed) $44.97 - VAPE DEALS: Vaping | Vape Mods | E Liquid | Ecigs

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Necroposting but for anyone interested in the G2, the stock is no longer available on the site. You have to e-mail them, and if you want one it's something like $135 so if you're dying for a G2 I think now is the time.

BUT, as of the end of last week, the Hohmslice was on sale for 50% ($30 plus shipping). It uses essentially the same chip as the Hohmwrecker G2 but is a single 26650, 101W mod. It is just as amazing as the 'wrecker, IMO. I would HIGHLY recommend it, especially if the sale is still on. My partner and I both got one and while we can't speak to longevity yet, they're both working fantastically.

Code is SLICEPRICE.

 

[mjag]

The paint is not great on the Slice, it's not on all, I have a Silver and Red Slice that still look new without a single chip but my Black and Blue Slice have chips. For $30 I think it is the best deal in vaping though if you like TC, great mod.

The G2 is available for $60 shipped here: vapor-room I ordered a Orange LE as that was the only color missing from my collection and will be my only multicolor G2.
First time ordering from them but used Paypal checkout, ordered on the weekend and they shipped on Monday Priority Mail so I should get it tomorrow. I will report back on how the order went if anyone is interested.

The Slice and G2 are the mods I have multiples of and get used all the time. I generally not the type to buy more than 1 color of a mod, I like variety. The exception besides the G2 and Slice was the Snow Wolf Plus in Gold and Matte Black, couldn't decide on which and with the cheap sale price and getting both got me free shipping. I also wound up with a Red and Stainless Steel VT75, the first cost me $50 on sale and the second cost $45 for a $100 mod. The Snow Wolf Plus I have no regrets getting both, I still use both but the VT75 I should really sell at least one, if not both, the performance pales in comparison to the Slice for a single 26650 with the way I like to vape.

For anyone wondering I do have a Triade DNA250, Finder DNA167 and SX Mini G Class along with a lot of other mfg mods. If a mod does excellent TC I will generally use that like my G Class and DNA mods, if not then I will go with my second choice and user the power mode. Great TC is always what I want to use but some of my tanks like the TFV8 and 12 only have Kanthal coils. Tanks like this I will generally use on my Hohmtech mods as the performance trumps everything else. Just put it on my G2 in xXx mode, adjust the FSK to my liking and damn, just a great vape. If you only use SS316L or another TC wire than a DNA or Yihi chip might be all you need but if you want the ultimate flexibility than the G2 or Slice is the way to go.

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Thanks for that G2 link! I couldn't find it anywhere!

For $30, if the paint chips on the Slice, it chips. (Lol, of course we have a black one and blue one.) Easily the best $30 I've spent on a mod. I ordered a second for myself because the blue one my partner got is so nice. It was supposed to be more of a way to be able to use the chip while setting aside my HomeWrecker for a while, since before now I didn't think I could get a second one. Although in some ways, I like the Slice better than the Wrecker... but I'm seriously considering another wrecker for $60, so please do report back on the order!

I also have very few mods in multiple colors. The Slice is one, and now the Wrecker will probably be another if your order goes well. I have a couple of Picos I got on the cheap because I love a good, small, stealthy mod and at the time there weren't as many options that had so many features. I like them but nothing special anymore, would much sooner get an AL85 or something else than another Pico now. I also have two Provaris.

I like variety but have a fairly strict vaping budget so my last DNA mod was a DNA40, but I totally agree with your assessment of the FSK vs. DNA based on my experience with that and using my friends' DNA75s, 200s, etc. I'm not bashing the DNA chip but the HomeWrecker and Slice just work SO well on all TC modes. Like you said, if you're really just using 316L then maybe a DNA. But I like a lot of different wire types and I like mixing but still getting to use TC, especially if I'm mixing with kanthal. I have had nothing but success with TCing literally anything I want on the FSK chip once I learned how to work the settings. I also much prefer being able to fine-tune settings onboard the device. I wanted a DNA200 for a really long time but after getting the wrecker, found no need.

 

[jesem]

Mjag, I was wondering... I have a couple slices but don't have a G2 yet. It's the performance of the G2 significantly better than the slice? Just trying to figure out whether I should get a G2 while they're still kind of available

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[ddirtyvapes]

I know you didn't ask me and @mjag may disagree, but unless you really need the extra wattage I don't personally think so. The Wrecker may hold up better over time? But it's literally the same chip with a 101W limit. I'm sure mjag will correct me if I'm wrong but I can find not a single difference on the chip itself besides the wattage, which is consistent with stated specs AFAIK. The battery life is doing better for me on the Slice than Wrecker right now, but I was also using 2100mAh batts (VTC4s) in the Wrecker until recently, so it's a little better with the VTC5As. Also, the Wrecker is very light but the casing is kind of large for a dual 18650 IMO. If you like your Slice and if mjag thinks the Slice should hold up as well as the Wrecker besides the paint, I'd probably sooner recommend getting another Slice, personally.

That being said, $60 isn't a bad price, and since they use the same basic chip, if you like the Slice you'll also love the Wrecker.

 

[mjag]

If the paint on your Slice chips too bad they look great neked. Saw someone remove the paint on there Slice so I used a paint stripping wheel to remove the paint on my black Slice and put a brushed finish. My red slice might still be my favorite but the new and improved brushed neked Slice is really close to the top spot.

I really hope Hohmtech can one day make another mod or maybe even license out the chip like Evolv does. If I could buy a mod that looked like the G Class but had an FSK chip in it I would fall over with happiness. At one time they had plans on a triple 18650 G3, I would have bought one of those in a heartbeat.

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[jesem]

Thanks for the response, ddirtyvapes! I thought I had read somewhere that the boards of the slice of the G2 are basically the same but I wasn't sure. I use a Slice probably 90% of the time and I'm trying to not accumulate too many mods... but I have to say that Home Tech mods are the best that I've used so far, though I haven't ventured into DNA territory.

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[mjag]

Mjag, I was wondering... I have a couple slices but don't have a G2 yet. It's the performance of the G2 significantly better than the slice? Just trying to figure out whether I should get a G2 while they're still kind of available

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Same performance at 100 watts but that is dependant on the 26650 used. The determining factor on performance between the 2 is generally 18650's have better specs than 26650's, that is until the ijoy 26650 came out. Even then though a pair of high quality 18650 will outperform a single 26650.

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[ddirtyvapes]

@mjag NICE. NICE. Love that naked Slice! Good to know. The good news is that we both have mods that we prefer to take out of the house so our Slices shouldn't get super rough treatment but it's still good to be aware. I'm definitely a little OCD about stuff like that (I literally have OCD) but more with toppers than mods. I recently stripped the rest of the paint off my damn black Mutation XV4S.

@jesem No problem! As you know, there are some variables. I think 18650s outperforming a 26650 across the board is maybe a little broad, but I can't speak to too many 26650s. I just went right for the Basen (Mooch's #2) and so far it's been working out fantastically. I have no experience with or knowledge of the iJoy, so I can't speak to it. As I said, though, the Basen is actually lasting longer than the 2 VTC4s I was using in the Wrecker but it's closer to the VTC5As. I do realize this is somewhat setting dependent, of course, so certainly not trying to say my opinions are fact!

Basically, I think they're both great mods and the only difference is the battery and the top wattage. For me, a Basen 26650 has been working very well and lasting as long or longer than the 18650s in the wrecker, but I'm also not pushing it too crazy.

 

[mjag]

I know you didn't ask me and @mjag may disagree, but unless you really need the extra wattage I don't personally think so. The Wrecker may hold up better over time? But it's literally the same chip with a 101W limit. I'm sure mjag will correct me if I'm wrong but I can find not a single difference on the chip itself besides the wattage, which is consistent with stated specs AFAIK. The battery life is doing better for me on the Slice than Wrecker right now, but I was also using 2100mAh batts (VTC4s) in the Wrecker until recently, so it's a little better with the VTC5As. Also, the Wrecker is very light but the casing is kind of large for a dual 18650 IMO. If you like your Slice and if mjag thinks the Slice should hold up as well as the Wrecker besides the paint, I'd probably sooner recommend getting another Slice, personally.

That being said, $60 isn't a bad price, and since they use the same basic chip, if you like the Slice you'll also love the Wrecker.

Great post, I agree.

If I had to pick only 1 the G2 would be the one for me based on my vape style, I like high watts. The Slice is no slouch though, going to try my TFV12 with an iJoy 26650 in it later today.

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