How do I get my Lavatube V2 to work!?!?

[Latif77]

Hi All,

So I bought a Lavatube v2 several months ago. Since it first arrived it has had issues. It doesnt always fire when you depress the button, it just turns off and requires you unscrew the tube and screw it back together to get it to reset...and then you have to turn it on and reset your voltage, finally..what seems to be the code of death error 82. I have returned the lavatube v2 3 times. I have had 4 units including the one I received originally from my order. Each time I sent it back I spent money on packing materials etc... Anyway, the fourth one, as did all of them again failed after just a few uses (literally about 5 clicks of the button).

Im tired of sending this thing back just to receive another broken device....
I have a feeling I am not the only one.

So my question is, has anyone figured out how to fix the Lavatube V2 themselves? Is there something I can do myself to get this thing to work or is this my new variable voltage paper weight/atty holder.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[bsidb]

Are they un-protected batteries, I think protected batteries would do that?

 

[Latif77]

They are protected. Seems odd that anyone would require unprotected batteries... I only use AW IMR High Drain batteries.

 

[bsidb]

AW imr are safe chemistry not protected, if they are imr its not the batts, if they are protected it is

 

[Rin13]

It's because the device itself has enough protection. It does not need the protection of the battery. Protected batteries are meant for mechanicals, if I'm not mistaken.
As for the Lavatube, I have the chrome... not sure which version... and I've been having problems as well. Different than the ones you're describing. Mine seem to be a problem w/ the center pin and/or liquid got inside my device. Now ANYTHING I attach to it, gives an F1 error and won't fire. It was doing this intermittently a week or so ago and now that's all it does. Pretty much useless at this point and since I traded for it, I have no 'warranty' or anything to return it/etc.

 

[Latif77]

right on. Thanks for the info on the batteries.. I was unaware of that..

As for the device. Its pretty much useless. To me its clear that something is fundamentally wrong with the device.

Also, the warranty really doesn't get you anything. They will not refund, only replace. Problem is that they replace with an equally poor device. Oh well...

I bought a second Provari.. That is the only device I can absolutely rely on.

 

[machinestatic]

The problem with some of the Volcano Lavatube V2s out of the box is the anodized finish on the metal. When you screw the 2 parts of the tube together, the colored finish can prevent the electrical current from completing. I was able to figure this out with mine, which was immediately turning off on its own all the time, because I discovered that if you unscrew the two pieces by one full turn (so only the shiny metal threads are touching each other) it worked perfectly.

So I ran this by the folks on their forum (including some great employees), and they told me to buy some Noalox and put it on the threads. I ordered a bottle from Lowe's online, put a small dab of it on the threads (after cleaning them with alcohol), and my Lavatube has worked perfectly ever since. Actually, I'm using it right now. It's worth a shot for you... Noalox is only about 3 dollars on the Lowe's site, and since I got mine working I've loved it. Good luck.

(Note: But I will admit I'm a little worried it could act up again, so I have a Vamo now too.)

 

[Latif77]

Ive got Noalox. Ill throw some on. Lets see what happens. Thanks for the tip!

 

[eugene33]

My v2 did the same thing, first unit seemed to scrub the finish off the threads. You could wipe the threads with a paper towel and see the residue that had been removed. I took a very fine steel wheel from my Dremel tool, and polished the threads. No error 82 for me again. Should I have to do this, probably not, for the price and durability of the unit, I didn't mind. Glad I was able to fix it though. I was sweating bullets only getting one hit, then an error. Lol