How To: The New and Improved NicoStick

[LuckySevens4U]

Good Job Nico--we here advocate saftey and those that do not concern themselfs with it really should think again--that is why you can not buy these batteries in your local stores and only online. A Protected battery stops these batteries from shorting out and blowing up-So it is not just charging that is the issue.

Again, here on the Fourm we advocate the use of protected batteries ---for a good reading on the dangers and precautions on these batteries see Lithium-ion safety concerns

So please --no ranting about this issue--if you choose not to use them that is fine--but it is not what we advocate for here on the Forum in the name of saftey.-----Sun (As moderator for the Modders Fourm)

Amen, I have learned so much from what you modders have done just reading here. I am completely for as much safety as possible myself. I just believe people should know and understand the difference between using cut off switches and protected or unprotected batteries. There are so many of the new people that are absolutely clueless to these issues that are buying these things and aren't really well informed enough to discern and make an informed choice. People are free to do what they want, but I do believe they should be informed. I was one of them to start with, but I chose to read and listen and make my own decisions on what I wanted. It's just sad that some of the new people just don't understand the options and possible cautions they should take when deciding on buying and using a device.

 

[500KV]

My overriding concern relating to protected/unprotected batteries is not the charging/discharging issue as much as the idea of what would happen if a short circuit occurred in the device, i.e. if the pos./neg. atomizer connection failed or one of my rigged connections broke off inside.
In my case the battery is totally enclosed in a piece of sealed Cu pipe. It may go pffttt. or it may blow my head off. (2 extremes obviously).
I've considered dissing an unprotected battery (intentionally shorting it out, from a safe distance to see what would happen).
Not trying to agree or disagree with anyone's views here, simply stating my thoughts.

 

[yvilla]

Good Job Nico--we here advocate saftey and those that do not concern themselfs with it really should think again--that is why you can not buy these batteries in your local stores and only online. A Protected battery stops these batteries from shorting out and blowing up-So it is not just charging that is the issue.

Again, here on the Fourm we advocate the use of protected batteries ---for a good reading on the dangers and precautions on these batteries see Lithium-ion safety concerns

So please --no ranting about this issue--if you choose not to use them that is fine--but it is not what we advocate for here on the Forum in the name of saftey.-----Sun (As moderator for the Modders Fourm)

Sun, I'm sorry but I just have to respond to this.

First, my post was in no way a rant. It was a calm and courteous expression of an opposing position and opinion on an issue.

Second, it in no way communicated a lack of regard for safety. On the contrary, I specifically told Nico that I understood her wish to make sure she provided the safest possible instructions for those who might want to make their own mod. I simply was, and remain convinced that extreme statements about never, ever using unprotected batteries in ecigs are unwarranted, and I expressed my reasons for that.

Third, by signing your post as moderator, are you really telling me that a presentation of a different opinion on the relative safety of using protected versus unprotected batteries, especially given the reality that most if not all chargers have protective circuits in them anyway, is not allowed here?

 

[Sun Vaporer]

Sun, I'm sorry but I just have to respond to this.

First, my post was in no way a rant. It was a calm and courteous expression of an opposing position and opinion on an issue.

Second, it in no way communicated a lack of regard for safety. On the contrary, I specifically told Nico that I understood her wish to make sure she provided the safest possible instructions for those who might want to make their own mod. I simply was, and remain convinced that extreme statements about never, ever using unprotected batteries in ecigs are unwarranted, and I expressed my reasons for that.

Third, by signing your post as moderator, are you really telling me that a presentation of a different opinion on the relative safety of using protected versus unprotected batteries, especially given the reality that most if not all chargers have protective circuits in them anyway, is not allowed here?

We are merely advocating saftey on the Fourm here--and Protected Batteries are what we what to see people using----that is the postion of this Fourm--So it is not opinion, it os using responsible saftey that we are advocating and we are sorry if you can not understand that----Sun

 

[Cellmeister]

Quick! Someone Check The Batteries! LOL!!!!!

~Keep Vapin~

 

[yvilla]

The most common Li-Ion batteries on the market are the RCR123 PROTECTED 3.6 volt lithium batteries. These batteries have a very small circuit inside of them that shuts them off in the event that they are over-charged, over-discharged, overheated or short-circuited. These batteries are the best choice for most applications. These batteries require special chargers that are specifically designed to charge lithium rechargeable batteries.

The second most common Li-Ion batteries available today are the CR-123 size 3.6 volt UNPROTECTED lithium batteries. They produce 4.2 volts of power when fully charged, then quickly fall to 3.6 volts output. They output 3.6 volts until they are mostly discharged, at which point the voltage falls rapidly. If they are discharged below 3 volts, they will be ruined and no longer usable. The user must be very careful not to let this occur. These batteries should only be charged in a charger specifically designed for them, as those chargers have a circuit that stops charging the battery when they reach 4.2 volts. All of the Li-Ion chargers that we sell are designed to charge both Protected and Unprotected batteries.

Rechargeable Lithium Battery Information - Protected vs. Unprotected Li-Ion Batteries - Lithium Ion Battery

 

[nicowolf]

Yvilla, you are entitled to your opinion and you may express it. I just feel it is a small price to pay for the security of knowing that your batteries and your home are safer. I have already killed two unprotected lithium batteries by absentmindedly trying to get vapor out of them. They will not charge on my protected charger, and I will not force them to charge because the risk is too great. I have explained in another thread that there are many people reading my how to threads with little or no time or posts on this forum - to my knowledge they have little experience or knowledge of lithium batteries and their danger potential. I do want to make sure that if these threads are the only ones someone is reading, they are not getting dangerous advice or instructions. I feel it is my responsibility to advocate protected batteries. Everyone is free to choose unprotected if they want, but I want to make them aware of the risk they are taking and I cannot stand idly by and watch someone minimize these dangers in a thread where I know people are tuning in to just get the info and run. The risks and dangers are real. I will not debate it, but I will make sure that I have done my best to alert the newcomer and the hit and miss lurker of what the risks are. I don't intend any of this to take away from you, I just feel I need to reassert my pleas to use protected batteries and to take safety seriously.

 

[MoonMan]

Overzealous safety cops and explosions aside, I use protected batteries simply for the fact that there's far less chance of me ruining them with overcharge/overuse.

Do unprotected batteries have any benefits at all (besides maybe being a bit cheaper)? If an unprotected battery becomes unusable due to overuse, all the savings go down the drain, so what's the point?

 

[yvilla]

Overzealous safety cops and explosions aside, I use protected batteries simply for the fact that there's far less chance of me ruining them with overcharge/overuse.

Do unprotected batteries have any benefits at all (besides maybe being a bit cheaper)? If an unprotected battery becomes unusable due to overuse, all the savings go down the drain, so what's the point?

It is the overzealousness that is the point - not the recommendation itself for protected batteries.

But also, the SD is sized specifically for unprotected CR-123s. I think it's tremendous hubris to proclaim that the hundreds of SD users all over the world are en masse "unconcerned for safety" and/or "irresponsible" for risking their lives or the lives of others every day with their ecigs!

 

[Idahojo]

Yvilla, you are entitled to your opinion and you may express it. I just feel it is a small price to pay for the security of knowing that your batteries and your home are safer. I have already killed two unprotected lithium batteries by absentmindedly trying to get vapor out of them. They will not charge on my protected charger, and I will not force them to charge because the risk is too great. I have explained in another thread that there are many people reading my how to threads with little or no time or posts on this forum - to my knowledge they have little experience or knowledge of lithium batteries and their danger potential. I do want to make sure that if these threads are the only ones someone is reading, they are not getting dangerous advice or instructions. I feel it is my responsibility to advocate protected batteries. Everyone is free to choose unprotected if they want, but I want to make them aware of the risk they are taking and I cannot stand idly by and watch someone minimize these dangers in a thread where I know people are tuning in to just get the info and run. The risks and dangers are real. I will not debate it, but I will make sure that I have done my best to alert the newcomer and the hit and miss lurker of what the risks are. I don't intend any of this to take away from you, I just feel I need to reassert my pleas to use protected batteries and to take safety seriously.

Nicowolf I want to thank your for all the info you're giving out here. I'm looking to get my first mod and have been doing a lot of reading about the batts for the mods. I have been told by friends and read here on the forum to get the protected batts because they do not allow short circuting. I will definitely heed that advice. Safety for a few dollars more is well worth it in my book. This forum has so many new people I appreciate you and Sun looking out for all of us. Thanks again.

 

[MoonMan]

It is the overzealousness that is the point - not the recommendation itself for protected batteries.

But also, the SD is sized specifically for unprotected CR-123s. I think it's tremendous hubris to proclaim that the hundreds of SD users all over the world are en masse "unconcerned for safety" and/or "irresponsible" for risking their lives or the lives of others every day with their ecigs!

I agree, the safety cops around here wear on my nerves at times. Warn away, but please don't treat us like stupid little kids and stifle discussion.

Still, that doesn't really answer what makes unprotected cells any more or less useful than protected ones (especially for people who don't have an SD). I can't find or think of a reason NOT to use protected cells.

 

[crazyhorse]

Do unprotected batteries have any benefits at all (besides maybe being a bit cheaper)? If an unprotected battery becomes unusable due to overuse, all the savings go down the drain, so what's the point?

The benefit I see is you can buy them domestically for a reasonable price and not have to wait for affordable protected batteries to arrive on the slow boat from China.

That said, I suppose I'm glad I bought protected batteries even though it took two weeks for delivery instead of two days.

 

[yvilla]

Moon, well I was never telling anyone NOT to use protected batteries!

I was simply objecting to those who would presume to tell everyone NOT to use the other sort. Under any circumstances. No. It's not allowed!

 

[MoonMan]

The benefit I see is you can buy them domestically for a reasonable price and not have to wait for affordable protected batteries to arrive on the slow boat from China.

That said, I suppose I'm glad I bought protected batteries even though it took two weeks for delivery instead of two days.

Where are people getting them domestically and for how much? I admit I haven't looked much, but I saw they had a 14500 type at RS for around $15! I laughed and walked away.

I was simply objecting to those who would presume to tell everyone NOT to use the other sort. Under any circumstances. No. It's not allowed!

LOL- yeah, trying to command people to not use something is a bit presumptuous - especially when it's being used as it was intended. If unprotected batteries were so horrible and dangerous I highly doubt they would be keep being made in the first place.

 

[crazyhorse]

batteryspace.com has rechargeable 3.7v. 750mAh 14500 for less than $4 each.

A battery store I know in Pensacola has them for 3 and change but they had no chargers.

 

[crazyhorse]

I was simply objecting to those who would presume to tell everyone NOT to use the other sort. Under any circumstances. No. It's not allowed!

They scared me off but I sure appreciate the insight you offered me the other day when I asked about it relative to the SD.

 

[nicowolf]

Moon, well I was never telling anyone NOT to use protected batteries!

I was simply objecting to those who would presume to tell everyone NOT to use the other sort. Under any circumstances. No. It's not allowed!

yvilla, I think you have missed something along the way. I have had people PMing me, with 0 to 50 post count, and less than a month since registering, with questions about this mod. Their questions demonstrate an absolute disregard for reading any information besides what is posted in the NicoStick thread. They have not read any of the information elsewhere on this forum. They have what I have termed "Shortcutters' Disease". They want to fly in here, grab the information on how to make their own battery pack, and then run off and make it RIGHT NOW. They don't want to wait for any parts to arrive in the mail. They don't want to read and learn about lithium batteries and their safety. They don't want to post their questions out on the open forum where they might get more than one view on the matter. They want to hold a private discussion with me through PMs and expect me to have all the answers. That is a lot of responsibility for me. I am doing my utter best to deal with that and give them honest, straightforward, responsible answers and information. I now see that I must be the role model. I must make sure I strongly advocate the use of protected batteries, since these yahoos are not going to research the proper use of the batteries. I must make my how to threads idiot proof because someone out there reading it might be an idiot. I do not consider you or other community members idiots. You research. You read. You want to learn about these devices and how you might better your experience with them. You do not have Shortcutters' Disease.

Nowhere do I say that you or anyone else may not use unprotected batteries. I do not demand that of anyone. I do strongly advise and advocate the use of protected batteries.

There is no safety police, just some concerned citizens trying to inform people. If you feel you are properly informed, then kindly ignore my pleas and go forth and make your informed decision of which battery to use, but please don't come here calling me overzealous and controlling because I want to have a clear conscience. I am very upfront about the fact that I have used unprotected batteries before in my mods. I won't do it again, but I have in the past. I cannot control what batteries anyone uses, but I can control the information I post.

 

[MoonMan]

Nico, please understand that I wasn't referring to you specifically when talking about the "safety cops". There are others that are far more guilty of it than you, and for more than just battery advice.

 

[Sun Vaporer]

Good Job Nico--we here advocate saftey and those that do not concern themselfs with it really should think again--that is why you can not buy these batteries in your local stores and only online. A Protected battery stops these batteries from shorting out and blowing up-So it is not just charging that is the issue.

Again, here on the Fourm we advocate the use of protected batteries ---for a good reading on the dangers and precautions on these batteries see Lithium-ion safety concerns

So please --no ranting about this issue--if you choose not to use them that is fine--but it is not what we advocate for here on the Forum in the name of saftey

This was the original post in this thread and many other threads by other memeber about the saftey of protected batteries--we are advocating saftey on this Fourm for people who have never had dealings with wiring a MOD--Nicowolf has made her point loud and clear.

As was stated from the begining "if you choose not to use them that is fine--but it is not what we advocate for here on the Forum"-- So those like Nicowolf that are showing people how to make a MOD have every right as well as this Forum to advocate saftey, and the use of Protected batteries is just that--being advocated.

Even Trog sees the issue with these batteries as he had one blow up in his pocket last week--so if you do not what to heed the warnings--fine---but just so it is clear--we advocate protected batteries here on the Forum for those that decide to venture out and try to make a MOD. People should be advised at the risks involved in attempting to make a MOD and they do so at their own risk.

Protected Batteries are employ a design to abate shorting out. As Trog points out --this technology is not perfect. That is why they do not sell unprotected batteries in Walmart or any other brick and mortar store------Sun

 

[Idahojo]

What is the problem--all they are saying is that they are advocating the use of a protected battery? I do not see anywhere where anyone is telling you not to if you do not want to--but that is their position. After all saftey is a big concern here.

We don't really need to resort to name calling. This is just a safety discussion. Afterall no one wants to see anyone get hurt.