Life expectancy of VV regulators?

[Pyloric Thinker]

I asked this question on the veterans forums a couple days ago, but I'm not if they want to touch this question. I'm considering ordering an Ali'i when they reopen the ordering process and I'm not sure whether to get the VV or standard model. I'm leaning toward the standard model because it has less parts to fail and I've heard VV regulators have a tendency to fail within a year.

Let me clarify I'm not saying R&R's fail, but I've heard from a credible source, that voltage regulators have a 1 year lifespan. I was advised to ask around before I purchase the VV model. Has anyone heard the same? If not, how long can I expect a voltage regulator to last? Thanks!

Ryan

 

[FreeFlow]

I never considered this when ordering my VV Ali'i. Good question, I have no idea and never thought to ask.

 

[des09]

VV regulators are built with the same principals a fixed voltage regulator is built on, the "trim" resistors are just exposed, so you can use a pot to adjust them. Voltage regulators are built into a huge number of consumer products. Like any part, they will fail if they are underspecc'ed or over driven, or insufficiently cooled, but if they are in a properly designed circuit, they should just keep on ticking.

 

[WillyB]

but I've heard from a credible source,

To somehow make a blanket statement like "a 1 year lifespan" on all regulators would make me doubt the credibility of the source. Unless I missed it that's the first time I've seen such a statement.

des09 hit the nail on the head. I would also add that starting with quality components is always the best first step, the TI family is quite robust.

Being able to adjust volts, which in turn adjusts watts (Power/heat) is a big plus, even if you have no desire to do any High Volt/Watt vaping. One of the nice things about an eGo battery is the way it regulates the voltage to provide a pretty consistent vape during the life of each charge. A mod with only a battery lacks that consistency. You'll start at about 3.8V (loaded/vaping) but basically each drag will lower that voltage.

With a VV mod if you start at the same 3.8V you will vaping at 3.8V during the entire session. When the batteries can no longer provide the voltage the regulator needs to maintain your chosen voltage it shuts down. The other advantage is that as we use our atties eventually they get tired. They are still working, but not like when new, the conversion of watts to actual heat is less efficient, upping the voltage a few tenths gives these a second wind.

Even if these regs only lasted one year, I'd rather spend one year with Megan Fox than two years with Phyllis Diller.

 

[SmokingRT]

I'd rather spend one year with Megan Fox than two years with Pyllis Diller.

I think her name is spelled Phyllis but with that being said..... OMG that is the funniest analogy I think I have ever heard. ROFLMAO

 

[Pyloric Thinker]

Well said WillyB. Good advice once again. I still have my reservations, but I'm pretty sold on the VV when ordering is reopened. Thanks.

 

[Para]

I'd be more concerned about the wood holding up.....I am less than impressed with mine