Mega-power batteries and 'whistling' atomizers

[mikea]

Dear TW: I think the mega-power batteries are the greatest things since sliced bread. Kudos to you for making them available. I have run across one problem that I want to bring to your attention:

With some 510 atomizers, there isn't a good fit with the new batteries. There's too big an air gap, and more air gets through than is ideal. It causes a reduction of vapor and lesser throat hit -- not the typical experience with the 510. The atomizers in question make a "whistling" sound when you draw from the e-cig. Extra tightening doesn't fix this problem -- but then I don't want to over-tighten because that risks damage.

That I can recall, the older and smaller 510 batteries have never caused such a problem.

With the "whistling" atomizers, you can actually see the small but noticeable additional air gap where the atomizer meets the battery (where normally it's a pretty snug fit). I don't know if there's a less-than-completely-flat surface on the battery itself that's causing the additional air gap or if it's a machining problem with the atomizers. Fortunately, it hasn't been a problem with all atomizers -- but you might want to spot-check a few of these batteries to see how common this is.

You'll know right away when you encounter it -- the noticeable whistling or hissing sound (not to mention the difference in the vapor).

These are atomizers purchased from a variety of vendors, so it isn't an issue with just one vendor's products.

 

[JamesKim1972]

You should take a picture. I wanna see.

 

[mikea]

You should take a picture. I wanna see.

Hmm. Getting a clear shot of additional air whistling through that gap might be a bit of a tall order. <g>

 

[mikelock]

I just encountered this same problem. I was using a "red scorpion" atomizer that really rocked on the mega battery. But when I changed to a new atty, I had the whistling and the quality of hit was gone. After trying all of my atty's, I found that they all were doing this. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the center conductor of the atty's was sticking out further than the one that worked well. Using one of the leads from my multimeter(sharp point that's too big to go through the center hole), I carefully pushed the center conductor in firmly to try and seat it a little better in the atty. I have to say "what a difference". It seems that was just enough to close that tiny gap between the battery and the atty. You might be able to use a small phillips screwdriver, just be careful not to push too hard.

 

[mikea]

I just encountered this same problem. I was using a "red scorpion" atomizer that really rocked on the mega battery. But when I changed to a new atty, I had the whistling and the quality of hit was gone. After trying all of my atty's, I found that they all were doing this. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the center conductor of the atty's was sticking out further than the one that worked well. Using one of the leads from my multimeter(sharp point that's too big to go through the center hole), I carefully pushed the center conductor in firmly to try and seat it a little better in the atty. I have to say "what a difference". It seems that was just enough to close that tiny gap between the battery and the atty. You might be able to use a small phillips screwdriver, just be careful not to push too hard.

That's really interesting to hear -- and good to hear that it can be fixed. Thanks for passing along this tip. I thought it might have been due to the flat surfaces on either the atomizers or the newer batteries not being flat enough to 'mate' close enough together.

My eyesight ain't the greatest, so I wouldn't even have seen the center post you're referring to. I assume you mean you're pushing into the interior of the atomizer, from the thread side. Now, where's that magnifying glass.....

 

[mikelock]

Yes, it is from the thread side. You push the flat part, with the hole in the middle, that mates with the battery into the silicone grommet that it sits in. I suppose if you push too hard, you could possibly damage the grommet and short out the atty. I've only tried this with the one atty so far, but at least the outlook of 14 atty's with no draw or flavor is much better now. I don't know what I'd do without my 510.

BTW, I noticed the same thing on my original batteries too, so I'm not sure this is only related to the mega batteries. And it also only seems to be on the "red scorpion" and "white tie" atty's I have. The 2 original titan atty's I have don't do this. Hopefully this will work for you.

 

[mikea]

Thanks for the additional information.

I noticed today that a couple of the atomizers that had been giving me the "whistling" treatment seemed to be a bit better-behaved. I haven't tried your recommendation yet, so I wonder whether with at least some of them, with repeated removal and re-attachment, those center posts don't gradually begin to "seat" themselves a bit better. Hope so... that'd be a quick-fix...

Yes, it is from the thread side. You push the flat part, with the hole in the middle, that mates with the battery into the silicone grommet that it sits in. I suppose if you push too hard, you could possibly damage the grommet and short out the atty. I've only tried this with the one atty so far, but at least the outlook of 14 atty's with no draw or flavor is much better now. I don't know what I'd do without my 510.

BTW, I noticed the same thing on my original batteries too, so I'm not sure this is only related to the mega batteries. And it also only seems to be on the "red scorpion" and "white tie" atty's I have. The 2 original titan atty's I have don't do this. Hopefully this will work for you.