My experience with my first RA didn't turn out so hot

[jamm3r]

So I was super excited to get my SVC Genesis. I researched a lot on how to make SS mesh and coils. From the oxidation process to the brushing of the wires. I followed the instructions meticulously and failed. I'm really down about it because it took an extra 4 days to get my RA and the anticipation i had is making it more painful. I went to the store, purchased a torch, researched material etc. I'm sitting here looking at an atomizer that doesn't even work now.

My coils look perfect, exactly like on the videos. At first, I kept getting this hot leg on the tall post, and then started brushing, then it moved to the bottom, then all over. I turned the Volts up, down. I'm made coils that had 3, 4 and 5 loops. I had a moment where things were working ok, but I kept getting this taste of metal because the capillary action wasn't working properly, so I made a smaller diameter SS Mesh.

At this point, I have a perfect coil wrapped on my SS mesh and it doesn't work AT ALL. I'm scratching my head. I mean, I picked it up and made a perfect coil right out the bag, now, they look better, but don't function at all. The SS Mesh looks like a pro, the coil looks like a pro, but all of a sudden, I've probably enjoyed maybe 5 or 6 hits off the thing and that was after direct dripping.

I'm here tinkering with it, and now it doesn't work AT ALL. I push the button (which is working) and NOTHING!! I'm giving up here.

 

[recidivus]

Do you have a multimeter to check if there's any current through the coil off battery? It may not be a coil/atomizer issue and actually be a complete lack of current.

This is all to do with the centre pin on either the atomizer or battery. Is the pin flush on the atomizer or does it stick out a fair amount? You want to only screw the atomizer in enough to make contact, if screwed too tight you can actually push the pin on battery down (common problem actually). A fix is to jimmy the pin on the battery out a smidgin.

If the pin on atomizer is indented (not flush or protruding) you'll not have battery contact either. This happens when you screw the bottom nut on atomizer post too tightly. If that's the issue loosen the bottom nut on atomizer post a bit and the contact should come out a little on its own. You want it to be flush with threading, or only a very small amount poking out.

The metallic taste is normal for a fresh wick, it goes away relatively quickly. I usually start at a lower voltage (aim for ~5.8-6 watts) and increase it slowly after the first refill, until I start getting obvious dry hits. I pretty much chain vape so sometimes the wick simply can't keep up.

I'm pretty new to RBAs too, and had nothing but problems with the coil at first (still do actually, but it's getting much better). I probably went through around 1-2' of wire before I got a reliable coil. It takes time to get them right, even when they look perfect. A little too tight, or loose, or a bit of oxidization scraped off, uneven coil, etc etc. It's very tinker heavy and some times just a little nudge here or there can fix it, or break it.

 

[jamm3r]

That TOTALLY WORKED! So glad I joined this forum.

 

[jamm3r]

Ok, so next question... back to my first problem. I can't make a coil without getting these red hot glowing coils that make a burning smell. It usually is the top area that gets really hot as shown in the screen capture.

 

[jamm3r]

Actually, now that I'm posting my play by play, I did some more brushing and I seem to have a coil that works. Problem now is, when will the SS Mesh start wicking properly? I keep getting a burnt hair flavor .........

 

[Aoi~]

Tip the pv down with the top off, and fire, until you see droplets come out the top of the wick. Put it back upright, then repeat, tip the pv down again, and fire.

What I found works for me, I hold the pv horizontal when taking a drag (imagine like holding a cigar), I'd know when the wick starts working if it gets gurgly? (kinda not really), then I'd hold it more vertical.

 

[recidivus]

Top wire is a burden for me too. My last wrap I put it in the other way round the bolt, more like a "figure 8" if you can picture that. Also getting the wick as close to, but not touching the post. I am trying to take a pic but the wick/coil are both pretty dark now and not showing up. To Teh Shops!


black are posts (big one is centre), green is wick, blue is wire.

here's a pic I got with blue arrows also, it's not great quality, proper camera is out of batteries.


I was still getting top wire hot spots when I did this, but a little nudging in the direction of the hotspot seemed to have cleared it up. I'm pretty sure it was from the wire not making good contact with mesh, which also acts as an insulator.

Another thing I do is leave the long ends of wire on until I'm sure it's pretty danged close to working properly, that way I can adjust the top or bottom tightness more easily.

Also, for the burnt hair taste, reduce your voltage. I'm finding mine (most likely user error with wick) is not able to keep saturated at higher voltages. If you trimmed the top it's probably been squished closed, try gently inserting a pin or toothpick to open it up, that alone fixed one of my wicks from not staying saturated at the top.

As Aoi~ said, vaping with it at an angle can help, keep the wick side down to prevent it from being out of the liquid or you'll quickly get dry hits.

 

[Aoi~]

Check this thread out too http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/rebuildable-atomizer-systems/334958-dud-builds.html