RDA My first RDA... how did I do?

[FleetFoxes]

So after almost 3 years using Vapor4Life batts with leaky tanks and a couple months of using v2 Pro Series 3 which has broken and they refuse to answer my emails to replace it I decided I needed to stop limiting myself.

I purchased a Sigelei 100w Plus, Kanger Sub tank Mini, and a Mutation X V3 RDA. The tank and RDA were delivered yesterday and the Sigelei will be delivered tomorrow. I figured I would spend the night preparing for the Sigelei's arrival. Batteries are completely charged, tank is primed and filled, and I took my first attempt at building. Please let me know how I did and feel free to give me some tips for next time! Thinking about buying some larger gauge wire!

The Kanger Sub Tank Mini next to the Mutation RDA

20150315_161141 by joshfiricano, on Flickr

Coils in posts, screwed down, excess coil broke off, and wicked with the OCC that came with the Kanger tank

20150315_172614 by joshfiricano, on Flickr

Wick trimmed and pushed down

20150315_173220 by joshfiricano, on Flickr

Wicks and coil soaked with some awesome cotton candy I purchased today

20150315_174115 by joshfiricano, on Flickr

Both the RDA and tank filled and prepared for vaping!!

20150315_175309 by joshfiricano, on Flickr

That's it!! Any tips for a newbie ECF veteran?

 

[Train2]

Just 2 things -
a) Looks like MAYBE a little heavy on the cotton. IF you have trouble wicking - like it dry hits or can't keep up, then you could remove some. You don't want it TIGHT through the coil, and remember, it swells with liquid.
b) You didn't mention the resistance - you ALWAYS want to test the coils with an ohm-meter before firing them on your mod.
Did you have a targeted resistance for your build, and did you hit it?

Looks like a great setup you're moving to - enjoy the vape!!

 

[Marc411]

FleetFoxes looks pretty damn good for a first run at building. Seem's like you are off to a good start.

Enjoy!

 

[FleetFoxes]

Just 2 things -
a) Looks like MAYBE a little heavy on the cotton. IF you have trouble wicking - like it dry hits or can't keep up, then you could remove some. You don't want it TIGHT through the coil, and remember, it swells with liquid.
b) You didn't mention the resistance - you ALWAYS want to test the coils with an ohm-meter before firing them on your mod.
Did you have a targeted resistance for your build, and did you hit it?

Looks like a great setup you're moving to - enjoy the vape!!

Hey train thanks for your reply. I didn't show it, but I actually cut the cotton and then tucked it in. I cut it to about a eighth of an inch past the edge of the atomizer and then tucked it in. I'm actually going to go get one of those ohm meters so I can see what the resistance is accurately, but doesn't the Sigelei tell me the resistance of the atomizer that is connected to it? I'm honestly a little confused on how to figure out the resistance of a coil (or in this case two coils). The coil is wrapped around 6 times on each side and I'm not sure what the gauge of wire is. It was given to me at a vape shop and stupid me didn't ask what the gauge was. I did a ton of research on how to physically build, but I probably shouldn't have done a little more research figuring out the resistance, but I figured that the Sigelei would show me the resistance once it's connected. Am I wrong in assuming that? Thanks!

 

[FleetFoxes]

FleetFoxes looks pretty damn good for a first run at building. Seem's like you are off to a good start.

Enjoy!

Thank you Marc!

 

[FleetFoxes]

Just realized there is an actual RDA section. Mods if you see this feel free to move. It's probably better suited over there.

 

[ckquatt]

There are Ohms Law calculators on the Internet. Steam Engine comes to mind, you can input your specs and it'll show what your builds resistance is.

When you put it on your Segelei what did it say your resistance was?

Dual coils split the resistance in half. Say for example you if you make two 2 ohm coils and install them your build resistance will be 1 ohm. Two 1 ohm coils the build will be .5 ohm.

 

[Fuzzy Bruce]

You should probably remove the cotton and do a dry burn to get rid of any oils that are on the wire. Even the natural oils from your skin can have an effect on the first couple of vapes.

Another thought, did you do a good cleaning of the dripper and tank? Not all, but most of the attys I have purchased had a slight to moderate amount of machine oil left on them. A good hot water wash with a little dish soap might be the way to go. You could even leave the coils on.

 

[FleetFoxes]

There are Ohms Law calculators on the Internet. Steam Engine comes to mind, you can input your specs and it'll show what your builds resistance is.

When you put it on your Segelei what did it say your resistance was?

Dual coils split the resistance in half. Say for example you if you make two 2 ohm coils and install them your build resistance will be 1 ohm. Two 1 ohm coils the build will be .5 ohm.

I don't have the Sigelei yet. I'll be getting it tomorrow. I've been trying to get everything prepared for when I get it tomorrow. The guy at the vape shop had a bit of extra wire and he gave it to me, but stupid me didn't ask what gauge it is so I don't think I can accurately calculate the resistance. Thanks for the good information!

 

[FleetFoxes]

You should probably remove the cotton and do a dry burn to get rid of any oils that are on the wire. Even the natural oils from your skin can have an effect on the first couple of vapes.

Another thought, did you do a good cleaning of the dripper and tank? Not all, but most of the attys I have purchased had a slight to moderate amount of machine oil left on them. A good hot water wash with a little dish soap might be the way to go. You could even leave the coils on.

I actually did clean everything with some isopropyl alcohol and then hot water and let everything dry. Thanks for looking out! I will definitely remove the wicks and do a dry burn though. Thanks for the tips!

 

[DreamWithin]

Just realized there is an actual RDA section. Mods if you see this feel free to move. It's probably better suited over there.

No prob

Moved from Atomizers & Cartridges to RDA forum

 

[Newportlocal]

Looks good. Very nicely done. Saw my thought about a dry burn was suggested already. When it starts tasting wonky or sometimes when switching flavors just pull the wick dry burn and rewick. Congrats on your new gear. Also, it's nice to have an ohm reader to check your ohms and for shorts.

 

[Wolfenstark]

Hey train thanks for your reply. I didn't show it, but I actually cut the cotton and then tucked it in. I cut it to about a eighth of an inch past the edge of the atomizer and then tucked it in. I'm actually going to go get one of those ohm meters so I can see what the resistance is accurately, but doesn't the Sigelei tell me the resistance of the atomizer that is connected to it? I'm honestly a little confused on how to figure out the resistance of a coil (or in this case two coils). The coil is wrapped around 6 times on each side and I'm not sure what the gauge of wire is. It was given to me at a vape shop and stupid me didn't ask what the gauge was. I did a ton of research on how to physically build, but I probably shouldn't have done a little more research figuring out the resistance, but I figured that the Sigelei would show me the resistance once it's connected. Am I wrong in assuming that? Thanks!

Yes the sigelei 100w+ does tell you the resistance.
Thing is to remember to check the resistance. If you have an ohm meter then people use that to check their builds. With mod that reads then put on your atty and give a quick press of the button and check your reading. Some may forget this put the atty on and press away.

 

[FleetFoxes]

How would I know if a resistance is acceptable when checking it and the appropriate wattage to vape at? My v4l ecig is reaching the end of its life span and work can't end quick enough so I can drive right to my mail box, pop the batteries in, and vape away.

 

[TorontoOntario]

What batteries are you using. The build that can be run is all determined by the cells powering your box. So, what do you got in the Sig?

 

[FleetFoxes]

I'm running efest purple imr 2500mAh 35 amps in the Sigelei.

 

[Jdurand]

Go to the vape shop on your way home and pick up an OHM meter. Yes you will need it. The Segelei does read OHMS but it is best to read them on a meter first. Also the coils need to be identical on the dripper with dual coils. There is no way the mod will be able to tell you what each reads individually. I just got into the rebuildables myself and need the meter less and less with each new build but still check them when working with new wire sizes and number of wraps etc.

 

[FleetFoxes]

Go to the vape shop on your way home and pick up an OHM meter. Yes you will need it. The Segelei does read OHMS but it is best to read them on a meter first. Also the coils need to be identical on the dripper with dual coils. There is no way the mod will be able to tell you what each reads individually. I just got into the rebuildables myself and need the meter less and less with each new build but still check them when working with new wire sizes and number of wraps etc.

Alright I'll pick one up. I am sure both coils in the RDA are identical. I took a lot of time to make sure they were. I'd there a certain resistance that isn't good if it shows on the ohm meter? I wasn't building this for a certain resistance since I got the wire for free I just wanted to build it. What should I be looking for on the ohm meter?

 

[1990FOXBODY]

Alright I'll pick one up. I am sure both coils in the RDA are identical. I took a lot of time to make sure they were. I'd there a certain resistance that isn't good if it shows on the ohm meter? I wasn't building this for a certain resistance since I got the wire for free I just wanted to build it. What should I be looking for on the ohm meter?

There is no set resistance, it is user preference. You do not need to worry other than making sure it is within what your device will work with. I do not own know off hand what your device limit is but if you stay around .5 ohms you should be fine to start with. Remember it is not a mechanical so you can adjust voltage and wattage to get your preferred vape.

 

[Train2]

Knowing what resistance and watt settings you like is just personal taste, and trial and error...you've got a LOT of room to experiment with that box, and those batteries!! The ohm meter lets you check while still fixing up a new build, without worrying about a "short" damaging anything, and while it's still easy to fiddle with the coils.

Here's a coil calculator that's great for ESTIMATING what you want (how many wraps of my wire will get me 0.5 ohms, etc).
And here's a simple Ohms Law calculator, to tell you if your 0.5 ohm build is safe with 35 Amp batteries (it is).