Official ProVari 3 Thread - P3 *PART 2*

[LittleBird]

I have an almost constant battery issue with my P3, though it is more pronounced in the 18490s than the 18650. I've had it since day 1. 18490 batteries were new, direct from Provape, and the BEST I have ever seen off the charger is 82%. It's normally under 78%. IQ is almost always Poor, which prevents me from using my subtank on my P3 unless I drop a 1.3 ohm coil in it. I can get half a work day off an 18490 before it's flashing low battery, yet when I drop it in the charger, charger says it's got 40% or better left. *sigh*

I have cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more. I have lubed. I have stretched. I have twisted. I have begged, borrowed, pleaded, and made offerings to the gods. I have met with zero success.

Now, I think I'm going to try different batteries. The ones I have now are the red, button top 18490s from Provape. And a random 18650, not from Provape (which usually starts around 78%, but will last the work day most days).

So what do all you P3 users have success with battery wise? Ideally, an 18490 would at least get me though a work day, even if I had to swap for another one once I got home. An 18650 I would like to last a weekend day, I could charge it overnight. I'd love to be able to use my P3 at 15-20 watts (this has been impossible so far). I hear people say Samsung/LG, 30 amp, 3000mAh.

I admit, I am not very battery savvy. I know to buy good ones, but I don't know what makes one better than the other. Suggestions?

ProVape highly recommends the Samsung 25R. They're also saying that the LG HG2 is good. Both recommendations are based on the quality of the batteries, their power and their internal resistance. I have the Sammies, and like them.

Have you contacted ProVape about the issue? It sounds a bit off. They may have an idea or a fix ... Good luck!

 

[ENAUD]

I have an almost constant battery issue with my P3, though it is more pronounced in the 18490s than the 18650. I've had it since day 1. 18490 batteries were new, direct from Provape, and the BEST I have ever seen off the charger is 82%. It's normally under 78%. IQ is almost always Poor, which prevents me from using my subtank on my P3 unless I drop a 1.3 ohm coil in it. I can get half a work day off an 18490 before it's flashing low battery, yet when I drop it in the charger, charger says it's got 40% or better left. *sigh*

I have cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more. I have lubed. I have stretched. I have twisted. I have begged, borrowed, pleaded, and made offerings to the gods. I have met with zero success.

Now, I think I'm going to try different batteries. The ones I have now are the red, button top 18490s from Provape. And a random 18650, not from Provape (which usually starts around 78%, but will last the work day most days).

So what do all you P3 users have success with battery wise? Ideally, an 18490 would at least get me though a work day, even if I had to swap for another one once I got home. An 18650 I would like to last a weekend day, I could charge it overnight. I'd love to be able to use my P3 at 15-20 watts (this has been impossible so far). I hear people say Samsung/LG, 30 amp, 3000mAh.

I admit, I am not very battery savvy. I know to buy good ones, but I don't know what makes one better than the other. Suggestions?

What version software is your P3 running?

 

[The Ocelot]

I have an almost constant battery issue with my P3, though it is more pronounced in the 18490s than the 18650. I've had it since day 1. 18490 batteries were new, direct from Provape, and the BEST I have ever seen off the charger is 82%. It's normally under 78%. IQ is almost always Poor, which prevents me from using my subtank on my P3 unless I drop a 1.3 ohm coil in it. I can get half a work day off an 18490 before it's flashing low battery, yet when I drop it in the charger, charger says it's got 40% or better left. *sigh*

I have cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more. I have lubed. I have stretched. I have twisted. I have begged, borrowed, pleaded, and made offerings to the gods. I have met with zero success.

Now, I think I'm going to try different batteries. The ones I have now are the red, button top 18490s from Provape. And a random 18650, not from Provape (which usually starts around 78%, but will last the work day most days).

The same thing happens with me. The batteries read 4.2v on the charger, but 80 something (sometimes high 70s) in the P3. I use 18490 AW button tops, so, like you said, it might be the batteries. The IQ, however, is rarely below good - most of the time it's great. Since I don't vape at low ohms or high watts, I only vape the P3 at home and I have lots of batteries, it hasn't bothered me; it's more of a curiosity. I haven't used it in '650 or '350 mode, so I don't know if those would be any different.

 

[The Ocelot]

ProVape highly recommends the Samsung 25R. They're also saying that the LG HG2 is good. Both recommendations are based on the quality of the batteries, their power and their internal resistance. I have the Sammies, and like them.

Have you contacted ProVape about the issue? It sounds a bit off. They may have an idea or a fix ... Good luck!

(I haven't had enough coffee to look on the ProVape site) Is there an 18490/500 equivalent to either of those?

 

[BumbleBee]

ProVape highly recommends the Samsung 25R. They're also saying that the LG HG2 is good. Both recommendations are based on the quality of the batteries, their power and their internal resistance. I have the Sammies, and like them.

Have you contacted ProVape about the issue? It sounds a bit off. They may have an idea or a fix ... Good luck!

No, besides the usual troubleshooting guide they have, I haven't contacted provape directly. I bought it second hand from a member here, so it wouldn't be under warranty anyway. Maybe once I pick up a box mod, I could send it in for service, cost not prohibitive of course.

What version software is your P3 running?

V38. There's a shop about an hour+ away from me that can update it to the latest version, but I haven't gotten down that way yet. I'm honestly not sure it would solve the problem anyway. What I'm experiencing doesn't seem to be software related, as there are a lot of them I'M sure on V38 that aren't having this issue.

As of now, the plan is new batteries, and maybe a trip to that shop in April. And even if it's a flop, never hurts to have spare batteries. I can get a nice box mod for my subtank, and stick with my Kabuki on my P3, so I'd never need the 15w+ anyway.

 

[ENAUD]

No, besides the usual troubleshooting guide they have, I haven't contacted provape directly. I bought it second hand from a member here, so it wouldn't be under warranty anyway. Maybe once I pick up a box mod, I could send it in for service, cost not prohibitive of course.



V38. There's a shop about an hour+ away from me that can update it to the latest version, but I haven't gotten down that way yet. I'm honestly not sure it would solve the problem anyway. What I'm experiencing doesn't seem to be software related, as there are a lot of them I'M sure on V38 that aren't having this issue.

As of now, the plan is new batteries, and maybe a trip to that shop in April. And even if it's a flop, never hurts to have spare batteries. I can get a nice box mod for my subtank, and stick with my Kabuki on my P3, so I'd never need the 15w+ anyway.

I see ver 39 mentions batteries and various bug fixes:

P3 Software Update V39 Now available.

We recommend that all P3 devices upgrade to the latest version.

This release has the following improvement:

Battery management improvements and bug fixes.

Profile memory loss after battery removal fixed. Some users reported losing their settings when removing the battery.

Low Battery Alert On/Off option added.

Yours does sound a bit off from everything posted. New batteries sounds like a good plan as a first step in sorting it out. Good luck.

 

[BumbleBee]

I see ver 39 mentions batteries and various bug fixes:

P3 Software Update V39 Now available.

We recommend that all P3 devices upgrade to the latest version.

This release has the following improvement:

Battery management improvements and bug fixes.

Profile memory loss after battery removal fixed. Some users reported losing their settings when removing the battery.

Low Battery Alert On/Off option added.

Yours does sound a bit off from everything posted. New batteries sounds like a good plan as a first step in sorting it out. Good luck.

Thanks! Ya, I figure more batteries can never hurt ya know? lol

Even if I get the update, and it doesn't fix the battery issue, I can't say I won't be happy about the fix of the memory loss when switching batteries! I don't even set preferences anymore, they just get wiped out 2 or 3 times a day! lmao

 

[The Ocelot]

I see ver 39 mentions batteries and various bug fixes:

P3 Software Update V39 Now available.

We recommend that all P3 devices upgrade to the latest version.

This release has the following improvement:

Battery management improvements and bug fixes.

Profile memory loss after battery removal fixed. Some users reported losing their settings when removing the battery.

Low Battery Alert On/Off option added.

Yours does sound a bit off from everything posted. New batteries sounds like a good plan as a first step in sorting it out. Good luck.

I suppose I could use The Purple Princess while the P3 went to the mothership, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

 

[ENAUD]

I suppose I could use The Purple Princess while the P3 went to the mothership, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

Mine is on 38 and it's stable and without any issues, I'd like V39 so I could turn off the battery warning light, but have been too lazy to drive the 1.5 hour to the nearest upgrade shop or open a ticket. Besides the drive, I have to call the owner and make sure which of his two stores he'll be at and when

 

[MikeE3]

I have an almost constant battery issue with my P3, though it is more pronounced in the 18490s than the 18650. I've had it since day 1. 18490 batteries were new, direct from Provape, and the BEST I have ever seen off the charger is 82%. It's normally under 78%. IQ is almost always Poor, which prevents me from using my subtank on my P3 unless I drop a 1.3 ohm coil in it. I can get half a work day off an 18490 before it's flashing low battery, yet when I drop it in the charger, charger says it's got 40% or better left. *sigh*

I have cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more. I have lubed. I have stretched. I have twisted. I have begged, borrowed, pleaded, and made offerings to the gods. I have met with zero success.

Now, I think I'm going to try different batteries. The ones I have now are the red, button top 18490s from Provape. And a random 18650, not from Provape (which usually starts around 78%, but will last the work day most days).

So what do all you P3 users have success with battery wise? Ideally, an 18490 would at least get me though a work day, even if I had to swap for another one once I got home. An 18650 I would like to last a weekend day, I could charge it overnight. I'd love to be able to use my P3 at 15-20 watts (this has been impossible so far). I hear people say Samsung/LG, 30 amp, 3000mAh.

I admit, I am not very battery savvy. I know to buy good ones, but I don't know what makes one better than the other. Suggestions?

The same thing happens with me. The batteries read 4.2v on the charger, but 80 something (sometimes high 70s) in the P3. I use 18490 AW button tops, so, like you said, it might be the batteries. The IQ, however, is rarely below good - most of the time it's great. Since I don't vape at low ohms, I only vape the P3 at home and I have lots of batteries, it hasn't bothered me; it's more of a curiosity. I haven't used it in '650 or '350 mode, so I don't know if those would be any different.

Me too ... the batt issue that is. Like BB, I've cleaned, stretched, and said the mystical provarinati chants. But even w/ brand new AW 18490 batts (more than 1 tried) coming off the charger at 4.2 volts ... the P3 shows 'good' IQ and 80 +/- for the batt gauge. The batt 'thing' is what's kept me from getting another P3. Oh it's at version 38.

 

[GeekyGeezer]

Me too ... the batt issue that is. Like BB, I've cleaned, stretched, and said the mystical provarinati chants. But even w/ brand new AW 18490 batts (more than 1 tried) coming off the charger at 4.2 volts ... the P3 shows 'good' IQ and 80 +/- for the batt gauge. The batt 'thing' is what's kept me from getting another P3. Oh it's at version 38.

I don't worry about the numbers any more, and I believe I get good life from both my P3s with version 38. However, even with a brand new P3 straight out of the box with an also brand new freshly charged battery, I have never gotten more than 87 and Good from the display.

I have the utmost respect for Pro Vape and have no doubt that their math, physics, and engineering is correct. But I think they missed the mark as I don't think the numbers produced have an exact relationship to the real world.

Using 350, 490, and 650 batteries, if I look at the actual life of given battery's charge it's most often even better than the other devices I have.

 

[coldgin96]

I have an almost constant battery issue with my P3, though it is more pronounced in the 18490s than the 18650. I've had it since day 1. 18490 batteries were new, direct from Provape, and the BEST I have ever seen off the charger is 82%. It's normally under 78%. IQ is almost always Poor, which prevents me from using my subtank on my P3 unless I drop a 1.3 ohm coil in it. I can get half a work day off an 18490 before it's flashing low battery, yet when I drop it in the charger, charger says it's got 40% or better left. *sigh*

I have cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more. I have lubed. I have stretched. I have twisted. I have begged, borrowed, pleaded, and made offerings to the gods. I have met with zero success.

Now, I think I'm going to try different batteries. The ones I have now are the red, button top 18490s from Provape. And a random 18650, not from Provape (which usually starts around 78%, but will last the work day most days).

So what do all you P3 users have success with battery wise? Ideally, an 18490 would at least get me though a work day, even if I had to swap for another one once I got home. An 18650 I would like to last a weekend day, I could charge it overnight. I'd love to be able to use my P3 at 15-20 watts (this has been impossible so far). I hear people say Samsung/LG, 30 amp, 3000mAh.

I admit, I am not very battery savvy. I know to buy good ones, but I don't know what makes one better than the other. Suggestions?

I have two P3's and they both act the same. Ver. 39
I only use 18650's I have 4 of them, two Samsung 25R's and two AW flat top 3000Mah
The Samsung's last a couple of daze and the AW last longer, sometimes 3. I won't buy the AW's again and here's why: I have a V2 and have used the flat tops with a adapter. The top of the AW got crushed and caved in but the Samsung was fine, not even a dent. So you see, to all of you who talked me into buying those AW's - THEY SUCK!

 

[MikeE3]

I don't worry about the numbers any more, and I believe I get good life from both my P3s with version 38. However, even with a brand new P3 straight out of the box with an also brand new freshly charged battery, I have never gotten more than 87 and Good from the display.

I have the utmost respect for Pro Vape and have no doubt that their math, physics, and engineering is correct. But I think they missed the mark as I don't think the numbers produced have an exact relationship to the real world.

Using 350, 490, and 650 batteries, if I look at the actual life of given battery's charge it's most often even better than the other devices I have.

After a week or so, I stopped paying much attention to the batt #'s too. I seem to get decent 'vape time' from the batts, comparable to my 2.5's with the same batt, so I don't worry about it. It's 'bout the only 'thing' I've seen Provape drop the ball on ... other than not coming out with a purple Radius ( ).

 

[AstroTurf]

I suppose I could use The Purple Princess while the P3 went to the mothership, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

Whaa???

You don't use her???

I'd like to use her fer awhile!!!

Send her to me!

LOLz

 

[AstroTurf]

Mine is on 38 and it's stable and without any issues, I'd like V39 so I could turn off the battery warning light, but have been too lazy to drive the 1.5 hour to the nearest upgrade shop or open a ticket. Besides the drive, I have to call the owner and make sure which of his two stores he'll be at and when

I just stopped in the only shop in Richmond that does the updates...

The updater is in their other shop

 

[BumbleBee]

I don't worry about the numbers any more, and I believe I get good life from both my P3s with version 38. However, even with a brand new P3 straight out of the box with an also brand new freshly charged battery, I have never gotten more than 87 and Good from the display.

I have the utmost respect for Pro Vape and have no doubt that their math, physics, and engineering is correct. But I think they missed the mark as I don't think the numbers produced have an exact relationship to the real world.

Using 350, 490, and 650 batteries, if I look at the actual life of given battery's charge it's most often even better than the other devices I have.

I have two P3's and they both act the same. Ver. 39
I only use 18650's I have 4 of them, two Samsung 25R's and two AW flat top 3000Mah
The Samsung's last a couple of daze and the AW last longer, sometimes 3. I won't buy the AW's again and here's why: I have a V2 and have used the flat tops with a adapter. The top of the AW got crushed and caved in but the Samsung was fine, not even a dent. So you see, to all of you who talked me into buying those AW's - THEY SUCK!

See, I'd totally ignore the numbers on the display if I could get the battery life out of it. An 18490 will last me 4 - 6 hours from fully charged (according to the charger). An 18650 fresh off the charger 6 - 8 hours. To get an idea of how much/little I vape, a Kabuki filled on a Saturday morning would not need to be refilled until sometime Sunday afternoon/evening. So I don't think I'm in the scope of overly demanding.

In any event, even if it isn't for something good, it's nice to know I am not alone.

 

[scotdc]

Ok....I'm having a crisis here....P3 ring stuck like glue to my tank. Cant get it off for nothing in the world. Even the freezer trick didn't help. HELP!!!

Oh God... same thing happened to me a few weeks ago with my brand new, never vaped atomizer. I tried all the tricks. My best suggestion is if you have a grippy (?) cloth or piece of rubber like a thick rubberband that will protect your finish try using some vise grips after you wrap the cloth or rubberband around the beauty ring. Be careful! I mangled the hell out of my 510 connection. If that don't work, open a ticket because Provape can probably help you out. They offered that help to me and I sent it off.

Here's where I screwed up. Because it was very light and just the bottom piece of the atty without the build deck I wrapped in bubble wrap and put it in an envelope. Three days later, Provape emailed me and told me a ripped open and empty envelope arrived - no atty! $100 paper weight is now what I own. Lesson learned: use a box.

 

[Knifemaker]

I use a product similar to NoLox,sold by both Provape and HOH. Never a problem!

Knife

 

[LittleBird]

I just stopped in the only shop in Richmond that does the updates...

The updater is in their other shop

Richmond as in Richmond, VA? If so, what shop? My stable needs updating, and the MD shop I went to last isn't doing it anymore.

 

[The Ocelot]

Whaa???

You don't use her???

I'd like to use her fer awhile!!!

Send her to me!

LOLz

She is in a silk bag on an altar. I feel unworthy to vape her except on very special occasions.