Ohm meter readings on Phoenix rebuildable atomizer change (when tightly and loosely connected.)

[chadmo]

I have a new Phoenix atomizer and when its loosely connected to a ohms tester it reads what I would expect. But when its tightened the readings change to 888 or 0.2. I tested several other atomizers and all of them keep the same ohm's reading when loosely or tightly connected to the tester.

Could the atomizer be defective, or do ohm readings often change when loosely/tightly connected to a tester?

And do you think that atomizer would be safe to use?

Thank you in advance for your replies,
Chad.

 

[Unforeseen]

Welcome to the forum. From what you are describing, I believe the problem is the coil itself. The resistance of it should be consistent every time and not fluctuate nor drop whether you tighten it or not.

Would recommend checking your build and fixing the problem. Also might be a good idea to start all over with a new coil. Then re-test it on the ohm meter.

Hope that helps.

 

[Spencer87]

I actually have a meter that will flucuate if it is so loosely tightened that the Atomizer doesnt make a great connection with the ohm meter contact pin, But it sounds like some kind of short, either the coils themselves or the contact pins.

 

[Thegodmouse]

Maybe try to tighten your screws/grub nuts? also, I am not familiar with the phoenix rda, but does it have an adjustable 510 connector? if so, maybe tightening that will fix the problem. also, is any part of your coil touching your deck or, when the lid's on, touching the lid itself? maybe it would help us better identify the problem if we knew what kind of ohm reader you were using as well

 

[chadmo]

Welcome to the forum. From what you are describing, I believe the problem is the coil itself. The resistance of it should be consistent every time and not fluctuate nor drop whether you tighten it or not.

Would recommend checking your build and fixing the problem. Also might be a good idea to start all over with a new coil. Then re-test it on the ohm meter.

Hope that helps.

I just built a new coil and attached it to the atomizer secure and tight.

I put the atomizer on the ohm meter and when lightly (but securely) connected it reads 1.74, but when tightened more the reading goes down. And when its about as tight as it would be on my battery the reading goes down to 0.68 to 0.10 (varying each time I connect it.)

I used 32 gauge wire, 5 coils, and extra wire from the +/- posts to coils (to get higher ohm's), and I would assume the constant 1.74 ohm's (looser) reading is correct.


I think I'm just gonna buy another Phoenix atomizer (but from a different vendor.)

Chad.

Edit: Perhaps I'm putting it on the meter tighter than I would the battery when I get the changing readings. But when I put other atomizers on the meter that tight the readings stay the same. Regardless I don't feel comfortable using that atomizer.

 

[Rickajho]

How tight are you going here when you screw things on? In general you shouldn't be screwing devices on so tight it's always a two handed operation trying to get them off a PV or a battery. If you are doing that there is the possibility that you are pushing the center pin of the Phoenix in so far you end up shorting it by both the 510 thread and the center pin of the Phoenix coming in contact with the center post on the tester - your "888" reading.

I haven't used a Phoenix in a while so I can't remember if that center pin was sloppy in the 510 insulator or not. If it's sloppy you may just be overtightening it.

 

[chadmo]

Maybe try to tighten your screws/grub nuts?

I tried that.

I am not familiar with the phoenix RDA, but does it have an adjustable 510 connector? if so, maybe tightening that will fix the problem.

My rebuildable Trident clone atomizer has a flat head screw in the middle of the connector, but the Phoenix has a 100 smooth circle in the middle of the 510 connector.

also, is any part of your coil touching your deck or, when the lid's on, touching the lid itself?

I tested it without the lid and the coil wires are not touching any part of the atomizer.

maybe it would help us better identify the problem if we knew what kind of ohm reader you were using as well.

The box says "Together Best Cooperation." Its a small unmarked rectangular black box, it has the reading screen, (2) 510 ports, and a sliding on/off switch. Its only markings are on, off, open>>, and a garbage can with a "X" through it.


Sorry for being so detailed (but I really want to use that atomizer.) The Trident clone works perfect, but I get the feeling its large 2 coil size is not the best for my single small coil setups.

Chad.

 

[chadmo]

How tight are you going here when you screw things on? In general you shouldn't be screwing devices on so tight it's always a two handed operation trying to get them off a PV or a battery. If you are doing that there is the possibility that you are pushing the center pin of the Phoenix in so far you end up shorting it by both the 510 thread and the center pin of the Phoenix coming in contact with the center post on the tester - your "888" reading.

I haven't used a Phoenix in a while so I can't remember if that center pin was sloppy in the 510 insulator or not. If it's sloppy you may just be overtightening it.

I just tested it a few times and got solid 1.74 readings, but on the fourth time I tested it the readings dropped (and it was not screwed on all that tight.)

And every other atomizer put on the meter keeps the same reading when more tightly connected. I think I'm just gonna buy a new atomizer.

 

[Thegodmouse]

I just tested it a few times and got solid 1.74 readings, but on the fourth time I tested it the readings dropped (and it was not screwed on all that tight.)

And every other atomizer put on the meter keeps the same reading when more tightly connected. I think I'm just gonna buy a new atomizer.

Do you have the ability to post a pic? that may help us identify the problem. if all else fails, there may be a loose connection inside the 510 threads leading to higher/lower conductivity depending on how far that pin is pushed/ retracted. Use an ohms law calculator to determine what the coil should be measuring, and cross-reference that with what your ohm reader is displaying. there doesn't seem to be a problem with the ohm reader simply because it's giving consistent readings to your other attys. All in all, it does seem to be something to do with the phoenix you're using, but we cannot be sure until we have a pic of some kind. also, you mentioned in an earlier post (I used 32 gauge wire, 5 coils, and extra wire from the +/- posts to coils (to get higher ohm's),) that you used extra wiring to raise the resistance. Explain that to me, because that may be the problem. Hope this aids you in anyway

 

[MythDrago]

my ohm tester does the same if to tight or lose I allways double check mine on one of my vw mods just to make shure

 

[chadmo]

Do you have the ability to post a pic? that may help us identify the problem. if all else fails, there may be a loose connection inside the 510 threads leading to higher/lower conductivity depending on how far that pin is pushed/ retracted. Use an ohms law calculator to determine what the coil should be measuring, and cross-reference that with what your ohm reader is displaying. there doesn't seem to be a problem with the ohm reader simply because it's giving consistent readings to your other attys. All in all, it does seem to be something to do with the phoenix you're using, but we cannot be sure until we have a pic of some kind. also, you mentioned in an earlier post (I used 32 gauge wire, 5 coils, and extra wire from the +/- posts to coils (to get higher ohm's),) that you used extra wiring to raise the resistance. Explain that to me, because that may be the problem. Hope this aids you in anyway

No, I've never put a picture onto a computer before.

And I heard that the longer the wire the higher the ohm's. Most coils I've seen sit almost flush with the posts, but I used a bit of extra wire from post to coils (trying to get higher ohm's.)

I ended up ordering another Phoenix atomizer and I will test that one to see if its doing the same thing, and I will post the results.

But heres a picture of a Phoenix atomizer that looks identical to mine. This one has the center post of the 510 connection appearing to stick out a bit, but mine has the center post 100% flat or even indented.
http://s1071.photobucket.com/user/maxb70/media/phoenix-drip-atomizer-3_zpsa3dd2e7e.jpg.html

Have a good one,
Chad.

 

[cinetrope]

Also, try comparing the over-all length of the 510 connection on your Phoenix with that of your other atomizers that don't fluctuate. Even a little bit longer and it could be pushing the positive connection on your ohms reader down past the point that it was designed to adjust for resulting in a faulty connection with the meter.

 

[chadmo]

I ended up ordering a new Phoenix atomizer from the same vendor, and the new one is worse. With its factory coils its ohm readings look like a gas pumps price screen when your pumping gas. And its steady readings fluctuate from 3.9 to 8.5.

I know I could try building a new coil, but instead I just emailed the vendor requesting a store credit for the item. When my present disappointment wears down I think I will tinker with my original Phoenix.

Thanks for your replies,
Chad.

 

[RavenManiac]

I'm having the same problem with a USA Ohm Meter. Did you ever solve your problem?

 

[Halophilus]

Resistance can be altered depending on the amount of contact with the ohmmeter's posts. Oxides or wicking material can also increase the recorded resistance of the coil.

 

[Thrasher]

I wouldnt sweat it, put it on the mod and fire it once.

The Phoenix is the granddaddy of them all and there not much that can be screwed up in one of them, still got mine and its years old


Some connectors just get wacky readings at different pressures.


You never did say what your mod is if its a regulated mod its not going to fire a shorted atty anyways.