Ok what am I doing wrong with the pass-thru

[TheTout]

I've killed 2 of them now, Steve replaced one but I'm not asking again!! I keep it plugged into my computer all the time it just sits on my desk, (I work at home) I figured out how not to burn the carts, but I keep killing my pass-thru. I mean dead, no sound, nothing. Took the one from my car to put on my computer until I can figure out what I'm doing wrong.

What am I doing wrong!!! Any suggestions would be helpful!!!

 

[MeMa]

Wow! that's awful! Have you tried changing ports? I had to do that - one of my ports was too 'weak' is yours too powerful?

 

[kristin]

I have no idea, but the button stuck on my husband's once? The thing is, it didn't LOOK stuck, but after we wiggled it around a bit, it sort of popped out and started working again. Otherwise, are you sure it's not the USB port itself? I know I have one on my desktop that suddenly stopped working - it shorted out off and on before going altogether.

Just throwing some ideas out. Good luck!

 

[TheTout]

I have 4 ports, tried different ones with the a different pass-thru all work fine, don't know if they are too strong, how would I find that out? I also have a plug usb for the wall it works fine also, just wish I could figure it out.

 

[MeMa]

eeekks I have no clue, was just hoping it was the port - I know someone with some computer experience will be here to help you.

 

[bornagainst]

wow...thats messed up. Ive had wierd things galore, but this is strange.

 

[Allestaria]

Your PT should never be plugged in all the time. Unless you are at your computer 24/7.

Do you run an antivirous program? Spyware program?

Any of those type programs when they do the 'cleaning' cycle will check any and everything attached to your computer. And can blow the PT or any non electrical computer device.
Which can include mp3 players that do not have the proper program installed.
I lost 2 mp3 players due to 'charging' them without having their program installed on the one computer.

Computers are also known for power surges. Kinda like when you load a game with high graphics. The computer kicks in more options to make the game run smoothy. These sudden increases of power can cause other things to not work properly.

Also as stated above. USB's can have to much power and to little. Their are programs out there that can watch your computer for you. Including the temperature it is running at. One is called Rivatuner. These are great to help maintain a good working computer.

Ports running to hot or to cold can mean faulty wireing or components going out.

But the best bet is to never leave anything plugged it that shouldn't be.

Another option is to take apart one that has stopped working and see if you notice or smell anything burnt. If it does smell or look like it was burnt. Which means it shorted out. AKA fire hazard. Check the cable plug and unit itself.

Always be cautious with anything electrical. PT's as far as I know (I haven't torn one apart yet) Do not have circuit breakers on them. So if they get to hot they can and will short out. As far as I know they do not have a cut off time. Which is actually a safety feature. Not just a pita. The units are not ment to be used for 15 second inhales. None should be used that way. The unit has a limit and if you over do it you over do the actual purpose of it.

Just my .02 cents. I'm not a computer genius in anyway. Just my logic about the situation. I could be completely off basis. So take what I said with a grain of salt. =)

 

[Wormwood]

i find that the wiring on every single passtrhough i have gotten, of any model is very frail.
The wire is secured in the battery tube with a glob of glue usually, and with constant movement, twisting, pushing, pulling on the wire, that glob of glue gives way and the interior of the passthrough is subject to shifting inside, which will make buttons stick, wires break. I found this out when my brother broke my manual passthrough, i am pretty sure he was pushing and pulling on it. though he'll probably never admit that.
edit, i forgot to mention that i now secure the wiring to the tube so it doesnt shift around anymore i just use a twist tie. hopefully i dont have to worry about it, I personally never had a problem with it, just my brother. My brother tends to abuse every aspect of life...so yeah.

 

[Scottbee]

Your PT should never be plugged in all the time. Unless you are at your computer 24/7.

Do you run an antivirous program? Spyware program?

Any of those type programs when they do the 'cleaning' cycle will check any and everything attached to your computer. And can blow the PT or any non electrical computer device.
Which can include mp3 players that do not have the proper program installed.
I lost 2 mp3 players due to 'charging' them without having their program installed on the one computer.

I'm sorry if this is going to offend you..... but that's complete rubbish.

Please don't state "as fact" what you may have heard as a rumor.

I can go into great detail what is contained in the USB 2.0 spec... what the power delivery is, what can control it, where it specifically comes from, and on and on. But the bottom line is... no program can maliciously increase the USB port power output and damage your pass-thru. That's a fact.

 

[ShannonS]

LOL this is how urban legends start.

 

[SMILIN]

I've killed 2 of them now, Steve replaced one but I'm not asking again!! I keep it plugged into my computer all the time it just sits on my desk, (I work at home) I figured out how not to burn the carts, but I keep killing my pass-thru. I mean dead, no sound, nothing. Took the one from my car to put on my computer until I can figure out what I'm doing wrong.

What am I doing wrong!!! Any suggestions would be helpful!!!

Do not worry, cause 3's a charm

I gonna keep you smilin

Steve

 

[Chucky]

I also have gone through 2 PTs because of the wiggling cord that breaks the solder. So what I have done is cut small strips of the best invention ever - duct tape - and wrapped them one on top of the other where the wire comes out of the fake ash end. I .... up to the ash as close as possible and build up the tape layers till it matches the PT tube. Then I apply the last layer to bridge the gap. Now my wire is secure. Sure, my PT looks rugged and well "trashy", but it gets the job done. It has lasted 2 weeks, twice as long as the previous two.

i find that the wiring on every single passtrhough i have gotten, of any model is very frail.
The wire is secured in the battery tube with a glob of glue usually, and with constant movement, twisting, pushing, pulling on the wire, that glob of glue gives way and the interior of the passthrough is subject to shifting inside, which will make buttons stick, wires break. I found this out when my brother broke my manual passthrough, i am pretty sure he was pushing and pulling on it. though he'll probably never admit that.
edit, i forgot to mention that i now secure the wiring to the tube so it doesnt shift around anymore i just use a twist tie. hopefully i dont have to worry about it, I personally never had a problem with it, just my brother. My brother tends to abuse every aspect of life...so yeah.

 

[grimmer255]

my m401 passthrough did the same thing several months back. I learned then that its good idea to get one of those 5v usb plugs that plug right into the wall. Some have cables for more range. I have yet to have problems with my VK passthrough using that method. After what happend to my m401 I simply do not trust the usb port on my laptop. So go to walmart, target, bestbuy, or circut city. any of those should have and you can also use the usb charger for you batteries with it as well and they do have multiple USB port plus as well so you can vape and charge your VK batteries at the same time.

Just throwing some thoughts out there

 

[Wozzy]

I've killed 2 of them now, Steve replaced one but I'm not asking again!! I keep it plugged into my computer all the time it just sits on my desk, (I work at home) I figured out how not to burn the carts, but I keep killing my pass-thru. I mean dead, no sound, nothing. Took the one from my car to put on my computer until I can figure out what I'm doing wrong.

What am I doing wrong!!! Any suggestions would be helpful!!!

Same exact thing happened with me. Just got my automatic USB replacement from Steve last week and *poof* today, dead as a doornail. Sux.

 

[Wormwood]

I just did a video that shows what i was talking about. not sure if thats what chucky meant but with duct tape instead.
YouTube - My computer desk V4L setup

 

[DanF]

I put a drop of super glue right where the wire enters the "ash" end. Seems to be working.

 

[Pawpaw]

My manual PT died the other day. It struck me as odd. It was in my truck, on a switched cig outlet. One day it worked fine all the way home. The next morning, nothing.

I opened up the "ash" end and found that the wire has a ty-wrap around it to provide strain relief. I couldn't get the connector off the other end to find out what the problem is.

No biggie. It was a freebie with my very first order. I wouldn't dream of asking for a free replacement.

 

[TheTout]

Ok used tie wraps to attach the cord, and its working so far. We think we figured out the problem too, I tend to twirl the pass-thru because sometimes I like the button on the top and sometimes I like it on the bottom.

BONUS!!! Thanks to all your suggestions my husband was able to fix the second pass thru I broke and we attached the tie wraps to that one too!!!

Thanks Everyone!!! Loved the Video!!! You all are so very helpful!!! Thanks again!!!

 

[Sheryl]

The PT on V4L site looks longer than the one I have, maybe it's improved. Might be we all need to order one, lol.

 

[landy]

I'm sorry if this is going to offend you..... but that's complete rubbish.

Please don't state "as fact" what you may have heard as a rumor.

I can go into great detail what is contained in the USB 2.0 spec... what the power delivery is, what can control it, where it specifically comes from, and on and on. But the bottom line is... no program can maliciously increase the USB port power output and damage your pass-thru. That's a fact.

i'm glad you said it, so i didnt have to..

agree 100%

landy