Passthrough Questions

[Kay1959]

I tried posting on New members forum, but I guess I have too many posts to be able to post there any more. Although I STILL feel like a 'babe in the woods'.

I have been using the V2 notebook passthrough system on my laptop, which stays plugged into wall outlet all the time. While I've not had any problems with this so far, I've been doing alittle reading and getting alittle worried about hurting my computer. Is it ok to use the V2 notebook plugged directly into my computer?

Secondly, I just ordered the VV Passthrough USB 510/eGo yesterday. Will it be ok to plug that into my laptop? I've been reading something about using an adapter. If it's not ok to plug it directly into my computer, can I use the USB to Wall adapter that originally came with my starter kit? Or is this adapter something different from that?

I'm sorry for being so dumb, but while I'm still learning the world of vaping (and loving it!) I'm pretty dumb in the area of computers and electricity, so PLEASE use layman's terminology here...k?

 

[cskent]

It might be safe to plug a PT directly into your computer, it might not be. There have been cases where a PT drew too much current and destroyed the computer's motherboard. If an atty or carto shorts out it could mean instant destruction. Is it worth the risk? A usb wall adapter is the safest way to avoid such a situation. A PT can draw quite a bit of current, so the adapter must be able to handle it. If yours is 2 amp or so it'll work fine. If it's the 500 milliamp type that usually comes with e-cig starter kits it won't produce enough current. Check the lable on your adapter to see what it's rated for. Here's one that will work fine:

2 amp AC to USB Adapter, ideal for Passthroughs

 

[Kay1959]

Thank you for your response. I've ordered the adapter you suggested from Mad Vapes. Now, I'd also like to order a car plug adapter, which one of those do I need for the eGo? Hopefully I can get this from MadVapes also.

 

[cskent]

Yup, 2 amp Car to USB Adapter. This one's also 2 amp.

 

[cskent]

I don't know where in Indiana you're from but if you're close to Indianapolis you've got a vape shop in your neighborhood. They've got a B & M from what I hear.

Welcome To The Only Vapor Shop In Indianapolis And Central Indiana.......

 

[Kay1959]

Thanks so much Kent! I'm about an hours drive from Indy....NO WAY I'm going there right now with the Super Bowl in town!! lol!

 

[DaveP]

If you use a passthrough on a PC, it's best to use one with a battery box. The battery charges while supplying voltage to the ecig and serves as a controlled buffer for the USB port, requiring less power from the port.

You don't want to induce over-current to the USB ports, since they are an integral part of your motherboard and a failure in the over-current detection of the port will result in smoke being released from the chips on the board. That's a terrifying and expensive experience!

I'd invest in some high MAH batteries and leave the USB ports for what they do best ... running low current devices. Plug the passthrough into the USB wall adapter that came with your charger.

 

[AttyPops]

Basically, if it has a built-in (or in-line) battery... it is generally OK to use it on a computer. The question is ...why would you want to?

It vapes off the battery, not the computer. It only trickle charges the battery from the USB cable... generally well under 500 mA (so fine).

Better to have an A/C powered solution with the A/B->USB adapter, or like you said, car adapter. Why tie up a good data port with something that doesn't need data communications. Charge hubs are another option.

The adapter that you ordered, since it is 2.0 amps or better, can support a NO BATTERY FIVE VOLT e-cig in the future too. With those, you DON'T want to use a computer USB port... too much for it.

Good Luck!