Prodigy V2 and Protege Troubleshooting Guide (With Pictures)

[VapnRealtor]

This thread really scares me, lol. I have given up trying to keep my Prodigy V2 going (and have a ticket in on it). I want something that I do not have to fiddle with, as is suggested time and time again in this thread. When it works properly, it's absolutely great...it just won't STAY working.

Thats the problem with the Pure Smoker PV's. I also have both with the same experience of always having to tweak cause of inconsistent performance. I just got in a Super Six from Super and finally vaoing does not have to be a constsnt tweak. This thing is the most awesome PV and I'm actually selling all the others I have to get another Super Six in case I lose it or it gets stolen.

Good luck with yours

 

[Nicotinologist]

Hello, vapers. Here is my latest improvement on my V2. I am using a 5mm spacer ahead of the battery cap made of brass spacer that I ground for a snug fit. I noticed that without the spacer the battery adapter has the tendency to push the switch plastic guide too tightly against the slutted guide causing the switch to bind due to misalignement.

The next thing I will make are the disc and the stationary contact pins made out of solid silvers.
Nico

 

[phelmon]

I still think this PV is a great size and is beautiful, especially with the stainless atty and stainless superT mouth piece but performance has been at best so so. I have popped 2 of the PS attys and 2 cartomizers in the past 3 days. I have tried all the tips and tricks and have been extra sure to keep the attys moist. One I can understand with getting used to this mod but two attys and 2 carts is a bit excessive.

So far I am getting about 75% at best button ignition which is very frustrating. Now I am on the fence as to whether to return the unit and look elsewhere for a PV solution or take the hit and throw it in a drawer as a back up.

 

[phelmon]

I have reviewed all the forums, posts and tips once again and despite some of the issues I have had with the device I am still very pleased with the size and the function of the Prodigy V2. I am chalking up the popped attys to inexperience with this particular mod and moving forward.

I haven't had a lot of interaction with PS but what I have had has been positive and I am confident that any major issues can be worked out and I do realize this is still a newly emerging industry and things still aren't perfect. I will probably try a different mod so that I have 2 just in case something goes wrong (I don't even want to go back to regular batts and pcc).

I do wish Puresmoker folks would concentrate on the switch issues. I get 95% function with my right thumb but only 75% with my left and I still don't know why, its weird. And, it took me about 1/2 a day to get it to that point. The switch needs some improvement. Also, there is definately play in the at least the 510 attys when attached per the instructions on this forum which is a bit of a concern but it doesn't seem to cause a problem.

However, this device is a great size and weight for carrying and it does vape very well once you get used to it. Also, the problem I have had and others have had are no different than most other mods to varying degrees. I am looking forward to seeing if PS can improve upon its products as there is always room for improvement.

 

[phelmon]

Okay, I finally got my button working at 100% by adding a 1/32" larger o-ring in place of the rubber gasket on the button itself and pulling the spring apart for a little more tension. I also rotated the contacts, round side up. All in various posts but each tweak added something.

Now, my button has nice a consistent click, but doesn't "bottom out" and wiggle around. It ignites 100% with a nice feel to it.

I also have not popped anymore attys or carts. I am still not sure why the atty wiggles a bit but it doesn't seem to be an issue and there is enough thread engagement to convince me that the atty is contacting well.

I have not popped any attys or carts since the above tweaks. I just made the same tweaks to a couple of friends V2s and they are very satisfied as well.

 

[Sonyatech]

Was having a few issues - learned to clean it out prior to the post. But the pictures help confirm I was on the right track. I couldn't be happier with the Protege so far. I am hoping to get the USB Passthrough - and hope it works as well.

 

[FrogHat]

I am still not sure why the atty wiggles a bit but it doesn't seem to be an issue and there is enough thread engagement to convince me that the atty is contacting well.

Mine is the same way, no problem though. That is probably why one of the videos states when you get a little resistance only another 1/4 turn.

Some people may be cranking down on them trying to see if they can get it not to wiggle. And I think when snug it just tends to loosen up by itself.

JMO

 

[phelmon]

I had a couple people PM me for the o-ring size.

P/N 11186-2
5/32" ID, 9/32" OD and 1/16" thickness.

It took the "squishiness" out of the button press for me. But, you do have to rotate the contact posts to make it even more consistent.

I also measured 10 atomizers today, five 510s and 5 carts and the thread sizes are all over the board. I also did an inspection on the threads on the prodigy itself and they are spot on and well manufactured.

My conclusion is that the manufacturing tolerances on the attys and carts are not going to be super precise which doesn't surprise me (I am a quality manager for a major OEM that does a lot of business with China manufacturers and many don't use precise equipment/methods).
It looks like the prodigy adapters are manufactured at the upper spec (at least mine was) to ensure fit.

So, that being said, the wiggle room is good and like they said above don't over tighten them. On the closest tolerance atty I have it takes about 3.5 revolutions to snug up the atty which works well. For me it take about 2 revolutions to get the adapter to snug up tight. Anymore and you will prematurely wear out the threads or cause a cross threading issue.

Some other habits I have found useful are to keep the attys very wet. I use 4 drops of HV juice and about 3 with normal juice about every 5 to 6 puffs when dripping. If you notice draining, then back off the juice a drop or two and if burnt taste add a drop or two. Also, when you first put in new batteries, keep the button press cycle quick (2-3 secs max) which helps to not pop the atty. After a recharge cycle, mine work fine without popping attys.

Hope this helps someone, because I was seriously frustrated the first couple of days but I was determined to resolve the issues because this is a very nice unit; the size, the finish, the voltage, etc. and I have confidence in the PureSmoker team.

 

[raqball]

My V2 (801) just suddenly quit working. It worked flawlessly out of the box for about 3 days. Then just suddenly quit. And no, I didn't forget to change the batteries . Now it seems to kill any atty I attach to it. So I'm not sure what I can do because I'm afraid of burning up all of my extra attys.

About the only thing I noticed as an issue was when it quit firing I noticed the battery housing got hot but the atty didn't. I took the batteries out at that point.

I have the exact issue with mine (except ine is a Protege)... Checked everything and followed the trouble shooting guide.... Nadda...

I get voltage to the end cap but nothing after that... I think it's an adapter issue... My battery housing gets real hot after only a few tokes...

Think I will just send it back and get a refund... Nice little device, but I really don't want to have to tinker with it after 3 days...

Opened a PS ticket and will go from there... I am sure I will have no issues as the customer service looks great...

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Battery Housing Getting Hot and Atomizer Not Firing = Short ... #1 culprit is the atomizer.

 

[raqball]

Battery Housing Getting Hot and Atomizer Not Firing = Short ... #1 culprit is the atomizer.

Correct you are sir,

I was using a well broken in atty from another device.. It went poof... Put the atty on that came with the device, 2 puffs and poof... Put another new atty on (I bought 5 extra from you) poof...

Followed the trouble shooting steps, put another atty on it and poof...

Read your post this AM and put yet another atty on and thus far it's working... Not putting out much vapor (but it's a new atty) but it's working

I guess I would have never figured I got 3 bad atty's and that I grabbed all 3 in succession...

I will keep the ticket open and see what my options are at this point....

Thanks for the speedy response!!

 

[whiskywill]

hahahaha already a trouble shooting guide

 

[jingleballs]

go get a tube of ox-gard and put a little dab on the contact posts in the switch. it'll solve everybody's switch issues. IT WORKS!!! as for the wiggle on the 510, it's gonna get that way. the way the 510 atty screws on to the 510 adapter just isnt ever gonna be awesome. the threads are gonna wear out really fast just from it sitting in your pocket and having a little pressure on it when you sit down. happened to me. i ordered the much more sturdier and versatile 901 adapter and used the ox-gard and it works 110%. it's simple to fix. you will have no more complaints. no more typing late at night. no more bruised fingers. no need for another pv. ever. do this. take care of this tiny issue. stop blowing it up. stop getting technical. c ya.

 

[New_World]

go get a tube of ox-gard and put a little dab on the contact posts in the switch. it'll solve everybody's switch issues. IT WORKS!!! as for the wiggle on the 510, it's gonna get that way. the way the 510 atty screws on to the 510 adapter just isnt ever gonna be awesome. the threads are gonna wear out really fast just from it sitting in your pocket and having a little pressure on it when you sit down. happened to me. i ordered the much more sturdier and versatile 901 adapter and used the ox-gard and it works 110%. it's simple to fix. you will have no more complaints. no more typing late at night. no more bruised fingers. no need for another pv. ever. do this. take care of this tiny issue. stop blowing it up. stop getting technical. c ya.

I don't have any wiggle on my 510 adapter after months of constant use.

Just be kind to your PV.

 

[FrogHat]

Hey Steve.....

Can you give me the specs on the 3.7 v 18650 for the prodigy V1.....what is the mah??

2200, or 2600

 

[Stover]

I have a question I hope someone can answer. I have had my Prodigy for about 8 months with no problems except a failed switch. I purchased 15 801 atomizers from ecigsupply.com recently. When I got them and tried to screw on the first atomizer, It slipped right over the threads on my adaptor and the base of the atomizer bottomed out on the base of the adaptor. The threads on the atomizer would not grip the threads on my adaptor at all. So I went through all 15 of the 801 atomizers I received and there was only one that I could get to screw on which was very wobbly and I had to cinch it down once it got to the bottom. The other 14 slip right over the threads and bottom out with no thread-to-thread connectivity or grip at all. The atomozers fall right off. Has anybody experienced anything like this. I have a box of about 25 old 801 attys I received from Puresmoker that screw on tight with little to no wobble once on.

 

[Boricua4Ever]

when I got my prodogy v2 it did not work. I sent it back and after 2 weeks they returned it. during the first set of batteries i fried the included 510 atomizer, during the second set of batteries, I fried the atomizer and melted 2 carts. The product is not Well designed and should only be purchased by those who like to tinker

Have you tried to use it with larger atomizers ex. 801/RN4072/BE112, this ones seem to take the higher voltage better.

 

[AKs0n-]

Hello Steve, inspite of several problems most V2 users are experiencing I still ordered a copy of your most popular e cig mod, the V2. I think it is the best looking one on the market. When I received mine last saturday, I went ahead recharged a pair of batteries. I then disassemble the unit to investigate the reported problem areas. These are the things that I feel will solve some if not all the problems: Switch: The two stationary posts should have silver contacts similar to the ones commonly used on quality relay contacts. The disc should be of silver alloy also, not the one you are using now. The current disc looks like a fiberglass board with copper foil. Not durable enough, it can break and out the copper trace. Battery adaptors: The reason it is causing a dead short on some 801s. Joye 302, etc. is due to the brass barrel's improper ID. Too small to clear the corresponding atomizer inner pole. Get some battery/atomizer adapters from China and do some measurements in the critical areas. Adapter center pin is pressed too tightly in the adapter. It looks good but does not work. The pin should be free to float to and pro. Why? If the pin is free to float during atomizer installation the atomizer inner pole will push the pin inward untill it contacts the switch's output terminal pin thereby everything are equal in tightness, from the switch, ato/adapter and atomizer. Resistor: The V2 is a High Voltage E cigs, as advertised. I am not sure if it is claimed to run at 5 volts. I have been questioning this issue since I got attracted to the V2. I did not see any resistor on the Prodigy/Protege switch disassmbly procedure pictures. I posted a reply regarding the resistor and one member said it is incorporated in the switch's disc itself. How strange, I never heard of such a resistor. I didn't detect any resistor in the circuit when I ohmed it. That explains for burnt out atomizers. I went ahead and fixed the 801 adapter. I drove the inner pin out. Bored out the barrel atomizer end from 1/4th of an inch to 5/16th of an inch close to 1/8 of an inch deep. I also loosened the pin fit so that it can slide in and out more freely. I went ahead and made a copper disc out of a copper washer. I will ask a machinist friend of mine to make me pair of copper or silver contact posts. My V2 works real fine now. I could now assemble the unit as any average user would assemble it. I could now screw on the Joye 302 with the same feel as you would get using the production pencil battery. Since this a 6 volt unit I pulse the switch 2x a second instead of making a steady push to prevent overloading the atomizer. I believe the resistor should be implemented to the unit. The best place to install the resistor would be in the battery cap. Make it an optional part of the kit, 6+ volt no resistor, 5 volt, 4 volt with resistors of different values. It will require lengthening the bottom cap, perhaps 0.5". Thanks, Steve. I still love my V2. Please let me know what you think. But the way, how about a ribbed rubberized grip? You could E-mail me in regard to this or post it.
Nico. rickseneris@msn.com

Has any of these ideas been addressed yet? Personly I prefer the Joye 302/304 atty & would hope to be able to use em one day on a V2. And this guy sounds like he knows what he's talking bout. lol
As a consumer I just want my V2 running smoothly.

 

[reallybigname]

I have had my Prodigy v2 for a few weeks now, and I burnt out a few atomizers... but, I have to say, it was probably my fault. First of all, I had been using the same few 510 atomizers for the last few months, so the solder was probably already starting to creep on those. And, second, the atomizers only blew when the atty was getting to hot. The coil didn't pop or anything, I'm pretty sure that the solder just melted off...

Now, as to the cause... I, like everybody else it seems, am having some switch problems. But, for me, it seems like its just corrosion/arcing on the switch contacts. When it stops firing consistently, I just open it up and scrape the corroded contacts, and it works fine after that. My problem is that it keeps happening over and over, specifically on contact on the battery side. I think that its just not perfectly flat, so it arcs unless you smash it. And, if I'm too lazy to open it up and clean it, I end up just pushing harder/longer, and I overheat the atty. Of course, the atty itself could just be overheating due to being old and resistance.

In fact, I was about to do exactly what jingleballs suggested, which is to put some conductive paste on the contact points. So, I'm glad to hear that worked!

All in all, I would rather have a switch that's easy to open up and clean than one I have to resolder... Still, it is annoying. But, I have a feeling that when I do what jingleballs suggested, it will probably work fine.

Keep your atty's clean! Keep your contacts clean! And happy vaping!

 

[JDSupreme]

Shorter draws = same vapor / th as long and my 901 atty's actually like me now