protovapor xpv

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cecsystems

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Awesome. I think that is the most frustrating aspect of this hobby/habit. Finding what you want only to then discover that there is a long wait to get it.

Talk about a long wait, at least you didn't order from China... lol. Sloooow boat! I have a kayfun clone coming as well as a Helios dripper clone, both ordered about a month ago... lol. I'm not complaining (much) I knew the wait times ware crazy going in. But you should have your ProtoVapor in your hand rather quickly by comparison. :)
 

jameth

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Time to test out ProtoVapor's customer service I guess...

My fire button seems to not be working.

I pulled my XPV outta my coat pocket like usual, and found that my screen was not coming on when I hit the fire button.

Adjusting the wattage does wake up the DNA20 and the screen comes on, but still get no response on the fire button.

I was using it 30 mins ago on my drive back in to work, set it in my pocket like usual, it sat in there nice and protected in a cushy soft upper coat pocket, didn't take any drops.

I have never had any liquid leakage at all on my mod so it can't be that.

The switch still sounds fine, its like it just lost the solder connection or something.


I may open up the top and see if there is anything obvious that I can remedy before I contact ProtoVapor.


I am sure this is just a fluke, but figured I had to let everyone know :ohmy:
 

jameth

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e9apysud.jpg



Just as I thought, lost a solder connection on the switch.

Don't really feel like sending it back for repairs for something I can fix myself in about 2 mins, I think I might even be able to do it without opening the whole thing up.


Not sure why it decided to come free when it did, bit it looks to me like it just didn't get quite enough solder to bond nice and strong.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
 

cecsystems

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e9apysud.jpg



Just as I thought, lost a solder connection on the switch.

Don't really feel like sending it back for repairs for something I can fix myself in about 2 mins, I think I might even be able to do it without opening the whole thing up.


Not sure why it decided to come free when it did, bit it looks to me like it just didn't get quite enough solder to bond nice and strong.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

Awesome that the fix is quick and simple... Not everyone can solder but those of us who can... get to keep our devices with about 2 mins worth of work, I am like you... I most certainly would have "popped the top" so to speak. Quick and easy fix Good Deal Bro!!!
 

jameth

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I'm back up and running woohoo!

I actually did need to open it all the way up to really get in to where the contact is on the switch.

It came apart very easily, and much to my surprise it went back together super easy too.

The battery has wire soldered to it, and connects to the DNA20 with a little clip similar to what alot of high end RC cars/planes use, the clip itself exists at the bottom end of the enclosure, between the battery and the usb charge circuit.

Pic isnt the best, but I was in a hurry to get my fav mod back :)

uzebygu5.jpg


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hazozita

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Thanks for the pic of the innards jameth! I'd never open mine up for fear I would not be able to put it back together, so it's great to have info from those more skilled than I with electronics.

Although your pic is clear, my knowledge of how to judge inner build quality is not. How would you rate the build quality of the connections/wiring? Excellent, OK, fair? Did you see anything that you found concerning re: long usage life (other than the broken solder connection on the switch, of course)?
 

jameth

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Thanks for the pic of the innards jameth! I'd never open mine up for fear I would not be able to put it back together, so it's great to have info from those more skilled than I with electronics.

Although your pic is clear, my knowledge of how to judge inner build quality is not. How would you rate the build quality of the connections/wiring? Excellent, OK, fair? Did you see anything that you found concerning re: long usage life (other than the broken solder connection on the switch, of course)?


Besides the one weak solder on the switch, I think the build quality is fantastic, the soldering job's all look like they were done by someone who knows what they are doing. They took lots of care to make sure nothing shorts out anywhere.

I really like that they isolated the case from the negative connection of the battery, most mods use the case itself as part of the electrical path, I don't like that.

The charger circuit is actually screwed into the base, should be super durable.

They definitely did not just slap these things together, lots of thought and careful work went into them.

Like anything that is put together by hand, there will be some things that slip through the cracks from time to time, like the connection on my switch.

I am super happy with the XPV, and the ease of which I will be able to service it as needed!
 

hazozita

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Besides the one weak solder on the switch, I think the build quality is fantastic, the soldering job's all look like they were done by someone who knows what they are doing. They took lots of care to make sure nothing shorts out anywhere.

I really like that they isolated the case from the negative connection of the battery, most mods use the case itself as part of the electrical path, I don't like that.

The charger circuit is actually screwed into the base, should be super durable.

They definitely did not just slap these things together, lots of thought and careful work went into them.

Like anything that is put together by hand, there will be some things that slip through the cracks from time to time, like the connection on my switch.

I am super happy with the XPV, and the ease of which I will be able to service it as needed!

Thanks! Good info to know.

Given your experience level with the XPV now that you've taken it apart, fixed it, and put it back together, should mine break outside of the warranty period, can I send it to you for repairs? :)
 

jameth

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The ProtoVapor God's are watching :)

I got contact from someone at Protovapor, basically he gave me kudos for fixing the switch, mentioned that because of the tight tolerances in there, the terminal on the switch gets cut down pretty small and they have had a couple similar incidents, and that they are now paying extra close attention to that joint, and actually are routing the wire a little bit differently to better support that connection.

He also made it clear that this would have all been fixed for free if needed, and wanted to make sure I knew they are there to help :)

I think the guys at ProtoVapor are pretty top notch!
 
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newyork13

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As I've mentioned before, I'm just a beginner, so take my comments with that in mind. I do like this device a lot. I've had a tank issue or two which have nothing to do with the mod [new mod new tanks new operator].

I had some questions about the XPV, and Protovapor was quick to respond. Pluses for them.

I had a couple of instances of my XPV going into a locked state without my request. I have the silent clicker, so it's always possible it was my fault leaning on it somehow, but I doubt it. Hasn't happened in a couple of days. I did email Protovapor about it, and they were quick to reply that if it continued, that of course it would be covered under warranty. Again, nice and quick response. It hasn't happened for a couple of days [and only happened two or four times then]. I'll post again if anything happens again.

I'm glad that you feel the build quality is that good after opening it up, as it's certainly a pleasing device.


The ProtoVapor God's are watching :)

I got contact from someone at Protovapor, basically he gave me kudos for fixing the switch, mentioned that because of the tight tolerances in there, the terminal on the switch gets cut down pretty small and they have had a couple similar incidents, and that they are now paying extra close attention to that joint, and actually are routing the wire a little bit differently to better support that connection.

He also made it clear that this would have all been fixed for free if needed, and wanted to make sure I knew they are there to help :)

I think the guys at ProtoVapor are pretty top notch!
 

jameth

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Interesting about your XPV going into lock mode like that.

I have not had that happen, I have a clicky button.

I could see where a smooth button might be really sensitive at a certain spot right before it actually fires, that when in a pocket could maybe be doing a bunch of super fast "clicks" in just a couple strokes of the button.

That is all just a theory though, keep us posted!
 

newyork13

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Will do.
My XPV was always in my hand, just when firing, and otherwise standing upright on a table. So, though I'm willing to accept possible operator error, I'm not sure of it. That said, it hasn't happened for a couple of days, so it might have been me.

Interesting about your XPV going into lock mode like that.

I have not had that happen, I have a clicky button.

I could see where a smooth button might be really sensitive at a certain spot right before it actually fires, that when in a pocket could maybe be doing a bunch of super fast "clicks" in just a couple strokes of the button.

That is all just a theory though, keep us posted!
 

newyork13

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I getcha, and hope I made myself clear, that I may have inadvertently done it. Fat fingerred, as we used to say in the computer biz. Hasn't happened in a couple of days.

I have the non clicky button on my XPV and haven't had any issues with it locking. I do have this issue on my budget DNA mod. It has a horn style non clicky button. Sometimes when I am chain vaping I tend to lock up the DNA by inadvertently pushing the button just enough.
 

Mattnatti

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Yes, you were clear. I have done it many times. Iirc, it happens a lot when I am driving. Not on my XPV though. I haven't carried my XPV as a daily driver yet only my budget DNA. As soon as the blue arrives the black XPV will be giving itself up for work duty.

With that said, the budget has done a nice job as my work mod. I might miss the battery capacity though. Twin 2000mah or twin 3100mah. I had the twin 3100's in for my 25hr snow plowing marathon yesterday. Never even thought about a battery or charge for two days. I do have access to a charger in my equipment so it will come in handy when the XPV goes in.
 

Mattnatti

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Glad you were able to resolve your own issue Jameth. It is reassuring to know that it can be worked on fairly easy.

Cannot help but wonder if taking your top cap off earlier may have agitated the loose connection. I guess it could be a possibility. Regardless, kudos to you for fixing your own gear and showing us details.


:toast:
 
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