PWM or DC-DC on my IPV Mini

[BoomerFZ1]

I just purchased a new ipv Mini and while it's a bit bigger than I thought, I love it for a home Mod (I'll keep traveling with my istick). One thing I can't seem to get any discernable data from is what's the difference between the PWM and DC-DC modes. I'm assuming it's the manner with which power is delivered but I would like to know how this affects my vaping at various watts and at various builds (ohms). Does anyone have any knowledge on these modes?

Thanks!

 

[BoomerFZ1]

WOW!!! I stumped you all.

 

[jefsview]

In the IPV mini thread, crxess posted a short rundown between the 2 as far as vape quality.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/variable-voltage-apv-discussion/625973-ipv-mini.html

 

[crxess]

DC-DC is a smooth flat line output
PWM is a Pulsed High/Low averaging output

DC-DC is most accurate for a good vape experience

IStick has (2) Minor, but annoying flaws.
1) It cannot Down regulate - Hot at lower settings, due to actually producing higher power
2) It is using Mean voltage control instead of RMS power - RMS has become industry standard per Vapors Request.
However, carefully used, Istick is good for what it actually is.

 

[twgbonehead]

DC-DC is a smooth flat line output
PWM is a Pulsed High/Low averaging output

DC-DC is most accurate for a good vape experience

IStick has (2) Minor, but annoying flaws.
1) It cannot Down regulate - Hot at lower settings, due to actually producing higher power
2) It is using Mean voltage control instead of RMS power - RMS has become industry standard per Vapors Request.
However, carefully used, Istick is good for what it actually is.

Actually, RMS is the standard because it's a number that actually means something. Mean Voltage has no real physical correlation, and can't be used to accurately determine power.

 

[edyle]

I just purchased a new IPV Mini and while it's a bit bigger than I thought, I love it for a home Mod (I'll keep traveling with my iStick). One thing I can't seem to get any discernable data from is what's the difference between the PWM and DC-DC modes. I'm assuming it's the manner with which power is delivered but I would like to know how this affects my vaping at various watts and at various builds (ohms). Does anyone have any knowledge on these modes?

Thanks!

PWM is a rough and dirty cheap way of changing the voltage;

DC-DC means they've put more electronics into the conversion;

PWM will be more efficient, power-wise; the output is actually a choppy up-down voltage;
DC-DC would output a more flat dc voltage

 

[crxess]

Actually, RMS is the standard because it's a number that actually means something. Mean Voltage has no real physical correlation, and can't be used to accurately determine power.

Both are very specific ways of measuring Power output. Unfortunately Mean power causes to many problems in attempting to Regulate Delivery in a PWM device for our purposes.
Pulse Width Modulation has been around for Many years, common in the Audio industry for Power amplification. An area where Down conversion (reducing output) was not a consideration.
For our application RMS output is the most stable control of power between off/on to maintain as accurate balance of power supplied.

Simply put, Both are a means to an end with RMS being the best choice in our application.

 

[edyle]

Actually, RMS is the standard because it's a number that actually means something. Mean Voltage has no real physical correlation, and can't be used to accurately determine power.

^^^^^
That's the truth; RMS voltage has real meaning, whereas the 'MEAN' voltage is merely a mathematical thing.

The POWER supplied is Voltage x Voltage / ohms
The average power depends on the Voltage-squared
Therefore the relevant voltage as far as power is concerned, is not the 'mean' voltage, but the squareroot of the mean of the voltage-squared.

 

[440BB]

DC-DC is a smooth flat line output
PWM is a Pulsed High/Low averaging output

DC-DC is most accurate for a good vape experience

IStick has (2) Minor, but annoying flaws.
1) It cannot Down regulate - Hot at lower settings, due to actually producing higher power
2) It is using Mean voltage control instead of RMS power - RMS has become industry standard per Vapors Request.
However, carefully used, Istick is good for what it actually is.

I would definitely recommend the DC-DC choice over PWM in most devices, as those peak voltages in PWM can be high enough to change the feel of many liquids from smooth to harsh, with a slight burnt edge. Many vapers don't notice the difference, but it is very noticeable to me. The only PWM I have found to be smooth is at higher frequencies, with the Provari being best and the Evic being very good.

You may not notice any difference between the two, so give it a try both ways to find your sweet spot!

 

[crxess]

^^^^^
That's the truth; RMS voltage has real meaning, whereas the 'MEAN' voltage is merely a mathematical thing.

The POWER supplied is Voltage x Voltage / ohms
The average power depends on the Voltage-squared
Therefore the relevant voltage as far as power is concerned, is not the 'mean' voltage, but the squareroot of the mean of the voltage-squared.

Semantically correct. In internet terms and making references simpler, we tend to adapt. In our case Mean is used to represent V-average rather than V-rms

It is just simpler to for those not into electro-speak.

Or Study http://www.escoglobal.com/resources/pdf/white-papers/True_G2.pdf

 

[Unforeseen]

Moved to Variable Voltage APV Discussion

 

[Dan GSR]

so bottom line use dc-dc on the mini?

 

[Art Mustel]

so bottom line use dc-dc on the mini?

I have used both of them. Think I like PWM better although I wouldn't know how to explain why. Both are good!

 

[crxess]

I have used both of them. Think I like PWM better although I wouldn't know how to explain why. Both are good!

PWM can give a (False) Sense that it is more powerful. It is not. DC-DC is a smooth flat signal output.

 

[Flt Simulation]

Thanks crxess !

 

[Art Mustel]

PWM can give a (False) Sense that it is more powerful. It is not. DC-DC is a smooth flat signal output.

Thanks Crxess, however is not that at all in my case. I just commented that to me, from a vaping perspective, they are pretty similar (probably very different for measurement purposes). And more important, my fault because I did not mention it...I've read PWM mode makes battery charge last pretty longer.

What I know for sure this is not something like MEAN and RMS settings on other devices, where the first shouldn't be never used, and its inclusion seems absurd to most. At the end, what I'd suggest to everyone is to start with DC-DC, since it seems to be the trend, and if you like to experiment switch to PWM. You may like it better, you may not. I did and I like it better, and if it gives some extra time on battery charge, to me it's perfect.

Phil...if you are reading this...please chime in or make a video about this mod.

At the end, PWM or DC-DC...I love this IPV MINI!

 

[Bunnykiller]

kinda like setting the video display to 72 Hz refresh as compared to 108Hz refresh or looking at an led that stays on all the time...
( I cant tell the difference)......

 

[folkphys]

Apparently using it in PWM mode allows us to "buck" our voltages.

 

[EDO]

Apparently using it in PWM mode allows us to "buck" our voltages.

This is funny because I was just about to ask if in PWM mode does the IPV mini buck? Before knowing that the IPV mini had PWM mode, I tested my friends unit and it definitely seemed to buck. Others here have tested the IPV mini and say it doesn't buck. Having bucking capaibility in PWM mode makes sense to me. Can anyone here confirm this?

 

[folkphys]

Mines

barely puffing at this setting. As would be expected.