Sigelei Zmax V3 and V5 Telescopic: User's Group

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Thayamax

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I would contact the vendor. This is not right.

If you just got it, it's still under warranty. Mine worked fine out of the box. Get a new one.

I've had mine for six months and it's still going strong with no problems. This should not be happening. Definitely send it back for a new one.
 

fairmana

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@ DomChin: The issue with the Segelei cutting out when you press the fire button might be caused by the battery. I bought a cheapo 18650 at a battery store (can't remember the brand) and my Segelei did the same thing you describe (cutting out and lines on the screen). If a used a different battery, there was no problem. If it's a "protected" 18650, the battery may be limiting the amount of current output of the battery, and not allowing enough current to the mod. That's why you never want to use a protected 18650 with a VV/VW mod since this mod already has it's own internal protection circuit. If it's not a protected battery, try a different battery and see if that fixes it.
Also, make sure to use Noalox on the threads to ensure you have a good ground connection from the negative pole of the battery up to the top cap and the circuit board. The ground connection is made through the body of the mod, just like most other mods. I've seen doing that clear up a lot of my strange problems on my Segelei. You can buy a small tube of it for 2 or 3 bucks at Home Depot (it comes in a small blue and white box and the tube is about the size of a small travel-size tube of toothpaste).
 
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DomChin

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Thanks Fairmana, i tried a few different batteries, but i know they were all protected. The battery thats in it now is a 1600mah 18500 Protected Ultrafire battery.

I was sending it back since it was showing the lines and not working for me. I never thought to use a non protected battery though. I thought everyone use protected ones for that added security.
 

Thayamax

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You need to use protected batteries in mechanical mods, but in mods that already have protection you're supposed to use unprotected ones. It seems to mess things up otherwise. I've never used a protected battery in my Zmax and have also never had a problem. Try an unprotected battery to make sure that's not what's causing your problems before you send it back.
 

Katya

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Thanks Fairmana, i tried a few different batteries, but i know they were all protected. The battery thats in it now is a 1600mah 18500 Protected Ultrafire battery.

I was sending it back since it was showing the lines and not working for me. I never thought to use a non protected battery though. I thought everyone use protected ones for that added security.

Oh, I didn't know that you were using protected batteries! That may explain some of your problems.

Like others have said, you should only use unprotected batteries with your device. I use AW IMR (red jacket) batteries only--mostly because they were recommended by ProVape when I got my ProVari and I stuck with them, but some people also like Efest batteries, which are just a tad cheaper. I've been reading also about new Panasonic hybrids that come with higher mAh capacity, but I haven't used them.

Anyway, I get my batteries from RTD Vapor, but other places carry them too.

AW IMR 18650 2000 mAh

Try one in your Sigelei before you send it back,
 
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Katya

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Also, make sure to use Noalox on the threads to ensure you have a good ground connection from the negative pole of the battery up to the top cap and the circuit board. The ground connection is made through the body of the mod, just like most other mods. I've seen doing that clear up a lot of my strange problems on my Segelei. You can buy a small tube of it for 2 or 3 bucks at Home Depot (it comes in a small blue and white box and the tube is about the size of a small travel-size tube of toothpaste).

Fairmana, I've been using Noalox also, but I hear that many people are using just plain Vaseline on the threads. They say it doesn't gunk up the threads like Noalox can and works just as well. Any thoughts?
 

DaveP

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Fairmana, I've been using Noalox also, but I hear that many people are using just plain Vaseline on the threads. They say it doesn't gunk up the threads like Noalox can and works just as well. Any thoughts?

I use Nyogel 760G on my PV's. It's a clear silicone like grease for preventing oxidation and arcing on industrial electrical components. It's UL approved for electrical connections from low voltage connections to high voltage disconnects (big stuff). It prevents arcing on electrical connections and lubricates and prevents wear on threads while maintaining consistent voltage potential across them.

It's clean and clear and you can apply it with your finger and wipe it off clean with a paper towel.

Nye Lubricants, Inc. - Markets: Electrical Power Utility

ETA: if you read the charts, the Nyogel 782D lists its base oil as Glycol. I wonder if plain old PG would be just as good. Probably not thick enough to last, but would stop the squeaking on virgin metal threads.
 
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DaxFX

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Like 3 month now with my zmax no issue so far a few misfire one time about a month ago, gave a little clean up and is fine since then. Today i gave the first bath in alcohol 91%. I just fill a glass with the alcohol and sunk my zmax and my vamo. Yap completly sumerge in alchohol ive gave a nice shake inside , took them out and blow some air, they will dry over night, lets see tomorrow if they survived.. Jajaja i know they will i have done that with many electronics.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 

yzer

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I used Vaseline on my Sigelie V3 Telescopic flat top threads originally but found Noalox to be a superior product. It leaves a zinc deposit on the threads that provides better electrical conductivity than a bare contact between stainless steel parts. I advise using a cleaning cloth to prevent transfer of Noalox to the fingers and eventually to the mouth. Noalox can be found at Home Depot (and many other stores) in the electrical wiring department. It was popular back in the days when crappy aluminum home wiring was in common use.

The threaded stainless steel tubes on the Sigelies will work smoother with Vaseline, but electrical continuity between these parts is better with Noalox. If you use Noalox, be prepared to clean off these threaded pieces every 3-4 months and re-apply the Noalox.
 

yzer

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What are the most common sources of misfires I've found on the Sigelei V3 flat top?

1. Depressed posts on atomizing devices. Pull the post!

2. Condensed vapor on the Sigelei center post 510 connection or in the drip well or 510 threads. Dry and clean them!

3. Moisture or dirt in the switch assembly. Unscrew the battery cap. Dry the drip well and the center post. Blow into the button housing to clear moisture. Click the switch 100 times to clean contacts. Replace battery and battery cap. Reboot the Sigelei.

4. Remove and clean the battery spring and the tube area that it contacts. Make sure the spring provides solid contacts for the battery.

5. Doing steps 1-4 is virtually certain to cure misfires in a good unit. A bad battery or a battery with dirty contacts is the next suspect. I've seen that happen with some IMRs. Set aside or toss a suspect battery.
 
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Katya

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I used Vaseline on my Sigelie V3 Telescopic flat top threads originally but found Noalox to be a superior product. It leaves a zinc deposit on the threads that provides better electrical conductivity than a bare contact between stainless steel parts. I advise using a cleaning cloth to prevent transfer of Noalox to the fingers and eventually to the mouth. Noalox can be found at Home Depot (and many other stores) in the electrical wiring department. It was popular back in the days when crappy aluminum home wiring was in common use.

The threaded stainless steel tubes on the Sigelies will work smoother with Vaseline, but electrical continuity between these parts is better with Noalox. If you use Noalox, be prepared to clean off these threaded pieces every 3-4 months and re-apply the Noalox.

Thanks, Yzer. That's what I do now.

And yes, I got mine at Home Depot. :)
 

DaveP

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I've used Noalox before, but felt like I needed to wear gloves to use it. Powdered zinc gets into your pores and requires some scrubbing to remove. It's not toxic; it's in your multi-vitamin pill. A little more is good for reproductive health. :)

Yzer, have you run resistance tests with clean threads vs Noalox applied? I just wonder how much additional conductivity is gained by using a zinc based product vs a clear silicone type product. After all, metal to metal contact is only reduced by contamination or poor physical connection. Stop the contamination and increase the overall conductivity. That's what happens with the silicone products.
 
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DomChin

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@ DomChin: The issue with the Segelei cutting out when you press the fire button might be caused by the battery. I bought a cheapo 18650 at a battery store (can't remember the brand) and my Segelei did the same thing you describe (cutting out and lines on the screen). If a used a different battery, there was no problem. If it's a "protected" 18650, the battery may be limiting the amount of current output of the battery, and not allowing enough current to the mod. That's why you never want to use a protected 18650 with a VV/VW mod since this mod already has it's own internal protection circuit. If it's not a protected battery, try a different battery and see if that fixes it.
Also, make sure to use Noalox on the threads to ensure you have a good ground connection from the negative pole of the battery up to the top cap and the circuit board. The ground connection is made through the body of the mod, just like most other mods. I've seen doing that clear up a lot of my strange problems on my Segelei. You can buy a small tube of it for 2 or 3 bucks at Home Depot (it comes in a small blue and white box and the tube is about the size of a small travel-size tube of toothpaste).


Thank you again Fairmana..went to the store and picked up a efest 18650 non protected and it worked...still charging the battery since its new and was only showing 3.7v...but it worked for a vape or two. Still showing the line on the bottom, but i think cause the battery is low.
 

Katya

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Thank you again Fairmana..went to the store and picked up a efest 18650 non protected and it worked...still charging the battery since its new and was only showing 3.7v...but it worked for a vape or two. Still showing the line on the bottom, but i think cause the battery is low.

It shouldn't be showing any lines... Even with a low battery. Mine doesn't.
 

DaveP

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I've let mine go to 3.4v and then cut off several times as it went below that point. It's supposed to display a battery low indication, but I haven't seen it. Maybe I missed it. When the battery does go low it vapes fine until it drops below 3.4v and then it goes dead. There are no display lines or other quirks. It just doesn't work anymore until you remove the battery and install a good one. Then you have to press the fire button 5 times to turn it back on. Sometimes, it takes a couple of tries before it actually responds with the scrolling "Sigelei: On" message, but it always works.
 
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Recon Number 54

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Great thread! Tons of great information for a new ZMax V3 owner to wade through. Now I know what to be on-the-lookout for and how to address all of these challenges should any of them arise. Loving my new unit, looking forward to enjoying it and learning more. Will post if/when I have more mileage on mine and I have anything of value to add.

Thank you ALL for sharing your experiences and insight. *returns to lurking-mode*
 

DaveP

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Great thread! Tons of great information for a new ZMax V3 owner to wade through. Now I know what to be on-the-lookout for and how to address all of these challenges should any of them arise. Loving my new unit, looking forward to enjoying it and learning more. Will post if/when I have more mileage on mine and I have anything of value to add.

Thank you ALL for sharing your experiences and insight. *returns to lurking-mode*

I've set my Provari aside for the time being, partially to exercise the Zmax V3 during the 30 day defect only return warranty from my local vape shop. They've already replaced it once for the display being very noticeably skewed. I can understand occasional poor quality off the assembly line, but someone should have caught the display in the final test stage where they put in a battery to prove that it works properly. You have to scroll the menus to assure that the features work. Must have been 5:00 on Friday and the shift whistle blew.

The Sigelei Zmax V3 looks to me like it will be one of my favorites. I've already swapped out several tanks with different resistances of 2 ohms, 2.5 ohms, and 3 ohms. The vape is stable and correct on all when set to power mode.
 
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