Smok AL85 charging issues?

[LuridFTW]

I bought a smok al85 about a week ago and it's the first vape I've ever owned.
I have noticed that the battery levels are being displayed or measured very inaccurately.

For example, often times it will display my battery level as below 50% when it's not being charged, then you plug in the charger and it claims the battery level is at let's say 90%. If I let it charge until it says 100%, when I unplug it, it's still around 50%.

Both of these battery levels are being measured and displayed by the mod. To fix it, I have to turn the vape off and remove the battery for about 10 seconds and put it back in. Then it will display correctly for a while and let me charge it fully. Then for an unknown reason the 2 different levels begin slipping further and further from each other until I have to repeate the process. I have tried 2 different batteries, and the problem seems to only happen when it goes below 50%.

Is this a bad unit? Or just that the charger in the mod isn't great? I ordered an external charger that will be here soon, but I'd like to know your opinion on this before it's too late to return it, if it is a bad unit that is.

 

[PopsVaper]

Welcome to ecf, LurisFTW.
Mod do not do a good job charging batteries. So bad so I believe all the manufactures put in the fine print that external charging of batteries is recommended. IMO you should bite the bullet and buy a NiteCore external charger.
Why a NiteCore: I had a Video/Digital Camera Travel Charger Within minutes of putting 2 batteries in to charge the negative tension springs got hot and started glowing. If I had not been standing there I am sure that flames would have been next. As I quickly pulled the charger from the plug throwing it in to a empty stainless steel sink.

I have been using this charger for about eight(8) months with no hint of any problems. If I had been ask how I liked the charger before this incident I would have said it was great. It is a plug into the wall socket type charger. It took a little longer to charge batteries that my Nitecore I2 and D4 Battery chargers do. None of the batteries I checked showed to be over charged. They never got hot while charging in fact the Nitecore charges seem to warn the batteries a little more than it did.

Many times I have left batteries unattended while charging. Often leaving the house or going to sleep in a different room. If this had happened at one of these time the results could have been devastating and possibly deadly. We all need to be careful when charging any batteries. Just because we have had no problems charging batteries before does not mean that we will have no problem in the future.

Some things to remember when dealing with IMR and others.

1. Charging your IMR battery over 4.25 volts can shorten its life-cycle and going over 4.5 volts can cause it to burst.

2. Do not let your batteries touch each other or other metallic items.

3. Never dispose of any battery in a fire.

4. Never leave batteries unattended while Charging.

5. Always use quality name brand products.



IMO always check with Mooch about battery true vaping power.

Better safe that sorry!

 

[LuridFTW]

Thank you, you gave me confidence that my device is working properly.

I ordered a TrustFire external charger, if you say this isn't good and I should use nitecore I can consider biting the bullet. I think this charger will be good though, I bought it from Vista Vapors and it's specifically designed to charge these batteries.

 

[djsvapour]

Thank you, you gave me confidence that my device is working properly.

I ordered a TrustFire external charger, if you say this isn't good and I should use nitecore I can consider biting the bullet. I think this charger will be good though, I bought it from Vista Vapors.

Trustfire make bad batteries. Their chargers are cheap and just about functional, but not in the same league as Nitecore, Xtar and Efest LUC.

The off-white TR-001 Trustfire charger was recalled in 2014 for not stopping charging, so if you decide to use it, NEVER, EVER leave it unattended.

Personally speaking, for $9.49 I would consider it for 'spare'....

I know a person who used one for all his home flashlight 18650 charging. He's been using it for 3 years to my knowledge.

Vista sell all sorts of accessories, none of them at keen prices. Take note, please.

 

[PopsVaper]

Thank you, you gave me confidence that my device is working properly.

I ordered a TrustFire external charger, if you say this isn't good and I should use nitecore I can consider biting the bullet. I think this charger will be good though, I bought it from Vista Vapors and it's specifically designed to charge these batteries.

That charger will most likely be fine. I do not know the brand so I can not say for sure. Make sure you read the operational manual that comes with. I know I always want to jump in an use stuff as soon as I get it. With these ion type batteries we got to be extra careful.

Vape On

 

[LuridFTW]

Trustfire make bad batteries. Their chargers are cheap and just about functional, but not in the same league as Nitecore, Xtar and Efest LUC.

The off-white TR-001 Trustfire charger was recalled in 2014 for not stopping charging, so if you decide to use it, NEVER, EVER leave it unattended.

Personally speaking, for $9.49 I would consider it for 'spare'....

I know a person who used one for all his home flashlight 18650 charging. He's been using it for 3 years to my knowledge.

Vista sell all sorts of accessories, none of them at keen prices. Take note, please.

Thank you for your time and knowledge. I'll order a good LG battery. I'll have to use the charger temporarily but I'll take your advice and won't leave it unattended or charging too long.

In a couple days I can go to the store I bought my vape at, I saw the NiteCore chargers there.

That charger will most likely be fine. I do not know the brand so I can not say for sure. Make sure you read the operational manual that comes with. I know I always want to jump in an use stuff as soon as I get it. With these ion type batteries we got to be extra careful.

Vape On

I saw some videos and am taking every precaution, thank you both for the safety tips and help.

 

[Skold]

Thank you for your time and knowledge. I'll order a good LG battery. I'll have to use the charger temporarily but I'll take your advice and won't leave it unattended or charging too long.

In a couple days I can go to the store I bought my vape at, I saw the NiteCore chargers there.


I saw some videos and am taking every precaution, thank you both for the safety tips and help.

Nitecore do good chargers but I'd recommend the Samsung 30qs, they give me longer battery life than the LGs.
They are the only batteries I use now, they have even replaced my Sony vtc5as
Efest do good chargers too, just don't get the 18650's. Had bad experience with the batteries! One set don't even charge & another set caught fire.

 

[stols001]

You can certainly buy a Nitecore from a vape shop, it's quicker certainly but you will pay a markup. You might want to check out the various Nitecores to see which one you want, but if you aren't leaving your current external charger unattended it should be less dangerous than using the USB port. If you really want to be safe, then yea, buy one there. It's a decent investment, mine was used fairly heavily for about 5 mo by my son before he quit vaping (no smoking) and gifted it to me. Some people find that there are smoother bays out there than the nitecore, but I have had no problems with mine. That's not to say I wouldn't upgrade at some point, I may.

Good luck!

Anna

 

[BrotherBob]

I bought a Smok al85 about a week ago and it's the first vape I've ever owned.
I have noticed that the battery levels are being displayed or measured very inaccurately.
For example, often times it will display my battery level as below 50% when it's not being charged, then you plug in the charger and it claims the battery level is at let's say 90%. If I let it charge until it says 100%, when I unplug it, it's still around 50%.
Both of these battery levels are being measured and displayed by the mod. To fix it, I have to turn the vape off and remove the battery for about 10 seconds and put it back in. Then it will display correctly for a while and let me charge it fully. Then for an unknown reason the 2 different levels begin slipping further and further from each other until I have to repeate the process. I have tried 2 different batteries, and the problem seems to only happen when it goes below 50%.
Is this a bad unit? Or just that the charger in the mod isn't great? I ordered an external charger that will be here soon, but I'd like to know your opinion on this before it's too late to return it, if it is a bad unit that is.

Welcome and glad you joined.
"Is this a bad unit?" If you have bad batteries, most any readings are possible. Could be typical for Kanger but I would classify your description of the problems as faulty. Suggest you take the Kanger to a local B&M Vape shop and demonstrate the problems.
And if/or contact:
KangerTech US--Atlanta, GA--888-799-1988
Hours of Operation: Mo-Fr: 9:00am-5:30pm EST
Or
Could check with nearest distributors on the Kanger site.
Might like to read:
18650 Battery Buying Guide for Vapor Users – Wake and Vape Blog
(9) Battery Basics for Mods; the Ultimate Battery Guide | E-Cigarette Forum
Calculating battery current draw for a regulated mod | E-Cigarette Forum
Battery Safety: Will You Marry Me? - Mt Baker Vapor
A Guide to Safe Charging - The Complete Guide to E-Cig Safety
Guide to Choosing a Battery Charger | E-Cigarette Forum