Smoktech Vmax Owners - tips, tricks and quirks

[mgmrick]

Ok guys I am continuing having this issue with it not coming back on when I change the batteries?? Kurt I think suggested cleaning the cap and something about steel wool? Uh.....could someone explain that a bit more? This thing is clean as a whistle, it's only two days old, so what would I be cleaning? Lol . Also I can't screw the bottom cap on all the way when I do get it to come on, is that ok? It makes me nervouse to stand it up, I am afraid it will shut off.

Also when mine does come on it resets to 3.5, I thought it was 5v? And one other thing I am sometimes getting a 99 code? I looked st the measly lil manual and it doesn't say a thing bout that. I think once I figure out how the ins and outs of this lil monster max we will get along beautifully, just having a few bumps in the road.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am a lone female vaper, with a non vaping hub, so u guys are all I got! :/

Try unscrewing your carto/atty turn unit on then tighten carto/atty back on. When using lower ohm carto's I have run into this problem and this seems to work for me

 

[Errol]

Ok guys I am continuing having this issue with it not coming back on when I change the batteries?? Kurt I think suggested cleaning the cap and something about steel wool? Uh.....could someone explain that a bit more? This thing is clean as a whistle, it's only two days old, so what would I be cleaning? Lol . Also I can't screw the bottom cap on all the way when I do get it to come on, is that ok? It makes me nervouse to stand it up, I am afraid it will shut off.

Also when mine does come on it resets to 3.5, I thought it was 5v? And one other thing I am sometimes getting a 99 code? I looked st the measly lil manual and it doesn't say a thing bout that. I think once I figure out how the ins and outs of this lil monster max we will get along beautifully, just having a few bumps in the road.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am a lone female vaper, with a non vaping hub, so u guys are all I got! :/

pwyll has covered most of the possibilities. About all I can add is I had to try two different sets of batteries in various combinations before mine started working properly. I ran into some batteries that the + power post was recessed and wouldn't make contact with the battery in front of it. I had to use a nipple battery for the second one to make contact until I could figure out what to do about the recessed nipple.

The battery circuit is completed with the screw on cap and spring making good contact between the second battery and the tube. If you have to fiddle with the cap for it to work that would indicate it's not making good contact, hence the steel wool solution suggested earlier. If the cap doesn't screw on all the way it's more cosmetic than anything else so long as it's only a couple of threads.

Smoktech Vmax User Manual

Errol

 

[Freddie]

Report on the V2 Carto punch and carto tool from Phiniac, together with the 801 Boge Fusion XL carto (2.9ohm Single Coil).

I'm sipping Scotch and blasting the top of my head off with the vmax at this very moment in a lakeside retreat so all is pretty good right now. All of the above items perform well. The carto punch works like a knife through butter on the Boges, leaving a clean hole with very minimal deformation that does not affect the inner o-ring seals in my ST 6ml tank. It it just plain works with ease and convenience.

The carto tool is pretty cool too; you don't really need it but it also works flawlessly so you may as well throw that in your cart for the $4 if you're buying something from Phiniac anyway.

The Fusion 801's are vaping like a steam generator at a 4.3v setting on the vmax, just like VAPNJ350 and Freddie said they would. Thanks again for the recommendation guys. Great taste from my favourite tobacco juice and thick clouds...ca'ln balrkrely swe whiti ima typinjg.

Their look is very strange however on the vmax as they require an 801-510 adapter that creates a giraffe look I'm not quite sure I'll get used to. Perhaps more Scotch is necessary. I don't think I'll be showing off the vmax like this in public but in the privacy of your own home where performance is the priority, I don't think I mind it. (sip, sip), yup. Starting to look better already.

So J, Freddie, what where the recommended hole configurations for the Fusions again? I've only got 1 bottom hole on it right now and after a few dry-pull primes it seems to be performing well.

VAPNJ uses a 6 hole pattern, but he uses a DREMEL to make his holes! I use a 4 to 5 hole PUNCH PATTERN because I use the "TINY MITE" carto punch! We BOTH AGREE that there should be TWO holes at the BOTTOM and at LEAST ONE hole at the TOP! VAPNJ's 6 hole pattern is 2 bottom, middle, and top! My 4 to 5 hole PUNCH pattern is 2 bottom, 2 middle, and 1 at the top! The REASON for the holes at the TOP is so that the filler at the top is ALWAYS wet!

 

[pwyll]

If the cap screws on all the way without batteries then it should screw on all the way with batteries--otherwise those batteries don't fit and will cause problems.

If the cap doesn't screw on all the way even without batteries, there's a problem with the cap/threads. You might want to check for cross-threading on the cap or body. If this is the case it could likely be mostly cosmetic, as Errol says, but as thin as the cap is it could possibly cause connection problems as well.

The biggest thing, though, is the batteries. Most electrical mods were "designed to use specific batteries," but most of them are also design to account for the fact that end users will often simply use the most conveniently available batteries. The VMax really is like nothing that's come before it (despite the obvious visual copy of the Provari style) and I think that one of the ways they "cut corners" in order to keep manufacturing costs down is to not bother with making it accommodating for a range of batteries. So far every electrical anomaly I've seen that wasn't one of the (fairly rare by not) blatantly defective early units involved the "wrong" batteries and were fixed by installing AW IMR 18350. Since we still don't know what batteries Lethalp is using it seems the primary suspect here, so far, as well...

 

[VAPNJ350]

So would any of you vmax owners mind posting pics of your units? I'm really interested in
The chrome version & would like to see the blue Led if possible

Their ya go !!!!

 

[VAPNJ350]

Is the iTube a vmax using a different name to get past the MSRP?

Errol

STAY AWAY FROM THE i TUBE, !!!!!!!, if you want details PM me, I'll fill you in. Just trust me on this one. Go to CCV or goodejuice. But CCV does include 2 E'fest 18350 batteries that are VERY VERY comparable to the AW brand. FYI

 

[VAPNJ350]

Ok guys I am continuing having this issue with it not coming back on when I change the batteries?? Kurt I think suggested cleaning the cap and something about steel wool? Uh.....could someone explain that a bit more? This thing is clean as a whistle, it's only two days old, so what would I be cleaning? Lol . Also I can't screw the bottom cap on all the way when I do get it to come on, is that ok? It makes me nervouse to stand it up, I am afraid it will shut off.

Also when mine does come on it resets to 3.5, I thought it was 5v? And one other thing I am sometimes getting a 99 code? I looked st the measly lil manual and it doesn't say a thing bout that. I think once I figure out how the ins and outs of this lil monster max we will get along beautifully, just having a few bumps in the road.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am a lone female vaper, with a non vaping hub, so u guys are all I got! :/

You need to PM me so I can help ya a bit. When you get time...PM me.

 

[VAPNJ350]

pwyll has covered most of the possibilities. About all I can add is I had to try two different sets of batteries in various combinations before mine started working properly. I ran into some batteries that the + power post was recessed and wouldn't make contact with the battery in front of it. I had to use a nipple battery for the second one to make contact until I could figure out what to do about the recessed nipple.

The battery circuit is completed with the screw on cap and spring making good contact between the second battery and the tube. If you have to fiddle with the cap for it to work that would indicate it's not making good contact, hence the steel wool solution suggested earlier. If the cap doesn't screw on all the way it's more cosmetic than anything else so long as it's only a couple of threads.

Smoktech Vmax User Manual

Errol

Errol, Im sure you know this but you are committing a battery felony putting 2 different kinds of batteries in a stacked situation. ALWAYS USE THE SAME mAh, BRAND, & TYPE BATTERY AT THE SAME TIME CHARGING AND DISCHARGING ALWAYS !!! Number your sets that look alike set#1...set#2 etc. Keep them paired and together. If you are using batteries like the E'fest flat top GET A EARTH MAGNET SPACER !!!!! DO NOT ever ever put a flat top then a nipple top in the VMAX together or ANY mod EVER. You can get these earth magnets for pennies...like 30 cents or so from a lot of vendors. Their are only a few rules to stacking batteries.....but trust me when I say THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT RULES. Just because it works does NOT mean it is safe. Please folks, practice good battery safety with your VMAX's and your 18350's...the very last thing we need is someone getting hurt due to bad habits and practices with stacking batteries.....all it would take is ""1"" incident to happen and game over. That would be the end to our great VMAX reputation. Take care everyone AND BE SAFE !!! ...J

 

[Freddie]

I just wanted to WISH ALL MY VMAX brothers and sisters a VERY BLESSED and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Yes, I did say my sisters because there are some of you who have taken the position of being a father to your children and I RESPECT you just as much for doing so! Have a fun and safe Father's Day EVERYONE! Take care and Happy Vaping!

 

[fuzzione]

VAPNJ uses a 6 hole pattern, but he uses a DREMEL to make his holes! I use a 4 to 5 hole PUNCH PATTERN because I use the "TINY MITE" carto punch! We BOTH AGREE that there should be TWO holes at the BOTTOM and at LEAST ONE hole at the TOP! VAPNJ's 6 hole pattern is 2 bottom, middle, and top! Mine 4 to 5 hole PUNCH pattern is 2 bottom, 2 middle, and 1 at the top! The REASON for the holes at the TOP is so that the filler at the top is ALWAYS wet!

Thanks Freddie, will try your pattern. Hard to believe it doesn't flood when this will make it look like Swiss cheese but will give it a go.

 

[Freddie]

Thanks Freddie, will try your pattern. Hard to believe it doesn't flood when this will make it look like Swiss cheese but will give it a go.

Bro here is a BIG TIP when punching the cartos that VAPNJ gave me that I have found to be a fact! When punching the 801 Fusions, make sure when you are looking inside the carto where the coil bends, is facing the EAST or WEST direction! You will then PUNCH the TWO BOTTOM holes NORTH and SOUTH! If you don't, then you will have a TIGHT DRAW because you will knock the diaper off its axis! You will then PUNCH TWO MORE holes in the MIDDLE! When you punch the ONE at the TOP, make sure you measure the HOLE from the BOTTOM of the TOP cap!

 

[fuzzione]

Bro here is a BIG TIP when punching the cartos that VAPNJ gave me that I have found to be a fact! When punching the 801 Fusions, make sure when you are looking inside the carto where the coil bends, is facing the EAST or WEST direction! You will then PUNCH the TWO BOTTOM holes NORTH and SOUTH! If you don't, then you will have a TIGHT DRAW because you will knock the diaper off its axis! You will then PUNCH TWO MORE holes in the MIDDLE! When you punch the ONE at the TOP, make sure you measure the HOLE from the BOTTOM of the TOP cap!

Gotcha bud, it's always better when my diaper is properly on its axis.

 

[KeysBum]

Thanks kurtus. I am hoping the ss will just be that and no copper or brass which probably adds significantly to it's current weight.
I will look around maybe smoketeck has some specs on them somewhere.

Don't expect the SS to be significantly lighter than copper/brass units unless the SS model uses less material. The Specific Gravity of SS is only slightly less than that of copper and brass.

 

[billherbst]

Is anyone else slightly aggravated (as I am) by how unstable the Vmax is when standing vertically?

SmokTech chose to round off the bottom edges of the battery end cap, so the flat surface has less diameter then the tube itself. The slightest vibration or inadvertent knock against the table surface on which the Vmax is standing makes it wobble and---way too often---fall over with a loud crash, often taking out whatever is standing near it in a "falling-domino-progression." By contrast, all my other tube mods---BuzzPro, v1.5 LT, Bolt, MaxiRoughStack, Indulgence V3, etc---have entirely flat bottoms or caps and hardly ever fall over.

Yeah, I know there are workarounds for this, but I really would like the Vmax to just stand up by itself, rather than putting it into any of the wire mesh containers on my desk that hold all the other eGo batts and mods I don't use as often.

 

[Street Trash]

Was a tad disappointed in the ovale v8 myself. Looked like it would be hand friendly, not so. Getting my batteries in was troublesome, getting them out more so I suspect, though like the LT I enjoy the ease of setting the voltage.

Errol

I was pretty disappointed in the overall build quality, as well as the inconsistent vape. I seemed to be tripping the amperage limiter regardless of what I use on it, or it has a loose solder somewhere. I pulled it apart and it's held together with hot glue everywhere. That's all that keeps the atty connector in place, and I had to re-seat it straight out of the box. If I ever get off my lazy bottom it's going to get ripped apart fully, re-wired, re-soldered, and put into a box that will accept dual 18650's. If it's still a turd it will hit the recycling.

The vmax has been great thus far, very consistent, and I still haven't killed the batteries. I've been using it exclusively since Friday night, and am not exactly a light vaper. There was a period of about five hours that I didn't use it yesterday, but I made up for it by staying in West Desert until two in the morning. The unit is telling me that I still have 6.8v in the batteries so it's close, but still functioning. I'll be throwing them on the charger anyway.

 

[eyebedam]

View attachment 109471View attachment 109468View attachment 109469View attachment 109470


Their ya go !!!!

Thank you so much.. Thats what I wanted to see. Im assuming you can switch the led from red to blue, is that correct? Im def leaning towards purchasing 1 of these now. Can someone recommend me a charger to pick up for it for the batts & the best place to pick up the latest version?

 

[fuzzione]

Thank you so much.. Thats what I wanted to see. Im assuming you can switch the led from red to blue, is that correct? Im def leaning towards purchasing 1 of these now. Can someone recommend me a charger to pick up for it for the batts & the best place to pick up the latest version?

Unfortunately what you see above is J's pre-launch prototype vmax, not available to ordinary humans. The retail vmax's are not presently offered with a blue readout. J just likes to tease people with pics of that fabulous max.

 

[Jimi D.]

Unfortunately what you see above is J's pre-launch prototype vmax, not available to ordinary humans. The retail vmax's are not presently offered with a blue readout. J just likes to tease people with pics of that fabulous max.

I was hoping they were all going to look like that! I love that blue led, and the shiny body!

 

[eyebedam]

Well thanks for that. I was about to order & woulda been really disappointed when it didn't have a blue led.

 

[Lethalp]

Maybe I wasn't clear, let me try again, I am using the 18359 imrs from Carolina vapes. The bottom cap WILL screw all the way on with the batteries in the vmax.

However sometimes when I screw it all the way in it won't come on. Here is what happens, I take the batteries out, I get th new set and insert them one at w time positive end first, then I start to screw the bottom cap on. Before it is screwed all the way on, the lights come on and flash, then when I continue to screw the cap on it shuts off. So I back the cap back off to where the lights came on and leave it there. The bottom cap is not wiggling or anything just not tight.

Does that help?

Ok I have seen the steell wool idea again,

What do I do with the steel wool??

Ps, I see nothing wrong with it without batts, and nothing (accept my switch) makes any noise when I shake it.

Thank u so much for your patience with me I never had brothers ...