Smoktech ZMax Owners - Pics., Tips, Tricks and Quirks

[dwcraig1]

I think I need to start indexing what where I post and where that I read a post as the V and Z thread can't stay separate in the old noodle, probably less confusing with them separate though as my mother often called me by my brother's name.

Anyway I will get my extended cap when the mail comes and probably have something to post about it unless it is already here and I missed it.

Well folks, I got the cap , put in the two 18350 AW's, took two hits (it was that noticeable) and made my decision as to does the Zmax have more power at 8volts or 4 volts. Using ST DC tank @ 2.5 ohm.
Without a doubt, a lot more power with the two 18350,s.

 

[Mveraldi]

I am So Jealous of you guys, I've ordered a SSVmax a month ago when I started reading the Vmax Thread and I am still waiting for it!! I wish I'd still live in the USA to get my vaping gear as fast as you guys do!! Now I want a Zmax so bad but by the time it gets here there will be a Xmax out !!!

 

[VAPNJ350]

I am real interest to know how that Nivel chip is doing.

I'll be able to tell you real soon, hopefully within the month. My SS hybrid design is very close to being done at the machine shop. We ran it once and the threading just wasn't up to my standards. This hybrid will NOT use SS mesh. It will use 6mm Nextel Silica cord. No wicking issues..EVER. No holding it horizontal to get wicking acheived, no holding upside down EVER just to "charge" it up. And best of all....THE 'NIVEL' chip will run it. I have the chip finally but couldn't tell you have it compares to the Zmax or any other VW device or chipset circuit. I've been working extremely hard on the CAD design for this hybrid and the machine that will be cutting it is a serious multi-axis. I've seen some of the stuff that comes out of this shop and I still can't tell you how they take a chunk of steel or alloy and make it look like they do with 1 machine....simply amazing. As far as the Nivel chip goes, it's in a very raw basic state. it's simply a 'chip'. Once the actual device is done then I can incorporate it into it and power it up. Till then.....I wait in great anticipation.

Before you even ask...no this will not be mass produced, co-op'd, or sold. This is simply a project I chose to do just to see if I could do it, and to see 1st hand just how easy it is. It's NOT easy....but's it's not too hard if you have the right tools, knowledge, and know-how to put em all together. I honestly can't wait.

 

[VAPNJ350]

Well folks, I got the cap , put in the two 18350 AW's, took two hits (it was that noticeable) and made my decision as to does the Zmax have more power at 8volts or 4 volts. Using ST DC tank @ 2.5 ohm.
Without a doubt, a lot more power with the two 18350,s.

So it's not just my imagination or my device. You feel it too ? It's a night and day difference right ??

I kinda look at it like this...If you want the power of the V1 beast....put in the 2, 18350's and once again.....yep I'm sayin' it again.......START AT VOLTS...or 3 WATTS !!!!

It's "almost" as if you have to cut your voltage or wattage in half from the 18650 to the 2, 18350's. Man this thing has some kick!!!! You would almost need a 6 ohm carto to put it on 15 watts with the stacked setup. Now that's just a guess folks. If I had 1 I may try it but it would take some serious consideration and No nic juice.

 

[dwcraig1]

So it's not just my imagination or my device. You feel it too ? It's a night and day difference right ??

I kinda look at it like this...If you want the power of the V1 beast....put in the 2, 18350's and once again.....yep I'm sayin' it again.......START AT VOLTS...or 3 WATTS !!!!

It's "almost" as if you have to cut your voltage or wattage in half from the 18650 to the 2, 18350's. Man this thing has some kick!!!! You would almost need a 6 ohm carto to put it on 15 watts with the stacked setup. Now that's just a guess folks. If I had 1 I may try it but it would take some serious consideration and No nic juice.

Here is how I see it, on my ver1 Vmax I use a ST DC 2.5 @ 5 volts. But with the single battery in Zmax I was putting it @ 6volts and thinking about going to 7. The Z with the two batteries seem to hit harder @ 5 volts than my V, and remember this is the one that defaults to 5 volts upon battery installation. I am amazed at just how big a difference that occurred. My only test equipment though are my lips.

 

[kalifornia]

Well folks, I got the cap , put in the two 18350 AW's, took two hits (it was that noticeable) and made my decision as to does the Zmax have more power at 8volts or 4 volts. Using ST DC tank @ 2.5 ohm.
Without a doubt, a lot more power with the two 18350,s.

is the extension cap prone to wobbling also? thanks

 

[hubblecraft83]

Just saw on VP Live tonight they have the Vapebrain ECD Voltage Meter hooked up via serial to a pc. They hooked up the Provari, Ego mod and Vmax so far. I'll post the vid tomorrow when it comes out. The Vmax was set to 3.7 volts. It was all over the place in results but the Vrms averaged 4.7 volts. Provari, dead on. Ego mod, dead on. Ego twist, dead on. I'll post more as it comes.

Update:
Darwin: watts on Darwin screen reflects vapebrain results
Lava Tube, Young June v2 from CCV: Set at 4volts, Vrms 4.8 volts

The host (Vaping Greek) bought a Zmax, he is going to send it to Jamie the tech guy for testing on next wednesday's show. That's it for testing tonight

 

[Dusty_D]

Just saw on VP Live tonight they have the Vapebrain ECD Voltage Meter hooked up via serial to a pc. They hooked up the Provari, Ego mod and Zmax so far. I'll post the vid tomorrow when it comes out. The Vmax was set to 3.7 volts. It was all over the place in results but the Vrms averaged 4.7 volts. Provari, dead on. Ego mod, dead on. Ego twist, dead on. I'll post more as it comes.

So, about 1 volt variance based on setting. Any idea of variance on wattage settings?

 

[hubblecraft83]

So, about 1 volt variance based on setting. Any idea of variance on wattage settings?

About a one volt difference at 3.7 volts. Different at every setting he said, didn't show every volt setting. This was on the Vmax so the wattage was relative to the voltage.

Sorry Dusty, I initially typed Zmax but meant Vmax. So used to typing Zmax I guess

 

[dwcraig1]

is the extension cap prone to wobbling also? thanks

It has that same some what sloppy fit threading into tube, as far as standing it up it is the same as the shorter cap and probably will break after it falls over enough times.

 

[jackbox]

Well folks, I got the cap , put in the two 18350 AW's, took two hits (it was that noticeable) and made my decision as to does the Zmax have more power at 8volts or 4 volts. Using ST DC tank @ 2.5 ohm.
Without a doubt, a lot more power with the two 18350,s.

Yes, but if you are using a low or regular resistance atomizer wouldn't you get a similar vaping experience with a single 18650 battery but at a slightly higher voltage or wattage setting? It seems like this would come into play more with a high resistance atty that is requiring a higher voltage.

 

[ckone180]

I am very worried about the durability on the end cap threads. So extremely sloppy and cheap feel. I snugger it down and felt like I could easily strip it out. I work on equipment for a living, so I'm used to all sorts of quality and can usually tell by feel and feedback. I'm not sure it will last very long under my normal rough use. I will not tighten it too much.

 

[hubblecraft83]

What's the saying? You better buy 2. One for parts. LMAO

 

[ckone180]

What's the saying? You better buy 2. One for parts. LMAO

I actually did! My SS will not be here for a while though.

 

[VAPNJ350]

******THREADS******


If you all haven't already you NEED to go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a simple product called Noalox and put "1" BB sized drop on a Q-tip then run it around the threads on the "tube". Then with no batteries in your V/Zmax screw 1 or both end caps on and off a few times till everything is "evenly" coated. This helps with smoothing over the threads, quieting the threads, keeps threads buttery smooth and helps with conductivity.

GO GET NOALOX !

 

[hubblecraft83]

If you are in a pinch and can't find The sometimes elusive Noalox, I have used a tiny bit of Vaseline. Same method, q-tip, work in and wipe off excess. I haven't found any non conductive issues from using vaseline. VAPNJ, if you know of issues with Vaseline I will edit this post to praise the exclusive use of Noalox

 

[studiovap]

******THREADS******


If you all haven't already you NEED to go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a simple product called Noalox and put "1" BB sized drop on a Q-tip then run it around the threads on the "tube". Then with no batteries in your V/Zmax screw 1 or both end caps on and off a few times till everything is "evenly" coated. This helps with smoothing over the threads, quieting the threads, keeps threads buttery smooth and helps with conductivity.

GO GET NOALOX !

I received my SS Zmax today!
First impressions are:

Positives Lots & Lots

- Great looking,great finish,heavy and solid feeling in the hand, powerful compared to my feeble LT V1,difficult to put down,reasonably straightforward menu system,very handy Ohm readout (accurate, and great to see when my DID genesis has a minor short, Ohms are 2.4 when good and dropped to 1.8 and 1.5 when a part of the coil was hitting a poorly oxidized part of the SS wick),love the wattage power setting, blue display is nice,my DID loves it


Negatives Only two minor ones!

Power/Fire button is solid but not all that easy to get used to as it is a little vague when engaging, although as I type this it is freeing up a little and becoming more positive feeling and "clicky".
The threads on the battery cap are, as has been mentioned pretty foul, and not at all confidence inspiring.
I don't know what NOALAX is like or what it is made of, but remembering that graphite is conductive, and a dry lubricant, I have rubbed the treads with a builders pencil to help with the scratchy sloppy feel of the end cap threads. Time will tell if these harsh threads will smooth out after a while.


Score 9.5/10 for VALUE

Overall I'm very happy, and although the negative list looks longer than the positives it's not!
Longevity is my only concern, and who cares about tomorrow, I paid $134 inc postage and received it the day after I ordered.

 

[hubblecraft83]

Noalox is a conductive grease impregnated with silver particles similar to a processors thermal paste. A small bottle will last a lifetime and as long as you are careful seating your threads, you should have zero thread issues. All domestic mods come pre-loaded with the sweet grease, a practice China should definitely follow

 

[skipdashu]

If you are in a pinch and can't find The sometimes elusive Noalox, I have used a tiny bit of Vaseline. Same method, q-tip, work in and wipe off excess. I haven't found any non conductive issues from using vaseline. VAPNJ, if you know of issues with Vaseline I will edit this post to praise the exclusive use of Noalox

Also you might try "Permatex anti-seize lubricant". It's available at many auto parts outlets and has a high silver and copper content. I've been using it for over a year w/o problems on every PV with threads.

 

[jackbox]

Can you just use thermal grease like used on integrated circuits and headsinks? It is non-conductive so that might be a problem using that.