Strange ohm readings from cartomizers and clearomizers

[mda71]

I started using e-cigarettes about 4 weeks ago. After doing some research and reading a lot from this forum, I decided to get the following:

1000mah battery – 510 connector
650mah usb passthrough – 510 connector
Smoktech 3.5ml DCT tank 1.5 ohms
4 pack – pre-punched cartomizer 1.5 ohm
10 CE2 clearomizer XL – 510 connector 2.4-2.6 ohm
Chargers and other accessories.

I tested all the cartomizers and clearomizers with 2 multitester and found some strange results.
1.) All the cartomizers (rated at 1.5 ohms) resulted in 0.9-1.0 ohms
2.) All the CE2 clearomizer XL (rated at 2.4-2.6 ohms) resulted in 1.6-1.8 ohms

I read that my batteries output voltage was 3.7v. Wouldn’t the amperage requirement be too high for the battery? (cartomizer @ 0.9ohm & 3.7v = 4.1amps; clearomizer @ 1.7ohm & 3.7v = 2.2amps).

Can anyone else check there cartomizers and clearomizers to see if they have the correct rating listed?


Please be kind...This is my first post

 

[daveymist]

Did you test them after filling and usage? The coils can change resistance after usage.

Sent from my LG-MS690 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk

 

[Huffelpuff]

I've been getting some wonky readings from my multimeter. Works on testing voltage but not right on ohms. In my case think it's a busted multimeter but am curious if anyone else has had a similar problem.

 

[mda71]

I just checked the current cartomizers i have used. One was 0.9ohm(about 10-11ml of use) and the other was 1.0ohm (about 5ml of use). The clearomizer checked in at 1.8ohm (about 4-5 fills) other was about 1.7ohm (2-3 fills).

I used a craftsman 82400 and a meterman 38xr for doing the readings.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[mostlyclassics]

Is it possible the battery in your multimeter is trying to call it a life?

Mine takes an A23 12 volt battery, which is tiny for such a high voltage. I change it every three months or so just on general principle.

 

[Iusedtoanalog]

Hi Mda, the cartos should be checked dry, before use. After the coil heats to vaporize it will change resistance and so will the addition of liquid. Second on the dual coils... do they have a metal body? if they do you have to check them without touching the metal body of the carto. Your skin will change the resistance ,likely lower, than if you only where measuring the true resistance of just the carto. Your meter should have a range selection that will allow you to see .000 on the scale to allow you to define what is changing your resistance so far off from where it"should" be. Second to all of that these are made in China and the resistance values are not by any stretch of the imagination precise. If they dont cause your gear to protest then i would say use them up. If they do cause the small battery a fit then try to use them on the larger 1000mAh battery and see if they are still a problem. If all else fails call your vendor and give them a heads up that their cartos are wonky and see if they have a consistant issue or you just got a bunk batch. Good Luck. Happy Vaping.

 

[Rule62]

I check mine with my Provari, each time I change cartos. They are usually pretty close to spec. I use only Fluxomizers and visions from Gotvapes.

 

[SCTony]

I had this issue as well. I was getting similar readings on many different cartos (1.5-1.8 ohm readings when they should have been 2-3 ohms). I didn't think it was my meter, which is a Fluke brand model 26iii (older model but was calibrated 2 years ago). Then I checked them with another meter which specifically does low-ohms (and ESR) and got the appropriate readings. So it was my meter that was the problem. I don't know why the Fluke wouldn't read the low-ohms correctly, even in the 0-40 ohm range setting.

 

[mda71]

Thanks for the replies.

I checked all the cartomizers and clearomizer once I received them in the mail. I did this since many suppliers have a 5 day DOA return policy. When i first tested the cartomizers and clearomizers all the readings were lower then rated. So I borrowed a friends own multitester to verify my readings. Both multitesters reading were fairly consistent with each other. I will borrow another multitester just remove variables for errors. The multitester I used are listed below:

craftsman 82400 (mine)
meterman 38xr (friends)

 

[ianlm]

there is some variance in most of the atomizers/cartomizers we use. it's not unusual to have a .2-.5 +/- variance from spec especially in the mass-produced ones in my experience. Anything much outside .2-.3 and I think i'd try a different type or different manufacturer.

actually the only thing i've used so far that was dead-on on day 1 has been an HH357 1.5ohm atomizer, and I just measured it again after using it on and off all day every day for the past couple of weeks, it's still dead-on 1.5 ohms. At $22 for one atomizer, however, that accuracy didn't come cheap.

 

[Foxfur]

Order up two 1% resistors from digi-key. Get a 5 ohm and a 50 ohm and use as references for an offset. Wish I worded it better but that wine sure is good tonight, hic.

 

[mda71]

I have some resistors from mouser. But the lowest rated ones are:

330ohm 1/4w 5%
5.1ohm 1/4w 5%

I will try again later. I left the multimeter at the shop.

I did ask a friend if he can lend me his Agilent 34410a benchtop multimeter and he will be bringing it Monday from his work. So I will only have maybe an hour to test it. He was laughing at me because I wanted to test a $3-5 item.

 

[mda71]

actually the only thing i've used so far that was dead-on on day 1 has been an HH357 1.5ohm atomizer, and I just measured it again after using it on and off all day every day for the past couple of weeks, it's still dead-on 1.5 ohms. At $22 for one atomizer, however, that accuracy didn't come cheap.

Thanks for the suggestion. I started using atomizers but I found it quite annoying trying to chain vape while dripping every 10 minutes. When a friend gave me a clearomizer, I was hooked. I only have to refill maybe 2-4 times a day and love the warmth, throat hit and convenience. I still do have several atomizers but I only started to use that again when I started doing DIY this week.

My next e-cig projects are:

1. more flavors for DIY liquid
2. purchasing some CE4+, ceramic rope and kanthal wiring for a cheapo rebuildable atomizer/clearomizer
3. some regulated variable volt battery


I love to tinker with stuff which makes vaping a nightmare....But a fun nightmare

 

[hairball]

When checking ohms, make sure you touch your leads together and get the reading before the actual check. Subtract whatever number you get from the actual read number. The carto should be checked dry at firs, fill it, then recheck it.

 

[mda71]

When checking ohms, make sure you touch your leads together and get the reading before the actual check. Subtract whatever number you get from the actual read number. The carto should be checked dry at firs, fill it, then recheck it.

Thanks for the response. Will keep that in mind. I do check the ohm / continuity for every cartomizer, atomizer and clearomizers I order once I receive them from the mail. I do this since most suppliers only have a DOA warranty for a limited amount of time.