Stupid USB charging question

[LuckyCharm]

Sorry, I couldn't search the forum for any existing posts on this topic, because "USB" is too short a search term. I just received my USB unit from Best E-Cig today, with no documentation or anything. I couldn't find the answer on their site. All I want to know is, do I have to charge it for a minimum amount of time before using? I'm asking because I'm getting no vapor yet. I ordered a high-strength niquid, too, when I used to smoke ultra-lights.

Thanks,

~~Cheryl

 

[yvilla]

Cheryl, a couple of possibilities. First, my USB passthrough from Best is the kind with no battery box - a true passthrough. If that is what you bought, then no, there is no charging per se, because it draws power directly from the USB power source.

So, what do you have it plugged into? Some people's computers don't provide enough power. Some USB power adapters and mobile power packs similarly don't provide enough power.

Or, you could be having connection issues between your atomizer and the passthrough.

So you need to determine which of these two possibilities is your problem.

Finally, if Best is now selling the kind with the inline battery box, and that's what you bought, then yes, that must be charged first.

 

[strayling]

I added a USB tag to the thread (click the "Edit tags" button), and it seems that a tag search for "USB" works.

 

[vaporize me]

I used to smoke ultra lights also and ordered high nic pre-loaded carts. Easy to overdo for sure. Overdosing on nic made me feel as though I just got off a wicked amusement ride.

I also ordered the JC sampler pack at 18mg nic...much better. Still experimenting...

As for your high nic niquid you have. You can cut it to your desired nic and add flavoring, if you so desire.

Here's a great tool to help you do so.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/tips-tricks/5712-hack-o-matic-e-liquid-calculator.html

 

[LuckyCharm]

Some people's computers don't provide enough power.

So plugging it into a different port might help?

Or, you could be having connection issues between your atomizer and the passthrough.

How would I know?

~~Cheryl

 

[yvilla]

Lucky, you didn't say which kind of passthrough you bought. Please confirm.

Assuming it is the straight passthrough without an inline battery, a different port might help. Definitely, a powered USB hub would help (one that plugs directly into a wall plug), if you have one.

As for whether it's an atomizer connection issue, without knowing for sure that it's not a power issue it's going to be hard to tell. But, do you have other atomizers you can try with it? Did you buy just the passthrough, or a whole USB ecig that came complete with atomizer? If the latter, then it's much less likely to be an atomizer connection issue.

Bottom line, unless you can try another or several atomizers with it and rule that out, then the only other way to know for sure would be to eliminate the power source as the problem - by using a known good power source such as a powered hub or a mobile power pack or wall adapter that has a 1A or 1000mA current output.

 

[Monkeylurv]

My USB passthrough needed about 4 hrs of charging before it would work consistently. It barely worked at all when I first plugged it in. And I actually had it plugged into a wall with an adapter at first. I think I bought mine from altsmoke.

It would make sense that it needs to be charged, unless it is precharged. Since it is a power source hooked up to a battery, not a direct inline to the e-cig.

 

[LuckyCharm]

Lucky, you didn't say which kind of passthrough you bought. Please confirm.

Here's what I bought: usb e-cigarette: e-cigarette with usb

Assuming it is the straight passthrough without an inline battery...

I don't even know what that means.

Definitely, a powered USB hub would help (one that plugs directly into a wall plug), if you have one.

It is a powered hub, not plugged directly into the computer.

As for whether it's an atomizer connection issue, without knowing for sure that it's not a power issue it's going to be hard to tell. But, do you have other atomizers you can try with it?

I just connected another atomizer. It came with 5 extras, and after charging overnight it still wasn't working, so I'm trying a new atomizer now. But I guess I'll need to charge it a while first...

Did you buy just the passthrough, or a whole USB ecig that came complete with atomizer?

I may not completely understand what you're asking here. It came with all the parts, except cartridges (but I have plenty of them).

I hope this helps you help me.

Thanks,

~~Cheryl

 

[taz3cat]

Lucky, that does not have a inline battery to charge. Your not getting enough power to your USB pass through. I think I read that someoe else had a problem with a hub. I use mine with a kinsingston battery pack and like it much better that way because I can go where I want. There is a thread on pass thoughs here somewhere.


Go to Janty USA and see the inline battery. Ther in the suppliers list.

 

[LuckyCharm]

Lucky, that does not have a inline battery to charge.

Forgive my ignorance, but this is my first USB model. Isn't the end piece that connects to the wire the battery? What exactly is an "inline" battery, as opposed to the one on my "standalone" PV's?

Your not getting enough power to your USB pass through. I think I read that someoe else had a problem with a hub.

Well, that sucks...

I use mine with a kinsingston battery pack and like it much better that way because I can go where I want.

I'll have to look for that.

There is a thread on pass thoughs here somewhere.

I actually found a number of threads with that search term, but couldn't tell which, if any, would contain the answer to my question.

Go to Janty USA and see the inline battery. Ther in the suppliers list.

I went to their site, but didn't see any inline battery listed. *sigh*

Maybe this is just too complicated for me. I should have stuck with what I already know and love!

~~Cheryl

 

[Idahojo]

Cheryl you might just be having trouble with the connectivity between your atomizer and the passthru. I had and still sometimes have the same problem. There is a nipple on the batt end of your atomizer. Use a bamboo skewer or a very small pair of needle nosed pliers. Very gently and I mean gently turn or pry every so slightly on the nipple. Often just a fraction of a movement will make it work marvelously. (Sometimes that word is fun). I've fixed many with this problem.

 

[TheKingOfKool]

an inline battery is a USB port on one end and a battery on the other. there are other types of USB passthroughs where there is no battery but it just powers the e-cig. I'd rather have the one without the battery as the battery would go dead after so many recharges but the one that doesn't have one just pwers the e-cig without the need for any rechages that way no battery to die on you.

 

[Monkeylurv]

When I said "inline" I meant that if the passthrough has a battery attached to it, then the atomizer (e-cig) is not getting directly juiced from the power source. The usb line is juicing the battery. If the battery is dead or not fully charged when you get it, it needs to be charged.

Maybe most people receive fully charged passthroughs & just assume it doesn't need to be charged. The advertisements will say "doesn't need to be recharged" - which would be true, if you had it plugged in all the time. Mine definately was not charged.

In order for you to get direct power to your ecig, a battery wouldn't be attached to it. I don't even know if they make them?? I know they make USB chargers, which is just a charger. You can't vape with it.

Hope you're not confused even more. I'd just charge it & see what happens.

 

[Cellmeister]

Cheryl you might just be having trouble with the connectivity between your atomizer and the passthru. I had and still sometimes have the same problem. There is a nipple on the batt end of your atomizer. Use a bamboo skewer or a very small pair of needle nosed pliers. Very gently and I mean gently turn or pry every so slightly on the nipple. Often just a fraction of a movement will make it work marvelously. (Sometimes that word is fun). I've fixed many with this problem.

DO NOT TURN IT! or You Will Need A New Atomizer!

Keep Vapin!

 

[yvilla]

Here's what I bought: usb e-cigarette: e-cigarette with usb

It is a powered hub, not plugged directly into the computer.

I just connected another atomizer. It came with 5 extras, and after charging overnight it still wasn't working, so I'm trying a new atomizer now. But I guess I'll need to charge it a while first...

I may not completely understand what you're asking here. It came with all the parts, except cartridges (but I have plenty of them).

I hope this helps you help me.

Thanks,

~~Cheryl

Cheryl, now that I can see what you bought - it is a straight USB passthrough. It has no battery, and needs no charging. And since it came with the atomizer, it is not likely to be the atomizer at fault either.

So I think that all you need is the correct power source. If your USB hub does not have a current output of at least 1000mA or 1A, that is likely to be your problem.

Did you try it directly in the USB port of your computer? Do you have an older computer with only older USB v1 ports? That could be the problem there.

To know for sure if it's your computer and hub that is the problem, why not get a relatively cheap USB adapter. Here's one for you to look at:

Amazon.com: Coby CA81 Dual USB Power Adapter/Charger (White): Everything Else

You don't need to order online, as you can find them at places like Walmart pretty cheaply, but I just wanted to show you what they look like. And if you look at the technical specs on the page I just showed you on Amazon, you will see the current output listed as follows:

Output; DC 5V, 1A

So when you look at a store, just make sure to get one that lists its output similarly, so you know you are getting one with at least 1A or 1000mA.

 

[Wolf]

It really sound like not enough power. Best Buy also has the Kensington Portable Power Pack on sale (yesterday) for $39.99. Plug it in, charge it up and plug in your ecig and you're good to go. Hubby used his for like 8 hours before he had to plug it back in. My local Walmart super store didn't have any power packs that were portable. The Kensington is smaller than a pack of smokes (100's) and you can take it anywhere.

 

[LuckyCharm]

On SALE for $40? The Amazon one was only $10! 8-o

~~Cheryl

 

[yvilla]

Cheryl, the Kensington is a mobile power pack. Once it's charged, you can have it in your pocket and vape anywhere.

It's a great item for mobile use, and that's why a lot of forum members recommend them.

But I wanted to offer you a cheaper way just to get your USB ecig going - and the power adapter is a good way to do that, for use at home, for example, but it must be used plugged in all the time of course.

 

[Wolf]

I did say Best Buy. Nothing is every cheap there. The advantage is you can walk right in and buy it. You don't have to wait for it to be shipped. Believe me, it was worth it to shut my husband up. He already blew out an atomizer and reduced function on a battery for the 901. This way he can be plugged in with the passthrough all day. He can use the Power Pack when out and about and plug in to the computer at home in the evening.

 

[Wolf]

If I wasn't working, I'd go buy another one (or two). The best thing is the constant power flow. I much prefer to use the passthrough. The batteries give weaker and weaker production as you use them.

As an added extra, you can use the Kensington to charge your cell or iPod too.