- Status
So, I now have a slight problem. I figured this might happen. I showed my BB to my husband. He is still smoking since he finds other pv's impractical to use at work. Let me preface this by saying that he is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to critiquing craftsmanship. He has declared this to be the most precisely crafted tool I've ever purchased, claiming it could even survive the beating he would deliver it in the workplace. He even likes the form factor, claiming he could easily carry it in his back pocket. He wanted to know if purchased it for him, lol.
Actually, I was hoping that he would like it if he saw me using it, but I've already grown quite attached to it and can't see myself giving it up. I hope I get the opportunity to purchase another so I don't have to live in fear of having this one taken away, lol.
DD, trust me, the praise my husband had for this device was unparalleled. He pretty much proclaimed you to be a pure genius! Coming from him, this is a pretty high compliment!
Actually, I was hoping that he would like it if he saw me using it, but I've already grown quite attached to it and can't see myself giving it up. I hope I get the opportunity to purchase another so I don't have to live in fear of having this one taken away, lol.
DD, trust me, the praise my husband had for this device was unparalleled. He pretty much proclaimed you to be a pure genius! Coming from him, this is a pretty high compliment!
Folks at Vape Bash were mighty impressed with mine...it had to have been handled by 50 folks the first day.
So I am loving my BB!!! Using it non stop. started yesterday about 12:30 and changed the batteries this morning about 9. I do have a question.
Taste is great the first few vapes then the next few the flavor diminishes. I let it sit for a few and taste good again. I currently have two holes, should I punch 3 next time. This is the same carto I put in yesterday when I got it. Also when I push the face of the tank i do see a bubble so I know it is getting it.
I know it is not a bad carto as the taste is great the first few vapes but when i continual vape the flavor gets muted, and when I put it down for a few minutes and pick it back up, the taste is back. So another hole or make the two holes a little bigger and if so, any suggestions how to do this.
Thanks!
Taste is great the first few vapes then the next few the flavor diminishes. I let it sit for a few and taste good again. I currently have two holes, should I punch 3 next time. This is the same carto I put in yesterday when I got it. Also when I push the face of the tank i do see a bubble so I know it is getting it.
I know it is not a bad carto as the taste is great the first few vapes but when i continual vape the flavor gets muted, and when I put it down for a few minutes and pick it back up, the taste is back. So another hole or make the two holes a little bigger and if so, any suggestions how to do this.
Thanks!
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Do any of your BB's creak? If you press down on the slide cover somewhere in the middle, mine makes a clicking noise. More like a "tapping". Is this normal?
Yup, I believe your pressing down on the center ball and the cover is just tapping the frame of the door cutout. I.e. Don't press on the center of the device and the clicking stops. 
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Funny how this is supposed to be so "rock solid" and most here are treating it with "kid gloves"
He said that he was going to run it over with a tractor and put it on video, I don't think there should be much problem with it.
He said that he was going to run it over with a tractor and put it on video, I don't think there should be much problem with it.
hmmm, let's see! I truly believe the only true way to initiate this beauty is with GOLD!
Fortunately, the post office made no stupid mistakes and I found this waiting when I got home tonight! It's already being put to great use!
Good choice tigerlily! (the ONLY choice, in my not so humble opinion...
)And your nails to match are sensational! Wait til 5739 see your pic! She's go wild child on ya.
Heh. Mine is coming along nicely. The aluminum is scratched all over and the CF is scuffed. The door is stiff because there's gunk in the channels. Nothing I couldn't buff out, but it'll just get scratched again...
I never new I could look at a box for so long.... lol! Top notch Doug!. I love this thing.
5 years vaping... I haven't been this happy with a device since the 901 came out.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
5 years vaping... I haven't been this happy with a device since the 901 came out.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
There are a few things that I find important in getting good taste and life out of cartos in tanks:
1. Holes/slots big enough to keep the keep the carto wet.
2. Holes/slots not so big that the carto floods easily.
3. Holes/slots in the right location to keep the carto fill material wet in the right place - near the coil(s).
4. Liquid thickness/viscosity - but only if I don't have control over hole or slot size. I'll tend to err on the thin side in those cases.
5. NETs, tobaccos in general, and dark flavors (not necessarily dark colors) like chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, tea, some bakery flavors, etc. tend to kill cartos more quickly for me, so for carto use I tend to lean more towards fruits and clear-ish beverages.
6. Voltage - the right level for the carto/liquid combination. Surprising to me for some reason is that under-volting can be nearly as bad as over-volting.
7. LR vs SR - as some seem to be discovering, a 2.5~3.0 ohm carto can be surprisingly satisfying even with only a 1.5 volt differential to play with. And LR's just don't last as long for me.
It's a given (or should be) that at some point flavor intensity will drop off from brandy-new -- but if all is balanced, it should hit a point not too far off from new and stay there for at least a couple or few days rather than continuing a rapid slide toward Blechsville.
I'll be the first to admit, though, I don't get folks who claim to consistently get weeks out of them. It has happened a couple of times in the past two years, but always with thinner lighter-tasting liquids (watermelon, honeydew and such).
Having pretty much just figured out RBA's in the past couple of weeks, I now kind of understand the difference and thus the attraction and the debate -- but still and probably always will find the compromise of cartomizers a good, consistent and generally inexpensive option.
I have the same issue sometimes. It comes from chain vaping, and the solution is to do as you've already noticed - set it down for a bit now and then. It also helps to take a couple of draws without firing the button, just to pull a bit more juice into the carto.
You do need to be careful about adding more holes or enlarging them, you could end up flooded.
Yup, mine does the same thing. I think the cover is just doing a bit of flexing when you push in the middle.
Eh, doesn't bug me too much lol. I wish it didn't do that, but oh well. It's still the most well-built device I've ever owned!
Can't stand up....must use billet box again....dizzy....must resist....Tyson get my cane.
Time for the weekly update:
The Billet Box FAQ:
by Vapian, Version 1.1, April 2013
CARTOMIZER QUESTIONS
Q. What type of cartomizers does the Billet Box use?
A. The Billet Box uses standard 35mm, 510 connection, metal-bodied cartomizers.
Q. What resistance of cartomizer should I use in the Billet Box?
A. The Billet Box is designed primarily for use with 3.0 ohm cartomizers to provide the best combination of versatility and battery life. However, higher or lower resistance cartomizers may be used according to your taste.
Q. Can I use dual-coil or low resistance cartomizers in the Billet Box?
A. This is largely a matter of taste but yes, low-resistance/dual-coil cartomizers may be used in the Billet Box.
However, low-resistance (below 2.0 ohm) dual-coil cartomizers can result in shorter battery life, and may run too hot even at the lower end of the Billet Box voltage range.
Q. Will my <insert brand here> cartomizers work in the Billet Box?
A. If they are standard 35mm 510 cartomizers, then yes. Boge, IKV and some Kanger cartomizers have been reported as working well. However, some batches of Kangers have been identified as being too short to make the required electrical connection with the brass ring on top of the Billet Box.
Q. What if I really, really want to buy <insert brand here> cartomizers but no one knows if they work?
A. Seriously? If you are unsure, buy a 5-pack or single cartomizer to test before investing in a case of Brand X.
Q. Does the Billet Box require "punched" cartomizers?
A. Yes, being a tank system, the Billet Box requires punched or slotted cartomizers in order for liquid in the tank to wet the fill material of the cartomizer. You may buy pre-punched cartomizers or punch or slot your own.
Q. Where should I punch or slot my cartomizers?
A. At home, at work, wherever ... Billet Box Vapor recommends punching a hole about 8-11 mm above the bottom edge of the cartomizer body.
Q. What if the recommend punch/slot location doesn't work for me?
A. Try the recommended punching/slotting location first. If you are not happy with the results, try again a little higher or lower until you find what works best for your cartomizer of choice.
Q. Can I use "Mega" or "XL" cartomizers?
A. No. These are usually much longer than 35mm and too long to use in the Billet Box.
Q. Can I used flanged cartomizers?
A. No. Most flanged cartomizers are "Mega", "XL" or "DCT" cartomizers and too long to use. Even if a 35mm cartomizer were flanged, once inserted in the Billet Box tank it is likely that either the cartomizer leading to the top would be too short or the atomizer connection at the bottom would be too long, or both.
Q. How does the cartomizer screw into the Billet Box?
A. It doesn't. When the brass ring on top of the Billet Box is screwed down it contacts the top of the cartomizer to make the ground connection, and the positive post of the cartomizer is pressed down on to the positive atomizer connection (at the bottom of the tank compartment). So a standard, screw-in type 510 connection is not required.
Q. Can I use cartomizer-sized clearomizers or clear cartomizers?
A. By design, no. The Billet Box uses the cartomizer body as part of the electrical path so it must be conductive (generally, metal).
Q. My cartomizer tastes burned/dry.
A. Please phrase your question in the form of a question.
Q. Fine. WHY does my cartomizer taste burned/dry?
A. Sometimes a cartomizer just sucks.
More often this occurs because the fill material in the carto is not properly wetted in a way that keeps the right amount of liquid in the fill material near the coil(s).
Depending on the thickness of your e-liquids, absorption properties of cartomizer fill material and/or internal location of the cartomizer coils you may need to try larger holes or slots, more holes/slots or having them in a different location up or down the cartomizer body.
Once you find the right combination it will all make sense.
TANK QUESTIONS
Q. What is the Billet Box tank made out of?
A. The Billet Box tank is made out of strong, food-grade materials. The body is Delrin, the clear face is Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), the gasket is silicon and the screws are stainless steel.
Q. Will the tank hold up to strong/acidic e-liquids without cracking?
A. At this time there have been no reports of Billet Box tanks being damaged due to e-liquids. Due in part to the materials and in part to the flat surfaces of the design, cinnamon, citrus, and other strong e-liquids that tend to damage or crack traditional cylindrical tanks made of lesser materials should not be a problem.
Q. How much liquid does the Billet Box tank hold?
A. The tank holds about 5 ml of e-liquid. The cartomizer holds about 1 ml, for a total capacity of about 6 ml.
Q. How do I install a cartomizer in the Billet Box tank?
A. Billet Box Vapor recommends filling the cartomizer with 20-25 drops of e-liquid before installing it in the tank. This is to ensure the cartomizer is thoroughly wetted before use.
Lightly wet the upper and lower o-rings with a drop of e-liquid.
Insert the top of the cartomizer into the bottom of the tank and push it in.
There is a slight ledge near the inside top of the tank; if you wiggle the cartomizer a bit to position it to sit on that ledge, it will more easily push through the upper o-ring.
Push the cartomizer in just until the bottom of the cartomizer body is flush with the bottom of the tank.
Q. How do I install the tank in the Billet Box?
A. First, ensure the brass ring at the top of the Billet Box is backed out several turns.
With the cartomizer installed, simply drop the tank into the space provided for it.
Tighten down the brass ring until it snugs up against the top of the cartomizer.
Once installed, put a thumb or finger on the face of the tank and push toward the top of the Billet Box. It will not move much if at all, but this can help ensure everything is seated and aligned properly.
Q. How do I fill the Billet Box tank?
A. There is a small hole blocked by a spring-loaded black ball in the upper left face of the tank that the included, plastic 20 ga Luer dispensing needle will fit into.
Place the tip on the end of your syringe and fill it with e-liquid.
Carefully use the tip of the plastic dispensing needle to push the ball down and out of the way until the tip of the needle is inside the tank.
Slowly push the liquid from the syringe into the tank. Generally, leaving a little bit of an air bubble in the tank is recommended.
When done, pull the dispensing needle out of the hole. The black ball will block the hole again.
Wipe any e-liquid residue from the ball or face of the tank.
Using a finger, gently push on the clear face of the tank several times to ensure the black ball has fully seated in the hole. This will ensure the tank does not leak.
You may notice some bubbles coming from the holes or slots in the cartomizer; this is normal with a new cartomizer or when refilling a mostly-empty tank and a good indication that liquid is entering the cartomizer.
Q. Too many words. Got video?
A. Yes. Go to billetboxvapor.com and select "Videos". The rest is left as an exercise to the reader.
Q. Do I have to fill the tank through the filling hole in the front?
A. If the tank is installed in the Billet Box and you don't want to remove it, then yes.
If the tank is not yet installed or you don't mind removing it, you can fill it just like any other cartomizer tank -- for example, by pushing the bottom of the cartomizer in and filling from the bottom, or using tank-filling tool or extended drip tip to push the cartomizer down and fill it from the top. Life is about options.
Q. Do I have to use the included dispensing needle to fill the tank?
A. If you are using the filling hole in the tank, it is highly recommended. The ball is made of soft Nitrile and can be easily damaged by metal tips, even blunt tips. A damaged ball may not seal and could result in liquid leaking from the tank.
Q. Where can I get more 20 ga displensing tips?
A. eBay is a good source, especially if buying in bulk. More online vaping stores are beginning to carry them as well. An online search for "20 ga plastic dispensing needle" will turn up a fair number of sources.
Q. Can I use the Billet Box tank on other mods?
A. Well, you could, on a mod with a 510 connection that extends out long enough, but ... why?
DRIP TIP/BRASS RING QUESTIONS
Q.Can I use my own drip tips on the Billet Box?
A. Yes. Most standard 510 drip tips should fit inside the brass ring.
If the tip is slightly too small, it can often be made to fit with larger replacement o-ring or by removing the o-ring, wrapping a bit of unflavored dental floss around the o-ring slot, and replacing the o-ring.
If the tip is slightly too large, it might be made to fit by removing the o-ring and sanding down the diameter. Using very fine sandpaper, working slowly, test-fitting often and stopping when it just fits is recommended.
Q. What should I use to back out or tighten the brass ring?
A. A standard U.S. quarter or nickel coin is ideal. These will fit right into the slots on the brass ring and provide more than enough leverage.
Q. What if I don't have the required coinage?
A. Some folks have found that their drip tip fits in tight enough to loosen or tighten the brass ring, no coin required. Just don't tighten it down too much to easily remove later.
Some users have reported using a corner of the back plate to tighten/loosen the brass ring. While this does work, be careful to to not bend the back plate as getting it perfectly straight again could be difficult, and replacement back plates are not available at this time.
Q. How much should I tighten the brass ring?
A. The brass ring should be tightened down just enough to make contact with the cartomizer body.
Too loose, and the cartomizer will not fire.
Too tight, and the cartomizer might damage the silicon gasket around the cartomizer positive pin.
BATTERY QUESTIONS
Q. What kind of batteries does The Billet Box use?
A. The Billet Box is designed to use 3.7 volt, AW IMR 16340 (Red) or AW ICR 123 (Black w/silver label), button-top batteries.
Q. How long do those batteries last in the Billet Box?
A. Short answer: until they die. Long answer: Most users report anywhere from 1/2 to a full day of vaping with a freshly charged pair of batteries and a 3.0 ohm cartomizer. Depending on your cartomizer resistance and how you vape, YMMV.
Q. How do the batteries die - do they peter out, cut off, or...?
A. Red AW IMR 16340's tend to lower in voltage near the end of the charge resulting in a noticable performance drop before they stop working.
The Black AW ICR 123's tend to keep their output and performance constant almost to the very end with only the last two or three vapes showing signs of final discharge.
Q. Can I use other brands or types of battery?
A. The Billet Box battery compartment is very specifically designed for the physical size of the AW IMR 16340 and ICR 123 batteries and has very tight tolerances. However, any 16340 or 123-type battery that is button top, no longer than 34.2 mm or larger than 16.6 mm in diameter should fit. If you MUST buy a different brand/model of battery, CHECK IT AGAINST THESE DIMENSIONS.
Q. Aren't 123-Type batteries lower voltage than 16340's?
A. Yes, No and Maybe. Broadly speaking, 123-type batteries have historically been used in 3.0 volt applications such as flashlights and photography equipment. However, while there are standards out there battery manufacturers are not really held to them and can make and label their batteries any way they want that is relatively safe for a particular purpose. As a result there are some (such as the AW ICR 123's) that are 3.7 volts.
The Billet Box will work with 3.0 volt batteries, but the upper voltage range will be limited to 4.8 volts (no matter how much higher you turn the dial). They can be used "in a pinch" but probably should not be used as your primary batteries.
LAST NOTE on batteries regarding size and voltage:
Think about this: 123-type and 16340 batteries should, generally speaking, all be about the same size. But manufacturers label similarly-sized batteries almost interchangablely and are free to muck about with actual specs and dimensions. A battery labeled "16340" does not necessarily have to be 16mm in diameter, 34mm in length and need not even be cylindrical. To add to the potential confusion, the IEC international standard name for this type of battery package is "CR17345".
Confused yet?
Certainly, one can experiment and all of the information needed to make an informed purchase is in the answers above. If you know what you're doing and comfortable "taking a chance" then have at it! Properly informed, you will most likely find something that fits and works well.
However, if you don't know what you're doing and find all this battery talk confusing ... do you really want to risk wasting time and money on something that will not fit or make the Billet Box vape it's very best?
Bottom line: The recommended AW IMR 16340 / ICR 123 batteries are ALWAYS a safe bet. Moving on.
Q. The batteries fit in there awfully tight. How do I get them out?
A. The recommended method of removing the batteries from the Billet Box is to remove the back plate and smack the battery compartment over the open palm of your hand. Done properly, at least one battery should drop out allowing easy removal of the remaining battery.
Prying them out with a tool is not recommended as it could damage the protective covering of the battery.
Some users recommend wrapping a bit of tape around the batteries to create a handle to pull them out. Be advised, there is not much clearance between the batteries and the back plate, so the tape must be relatively thin.
Q. Can I charge my batteries inside the Billet Box?
A. No. Batteries must be charged in a dedicated battery charger.
Q. What battery charger should I use?
A. Many users have recommended the NITECORE Intellicharger i2 or i4, but any charger capable of handling 3.7 volt 123/16340 batteries should work.
POWER QUESTIONS
Q. What is the voltage range of the Billet Box?
A. The Billet Box has an adjustable voltage range of 4.0 volts to 5.5 volts.
Q. What is the amp limit of the Billet Box?
A. 3 amps.
Q. What kind of power protection does the Billet Box provide?
A. The Billet Box is protected against over-voltage up to 12 volts, current over 3 amps and reversed polarity.
Also, in the event of a major battery failure the body of the Billet Box is designed to vent through the air intake (on the side) and the seams of the back plate.
Q. With the tank on the inside, are the power components of the Billet Box protected against liquids?
A. Yes. The compartment containing the power regular is sealed with a gasket.
Q. Does the Billet Box have variable wattage (VW)?
A. No. Unless you count the ability to vary the voltage as the ability to vary the wattage, in which case the answer is Yes.
But really, no - you cannot set a specific wattage for the Billet Box to automatically maintain.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Q. Does the Billet Box come with any spare parts?
A. Yes. Your Billet Box should come with a baggie containing spare o-rings for the tank and spare silicon gaskets for the cartomizer positive pin at the bottom of the tank compartment.
Q. Do I have to use cartomizers? Is there a rebuildable atomizer option?
A. Without modification the Billet Box only works with cartomizers. A rebuildable atomizer tank design is being considered but is not yet in production (as of April 2013).
There are some reports that certain cartomizer-sized rebuildable atomizers will, with modification to the RBA, work in the Billet Box. The use of such devices and modifications is not discouraged, but is pretty much at your own risk.
Q. The carbon-fiber panels are cool, but are there other options (wood, rubberized, etc.)?
A. As of April 2013, carbon-fiber panels are the only option. It is possible (indeed, likely) that other materials will be available in the future. Check Billet Box Vapor Inc. for updates!
Q. When should I replace the tank o-rings or silicon gasket for the cartomizer positive pin?
A. The o-rings or gasket should last quite a while under normal use, but should be replaced whenever they are obviously nicked or damaged.
Even if damage is not obvious, replacement may be indicated if:
O-rings: Liquid drips or drains from top or bottom of the tank.
Silicon gasket: Excessive liquid "condensation" is consistently found behind, under or on top of the tank.
Q. How do I replace the silicon gasket at the cartomizer positive pin connection?
A. The gasket is seated in a channel milled around the positive pin.
Use a toothpick to pry under the outer edge until the gasket begins to pop out, then circle around if necessary to completely remove it.
Replace the gasket by placing it over the positive pin and into the channel.
Use your finger or a toothpick to gently but fully seat the gasket into the channel until it is flush with the bottom of the tank compartment.
Q. Katdarling said there would be cake!
A. Don't listen to her. The cake is ... well, you know. . . .
The Billet Box FAQ:
by Vapian, Version 1.1, April 2013
CARTOMIZER QUESTIONS
Q. What type of cartomizers does the Billet Box use?
A. The Billet Box uses standard 35mm, 510 connection, metal-bodied cartomizers.
Q. What resistance of cartomizer should I use in the Billet Box?
A. The Billet Box is designed primarily for use with 3.0 ohm cartomizers to provide the best combination of versatility and battery life. However, higher or lower resistance cartomizers may be used according to your taste.
Q. Can I use dual-coil or low resistance cartomizers in the Billet Box?
A. This is largely a matter of taste but yes, low-resistance/dual-coil cartomizers may be used in the Billet Box.
However, low-resistance (below 2.0 ohm) dual-coil cartomizers can result in shorter battery life, and may run too hot even at the lower end of the Billet Box voltage range.
Q. Will my <insert brand here> cartomizers work in the Billet Box?
A. If they are standard 35mm 510 cartomizers, then yes. Boge, IKV and some Kanger cartomizers have been reported as working well. However, some batches of Kangers have been identified as being too short to make the required electrical connection with the brass ring on top of the Billet Box.
Q. What if I really, really want to buy <insert brand here> cartomizers but no one knows if they work?
A. Seriously? If you are unsure, buy a 5-pack or single cartomizer to test before investing in a case of Brand X.
Q. Does the Billet Box require "punched" cartomizers?
A. Yes, being a tank system, the Billet Box requires punched or slotted cartomizers in order for liquid in the tank to wet the fill material of the cartomizer. You may buy pre-punched cartomizers or punch or slot your own.
Q. Where should I punch or slot my cartomizers?
A. At home, at work, wherever ... Billet Box Vapor recommends punching a hole about 8-11 mm above the bottom edge of the cartomizer body.
Q. What if the recommend punch/slot location doesn't work for me?
A. Try the recommended punching/slotting location first. If you are not happy with the results, try again a little higher or lower until you find what works best for your cartomizer of choice.
Q. Can I use "Mega" or "XL" cartomizers?
A. No. These are usually much longer than 35mm and too long to use in the Billet Box.
Q. Can I used flanged cartomizers?
A. No. Most flanged cartomizers are "Mega", "XL" or "DCT" cartomizers and too long to use. Even if a 35mm cartomizer were flanged, once inserted in the Billet Box tank it is likely that either the cartomizer leading to the top would be too short or the atomizer connection at the bottom would be too long, or both.
Q. How does the cartomizer screw into the Billet Box?
A. It doesn't. When the brass ring on top of the Billet Box is screwed down it contacts the top of the cartomizer to make the ground connection, and the positive post of the cartomizer is pressed down on to the positive atomizer connection (at the bottom of the tank compartment). So a standard, screw-in type 510 connection is not required.
Q. Can I use cartomizer-sized clearomizers or clear cartomizers?
A. By design, no. The Billet Box uses the cartomizer body as part of the electrical path so it must be conductive (generally, metal).
Q. My cartomizer tastes burned/dry.
A. Please phrase your question in the form of a question.
Q. Fine. WHY does my cartomizer taste burned/dry?
A. Sometimes a cartomizer just sucks.
More often this occurs because the fill material in the carto is not properly wetted in a way that keeps the right amount of liquid in the fill material near the coil(s).
Depending on the thickness of your e-liquids, absorption properties of cartomizer fill material and/or internal location of the cartomizer coils you may need to try larger holes or slots, more holes/slots or having them in a different location up or down the cartomizer body.
Once you find the right combination it will all make sense.
TANK QUESTIONS
Q. What is the Billet Box tank made out of?
A. The Billet Box tank is made out of strong, food-grade materials. The body is Delrin, the clear face is Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), the gasket is silicon and the screws are stainless steel.
Q. Will the tank hold up to strong/acidic e-liquids without cracking?
A. At this time there have been no reports of Billet Box tanks being damaged due to e-liquids. Due in part to the materials and in part to the flat surfaces of the design, cinnamon, citrus, and other strong e-liquids that tend to damage or crack traditional cylindrical tanks made of lesser materials should not be a problem.
Q. How much liquid does the Billet Box tank hold?
A. The tank holds about 5 ml of e-liquid. The cartomizer holds about 1 ml, for a total capacity of about 6 ml.
Q. How do I install a cartomizer in the Billet Box tank?
A. Billet Box Vapor recommends filling the cartomizer with 20-25 drops of e-liquid before installing it in the tank. This is to ensure the cartomizer is thoroughly wetted before use.
Lightly wet the upper and lower o-rings with a drop of e-liquid.
Insert the top of the cartomizer into the bottom of the tank and push it in.
There is a slight ledge near the inside top of the tank; if you wiggle the cartomizer a bit to position it to sit on that ledge, it will more easily push through the upper o-ring.
Push the cartomizer in just until the bottom of the cartomizer body is flush with the bottom of the tank.
Q. How do I install the tank in the Billet Box?
A. First, ensure the brass ring at the top of the Billet Box is backed out several turns.
With the cartomizer installed, simply drop the tank into the space provided for it.
Tighten down the brass ring until it snugs up against the top of the cartomizer.
Once installed, put a thumb or finger on the face of the tank and push toward the top of the Billet Box. It will not move much if at all, but this can help ensure everything is seated and aligned properly.
Q. How do I fill the Billet Box tank?
A. There is a small hole blocked by a spring-loaded black ball in the upper left face of the tank that the included, plastic 20 ga Luer dispensing needle will fit into.
Place the tip on the end of your syringe and fill it with e-liquid.
Carefully use the tip of the plastic dispensing needle to push the ball down and out of the way until the tip of the needle is inside the tank.
Slowly push the liquid from the syringe into the tank. Generally, leaving a little bit of an air bubble in the tank is recommended.
When done, pull the dispensing needle out of the hole. The black ball will block the hole again.
Wipe any e-liquid residue from the ball or face of the tank.
Using a finger, gently push on the clear face of the tank several times to ensure the black ball has fully seated in the hole. This will ensure the tank does not leak.
You may notice some bubbles coming from the holes or slots in the cartomizer; this is normal with a new cartomizer or when refilling a mostly-empty tank and a good indication that liquid is entering the cartomizer.
Q. Too many words. Got video?
A. Yes. Go to billetboxvapor.com and select "Videos". The rest is left as an exercise to the reader.
Q. Do I have to fill the tank through the filling hole in the front?
A. If the tank is installed in the Billet Box and you don't want to remove it, then yes.
If the tank is not yet installed or you don't mind removing it, you can fill it just like any other cartomizer tank -- for example, by pushing the bottom of the cartomizer in and filling from the bottom, or using tank-filling tool or extended drip tip to push the cartomizer down and fill it from the top. Life is about options.
Q. Do I have to use the included dispensing needle to fill the tank?
A. If you are using the filling hole in the tank, it is highly recommended. The ball is made of soft Nitrile and can be easily damaged by metal tips, even blunt tips. A damaged ball may not seal and could result in liquid leaking from the tank.
Q. Where can I get more 20 ga displensing tips?
A. eBay is a good source, especially if buying in bulk. More online vaping stores are beginning to carry them as well. An online search for "20 ga plastic dispensing needle" will turn up a fair number of sources.
Q. Can I use the Billet Box tank on other mods?
A. Well, you could, on a mod with a 510 connection that extends out long enough, but ... why?
DRIP TIP/BRASS RING QUESTIONS
Q.Can I use my own drip tips on the Billet Box?
A. Yes. Most standard 510 drip tips should fit inside the brass ring.
If the tip is slightly too small, it can often be made to fit with larger replacement o-ring or by removing the o-ring, wrapping a bit of unflavored dental floss around the o-ring slot, and replacing the o-ring.
If the tip is slightly too large, it might be made to fit by removing the o-ring and sanding down the diameter. Using very fine sandpaper, working slowly, test-fitting often and stopping when it just fits is recommended.
Q. What should I use to back out or tighten the brass ring?
A. A standard U.S. quarter or nickel coin is ideal. These will fit right into the slots on the brass ring and provide more than enough leverage.
Q. What if I don't have the required coinage?
A. Some folks have found that their drip tip fits in tight enough to loosen or tighten the brass ring, no coin required. Just don't tighten it down too much to easily remove later.
Some users have reported using a corner of the back plate to tighten/loosen the brass ring. While this does work, be careful to to not bend the back plate as getting it perfectly straight again could be difficult, and replacement back plates are not available at this time.
Q. How much should I tighten the brass ring?
A. The brass ring should be tightened down just enough to make contact with the cartomizer body.
Too loose, and the cartomizer will not fire.
Too tight, and the cartomizer might damage the silicon gasket around the cartomizer positive pin.
BATTERY QUESTIONS
Q. What kind of batteries does The Billet Box use?
A. The Billet Box is designed to use 3.7 volt, AW IMR 16340 (Red) or AW ICR 123 (Black w/silver label), button-top batteries.
Q. How long do those batteries last in the Billet Box?
A. Short answer: until they die. Long answer: Most users report anywhere from 1/2 to a full day of vaping with a freshly charged pair of batteries and a 3.0 ohm cartomizer. Depending on your cartomizer resistance and how you vape, YMMV.
Q. How do the batteries die - do they peter out, cut off, or...?
A. Red AW IMR 16340's tend to lower in voltage near the end of the charge resulting in a noticable performance drop before they stop working.
The Black AW ICR 123's tend to keep their output and performance constant almost to the very end with only the last two or three vapes showing signs of final discharge.
Q. Can I use other brands or types of battery?
A. The Billet Box battery compartment is very specifically designed for the physical size of the AW IMR 16340 and ICR 123 batteries and has very tight tolerances. However, any 16340 or 123-type battery that is button top, no longer than 34.2 mm or larger than 16.6 mm in diameter should fit. If you MUST buy a different brand/model of battery, CHECK IT AGAINST THESE DIMENSIONS.
Q. Aren't 123-Type batteries lower voltage than 16340's?
A. Yes, No and Maybe. Broadly speaking, 123-type batteries have historically been used in 3.0 volt applications such as flashlights and photography equipment. However, while there are standards out there battery manufacturers are not really held to them and can make and label their batteries any way they want that is relatively safe for a particular purpose. As a result there are some (such as the AW ICR 123's) that are 3.7 volts.
The Billet Box will work with 3.0 volt batteries, but the upper voltage range will be limited to 4.8 volts (no matter how much higher you turn the dial). They can be used "in a pinch" but probably should not be used as your primary batteries.
LAST NOTE on batteries regarding size and voltage:
Think about this: 123-type and 16340 batteries should, generally speaking, all be about the same size. But manufacturers label similarly-sized batteries almost interchangablely and are free to muck about with actual specs and dimensions. A battery labeled "16340" does not necessarily have to be 16mm in diameter, 34mm in length and need not even be cylindrical. To add to the potential confusion, the IEC international standard name for this type of battery package is "CR17345".
Confused yet?
Certainly, one can experiment and all of the information needed to make an informed purchase is in the answers above. If you know what you're doing and comfortable "taking a chance" then have at it! Properly informed, you will most likely find something that fits and works well.
However, if you don't know what you're doing and find all this battery talk confusing ... do you really want to risk wasting time and money on something that will not fit or make the Billet Box vape it's very best?
Bottom line: The recommended AW IMR 16340 / ICR 123 batteries are ALWAYS a safe bet. Moving on.
Q. The batteries fit in there awfully tight. How do I get them out?
A. The recommended method of removing the batteries from the Billet Box is to remove the back plate and smack the battery compartment over the open palm of your hand. Done properly, at least one battery should drop out allowing easy removal of the remaining battery.
Prying them out with a tool is not recommended as it could damage the protective covering of the battery.
Some users recommend wrapping a bit of tape around the batteries to create a handle to pull them out. Be advised, there is not much clearance between the batteries and the back plate, so the tape must be relatively thin.
Q. Can I charge my batteries inside the Billet Box?
A. No. Batteries must be charged in a dedicated battery charger.
Q. What battery charger should I use?
A. Many users have recommended the NITECORE Intellicharger i2 or i4, but any charger capable of handling 3.7 volt 123/16340 batteries should work.
POWER QUESTIONS
Q. What is the voltage range of the Billet Box?
A. The Billet Box has an adjustable voltage range of 4.0 volts to 5.5 volts.
Q. What is the amp limit of the Billet Box?
A. 3 amps.
Q. What kind of power protection does the Billet Box provide?
A. The Billet Box is protected against over-voltage up to 12 volts, current over 3 amps and reversed polarity.
Also, in the event of a major battery failure the body of the Billet Box is designed to vent through the air intake (on the side) and the seams of the back plate.
Q. With the tank on the inside, are the power components of the Billet Box protected against liquids?
A. Yes. The compartment containing the power regular is sealed with a gasket.
Q. Does the Billet Box have variable wattage (VW)?
A. No. Unless you count the ability to vary the voltage as the ability to vary the wattage, in which case the answer is Yes.
But really, no - you cannot set a specific wattage for the Billet Box to automatically maintain.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Q. Does the Billet Box come with any spare parts?
A. Yes. Your Billet Box should come with a baggie containing spare o-rings for the tank and spare silicon gaskets for the cartomizer positive pin at the bottom of the tank compartment.
Q. Do I have to use cartomizers? Is there a rebuildable atomizer option?
A. Without modification the Billet Box only works with cartomizers. A rebuildable atomizer tank design is being considered but is not yet in production (as of April 2013).
There are some reports that certain cartomizer-sized rebuildable atomizers will, with modification to the RBA, work in the Billet Box. The use of such devices and modifications is not discouraged, but is pretty much at your own risk.
Q. The carbon-fiber panels are cool, but are there other options (wood, rubberized, etc.)?
A. As of April 2013, carbon-fiber panels are the only option. It is possible (indeed, likely) that other materials will be available in the future. Check Billet Box Vapor Inc. for updates!
Q. When should I replace the tank o-rings or silicon gasket for the cartomizer positive pin?
A. The o-rings or gasket should last quite a while under normal use, but should be replaced whenever they are obviously nicked or damaged.
Even if damage is not obvious, replacement may be indicated if:
O-rings: Liquid drips or drains from top or bottom of the tank.
Silicon gasket: Excessive liquid "condensation" is consistently found behind, under or on top of the tank.
Q. How do I replace the silicon gasket at the cartomizer positive pin connection?
A. The gasket is seated in a channel milled around the positive pin.
Use a toothpick to pry under the outer edge until the gasket begins to pop out, then circle around if necessary to completely remove it.
Replace the gasket by placing it over the positive pin and into the channel.
Use your finger or a toothpick to gently but fully seat the gasket into the channel until it is flush with the bottom of the tank compartment.
Q. Katdarling said there would be cake!
A. Don't listen to her. The cake is ... well, you know. . . .
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Q. Why is there juice around and behind my tank? I was really careful when I filled it.
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