The Prodigy Blowing Atomizers [Fact vs. Fiction]

[fjames]

I've had one Prodigy for a month or so and one for a week or two. Use BE-112 atomizers (pen style) exclusively and have had no problems at all. Both devices got a well used (3-4 weeks) atomizer transferred over. The first lasted another 2 weeks or so and the new one that replaced it is going strong. The newer Prodigy still has the atomizer that was transferred over.

I hold the button 2-3 seconds at most. I can't imagine holding it 5 seconds with a 901 (I don't like the 901 anyway, but still) the hit would be too harsh for me. Funny thing, I used old "real" li-ion cells in the first one so even though they're old and don't charge as high as they should (come off the charger at about 4.08V) they're stronger than the default cells. Right now I'm using the old 3.7V cells in one and 3V primaries in the other while I wait for some new LiFePO4 cells to come in. I'm going to try the Powerizer ones out of curiosity.

 

[andel11]

5 seconds on a 901 might be too much. You get good vapour with 2-3 seconds. Start with short bursts and build up if needed. Also are these new ats? If so did you prime them with a couple of drops of liquid first?

Theoretically two 3v CR2's will perform the same as two CR123A's, just for less time. Seriously, if you are using it right it does not kill atomisers.

So to your point OK, so the first one yeah i held for about 5 seconds it blew, went back to the forum and read some more, held the second on 2-3 seconds like everyone said on brand new atomizer with PRIMED and it blew too. So maybe that theory didn't hold up for me. I am going along with what TommyGun said regarding the CR2 batteries before I use it again, if they run cooler than its worth saving me from going through a bunch of 901 atomizers. For now I will stick with the 801 atomizer on the Prodigy which seems to be working fine.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Anyone can build a battery pack and if you are going to market a battery pack for $100 plus dollars and attach it to someone else's atomizer.

Sure, but the various commercial mods do more than just jam batteries on the end of a third party atomizer. They're purpose built battery housings that include unique features and industrial designs. In the case of the Prodigy you're getting interchangeable atomizer adapters, interchangeable switches, user replaceable batteries and a stylish package. The other mods have similar advantages over stock hardware.

Then you can't go around blaming the consumer for twisting it on fully..

Yes and no. It would be nice if the Prodigy and others were completely idiot proof, but I think there's an understanding on the part of consumers of these devices that they may have certain limitations.

They should figure how to build there own atty's. Oh...wait...

They don't know how..

It's not that they don't know how. I believe it's more an issue of the economics of building them and the fact that there are potential copyright violation entanglements. I think it's only a matter of time before Cash or one of the others starts building their own atomizers.

This is an emerging industry and the commercial mod makers are very small businesses with limited resources. There's a lot of room for improvement, but I do think guys like Cash are making advancements by leaps and bounds. Consumers just need to be aware that what they're buying is the product of a cottage industry, not large companies. Anyone buying a Prodigy or a GG or an AdapteveR etc. should be going into it with their eyes wide open.

 

[PuffinStuff]

Surf Monkey, I have to say that I totally agree with you! None of the "mods" that I have looked at are identical in any way. Each has it's own "special features".

I have a Prodigy and I love it. You can bet that Cash has one hell of a lot invested in this unit both in time and money, and he took a big risk to bring it to life. To date, I think it is the most "versitile" of all of the mods I have read about. I fully appreciate the hard work that has gone into the Prodigy's creation and admire the ingenuity of it all. (I am not affiliated, related, a suck up, etc, etc)

You hit the nail on the head...It is a emerging industry. I feel like this is just the beginning of things to come. As far as the "copycat" allegations, how many other creations or inventions are totally exclusive? Computers, toasters, yadda, yadda yadda. You can bet that none of the manufacturers made ALL of their own parts. Ford didnt make the oil for my car, but it wont run without it. Further, No invention is idiot proof. I burned my hand on my coffee maker, but I dont blame Mr. Coffee.

I have been shopping for a new vaccuum cleaner and heck... there are hundreds of designs, I am sure that they started with a single design. Oh well, I dont have to worry about a vaccuum now, I just spent the money I was saving for it on my new Prodigy!!!

BTW I would pay good money for a durable, reliable, atty. Cash, get busy.....

 

[StratOvation]

Hey Guys .... Since everyone and their grandmother believe the Prodigy can somehow blow their atomizers (that did NOT include user error) I thought I would go over some facts ... instead of the constant streamline of rumors.

FACT #A:
The Prodigy can not blow an atomizer on its own. If a short is caused by an adapter or an atomizer twisted on too hard, it would heat up the resistor and/or batteries. See RUMOR #B Disclaimer in rare cases.

FACT #B:
If there is a short (in the adapter) it will NOT KILL YOUR ATOMIZERS. It will heat up the batteries and/or resistor.

FACT #C:
The Prodigy doesn't slice the silicone causing the atomizer to short ... The user twisting it on to hard causes the silicone within the atomizer to get cut and short.

RUMOR #A
The resistor can kill an atomizer ... O RLY' ?!?!? How?

RUMOR #B
Voltage Killed My Atomizer ... Ok, perhaps, 1 in 100 atty's this could be true. Then again, it comes down to maintenance, keeping it lubed up at all times, and allowing for cool down periods.

Again, there is not a single way an atomizer can be killed that DOES NOT INVOLVE USER ERROR (minus the slim 1% chance the atomizer couldn't take the higher voltage for short spans). Even a shorted adapter is just that ... a shorted adapter, not a blown atomizer...

TYPES OF USER ERROR:
1) Tightening the atomizer on to the adapter too tight.
2) Pressing and holding the button down longer than recommended times.
3) Overuse without letting it cool down.
4) Overuse without keeping liquid pumping through the atomizer at all times.

There ... Hopefully Black and White enough for everyone to understand

Couple of Questions/Comments Steve....

Why am I seeing the same voltage on a set of batteries with/without the resistor in the circuit? I tested several freshly charged sets of batteries and all were about 7V's, Installed the batteries in the Prodigy and tested the voltage at the adaptor... Same exact voltage readings? Does the 2w resistor only decrease the voltage under load? If I remember correctly, most resistors fail to open or create More resistance as they are failing, so I assume the resistor has not failed.
I don't have a means of testing under load to determine what the supplied voltage is when atty is attached.

My Switch housing and resistor still appears to be pretty pristine.

 

[gjrhine]

I tested several freshly charged sets of batteries and all were about 7V's, Installed the batteries in the Prodigy and tested the voltage at the adaptor... Same exact voltage readings?

How do you test "sets" with a multimeter?

How do you test voltage at the adapter?

 

[mamu]

So, yeah. At least as far as the 510 configuration goes, it's been clear sailing for me.

Told ya hahaha!!

What many people don't realize is that the 901 attys are finicky lil buggars and you have to treat them with kid gloves at higher volts. I rarely use 901 attys on higher volts.

I've not lost ANY 510 or 801 attys on the higher volts.

My 801 attys are from bestecigs.com (BE 112) and they absolutely rock with the Prodigy. Unbelievable that I would actually become happy with the 801 atty. No leaking at all and I'm only dripping with it. And this is using the 801 atty with 2 cr123a 3.6 volt batteries - love it!

My 510 attys are from eastmall.net and they're awesome for the warmth and throat hit.

 

[Closet Toker]

Got my Prodigy yesterday, and Lovin' it! I use four drops of liquid to prime a new atomizer, and let it soak in for a minute. Take a few drags, and add another drop or two. Better off adding too much, than not enough. You'll know when it's flooded when liquid oozes out the air holes. But if it's too dry.... too late, it burnt out.
I can't imagine anybody "needing" more than a 3 second burn on this thing anyhow. The vapor production is fast and massive.
I am used to dripping the 901 on my Screw Driver. I averaged about one atty. per week-week and a half on the S.D.
Compared to the S.D., the Prodigy is just CRAZY! The Prodigy really is a juice ~ hungry monger. I'm thinking I may have to sell my S.D.!! A backup Prodigy would be nice.

 

[wv2win]

TYPES OF USER ERROR:
1) Tightening the atomizer on to the adapter too tight.
2) Pressing and holding the button down longer than recommended times.

If you are going to state that you can hold the button down too long and thus state that this is user error and will kill an atomizer, then you need to be SPECIFIC on what is the maximum amount of time you can press the button WITHOUT damaging the atomizer!!! And this needs to be specific to each type of atomizer. And why was this not provided with the documentation that came with the product so CUSTOMERS could avoid killing their atomizers?
3) Overuse without letting it cool down.

What EXACTLY constitues overuse??? 5 minutes?, 10 minutes?, 1 minute? What is the "cool down" time frame?? 1 minute? 3 minutes?

Making generalized statements that leaves maximum room for interpretation does not help customers avoid problems.

4) Overuse without keeping liquid pumping through the atomizer at all times.

There ... Hopefully Black and White enough for everyone to understand

I think the Prodigy is one of the top 5 PV's available and continue to recommend it. But I also believe that specfic documentation and how to best use this PV is lacking especially for those new to vaping.

 

[Brian S]

Couple of Questions/Comments Steve....

Why am I seeing the same voltage on a set of batteries with/without the resistor in the circuit? I tested several freshly charged sets of batteries and all were about 7V's, Installed the batteries in the Prodigy and tested the voltage at the adaptor... Same exact voltage readings? Does the 2w resistor only decrease the voltage under load?

There will only be a very slight decrease in voltage without a load. You likly won't notice it with the 7v you are working with. Even with guitar amps with over 400v, without the tubes in, there is very little drop across the resistors.

Brian

 

[Enfield]

Told ya hahaha!!

What many people don't realize is that the 901 attys are finicky lil buggars and you have to treat them with kid gloves at higher volts. I rarely use 901 attys on higher volts.

I've not lost ANY 510 or 801 attys on the higher volts.

My 801 attys are from bestecigs.com (BE 112) and they absolutely rock with the Prodigy. Unbelievable that I would actually become happy with the 801 atty. No leaking at all and I'm only dripping with it. And this is using the 801 atty with 2 cr123a 3.6 volt batteries - love it!

My 510 attys are from eastmall.net and they're awesome for the warmth and throat hit.

Amen to that Mamu!

I love dripping on my BE112; it's been performing fabulously. The 801/BE112 is my main vape on my Prodigy, but I've also been trying to give the 510 some time too.
I may be weird in that I've never vaped on any 901's, although I know they are one of the top-sellers. I've been completely happy with the 801 and 510 on the Prodigy. I was just in the right place at the right time, I suppose.

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Couple of Questions/Comments Steve....

Why am I seeing the same voltage on a set of batteries with/without the resistor in the circuit? I tested several freshly charged sets of batteries and all were about 7V's, Installed the batteries in the Prodigy and tested the voltage at the adaptor... Same exact voltage readings? Does the 2w resistor only decrease the voltage under load? If I remember correctly, most resistors fail to open or create More resistance as they are failing, so I assume the resistor has not failed.
I don't have a means of testing under load to determine what the supplied voltage is when atty is attached.

My Switch housing and resistor still appears to be pretty pristine.

Strato ... The resistor looks perfect. Simply put, you won't see a drop in voltage unless the circuit is completed and under load as Brian specified below. You can actually use the same set of batteries, put them in back to back using it once with a non resistor switch and one WITH a resistor, and the voltage remains the same

There will only be a very slight decrease in voltage without a load. You likly won't notice it with the 7v you are working with. Even with guitar amps with over 400v, without the tubes in, there is very little drop across the resistors.

Brian

Pretty much ... Although, I don't even notice a slight decrease. Voltage remains the same when unloaded

 

[happily]

I would like to formally apologize to Cash for the stupid **** I said in this thread last night. I need a breathalyzer lock on my computer. You have made some great advancements in the e-cig department and I know you put a lot of time and effort into it.

Thanks

 

[StratOvation]

How do you test "sets" with a multimeter?

How do you test voltage at the adapter?

Testing sets of batteries:
First number your sets to keep things straight...1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, etc...
Then lay a set end to end on a non conductive surface _+_+...
Set the Multimeter to DCV range that includes 7V, touch the black lead to the negative end battery and touch the red lead to the positive end battery. apply a little pressure between the two leads to be sure both cells are touching.... Read results.

Testing Voltage of batteries via the Prodigy adaptor:
You may need a second pair of hands... With batteries installed and end cap in place. Set Multimeter same as above ... touch black negative lead between the threaded brass collar and the adaptor well. Carefully touch the red positive lead to the center post of the adaptor. depress the power button on the prodigy and read results.

 

[StratOvation]

Strato ... The resistor looks perfect. Simply put, you won't see a drop in voltage unless the circuit is completed and under load as Brian specified below. You can actually use the same set of batteries, put them in back to back using it once with a non resistor switch and one WITH a resistor, and the voltage remains the same
Pretty much ... Although, I don't even notice a slight decrease. Voltage remains the same when unloaded

Ok, Thanks Guys...kinda what I thought but never hurts to ask

 

[gjrhine]

Testing sets of batteries:
First number your sets to keep things straight...1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, etc...
Then lay a set end to end on a non conductive surface _+_+...
Set the Multimeter to DCV range that includes 7V, touch the black lead to the negative end battery and touch the red lead to the positive end battery. apply a little pressure between the two leads to be sure both cells are touching.... Read results.

Thanks. That's what I figured.

Testing Voltage of batteries via the Prodigy adaptor:
You may need a second pair of hands... With batteries installed and end cap in place. Set Multimeter same as above ... touch black negative lead between the threaded brass collar and the adaptor well. Carefully touch the red positive lead to the center post of the adaptor. depress the power button on the prodigy and read results.

So with what Steve says that tells you nothing more than testing without the adapter?

 

[StratOvation]

Yep Gary... Same way I read it..... Same results, just differing methods to test. But testing via adaptor may come in handy for troubleshooting in the future.

 

[Flitzanu]

strato, help me out here.

i get the red post goes in the center of the adapter piece (where the atty attaches) but where exactly does the black go?

 

[StratOvation]

strato, help me out here.

i get the red post goes in the center of the adapter piece (where the atty attaches) but where exactly does the black go?

No Problem Flitz, Maybe this will help....

I kinda wedge the black, negative lead between the threaded collar and the adaptor well to make it a little easier to maintain contact with the leads while using one hand.

 

[Flitzanu]

got it! i was picturing that was what you meant, i'm definitely a visual learner

i'm gonna try that later at home and see what results i get.