USB Passthrough - for a n00b

[slypknot]

Howdy all!

First, I must apologize if this post is in the wrong forum. My assumption is my question deals with the atomizer/voltage, rather than the USB PT itself.

Happily I'm close to 30 days analog free! WOOHOO! From 2 packs a day for 20+yrs to 0...not bad at all eh...

SO... I picked up a 5v USB PT cause I thought it would be cool to remove batteries from the equation...but it poses some questions:

1 - Is it ok to use the 5v PT with LR atomizers? My internal logic says I should not - as the LR's are already setup to run hot with standard voltage (I have an eGo battery / 3.7v)

2 - Cartomizer (standard 510).... I have tried using the 5v PT with these and every time I get a horrible/absolutely horrible taste... if I switch the cartomizer back to the 3.7v eGo battery it works fine without a bad taste.... this doesnt make sense / or does it?? I thought the 5v USB PT was to be used with standard 510 atomizers... and that's what is in my cartomizers. What am I missing?

It's truly amazing how much there is to learn with these things. With analogs, all ya need is a lighter... Almost makes it hard to explain to someone when they are interested in starting ecigs - that they need a ton of parts, ohms law knowledge, juice, etc... but I'm slowly ramping up!

Thanks!
-Slyp

 

[pasture]

do not use a LR at 5V.

If you are getting the full power by using a wall adapter or powered usb hub etc., then i would recommend dripping.
The 801, or even better the 302 atomizer, at 5V its the best ive found so far. you only need a 510-801 adapter.

cartomizers taste better at 3.7 but dripping is better on anything.

good luck

 

[slypknot]

Thanks Pasture! However, "cartomizers taste better at 3.7" is a serious understatement for what I'm getting here. I have only tasted something similar when I put a LR atty on the USB PT (connected to a PC) and it was dry of juice... burns the throat, makes the tongue almost numb with disgust...a truly horrid experience even for a smoker coming off analogs (which taste pretty bad themselves).

So the part I dont follow is: The USB 5v passthrough should not be used with cartomizers? Is it burning up materials inside the atty, causing the horrific flavors? It also does not matter what juice I fill the carto with...

If that's the case, then it looks like I should have/need to buy a 3.7 USB PT...because the 5v one will only be good with standard 510's (I'm not yet interested in switching to 801/901/and all other items which cost additional money/research/etc). I'm really just looking to use the PT with what I have on hand - it would be nice to break even on costs and so far I'm still in the hole compared to analogs at 5.00 a pack/2 packs a day. Kinda expensive so far...

Thanks again!
-Slyp

 

[pasture]

the juice does matter, a higher PG juice is better for cartomizers. Pure VG is too thick.
many use the 5V with cartomizers and like it. i have a tobacco filled carto and its not real bad.

have you tried dripping (on the 510?) If you are connected to a usb port then you might as well drip.

the only time i would ever use a cartomizer is for potablilty but i prefer to drip anyway, even while driving.

A 302 atty and adapter is less than buying a new passtrough and once you start dripping on it, you will avoid cartomizers at all costs.

other than those suggestions, you can try another cartomizer and see if that is the problem.

 

[slypknot]

Thanks again Pasture.

I do drip. I also am trying new products to enhance my vape'ng experience. Dripping is messy, a hassle, requires space to work in and constant attention to drip and cleaning materials. The flavor is great, but it has negatives.

SO... cartomizers are what I'm trying now - and all 5 of them taste awful using the 5v PT. None are using dark juice - all 5 are loaded with different juices.

Any other thoughts? These were purchased from MadVapes and all of them exhibit the same behavior/horrible flavor when vaped on the PT. Yet you indicate many others use these on the PT without issue... so is it possible I have inherited LR cartomizers by mistake?

Why do I feel like I'm a new member of the local electronics club?
Guess it's time to add yet another item to my long list of supplies, and pick up a multimeter....

 

[5cardstud]

If you like the way it vapes, that's the bottom line isn't it? I vape what gives me the most enjoyment and the best performance. I do think however you will probably burn them out faster at that voltage. The lrs were made to simulate high voltage vaping on a 3.7 volt battery.
Try Ikenvapes cartomizers if you want to use cartos. He has them engineered to his specs. and they out perform anyone else's. I have used just about every carto sold and these are by far the best plus he has some made for 5volt vaping.

 

[slypknot]

If you like the way it vapes, that's the bottom line isn't it? I vape what gives me the most enjoyment and the best performance. I do think however you will probably burn them out faster at that voltage. The lrs were made to simulate high voltage vaping on a 3.7 volt battery.

I agree. However, in order to find what gives the most enjoyment takes trying new things.

My issue is I am fearful I am using the cartomizer/PT incorrectly because it fails to work. Referring me to another method doesnt really answer if cartomizers are supposed to work with a 5v USB PT (not an eGo one with the battery connected, just a PT).

 

[pasture]

you very possibly have a LR carto by mistake but cartomizers are made cheaply in general and they have performance issues easier than attys/cart or dripping.

another suggestion is standard 510 atomizers with cartridges rather than cartomizers there is a big difference in quality of the construction. Joye brand is good.

in my opinion cartos are messier and more hassle than dripping.
you may tweak a carto and get 30 hassle free puffs but after that, the mess and and tweaking starts all over again and you are stuck with one flavor and no mixing of flavors. thats all i got. just dont give up on dripping at 5V alltogether if youre at the computer anyway, its the best flavor and vapor.

 

[5cardstud]

I had the same problem until I went to variable vaping. Now as I posted I use Ikenvapes cartos for the voltage I want to vape at. I do however agree that at 5 volts most cartomizers taste burnt at least to me.
I find the opposite. Atomizers are messier for me. With cartos all I do is pop the top, drip down the sides and put the top back on and vape. With atomizers it's constant filling, adjusting or replacing filler material, Cleaning. I get 2 weeks or more use out of one of Ikens cartos without all the mess.

 

[WillyB]

do not use a LR at 5V.

If you are getting the full power by using a wall adapter or powered usb hub etc., then i would recommend dripping.

I always see that advice. It would be true if in fact you actually had a PT system that could run a 1.5Ω atty at 5V. That would take a power supply that can provide 3.3A (3300mA) of current

Many folks are using AC/DC 5V@2000mA adapters with their PT's, they can't even provide enough current to run a standard Joye 510 at much higher then 4.1V. 2000mA with a a 1.5Ω LR atty means you'll actually be vaping at 3V and dissipating a measly 6 watts. A standard Joye 510 on the same power supply will get you 35% more watts (power/heat).

 

[pasture]

does anyone sell a powerful usb adapter? i run my passthrough on a small hub and noticed its less vapor than my 5V PV.

I always see that advice. It would be true if in fact you actually had a PT system that could run a 1.5Ω atty at 5V. That would take a power supply that can provide 3.3A (3300mA) of current

Many folks are using AC/DC 5V@2000mA adapters with their PT's, they can't even provide enough current to run a standard Joye 510 at much higher then 4.1V. 2000mA with a a 1.5Ω LR atty means you'll actually be vaping at 3V and dissipating a measly 6 watts. A standard Joye 510 on the same power supply will get you 35% more watts (power/heat).

 

[WillyB]

Never tried it but the specs are great.

PROVANTAGE: SonicWALL 01-SSC-2848 SonicWALL Power Supply 5V-2.4A 100-240V (N. America)

Should be able at true 5V with Joye atties.

 

[greenie]

good information

I've been having a problem with the vg gumming up the cartomizer too, although they work fine enough with my 5vt passthrough. I do get that burnt horrible taste when they start to die.

I just put in an order for straight PG liquid and cartomizers this morning, for no other reason than I prefer it.
Will see how these cartomizers hold out.


This thread reminds me to come back to this forum more often.