Vamo 5 and flat-top battery problem

[Dean R]

I've had my Vamo 5 for a month now and it's a great device for me. The only issue I have had is with flat top batteries.

The kit came with two no-name grey 18350 900 mAh batteries. On Day One they powered the unit up with no problems after I charged them.

I bought two flat-top 18650 Efest 2000 mAH batteries from my local vape shop and after charging them fully, found that neither would power up the Vamo, After some research here, I learned that button-top batteries might work better. My vape shop exchanged them and that did the trick.

So here's the weird part. For the past three weeks I have alternated my flat-top 18350 and button-type 18650 batteries with no problem. Then, all a sudden, my 18350 flat-tops will not work in my Vamo. I have tried running the 18350 batteries in single (both of them) and double mode. They will not power up the unit. I tried putting them back on the charger and the charger indicates they are fully charged.

I tried stretching the bottom spring to see if they would make better contact with the top post, but no luck.

Anyone have any ideas as to what the problem is?

 

[garfiode]

Do you have a volt meter to check the voltage off the cells. Since they were no name cells that came with it I would suspect them of just having bit the dust already.

 

[Dean R]

I do have a multi-meter in my storage locker. i just have to find it.

But after only 3-4 weeks of partial use? I can't really believe that.

 

[Dean R]

I managed to pull the LED from a used up disposable Blu I had laying around. the 18350s will fire the LED, so I do not think the batteries have died.

I do appreciate your comments garfiode

 

[InTheShade]

Is it possible that the tops (or the bottoms) of the battery have dented and are no longer making contact with either the top post inside the Vamo or with each other? I know you said you already stretched the spring but as you have already tested the batteries, this is all I have... Maybe you can try it in 18350 mode with just one battery and see if they fire it up that way.

I always used flat-top batteries in my V2 Vamo and have never had an issue.

 

[Dean R]

Thank you for your comments.

I had this idea as well. I thought that peeling the top of the plastic wrapper from the top may provide better contact, but no luck. The flat tops do not appear to be dented, sunk or tilted.

I think my Vamo just does not like flat top batteries.

 

[Tbev]

I run vtc3or4's in my dad's vamo and they are flat they work fine, also my mom had been rocking those Grey batteries for 6 months and they are just fine I'm actually running a fogger v4 at maybe one ohm on one right now, all good. Those batteries are OK.
But as too your problem.... Do you have any dings in the threads or anywhere on the tube of the vamo, my dad's has a dent and it keeps the battery from sliding all the way to the top and the spring isn't strong enough to push it up you gotta push it up with your finger sometimes.

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

 

[crxess]

It takes next to no current to light an LED
Without your Vamo in MY hand, I can't say what you are running into, but I can say Both Flattop and Button Tops work in Vamo's.

I've seen batteries read full voltage, but unable to push any amperage. It happens and can happen in Years or the first day.

 

[rfoot]

I had the same problem with flat tops on a Vamo 5. Batteries work in the older version Vamo but not the 5. I just use button tops in it and save the flat tops for my mechs.

 

[edyle]

I'm guessing reverse polarity.

either that or your positive pin on the inside of the mod has got pushed up;
I have the older v3 version

So in my case I can take the two tubes off and inspect the pin on the head; I don't know if you can do that on the v5.

 

[classwife]

Moved to Variable Voltage APV Discussion from APV Discussion