Vamo Battery Question

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CliffCavin

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Nov 15, 2013
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I just bought a Vamo V5 and have a question about batteries and how much "punch" I can get out of it.
Does it make any difference in how much overall current it will output by puting two 18350's in it versus a single 18650?


I ask because I bought some 2 ohm, dual coil cartomizers. Currently, I have a single 18650 in the Vamo.
Even at the full 15 watt, or at 6 volts it still seems like it hits a bit weak. I was wondering if using 2 18350's would make any difference.


Thanks,,, Cliff
 

Baditude

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Although the vast majority of battery experts caution to never stack batteries, a select few mods allegedly have been designed to stack batteries. Should you decide to do so yourself, educate yourself on the proper procedure to do so.

Stacked or unstacked?
In some mods, you can fit two 18350's when the mod is configured for an 18650. This boosts the voltage output from 3.6V to 7.2V which means more vapor. Yay. BUT, you should still never do this. Unless you are familiar with matching batteries, you are only endangering yourself and others. A single large battery will always be safer than stacking two smaller batteries together.

You may think, "Well, shucks, laptops have multiple batteries in them, why can't my e-cig?" Laptop batteries are specifically designed for stacking and are paired for use at the factory. When using un-matched batteries, they will discharge and provide current at different rates. This means one battery will continuously take more of the stress than the other.

You may not notice any trouble at the start, but as the batteries age with use the problem will become more severe. Push the batteries a bit further and now you've entered the realm of thermal runaway. Downside being that one battery entering thermal runaway will push the other battery into thermal runaway. Now you have two small, flaming explosives only inches from your face.

The Vamo has built-in protective circuitry within its processor, one would hope that the Vamo would shut itself down should issues arise. That being said, proper safe battery procedure must be practiced at all times.

People who choose to stack batteries must choose a pair of brand new batteries of the same type and model, and mate them for life. Once paired up they must remain together forever. The idea is for them to remain equal partners for their entire life. Do not mix a new and older battery; do not mix battery models.

Alternate the order that the batteries are put into the mod with each use. Putting the same battery in first will cause unequal draining of the batteries, and one will soon become weaker than the other. Marking the batteries as "1-A" and "1-B" is suggested to keep track of the order they are used.

Use a voltmeter or digital multimeter to measure the batteries' voltage coming out of the mod (never less than 3.2v) and coming off the charger (never more than 4.2v).

Use protection circuits. Regulated mods have built-in protection. Mechanical mods do not have protection; a Vape Safe Fuse is recommended.

________________________________________​

Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected?

Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries
 
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wv2win

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Never stack batteries. Not a good idea. Read Baditude's blog on Batteries and battery safety. Good luck & VAPE ON:vapor:

Sorry, but that is just plain BS (never stack). As long as you keep the same set of batteries together, rotate which one is the lead battery and buy good batteries such as AW, Panasonic or Efests, there is basically no issue with using two stacked 18350's in an APV like the Vamo. The Vamo also has plenty of safety features to prevent an issue.

And to answer your question, yes, two 18350's provide more accurate power output than one 18650. Some feel the difference is minor, others find it more noticeable. Watch Phil Busardo's review on the Vamo V5 and you see the actual difference that two 18350's make:

 
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Baditude

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Greetings; Isn't one of the big advantages to stacking 350s longer battery time between charges?

Can anyone say in a general way how big a diff there is in this regard compared to battery time from an 18650?
To my knowledge (I don't stack batteries), stacking will not provide additional capacity (battery duration). It will only add to the overall voltage available.

The added voltage can be self-defeating in some regulated mods if they were not designed to accept the additional voltage. The added voltage might be sensed as a short circuit by the protected circuitry of some processors, so they may refuse to fire.
 

Bunnykiller

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Greetings; Isn't one of the big advantages to stacking 350s longer battery time between charges?

Can anyone say in a general way how big a diff there is in this regard compared to battery time from an 18650?

Regards
Glenn

I have a Vamo3 and have stacked 2 18650 3000mAh batteries in it with no issues so far. Im running 1.8 ohm coil in an RSST head at 8.5 watts on average. The battery set lasts about 2 1/2 Days before a recharge is needed ( low voltage shows on screen) When I have the Vamo setup for single 18650 2000mAh battery, recharge is needed after 10-14 hours of usage with the RSST head.
 

wv2win

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Greetings; Isn't one of the big advantages to stacking 350s longer battery time between charges?

Can anyone say in a general way how big a diff there is in this regard compared to battery time from an 18650?

Regards
Glenn

I have found the difference to be minor. I may get 45 minutes to an hour longer with two 18350's. But how one vapes, etc could play a role in that.
 

Vapoor eyes er

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I've stacked batts and have noticed longer run time and a slightly better vape. Stopped doing it cuz it was too much hassle.
Stacked batteries are not dangerous, the user is. I know some converts that very well versed in batt safety and I wouldn't have an issue with them stacking batts. I know of other converts that I would NOT encourage to stack batts as batt safety has been explained to them in detail BUT they don't follow those recommendations.

Trying to vape at >3amps on batteries that only rated for <2A is dangerous. When done smartly, and within reason, they are no more dangerous than a single battery. Do your homework, know the specifications of your batteries and the kinds of stress that your particular style of vaping is going to put on them.
Sorta OT but gives us an idea of the idiocy that's out there in regards to electrical safety:
http://callhart.com/crazy/2010/02/code-i-dont-need-no-stinking-code/

Couple of quick facts. Laptop battery packs usually have 4-6 18650's "stacked". E-bikes have dozens of 18650 or larger, "stacked". Hybrid and Full electric cars can have as many as 180 18650's ,or larger, "stacked".
 

Vapoor eyes er

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Hmmm, I wish I could figure out a way to attach my PT2 to a Toyota Prius! :vapor:

Regards
Glenn

LOLLLL. The Tesla electric car batts are highly regarded and get rave reviews. Panasonic makes them. Have always been very impressed with all Panasonic products BUT lately they've been manufacturing some lower quality. Batts are still great but have to be picky when buying a Panny TV. Own a Panasonic cordless phone 20? yrs old and still performs flawlessly.
 
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retic1959

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    How are you fitting 2 18650 batteries in a Vamo?
    I know Bunnykiller personally Baditude , he's combined the parts of two Vamo 3's to stack 18650's . No point in preaching to him , his avatar is a photo of a ten ft tall Tesla coil that he built and he builds lasers for fun , he's seriously into the electronics in a big way..
     
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