Vamo quirks

[clypto]

So my gun metal Vamo arrived yesterday from smoktek. Two things I have noticed -

My battery starts to rattle after vaping on it for a bit. Being new to vaping and this being my first APV, will this hurt my batteries?

Also, sometimes it does not fire at all. Press the button and... nothing. I will hold it down and after a few seconds it will then fire... why? It didnt happen after the first day but noticing it a lot more as the days go on...

 

[kiwivap]

What batteries are you using? Are they good quality IMR? Do you have the new spring? It is probably losing connection with the battery which is why it doesn't fire sometimes.
You can sttretch the spring up, or get a better spring. It sounds like Smoktech have sent you an old spring.

 

[clypto]

Hmm, seems I forgot I made a thread about this already when at work yesterday. Busy day.. woops.

Anyways, I have checked the spring and it seems ok. I have tried a DCT and Vivi nova - both are doing the same thing. No juice on the vamo itself either.

As for batteries, I am using the Efest IMR ones you recommended Kiwi- Batteries : Efest IMR 18650 Button Top

Where can I get a new spring? This is starting to annoy me.

 

[kiwivap]

Batteries are good ones. I am seeing posts about the Smoktek Vamos - I think they have the older springs. if yours is a thin spring its the old one. Persapera has linked some better springs here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/vamo/369681-vamo-purchase-advice.html#post8325113 - that link goes to her post. She links 3 different ones that are good to use.

I'd try replacing the spring - one of those she linked should hold the battery in place properly.

 

[peraspera]

These springs are the same thing and have been reported by several people as working well in their VAMOs. One or more places is usually out of stock.
Hot Spring - Silver Bullet / OmeGa
HeliX hot spring
Silver Bullet/Omega - Replacement Hot Spring

 

[kiwivap]

Ah - thanks Peraspera - I just linked to your other post on those.

 

[clypto]

Thank you both for the links, I will probably be getting the spring because I do enjoy the Vamo - just annoyed by this firing issue.

 

[peraspera]

Ah - thanks Peraspera - I just linked to your other post on those.

I just figured that until all VAMOs are being shipped with reliable springs it doesn't hurt to have the spring links posted directly in any thread where a decent battery spring might help.

The reasoning behind the decisions that the the Chinese manufacturers make about quality control never cease to amaze me. Spending all of what probably would amount to 29¢ on a proper spring and a quick check that screens, buttons and atty connectors are where they are supposed to be would have likely allowed the manufacturer to charge double, or close to it, for their VAMO.

 

[Azphat12]

I bought a spring at Ace Hardware.
It looks the same as those (large bottom, moving into a smaller top)
It was 80 cents.....

All I did was trimmed it down just a little so it was a tight (but not TOO tight) connection.
Then I took needlenose pliers and twisted the bottom coil to wrap around the small post in the bottom cap.

Works great... costed 80 cents and about 10 minutes of my time.

Just an alternative...

 

[mostlyclassics]

You can also rummage around in the Glory Drawer in your kitchen to find an old, skinny flashlight with a dead bulb or battery-leak corrosion. That's where I found my replacement spring, and it was free!