VaporFlask DNA40 fried

[fullyBoricua]

I'm scratching my head trying to think what went wrong here.

I purchased a VaporFlask DNA40 about a month ago from vaperev... yesterday I pulled a pair of VTC4s I exclusively use on the VF from the charger and loaded them. When I was screwing the bottom of the second battery, white smoke started to came out of the device... it scarred the hell out of me, but I managed to quickly unscrew it and make the smoke stop.

I was really afraid the battery was going to blow up while I was unscrewing... Now I know the smoke came from the chip, not the battery (not that is any consolation). In short, I have a burn / fried DNA40



One of the batteries have a pretty nasty burn as seen on the photo, also, the inside of the VF seems totally burned.

I sent an email to info@vaporflask.com yesterday but no one has replied.


Any ideas what could have gone wrong and who should I talk to?
Thanks.-

 

[Heespharm]

Ask for Jaime or Preston on Facebook


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[Heespharm]

Oh and sorry dude...


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[jackrussel]

Maybe opposite battery polarity. Both batteries need to be inserted the same way, even for reverse polarity protection to work. My condolences

 

[drmarble]

I concur that it was probably a reversed battery. amdtrucking (sp) had that happen. Each battery just immediately drains into the other. He fried off one of the wires but could still use it with a single cell on the unburnt side. I believe he got it fixed by vaporflask.
Anyway, my condolences on the near meldown of your mod and your hands. I hope the mod can be recovered.

 

[fullyBoricua]

Thanks guys for the answers.

It makes sense about one of the batteries reversed... guess I should mark them.

I already wrote to Jaime.

lets hope they offer some kind of service to replace the chip.

Thanks again!

 

[Fictitious Character]

Damn that sucks man hope you get it repaired.

 

[RandyF]

A $300 mod should really have built in protection from this.

Good you posted this though, a lot of people don't realize the DNA40 chip cannot protect you from shorting the batteries to each other (one right, one wrong), which is what appears to have happen.

 

[jaxgator]

Damn! Sorry to hear that man.

The folks at VF should be able to take care of you. I'm not sure when because they are still working diligently at replacing boards.

They might do it right away for you but I asked them if they would swap out a 30 board for a 40 board on a v2 that I have and they said they will be offering that service in the future.

 

[fullyBoricua]

I just received the RMA form from Jaime. I'll be sending the unit tomorrow

 

[herb]

You got to make absolutely sure you don't make a mistake when installing batteries , this is usually clearly outlined in the mods specs and instructions as mod makers don't want to be liable and replace a mod when it's clearly operator error .

Can't blame them , this happens more than it should , hope they take care of you.

 

[Necrotic]

Definitely put one in upside down. In parallel batteries it will instantly fry the chip. Sorry for the loss and hope you get it fixed soon

 

[fullyBoricua]

I filled the RMA form and sent the VF today via USPS.

Will keep you guys updated about repair costs.

 

[fullyBoricua]

Ok, so here's the end of the story.

Jamie from VF received my unit on DEC26.I sent him an email to confirm he got it, which he promptly replied saying my unit was on queue to be repaired. I also ask about any cost that would be involved in the chip replacement but he didn't mention anything.

On JAN02, Jaime sent my repaired VF back and I received it on JAN05... the chip was replaced, and the unit was "cleaned" (the brass contact were polished).

In short, they didn't charge me a penny, not even for the shipping back. I guess the reason is that the chip is promoted as having reverse battery protection but we all know that is not the case with 2 batteries... still, they replaced they chip at no cost, and all of this in the midddle of Xmas and new year.

I can't speak highly enough of these guys!

 

[jaxgator]

Wow! Now that's impressive CS right there. Good on VF.

 

[jpcwon]

That's great to hear! Yeah I am VERY happy with the outcome of my recent repair with VF. I had to send in my Flask to get a new chip. Besides taking a bit longer than I anticipated (no big deal), they did a great job and the Flask came back to me good as new.....They definitely have great customer service!

 

[Necrotic]

Ok, so here's the end of the story.

Jamie from VF received my unit on DEC26.I sent him an email to confirm he got it, which he promptly replied saying my unit was on queue to be repaired. I also ask about any cost that would be involved in the chip replacement but he didn't mention anything.

On JAN02, Jaime sent my repaired VF back and I received it on JAN05... the chip was replaced, and the unit was "cleaned" (the brass contact were polished).

In short, they didn't charge me a penny, not even for the shipping back. I guess the reason is that the chip is promoted as having reverse battery protection but we all know that is not the case with 2 batteries... still, they replaced they chip at no cost, and all of this in the midddle of Xmas and new year.

I can't speak highly enough of these guys!

I'm glad you got it sorted out! The "reverse battery protection" probably isn't the case. The case probably being that you did pay a pretty penny for the mod and should have a nice warranty. So glad you got it fixed!