Voltage versus Wattage

[DKowGawd]

I'm coming to understand VV, but have absolutely no idea about VW. What are the pros and cons? Which is better? I just got an iTaste VTR. I'm running the iClear30S that comes with it and a Protank 2 both with 2.2 resistance at 4.2 volts. What would I or should I set the watts at, or does that only matter if I have it in VW mode? I would really like to understand this better. Please Help!

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

It's six of one, a half dozen of the other. VV allows you to vary the voltage delivered to the atomizer system.

Changing the voltage delivered to the atomizer changes the wattage produced in the circuit.

VW allows you to "set and forget" the wattage you prefer, and the device will change the voltage based on its read of the coil resistance to achieve the target wattage.

These questions come up often here and typically devolve into a debate between (1) those who spent a lot of money on a device that has VW and (2) those who spent a lot of money on a device that only does VV.

In real life, all that matters is that you can adjust the power delivered in your system to your taste. All mileages vary here.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I'm coming to understand VV, but have absolutely no idea about VW. What are the pros and cons? Which is better? I just got an iTaste VTR. I'm running the iClear30S that comes with it and a Protank 2 both with 2.2 resistance at 4.2 volts. What would I or should I set the watts at, or does that only matter if I have it in VW mode? I would really like to understand this better. Please Help!

Seeing as most clearos, cartos, etc are never as advertised ohms wise I prefer the wattage setting. Either that or measure my cartos/ clearos with a Multi Tester- some of mine have been + or - as much as 10- 20%

 

[RandomFellow]

Power (Watts) = Volts^2 / Resistance

So, when you use a variable voltage device, you have to figure out your voltage to set your device to a particular coil resistance. For example, if you have a 2.4 Ohm atomizer, then you might like around 4.5 volts. However, if you change your delivery device and it has a different resistance coil, then you have to adjust your voltage up or down depending on the resistance. At first, your just guessing and adjusting until you get a vape you like. After a while, you get an idea where you need to be on the voltage when you put on a different atomizer.

Now, the great thing about variable wattage is that you can find a power setting you like (say 10 Watts for example), and the device will read the Ohms of the atomizer and adjust the voltage. Basically, its doing all the thinking for you. You can switch from a tank to a carto to a dripper, and have three different resistance coils, and get the same vape because the device will adjust the voltage for you.

 

[Baditude]

Variable wattage is only useful if you already know what wattage you prefer. On average, most like a wattage between 7 - 8 watts. Once set, wattage remains set at that mark no matter what resistance of juice attachment you change to, the processor will make it's own adjustment to keep the wattage at whatever you decided. This method does not take into account of possibly adjusting to different flavors that may taste better at a different temperature from what you normally set your wattage to.

Variable voltage you do the math and make the changes yourself. An easy formula to use is to take the ohm and add the number "2".
2 ohm + 2 = 4 volts. 3 ohm + 2 = 5 volts.

They both do the same thing, they just use a different method to get to the same place.

 

[ZeroDisorder]

Variable wattage is only useful if you already know what wattage you prefer. On average, most like a wattage between 7 - 8 watts. Once set, wattage remains set at that mark no matter what resistance of juice attachment you change to, the processor will make it's own adjustment to keep the wattage at whatever you decided.

Variable wattage you do the math and make the changes yourself. An easy formula to use is to take the ohm and add the number "2".
2 ohm + 2 = 4 volts. 3 ohm + 2 = 5 volts.

They both do the same thing, they just use a different method to get to the same place.

I almost imploded when I read this. Almost. You made me do a double take to make sure I wasn't reading something too outrageous. I can see where you're coming from, but the engineer in me doesn't want to see it. Not the same thing by far.

I would separate your statements about considering wattage and then calculating voltage, though.

 

[Thrasher]

here. enter the voltage and resistance you now use and it will give you a good idea on where to start with the wattage setting.
Ohm's Law Calculator

with VV you set it, it works, any changes in resistance means you may suddenly get a hot vape or a not enough.

the idea behind VW is simple you set the power and no matter what happens with the resistance it will set the voltage for you to stay at that power.

Many people find it very useful when changing tanks, no matter what head or resistance you use VW will always reset the voltage to give you XX watts of power.

 

[crxess]

Variable Voltage you do the math and make the changes yourself. An easy formula to use is to take the ohm and add the number "2".
2 ohm + 2 = 4 volts. 3 ohm + 2 = 5 volts.

Fixed it for ya Bad

VV - VW 2 different routes leading to the same destination. Both work equally well or BAD dependent upon User input and understanding.

I am power ambidextrous and use both equally well, or not so.

 

[Recon Number 54]

When it comes to vaping and Ohm's Law, I tend to think of it this way.

Resistance is what it is, as far as the head goes, the resistance is static. Yes, I know, different heads, different coils, different resistance. But the resistance of the coils (at any given moment) are not really "adjustable".

The other two value in the calculation are "adjustable", but as you adjust one, the other is "fixed" in that the equation must balance.

So, if resistance is "fixed" and you control/adjust voltage, the wattage will change in order to balance the circuit/equation. If you control/adjust the wattage, the voltage must change in order to balance the circuit/equation.

I've seen a few conversations where someone has stated that they want (or even WERE able) to alter/set the voltage AND the wattage. They had a VV/VW device and were under the (mistaken) impression that they could control and set both values simultaneously. The ONLY way to do that is to alter the resistance of your coils in order to balance that same equation.

Which is why they call it Ohm's LAW. The math is non-negotiable.

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

I almost imploded when I read this. Almost. You made me do a double take to make sure I wasn't reading something too outrageous. I can see where you're coming from, but the engineer in me doesn't want to see it. Not the same thing by far.

I would separate your statements about considering wattage and then calculating voltage, though.

I think it was a typo. I'm guilty of the same crime and I'm a repeat offender.

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

So, if resistance is "fixed" and you control/adjust voltage, the wattage will change in order to balance the circuit/equation. If you control/adjust the wattage, the voltage must change in order to balance the circuit/equation.

That is, until The One returns to The Source and unbalances the equation. Then the Matrix reboots and we start all over again.

 

[Baditude]

I almost imploded when I read this. Almost. You made me do a double take to make sure I wasn't reading something too outrageous. I can see where you're coming from, but the engineer in me doesn't want to see it. Not the same thing by far.

I would separate your statements about considering wattage and then calculating voltage, though.

You caught me. I was thinking voltage and typed wattage. My mistake.

I went back and corrected. Glad you didn't implode.

 

[suspectK]

I think it was a typo. I'm guilty of the same crime and I'm a repeat offender.

I've been in a heated argument with someone along those lines before...we were both going crazy from eachother's typos, but our counter points were correct, in consideration of the first statement being incorrect. It happens..

 

[BernieVideo]

This conversation really has me Amped.


Tapatalking on iPhone.
Join the CASAA.
Protect your Vaping Rights!

 

[spizzlo]

+1 for VW. It's "set it and forget it"

 

[Katya]

Seeing as most clearos, cartos, etc are never as advertised ohms wise I prefer the wattage setting. Either that or measure my cartos/ clearos with a Multi Tester- some of mine have been + or - as much as 10- 20%

Correct! And not only that, the resistance of any atomizer changes over time; gunk buildup on the coil, cleanings. dry burnings and general wear and tear all can cause the resistance to go up or down; sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Experienced vapers know that and usually check the resistance often--it's a good habit to have. When you run your device in power mode, you don't have to worry about that because your PV does the resistance checking for you every single time to take a draw.

It's also a safety feature for people who use many different atomizers in varying resistances; even if you grab a 1.5Ω coil by mistake, thinking it's a 3.0Ω coil, the device will instantly recalculate the voltage so you won't burn a filler in your carto or get a nasty dry hit from your clearo.

Calculating wattage in your head is not that simple either. The formula is W = V squared divided by resistance if you want to be accurate. The often recommended simplified method of adding 2 to the resistance to figure out the voltage is not accurate and often gives a voltage that is may be too high. For instance, 2(Ω) + 2 = 4 (v) gives you 8 watts of power. For me, 8 watts is too high, especially when I'm vaping delicate flavors like fruit. I prefer ~ 6 watts. So yes, you can eyeball your voltage, but I prefer using the Ohms Law to get the accurate number; in our example of a 2Ω atty, one should set the voltage to 3.5v to get 6 watts. YMMV

Adding Variable Wattage as an option to any advanced mod's features just makes sense. Every new MPV now on the market comes with vw now, even the little iTaste vv. It's a good thing.

 

[OlDogNewTricks]

Either work perfectly fine. With variable wattage, you grab a starting point and no matter what you put on, you'll get a similar vape.

With variable voltage, you might want to start with a bit lower number, as differences in resistance would make marked difference in performance at the same voltage.

You will want to adjust to the atomizer and juice and your preference of course, no matter which method you use.

I like the predictability of variable wattage. Being old and forgetful, I have had burned hits, not turning down my voltage when changing atomizers with variable voltage. Just my two cents, engineering aside. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Baditude]

Variable wattage has its place for some vapors. I've never had a mod that has had it, and with the way I vape I don't need it. All my juice attachments are purchased at the same resistance.

I change flavors constantly, and I adjust the voltage to each individual flavor's "sweet spot". I don't use the same voltage for all my flavors, so I wouldn't expect to use the same wattage for them either. If I had to use VW, I would still be making adjustments, so what's the point (for me)?

Variable wattage has a place in vaping, but it's not necessary to enjoy vaping, and it's not for everyone.

 

[AttyPops]

My last two box mods just had a dial. No readout. No marks. I knew about were I would usually run it. If it was too hot, I turned it down, and if it needed more "oomph" I turned it up. And as the coil changed, I adjusted it.

So meh. It's the 1st "V" that's important. Followed by W or another V....meh.

 

[tombaker]

VV Variable Voltage adjust Volts, where the Resistance of the Coil...is a factor on the final Output.

VW Variable Watts considers Resistance and Volts, uses its little computer brain, to have the Final Ouput be at the dialed point. If a different Coil head is used, it sees the different resistance, and knows to adjust volts, to keep the end Wattage at the dialed Wattage point (actually button toggled point, most not dials).

VW is vastly superior, for returning to favor Output wattages, for each juice you have.