What's up with my Vamo?

[DoctorJ]

I just got my Vamo not long ago. I charged up the batteries and put one it. It worked great, no issues. Now I've put in the other battery and it's really acting weird.

-It will blink and I click it on. Check the ohms and it's within a reasonable range. However, I take a few pulls @ 3.0v it does ok, sometimes I can get more than one. I click it up a little, sometimes it works, sometimes not. When it does seem to be working ok, I go to 3.5v and it will fire a little bit and then cut off. More often than not, I get one pull and it ceases to fire.

-I've tried putting the batteries in the charger to make sure they are charged. I've checked the voltage with a multimeter to make sure the battery is charged and within optimal range.

Some folks have told me the battery and charger I'm using are not ideal for the Vamo. https://ivape.net/index.php/18650-Tr...7V-2-pack.html and https://ivape.net/index.php/Trustfir...ticharger.html I've read that sometimes you need to put the battery back in the charger to reset the "chip" in it. Tried this multiple times.

Others said I need an IMR battery and different charger such as 4pcs Panasonic CGR18650CH 3.6 Volt Li-ion shipping free 18650 Battery 2250 mAh: Everything Else andhttp://www.amazon.com/JETBeam-Intell...ds=nitecore+i4.

Any suggestions for what I have now or do I really need to go to the Panasonic batteries and nitecore charger? Also, I've looked around and how do you tell if a battery is IMR? Don't see this anywhere on the Panasonics.

 

[mostlyclassics]

Your problem is that the protection circuit in your battery and the protection circuit in the Vamo don't play nicely together, especially at higher voltage or wattage settings on the Vamo. Some people have been able to make protected-circuit batteries work in Vamos, but that doesn't mean that Vamos are happy with such batteries.

The Vamo is specifically designed to use unprotected, high-drain, IMR-type batteries.

Somewhere on ECF is a thread dealing with Vamos and the best batteries for them.

 

[peraspera]

The Panasonic CGR18650CH batteries are hybrid batteries. They have an excellent track record of performing in vaping applications that require IMR batteries. You could also use Efest or AW 18650 IMR batteries but many people prefer the Panasonics.

Your current charger will work but I believe it takes a long while to charge batteries and may overcharge the batteries if you don't pull them as soon as the batteries are charged. The Nitecore charger is a smart charger that is very easy to use and won't overcharge your batteries although the safest practice is to pull batteries as soon as the charge cycle completes.

 

[Ron R]

I would also look at the spring in it and make sure it is making good contact, if it has the little silver spring you may need to get a better spring it may not be making proper contact.

 

[DoctorJ]

Ron--that was the first thing I did! I pulled it out, kinda stretched it a little to make sure it was extending, so I'm pretty sure it's not the spring since the unit turns on when I put the batteries in. I even shake it a little to make sure there's contact and there is always is. Nothing sounds "loose".

After a little more research and reading on here, I'm pretty sure it's the batteries. Heading over to Amazon right now and getting some of the Panasonics.

I understand mostlyclasics. I think the "redundancy" of the protection circuits is like the the two biggest kids on the block fighting for dominance. Also, I've read a bit about the Trustfires and they don't seem to have a great reputation either.

Off to order the Panny's and I'll post back later to update how they work!

Thanks for the input!!

 

[themyst]

On the topic of chargers, I have been using the cheapo charger from Madvapes at the link below:

AG-126 Lithium Ion Battery Charger

This charger has worked perfectly with no issues with protected ultrafire/trustfire 18650 batteries.

Being that the description doesn't specify if IMR batteries will work on this charger:

Will this charger also work with the IMR 18350 eFest batteries I have on order? Also got some Panasonic grey 18650s on order, but I think those should work.

 

[Light Seeker]

Rule of thumb that's always done right by me ..... Never use batteries or chargers with 'fire' in the name

 

[wv2win]

This would not solve your problem, but I would suggest you use your Vamo in VW mode and not VV. Just an fyi. I use Efest's unprotected batteries and have never had a problem. I got mine here because the price was good, plus FREE shipping:

Efest IMR 18350 800mAh 3.7V LiMn Battery Flat Top or Nipple Tops (2PCS)

 

[Light Seeker]

On the topic of chargers, I have been using the cheapo charger from Madvapes at the link below:

AG-126 Lithium Ion Battery Charger

This charger has worked perfectly with no issues with protected ultrafire/trustfire 18650 batteries.

Being that the description doesn't specify if IMR batteries will work on this charger:

Will this charger also work with the IMR 18350 eFest batteries I have on order? Also got some Panasonic grey 18650s on order, but I think those should work.

This is the same charger that vaporbreak sells for a few dollars, also included if you get the vamo kit. I have one, came with my vamo kit, but have never used it .... It's a spare for me, I use my nitecore i4 daily. If it can charge 18650s, it will also charge 350s. Note though, use caution with these low end chargers.... Take batteries out when charged, don't let it 'trickle' charge, monitor batteries heat when charging, consider using a fireproof bag, and check voltage with a dvm. Id also be cautious on charging 2 disimilar batteries (350 & 650 together), or 2 batteries that had different charge levels. Like everything, you get watcha pay for!

 

[angryguy77]

Rule of thumb that's always done right by me ..... Never use batteries or chargers with 'fire' in the name

Very true. My nephew was using one of those in his new diamante and it melted inside the device. I warned him...

 

[Statistic]

Dr J

I have that charger too and let me tell you it is garbage. It charges fine to 3.6v then trickle charges from 3.6 to 4.2.

Get an Nitecore Intellicharger. I got the i4 and it is EXCELLENT

 

[DoctorJ]

Dr J

I have that charger too and let me tell you it is garbage. It charges fine to 3.6v then trickle charges from 3.6 to 4.2.

Get an Nitecore Intellicharger. I got the i4 and it is EXCELLENT

I did! I figured while I was pulling the trigger on the Panny's, I might as well spend the few extra bucks for a good charger too.

Estimated arrival date: April 21-25!!

 

[John Alexander]

Dr J

I have that charger too and let me tell you it is garbage. It charges fine to 3.6v then trickle charges from 3.6 to 4.2.

Get an Nitecore Intellicharger. I got the i4 and it is EXCELLENT

I also bought a Intellicharger after reading that the cheapo charger has issues with overcharging and exploding batteries. I posted a link to said exploded batteries in a Vamo thread. Wasn't pretty.

 

[mainevaper]

18650 TrustFire 2000mAh 3.7V Li-ion are used for powering devices at 3.7Volts and can be used in various types of e-cigarettes, electronic cigarette MODS like our Aloha Valiumod. (it's only 39.95!) These TrustFire 18650's are 2000mAh strong, so that's some serious all day 3.7V Vaping, about three and a half ego's worth of battery life between recharges. They are rechargeable and have a protected circuit board enclose, to help in preventing the battery from being able to vent, over-discharge, or explode. Please never use stacked batteries for any iVape mod, or any other mod or e-cigarette, as lithium batteries can become quite volatile when used incorrectly.

taken from the ivape website. Highlighted your problem.