X2 automatic battery - is it a problem or is it me?

[Ewunia]

I just received my second delivery of two X2 650 automatics and they both don't behave as expected. I was extremely happy with the first lot although one of them shorted just after warranty. Both batteries in the second lot require a much stronger draw and occasionally "misfire", that is they don't turn on despite a strong draw. If it was just one I would assume that it is faulty, but with both it looks like a "feature". It almost feels like they deliver a lower voltage. Did anyone had a similar experience? Am I just unlucky and I got two faulty batteries? I didn't contact CS so far, I want to make sure it is not me first. BTW does anyone know how to measure the voltage on an automatic?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[shardina]

I haven't used an auto x2, but what carto/clearo/whatever are you using? Something like the T2, with a big airy draw might not let you get enough airflow through the switch, and I know 808-501 adapters are supposed to work poorly or not at all with autos, too.

 

[Ewunia]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm using a new SI clearo which works perfectly with my old X2 battery.

 

[1st Officer]

I found on one of my Auto 1300s that the chrome plating had slightly plugged up one of the air inlet holes (there are two) located just below the threads where the Carto, Clearo attach. Being very careful I took a large sewing needle (one made for leather) and inserted it into the holes to remove the plating flash. Now before you do this take a flat toothpick and slide it down on the inside of the threaded end between the battery post and the wall because if you don't you will most likely short out the battery as the center post is the positive and the case is the ground or negative but the toothpick will work as an insulator preventing the needle from contacting both surfaces. I opened all of mine up on all of my X2s and it made a world of difference in the draw. I think the holes are the proper diameter but plating has a tendency to buildup in a diameter at 2 times the plating thickness so it can reduce the air flow a considerable amount. Generally holes and threads are plugged before the plating process to avoid this happening but sometimes there will still be some plating flash or seepage anyway. I would caution you to make sure you are very very careful to not get over zealous to the point of opening up the holes to much as that will result in too much air flow giving you the opposite problem and even more careful that you don't short out the battery by allowing the needle to go all the way to the center post, a flat tooth pick or a piece of thick plastic that will fit in between the two is a must. If you are not sure what I am describing then by all means DON'T DO IT as I'm sure it will void your warranty, Just return the X2s for replacement....

 

[drummerskey]

Other than having to take the cap off the charging end of my auto 900, I have had zero problems and I honestly dont see a difference between the auto and manual short of having to push the button.

I didnt think that having to take the cap off would be normal but it works and now I just leave it off.

 

[bluecat]

Similar to Drummer I had one of 900 that wouldn't fire at all. Nada zilch. I took the end cap off and took a draw and it fired. I put the end cap and nothing. It was like sucking molasses. Take the cap off and it is fine.

Can also try sticking a toothpick in the post holes to see if anything clogged them. I personally break off a tip in one of the holes for a tighter draw. Now that I think of it my 650 may have had a really tight draw and I used the toothpick on the hole and it was better.

I use auto exclusively.

 

[Ewunia]

Thank you 1st officer, bluecat and Drummer. Cleaning the air holes did the trick on both batteries. I actually used a microscopic drill bit with a piece of cardboard pushed between the centre post and the outer ring to prevent a short circuit. The only problem I have now is what colour batteries to order next

 

[bluecat]

You are braver than I. Glad it worked out. Most of the stuff I know is from reading the posts from the good people on smokeless image. Never had anyone condecending and they are always willing to help.

The good thing is they have have a ton of colors. The bad is that you will have your cc numbers memorized.

 

[awsum140]

You might want to keep an eye on the very small holes at the charger cap end as well. If they clog it can also make the draw harder and stop an auto from working since the air that gets in through them triggers the air flow switch to turn the battery on.

 

[nightfell]

I love the new stuff I learn around here.

 

[chillywilly]

Hi. I am having this same problem. Just received my X2 today so it is not clogged. Cap on = no vapor whatsoever unless I suck the crap out of it. Cap off = perfect. I have bad luck

 

[Trainguy059]

Hi. I am having this same problem. Just received my X2 today so it is not clogged. Cap on = no vapor whatsoever unless I suck the crap out of it. Cap off = perfect. I have bad luck

You're not alone, SI CS is aware of this problem. Apparently, there were some X2 auto assembly issues relating to the vent holes and airflow switch. Contact CS, they'll take of you.

 

[starsong]

You're not alone, SI CS is aware of this problem. Apparently, there were some X2 auto assembly issues relating to the vent holes and airflow switch. Contact CS, they'll take of you.

Really? When I mentioned the same thing a while back people thought it was my imagination.

 

[r77r7r]

Wow, I remember hearing of this when they first came out months ago.

 

[Trainguy059]

Really? When I mentioned the same thing a while back people thought it was my imagination.

Nope, not your imagination. Cap on=no vape. Cap off=superb vape. I suppose the easy fix is just to leave the cap off. However, I'm pretty hard on my hardware and really don't want a bunch of crap clogging up and/or shorting out the USB connector. Just sayin'.

 

[dwsizme]

Just put in a ticket for my replacement X2 just got yesterday. No vape, only blinking (and blinking and blinking). My first one had issues with the center post (I think...what do I know I'm a newb still) sent it back, got the new one yesterday - won't even vape as a passthru. Tried all the fixes mentioned. Put in a ticket this morning. I thought it was a little cloud over my head as far as batteries lately....

 

[bill63304]

I have two X2 autos. I use them daily. It seems like once in a while it behaves the way you describe...it's hard to get a pull. I just puff a couple times and it gets going. This was rare for me but it did happen. I always felt it may have to do with the new carto I just put on, as that's when it seemed to happen. Overall, I love the bats though!

 

[Nivek]

Hi. I am having this same problem. Just received my X2 today so it is not clogged. Cap on = no vapor whatsoever unless I suck the crap out of it. Cap off = perfect. I have bad luck

I just put in my ticket to the CS at SI for a similar problem. I thought it was just me and the way I was vaping.

 

[dwsizme]

I have two X2 autos. I use them daily. It seems like once in a while it behaves the way you describe...it's hard to get a pull. I just puff a couple times and it gets going. This was rare for me but it did happen. I always felt it may have to do with the new carto I just put on, as that's when it seemed to happen. Overall, I love the bats though!

I'm new at this so take what I say with a grain of salt...but the first one was fine with my clearomizers until I got the cone for it. I wanted to use the carts, too. Up to that point (about 2 weeks) it was great, then I put on the cone and the cart and that's when I started having problems it seemed. I posted and got the advice to lift the center post and that worked for awhile, then it quit again. Finally I put in a ticket to get another one because I got tired of messing with it. This new one arrived and I was so excited.....but nothing.....no vape at all with anything and nothing I did worked. (wouldn't even work as a passthru while it was charging) I tried the same tricks with it, trying to gently lift the center post (made it glow brighter, but still wouldn't work), tried cleaning it, making sure all the holes were clear. Finally after the last try (and one last try this morning) it started just blinking and wouldn't stop. I plugged it in the wall socket, still wouldn't stop blinking, then I plugged it in the computer, then it stopped blinking. I unplugged it and put in a ticket and put it in an envelope ready to go back as soon as I hear from Heather. I don't know what else to do......really bummed.
But then I saw this thread. I'm glad to know maybe its not a little cloud over my head after all.

 

[chillywilly]

I thought it was a little cloud over my head as far as batteries lately....

Me too. I have had to replace 3 808 batteries and 1 X2 (this is my replacement) in just over a month. Tired of waiting for batteries in the mail!