An atomizer consists of three basic parts: a tank to hold the e-liquid, a mouthpiece and a heating element that makes contact with the battery to vaporize the e-liquid. In a rebuildable atomizer, or RBA, the heating element, or coil, and wick are wrapped together. Depending on the model, an RBA may use an O-ring to guard against leaks. On some types of atomizers, all elements, from the tank to the mouthpiece, are replaceable. However, in the world of vaping, the term "rebuildable atomizer" is normally used to describe an atomizer with coils that must be made by the user.
This is not as complicated as it might sound. Anyone with halfway decent manual dexterity, a little patience and - at most - a couple of common household tools can make coils for an RBA. Other than the parts, the only specialty item you might not already have is a multimeter. This is an inexpensive gauge for measuring electrical signals, and you will need it to test the coils you make before you connect your RBA to your battery. The reason that testing is important is that a bad coil can destroy your battery, and potentially, it could cause even more damage.
Most RBAs are less expensive to use over the long term when compared to atomizers with prebuilt replaceable coils. However, on a list of the advantages of an RBA, many users rank financial savings lower than the ability to customize their vaping experience to improve the quality of the vape. Users can choose from a variety of wick materials, ranging from cotton to stainless steel mesh, and each material can alter the taste of the vapor. Therefore, the choice of material depends on your personal preferences.
A rebuild requires only a few simple steps. The first is to drain any e-liquid and disassemble the atomizer. There are normally two screws keeping the coil and wick in place that must be loosened. It is a good idea to wipe everything down; a cotton swab can come in handy for getting into hard-to-reach places.
Most coils are formed by wrapping the wire and the wick together. Beginners should be generous with their lengths, starting with five or six inches of each until they have mastered the process. Once the coil is ready, it's just a matter of winding it and attaching it to the two posts - one negative and one positive - on the RBA. The screws need to be tightened snugly, but they should not be over-tightened as this can draw the coil out of position and cause a short. Although many people need no tools for the operation, others use a small screwdriver for loosening and tightening the screws, and others find that a small pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers can be beneficial when winding the coil.
Once the coil is in place, it must be tested. A multimeter will display errors if any are found. If no errors are detected, the coil should then be checked for resistance to ensure that readings are within specification. If there are errors, such as an area where the coil is touching itself, they should be corrected and the coil should be tested again. If there are no errors, then the atomizer can be reassembled and vaping can resume.
It is unlikely that a novice will produce a perfect coil on the first attempt. It takes practice to get the hang of it, but for many, the improved taste and financial rewards make it worth the effort. Find out more about the selection of rebuildable atomizers available here at Lite Cig USA.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
What is a Drip Tip?
As the e-cigarette revolution continues to grow, vapers are finding new ways to create a more pleasant experience. One element that's gaining popularity is the use of drip tips. These mouthpieces offer several benefits over traditional e-cigs.
Traditional E-Cigs vs. Drip Tips
The traditional e-cigarette uses a battery-powered atomizer and a liquid-filled cartridge that also contains some fiber or foam wicking material. When the cartridge is attached to the atomizer - in cartomizers, they're already combined - the liquid-soaked fiber touches the atomizer's bridge, which then heats the liquid to produce vapor.
A drip tip is essentially a reusable, hollow tube that attaches directly to the atomizer and eliminates the need for a cartridge. Instead, the user adds a few drops of liquid through the center of the drip tip directly onto the atomizer's bridge. New atomizers might require three or four drops to produce adequate vapor while ones that have been used for a while may only need a couple of drops at a time; this could vary with different brands or sizes. Each addition of liquid produces anywhere from five to eight inhalations, depending on how much vapor is drawn each time.
Benefits of Drip Tips
Drip tips have several benefits that create an enhanced vaping experience:
Better Flavor: Both the plastic material of a cartridge and its wicking material can slightly distort vapor flavor, adding an unpleasant taste to the liquid. Using a drip tip removes both these elements for improved flavor.
Quick Use: Instead of detaching a cartridge and inserting a new one when refilling, the user adds drops directly to the atomizer as needed. Additionally, the liquid converts into vapor much quicker than with traditional methods because it doesn't go through any wicking material.
Eliminates Direct Liquid Contact: With a drip tip, there's no chance of liquid from the cartridge getting directly into someone's mouth.
Unrestricted Vapor Flow: Normally, vapor has to travel through a cartridge's small opening, which can mean diminished flow. A drip tip allows for greater flow because vapor travels directly through the hollow mouthpiece.
Less Clogging: Using a drip tip cuts down on clogging in the atomizer thanks to the direct application of liquid.
Style and Customization: Drip tips come in plastic or metal, in a variety of colors and in different shapes. This allows users to customize e-cigarettes to suit their personal preferences. For instance, someone might choose several drip tips in varied colors to match different flavored liquids.
A Couple of Drip Tip Drawbacks
The drawbacks with drip tips are fairly minor. Mainly, a vaper must carry a bottle of liquid for necessary, regular refills. It also takes a bit of practice to learn how much liquid to add and how often. Too little liquid on the atomizer and it creates irritating, dry vapor; this can also damage an atomizer. Too much liquid and the e-cig overflows; however, once learned, this issue disappears. Lastly, drip tips often work only with their own brand of e-cig, which can be limiting.
Traditional E-Cigs vs. Drip Tips
The traditional e-cigarette uses a battery-powered atomizer and a liquid-filled cartridge that also contains some fiber or foam wicking material. When the cartridge is attached to the atomizer - in cartomizers, they're already combined - the liquid-soaked fiber touches the atomizer's bridge, which then heats the liquid to produce vapor.
A drip tip is essentially a reusable, hollow tube that attaches directly to the atomizer and eliminates the need for a cartridge. Instead, the user adds a few drops of liquid through the center of the drip tip directly onto the atomizer's bridge. New atomizers might require three or four drops to produce adequate vapor while ones that have been used for a while may only need a couple of drops at a time; this could vary with different brands or sizes. Each addition of liquid produces anywhere from five to eight inhalations, depending on how much vapor is drawn each time.
Benefits of Drip Tips
Drip tips have several benefits that create an enhanced vaping experience:
Better Flavor: Both the plastic material of a cartridge and its wicking material can slightly distort vapor flavor, adding an unpleasant taste to the liquid. Using a drip tip removes both these elements for improved flavor.
Quick Use: Instead of detaching a cartridge and inserting a new one when refilling, the user adds drops directly to the atomizer as needed. Additionally, the liquid converts into vapor much quicker than with traditional methods because it doesn't go through any wicking material.
Eliminates Direct Liquid Contact: With a drip tip, there's no chance of liquid from the cartridge getting directly into someone's mouth.
Unrestricted Vapor Flow: Normally, vapor has to travel through a cartridge's small opening, which can mean diminished flow. A drip tip allows for greater flow because vapor travels directly through the hollow mouthpiece.
Less Clogging: Using a drip tip cuts down on clogging in the atomizer thanks to the direct application of liquid.
Style and Customization: Drip tips come in plastic or metal, in a variety of colors and in different shapes. This allows users to customize e-cigarettes to suit their personal preferences. For instance, someone might choose several drip tips in varied colors to match different flavored liquids.
A Couple of Drip Tip Drawbacks
The drawbacks with drip tips are fairly minor. Mainly, a vaper must carry a bottle of liquid for necessary, regular refills. It also takes a bit of practice to learn how much liquid to add and how often. Too little liquid on the atomizer and it creates irritating, dry vapor; this can also damage an atomizer. Too much liquid and the e-cig overflows; however, once learned, this issue disappears. Lastly, drip tips often work only with their own brand of e-cig, which can be limiting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)