THE SKYLINE RTA
A PBusardo Review – The Skyline RTA
In this video we take a look at the Skyline RTA.
The Links:
ESmokeGuru
The Video:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Photos:
A MESSAGE FROM CASAA – We have around 24hrs before Congress goes on Spring Break
This is the time, if you haven’t already, to send congress a message to support the Cole-Bishop amendment and co-sponsor HR 1136.
Tomorrow, Congress is in recess for two weeks. Although many will have an opportunity to meet with their lawmakers while they are back in their districts, others will be taking time off. We’ll be sure to share district contact information next week but, right now, while lawmakers are focused on the work that needs to be done in DC, we need to reach out and ask for their support.
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team.
NEW FROM REGULATOR WATCH – Part 2 | Suited Up (Fight for Vaping Rights in Ottawa)
Here’s the latest from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch:
What would happen after all the presentations and handholding are done and dusted, Bill S-5 returns to the Senate for a vote with none of the vaping industry’s desired changes included? It’s a possibility.
If compromise is not met, a sharp divide could widen over flavours, no comparisons of relative risk between vaping and smoking, business killing fines, and criminal enforcement.
In part two of this two-part special, hear from Shawn Kreger Vice President and PR Co-Chair from the Canadian Vaping Association and learn what issues are showstoppers for the vaping industry in Canada—only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com.
RegulatorWatch.com – April 5, 2017.
SOME SMALLER MTL TYPE DEVICES + LAST “NOT A” CONTEST WINNER!
A PBusardo Review – SOME SMALLER MTL TYPE DEVICES
This past weekend I had to so some travel and I decided to take a bunch of similar devices with me I haven’t looked at yet. This was done with the sole purposes of identifying those that would satisfy me with my standard 12mg liquid. The video that follows is the result. I didn’t do any “tech work” in this review, it’s more based on the experience, but I did gather some information for you.
First, we’re going to quickly talk about the CVE Edmonton event coming up this weekend. Then we’re going to talk about the devices:
- The Eleaf iCare Solo
- The Eleaf iCare 110
- The Eleaf iCare 140
- The Eleaf iCare 160
- The Totally Wicked Tempest
- The NexVap
Finally, we find out who won the last “Not A” Contest!
The Links:
CVE Edmonton
Smith & Baxter E-Liquid
Eleaf
My Vapor Store
Heaven Gifts
VaporDNA
NexVap
Totally Wicked
EHPRO
VonVape E-Liquid
The Spreadsheet:
| Device | Price | Found On | Colors | Resistance (Ω) | Wattage (W) | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) | Weight (g) | Capacity (ml) | Fill Type | Battery (mAh) | Charger | Additional | Comments | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempest - Totally Wicked | 29.99 | https://www.totallywicked-eliquid.com/ | silver, hot pink, pealized white, bold blue, black | 1.2 | 11.4 | 130 | 14 | n/a | 51.4 | 1.3 | Bottom | 650 | on-board micro USB | Included 10ml bottle of liquid - Flashing Battery Status Indicator - Has airflow control | Very satisfying vape - Only one coil included - Discontinued | 1 |
| iCare 140 - Eleaf | 14.95 | https://www.myvaporstore.com | black, silver, white, cyan, red | IC 1.1 | 10W Max | 122 | 14 | n/a | 42.5 | 2 | Top | 650 | on-board micro USB | No Battery Charge Status | Somewhat satisfying at 12mg | 2 |
| iCare 160 - Eleaf | 19.99 | http://www.vapordna.com | black, silver, white, cyan, red | IC 1.1 | 15W Max | 168 | 16 | n/a | 79.1 | 3.5 | Top | 1500 | on-board micro USB | No Battery Charge Status | Spits - Somewhat satisfying at 12mg - Lighter draw | 3 |
| NexVap | 32 | http://www.nexvap.com | grey, red, blue, yellow | Ceramic 1.4 | 8.9W | 170 | 14 | n/a | 38.9 | 1.8 | Bottom | 650 | propriatary magnetic usb | No Battery Charge Status | Pain to fill - Can't see liquid level - Have to insert tip too far into mouth, poor flavor - somewhat satisfying at 12mg - Only one coil included | 4 |
| iCare 110 - Eleaf | 13 | https://www.heavengifts.com | black, silver, white, cyan, red | IC 1.1 | 10W Max | 136 | 11 | n/a | 36 | 1.3 | Top | 320 | on-board micro USB | No Battery Charge Status | Inconsistent in performance - Spits - Not satisfying at 12mg | 6 |
| iCare Solo - Eleaf | 14.95 | https://www.myvaporstore.com | black, gold, cyan, white, red | IC 1.1 | 15W Max | 104.5 | 18 | 11 | 34.4 | 1.5 | Top - Must remove coil | 350 | on-board micro USB | LED Color for battery status - difficult to fill | Not satisfying at 12mg - Spits | 5 |
The Video:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Photos:
A MESSAGE FROM TONY ABBOUD/VTA – YOUR TIME IS NOW – 3 WAYS TO SAVE VAPOR!
“If we do not make our voices heard, the powerful interests that are working to defeat us will prevail.”
EASY AS 1 – 2 – 3
WE NEED EVERYONE TO LET CONGRESS KNOW WHAT WE NEED NOW!
Congress is considering its budget and policy priorities for 2017 NOW!
Members on both sides of the aisle are considering legislation – the Cole-Bishop bill – that would amend the predicate date and provide the necessary protections for vape shops and manufacturers around the country so that our industry can thrive.
THIS IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!
Your representatives in the House and Senate need to hear from you in the next few weeks so that they know to make this bill a priority.
Please take a few minutes today to save vapor!
VTA IS OFFERING YOU 3 WAYS THAT YOU CAN MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
E-MAIL YOUR CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS NOW!
TWEET YOUR CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS NOW!
CALL YOUR CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS NOW!
YOU CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO EVERYONE ON YOUR E-MAIL LIST.
ACTIVATE YOUR SOCIAL NETWORKS.
JOIN US ON TWITTER AND RE-TWEET!
SOCIAL / STAY CONNECTED
Get involved and save vapor!
We are on the right path, but in order to be successful, we need to present a unified front. This is why VTA wants YOU to get involved. WRITE, TWEET and CALL your Members of Congress TODAY. If we do not make our voices heard, the powerful interests that are working to defeat us will prevail.
To learn more about how to get involved in the fight to save vapor, visit www.vaportechnology.org and www.SaveVapor.org.
Please take a moment and forward this email to anyone you know will be interested in what’s going on and encourage them to sign up for our mailing list at www.vaportechnology.org or www.SaveVapor.org.
And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you for all you do to defend our industry!
Tony Abboud
Executive Director
Vapor Technology Association
NEW FROM REGULATOR WATCH – Suited Up | Fight for Vaping Rights in Ottawa | Part 1
Here’s the latest from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch:
Patience, due diligence and faith in the legislative process are a few of the essential elements of the vaping industry’s strategy going into this week’s presentations to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
What else? A readiness to educate, negotiate and fight, if necessary, for the changes in Bill S-5 deemed vital to the survival and longevity of Canada’s vaping industry. In part one of this two-part special, hear from Shawn Kreger Vice President and PR Co-Chair from the Canadian Vaping Association and get a preview of what the industry plans to fight for—only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com.
RegulatorWatch.com – April 4, 2017.
THIS WEEKEND IN EDMONTON CANADA
I’ve driven to Toronto.
I’ve driven to Montreal.
I thought I was going to drive to this until I looked at the drive time.
Who knew Canada was so big! 🙂
I’m heading to EDMONTON CANADA this weekend with my pink pal Dimitris. Hope to see you there!!
Click the banner for more information!
A CASAA CALL TO ACTION – We need everyone’s help to change the predicate date!
SUPPORT COLE-BISHOP!
Even if you’ve reached out to your lawmakers in the past, we need you to do it again. We have received word that the Cole-Bishop amendment is being seriously considered for inclusion in the FY2017 US budget.
But, this is not a guarantee. There are strong forces working against anything that might be perceived as a “Republican rider” in the budget bill. Even though Cole-Bishop is a bipartisan effort in support of what should be a bipartisan issue, the effort to modernize the predicate date for vapor products has been stripped out of the budget before.
We need your help to keep Cole-Bishop in the budget bill!
Please take a moment to call your representative and senators:
Sen. Charles Schumer (D) – (202) 224-6542
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) – (202) 224-4451
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D) – (518) 455-2909
Points to discuss on your call:
- Urge them to support the Cole-Bishop language in the 2017 US budget bill
- If the predicate date for vapor products is not modernized, nearly all vapor products will be wiped off the market in 2018. Many businesses will start closing down this year.
- The FDA will still have the authority to regulate vapor products and common sense regulations like no sales or marketing to minors will remain unchanged.
- If you have time, briefly, tell your story about how vaping has helped you.
When you’re finished with your call, visit www.august8th.org and send an email.
Please share this URL with everyone. EVERYONE!
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team
A CASAA CALL TO ACTION – NY – They’re working on the budget this weekend…
…and we need your help to get vapor taxes and a place ban removed!
In case you haven’t heard, the NY Legislature failed to pass the state’s budget on time. In a statement released last night, Governor Cuomo has said he will give lawmakers and staff an extension through the weekend to work on finalizing the budget. This means that people will be at their desks in Albany this weekend answering phones and checking emails!
Please take a moment this weekend to make a call and send an email to
Sen. Joseph Robach (R)
(518) 455-2909
Asm. Peter Lawrence (R)
(518) 455-4664
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D)
(518) 474-8390
Points to discuss on your call:
- Urge them to remove language about vapor products from the budget
- Remove the tax on vapor.
- Remove the indoor use ban on vaping.
- Tell them that extra taxes on vapor products would deny thousands in New York access to life-saving vapor products.
- A 40% wholesale tax in Pennsylvania has closed over 100 businesses and will fall short of raising the projected revenue.
- Briefly, tell your story.
When you’re finished with your call, follow up with an email
Take Action – Send a Message
________________________
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team
A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Do we need to “break-in” our LiPo’s?
It’s widely believed that the LiPo battery packs used in DNA200/250 and custom box mods need to be charged/discharged several times before they reach their peak performance.
Is this true?
To find out I took three new 3S packs and balanced charged them at 5A on an iCharger106B+ to 12.60V followed by a discharge to 9.0V at 20A constant-current. I did this a total of five times for each pack with a 60 second rest between each step. A lot of effort was made to ensure that the pack temperatures were consistent from cycle to cycle.
As you can see there was no increase in the capacity of the pack or an increase in its voltage while being discharged (which would indicate a decrease in its internal resistance).
For two of the three packs I measured the internal resistance before and after the tests were done:
Turnigy 25C-35C 2200mAh before = 18.3 mOhms
Turnigy 25C-35C 2200mAh after = 18.5 mOhms
MaxAmps 100C 2250mAh before = 21.9 mOhms
MaxAmps 100C 2250mAh after = 22.8 mOhms
The break-in cycles didn’t lower the internal resistance of the packs. In fact, they did exactly what any use of the pack does…ages the pack and increases its internal resistance.
The break-in cycling did not improve the performance of any of the three packs. It only wasted five of the limited number of cycles available before the packs would need to be replaced.
I also did five break-in cycles for each of the ten 1800mAh 3S LiPo packs I recently tested. Those break in cycles were done at some pack assembler’s typical recommended levels, 1C charge and 2C-3C discharge. There was no increase in performance between cycle 1 and cycle 5 for any of the packs.
Will this be the case for every LiPo? I don’t know.
There might be some LiPo’s that were not fully formed (initialized) at the factory in order to save money. Their performance would increase during the first few cycles. There also might be some that were stored for a long time before being used. This can cause the thickening of an important chemical divider (the SEI layer) between certain parts of the battery, increasing its internal resistance. Cycling the battery can reduce its thickness and restore some performance.
I know that many in the R/C community feel strongly that this cycling is needed but the tests described above and my recent testing of ten different 1800mAh 3S LiPo packs showed no increase in performance after being cycled a few times.
I have an idea why some might feel they are seeing an improvement in performance though.
LiPo cells, which use lithium-cobalt chemistry, show a very small change in voltage for a big change in capacity during most of the discharge compared to other Li-Ion chemistries. This “flat discharge curve” is one of the big benefits of using LiPo’s.
But this flat discharge curve also means that just a small change in the voltage of the battery can result in a big change in the capacity the battery delivers to cutoff voltages above 3.2V or so. If the pack is warm its internal resistance drops and the voltage the pack runs at is higher. This allows the pack to run for a lot longer before dropping to the cutoff voltage.
Since the outer wraps of a LiPo pack are very effective heat insulators the internal temperature of a LiPo pack can be a lot higher than the external temperature. It can seem to be only a bit above room temperature but actually be much warmer. Unless the pack is allowed to sit for at least an hour after charging, two hours or longer for larger packs, the internal resistance could be lower than when the pack was first used in the tests.
This would cause the packs to run at a higher voltage, making it seem that its performance had improved with cycling. But the improved performance was really only due to the pack being warm.
I am not saying that everyone who cycles their packs and says they see an improvement is wrong!
I am not saying that no LiPo packs respond to break-in cycling!
I am merely saying that in my testing of thirteen different packs I see no sign of break-in cycling having any effect on performance. It shouldn’t though. Properly formed packs, not stored for months and months, should not need any sort of break-in to reach their best performance levels.
I’d be interested in hearing your experiences regarding breaking in LiPo packs, especially if you took measures to make sure internal pack temperatures were consistent for each cycle.
Thanks!
Here are the three discharge graphs: https://imgur.com/a/G0DSM
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