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Bricked my girlfriends Alien VB

strigamort

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Updated to the x.x.3 update. Mod just shows the boot screen over and over. If I turn it on it boots and works normally until the screen times out and then it returns to the boot screen. She's using my old Alien for the time being. Mine had the "V" chipset and updated fine.

I've tried researching this but I can't get it figured out. They don't have the previous version of the software on the site. I found a link to the previous version and it doesn't work to fix the problem.

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Huckleberried

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Oh that's a bummer. Was the only thing I could remember seeing was people going back to the original version. Hopefully someone knows a way to get that for you.
 

Paratech

I forgot
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I only have V1.2.11 downloaded.
I have 11 of them and none of them have given me any troubles for the way I use them so I didn't see a need to update the firmware.
 

Johnnytraveler

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Member For 3 Years
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Updated to the x.x.3 update. Mod just shows the boot screen over and over. If I turn it on it boots and works normally until the screen times out and then it returns to the boot screen. She's using my old Alien for the time being. Mine had the "V" chipset and updated fine.

I've tried researching this but I can't get it figured out. They don't have the previous version of the software on the site. I found a link to the previous version and it doesn't work to fix the problem.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
There was an 'A' version and 'B' version of the alien. You have to install the correct version of the firmware. I suspect you installed the wrong version

Here's the link for version A.http://www.smoktech.com/support/upgrade/toolsandfirmware/ispalienv

Version B
http://www.smoktech.com/support/upgrade/toolsandfirmware/ispalienvb
 

hendrikR

Member For 2 Years
Had the same problem. This worked for me:

Complete bootloop fix
DISCLAIMER: There are two versions of the Alien220 mod, so tread lightly!! Edition A will display V1.x.x (newest is V1.2.11) when powered on, while edition B will display VB1.x.x (newest is VB1.0.3). This fix is SPECIFICALLY FOR edition B (VB1.0.3).
Personal note: When your programming/IT team can't provide correct instructions to install the OS correctly for the device that your company manufactures, it's time for a new programming/IT team. C'mon SMOK.
ISSUE: By following SMOK's ingenious directions located at smoktech.com/support/upgrade/toolsandfirmware/ispalienvb, you've coded your Part No. incorrectly. Your Config Value should be 0xEFFF7FF7E.
Tools needed;
The boot looping asshole itself
Micro USB data cable
Computer (durr)
Software needed;
alien VB 1.0.2 (Shoutout to Armri for this!)
www109.zippyshare.com/v/myFXXraR/file.html
alien VB 1.0.3
odhk2xgq4.qnssl.com/file/14910…nw28m5r97h370cigousor.zip
INSTRUCTIONS:
  • Take out the batteries and hold the fire button down. I STRONGLY recommend wrapping a hair tie or a strong rubber band around the fire button, because this MUST BE HELD DOWN THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS, and your poor knuckles don't need arthritis. Do NOT connect the device to your PC just yet.
  • Open NuvoISP; make sure it's in USB mode.
  • Click the Connect button. With the fire button held down, connect your device via USB. You should now see that it's connected.
  • At the bottom, check Erase All and click Start. You should see a prompt stating that this step processed successfully.
  • Click on Setting, and refer to this image as your guide (again, thanks Armri): imgur.com/a/91cVN Once everything is setup correctly, click the OK button.
  • Make sure that the Config option is the only option checked at the bottom and click Start. You should see a prompt stating that this step processed successfully.
  • Under Load File, click the APROM button and open ALIEN_VB1.0.2.bin. Make sure that the APROM option is the only option checked at the bottom, and click Start. You should see a prompt stating that this step processed successfully.
  • Click on the APROM button again and select the VIVI-98_FOR_NANO120_VB1.0.3_20170323.bin file. Click Start. You should see a prompt stating that this step processed successfully.
  • Click Disconnect, and unplug your device from the USB data cable.
  • Release the fire button.
  • Replace your batteries and click the fire button 5 times.
  • Voop.
  • Contact SMOK and tell them to fire whoever wrote those garbage instructions.
 

strigamort

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Sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm aware that there are two versions of the board, and two different update files. I have one of each. The "V" board updated fine. The Alien with the "VB" board bricked. I'm fairly proficient with computers in general, I feel confident that this isn't beyond my ability. That said, I give up.

Hendrik, thanks. Your post gave me hope as I hadn't seen those particular instructions, but the mod is still doing its boot loop. I even tried not uploading the last file and the screen showed .2 instead of .3 so I was hoping maybe the old firmware fixed it, but even then it just loops.

I'm out of ideas and patience having tried everything I could find. I'm tenacious, but I have to give up at some point. Super disappointed because I broke my other mod yesterday and have nothing to vape on now. Bought a fucking pack of smokes a little while ago.

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Johnnytraveler

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Sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm aware that there are two versions of the board, and two different update files. I have one of each. The "V" board updated fine. The Alien with the "VB" board bricked. I'm fairly proficient with computers in general, I feel confident that this isn't beyond my ability. That said, I give up.

Hendrik, thanks. Your post gave me hope as I hadn't seen those particular instructions, but the mod is still doing its boot loop. I even tried not uploading the last file and the screen showed .2 instead of .3 so I was hoping maybe the old firmware fixed it, but even then it just loops.

I'm out of ideas and patience having tried everything I could find. I'm tenacious, but I have to give up at some point. Super disappointed because I broke my other mod yesterday and have nothing to vape on now. Bought a fucking pack of smokes a little while ago.

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Dude. You are having a bad day! Worse is that you are mad at yourself.
But you know what. Some of have been there too. I'm not perfect either. I first quit smoking 5 years ago using weak ass ego type pens. Than due to some personal problems 3 years ago I started smoking again. I was a smoker for a year. Than 2 years ago, I started Vaping again. So for 2 years now I'm smoke free.

You know Vaping works. Unfortunately you had some really bad luck with your gear. I guess it's time to buy a new mod. Go get a new mod and when you are ready switch back to Vaping.

As for your alien. I suggested you try both firmware. As I understand it, if you installed the wrong one; Repeating the process with the other (correct) version should work. but I don't doubt you that it's bricked. But being bricked, it's worth it to try again.

I'll search around for an older firmware version. Email smok. Maybe they'll send you the original firmware. Being a Chinese company I don't have a lot of faith they will help you. But still worth trying.
 

strigamort

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Argh I hate it when I get all dramatic online (especially!). Thanks, Johnny, for your words of encouragement. So my inventory consists of two Aliens and a Hohm Wrecker. I gave one of the Aliens to my girlfriend because we both wanted to quit smoking. She has been totally successful (aside from an occasional half cigarette when super stressed out), and I've cut down to about two a day. Anyway, I bricked her Alien and gave her mine since I had the HW. Yesterday after a particularly hard day for both of us (we both worked at Laguna Seca for the SBK Superbike race if anyone is into motorcycle racing) and she called as I was pulling up to her house. I grabbed everything I needed to carry inside and dropped the HW. It broke both battery contacts inside. After my little melt-down I set about trying to fix it. I got it working again (Yay!), but I'll need to replace a couple of pieces to have a permanent fix. I'll try to contact their service center.

As for the Alien, I was thinking of trying the "V" version of the software too. In fact, I just mentioned it to Malia. I know with almost certainty that it is the "VB" board, but anything is possible. I'll certainly report back on what I find out, but at this time I'm over my fit. I've put in too much time and energy to give up, and really, a new mod is cheaper than a carton of cigarettes so it isn't the end of the world. Plus I have really enjoyed all of it up until now. I've most definitely been through harder things than a broken vape mod! ;)

Thanks again

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Johnnytraveler

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Argh I hate it when I get all dramatic online (especially!). Thanks, Johnny, for your words of encouragement. So my inventory consists of two Aliens and a Hohm Wrecker. I gave one of the Aliens to my girlfriend because we both wanted to quit smoking. She has been totally successful (aside from an occasional half cigarette when super stressed out), and I've cut down to about two a day. Anyway, I bricked her Alien and gave her mine since I had the HW. Yesterday after a particularly hard day for both of us (we both worked at Laguna Seca for the SBK Superbike race if anyone is into motorcycle racing) and she called as I was pulling up to her house. I grabbed everything I needed to carry inside and dropped the HW. It broke both battery contacts inside. After my little melt-down I set about trying to fix it. I got it working again (Yay!), but I'll need to replace a couple of pieces to have a permanent fix. I'll try to contact their service center.

As for the Alien, I was thinking of trying the "V" version of the software too. In fact, I just mentioned it to Malia. I know with almost certainty that it is the "VB" board, but anything is possible. I'll certainly report back on what I find out, but at this time I'm over my fit. I've put in too much time and energy to give up, and really, a new mod is cheaper than a carton of cigarettes so it isn't the end of the world. Plus I have really enjoyed all of it up until now. I've most definitely been through harder things than a broken vape mod! ;)

Thanks again

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Haha. When you have one of those days, all you can do is laugh. Good luck with whatever you try.
 

Deucesjack

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Just email them at [email protected] No matter who answers Ben, Jacob, Hunter, it doesn't really matter. They're all really helpful.

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strigamort

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Thanks for the response, bud. I've never needed to contact them, but I remembered you had from the G2 thread.
Gakudzu, I'm just realizing that you are demoralizing my thread, what with your leftest stance and penchant for idolizing CNN... Or something. I can't remember what all you have done to promote your Saul Alinsly-esque agenda.

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hendrikR

Member For 2 Years
You have to make sure EVERY option is exactly like in the screenshots.
The config values have to be exact the same.

I had the problem that the alien disconnected during the process. But after some tries it worked for me

I even didnt flash the old VB 1.0.2., i just erased everything, updated the config thing and then flashed the APROM

Dont give up, for me it also didnt work at first try, but finally everything was working as expected.
 

gakudzu

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Gakudzu, I'm just realizing that you are demoralizing my thread, what with your leftest stance and penchant for idolizing CNN... Or something. I can't remember what a

I gotta go look up this Alinsky guy. Sounds like a hoot lol.
 

gakudzu

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Member For 2 Years
@strigamort
I'd like to apologize to you for my harshness the other day. You are not the idiot I mistook you for, and I'm glad my behavior didn't chase you away.

Wait... Are apologies leftist, too? "Better call Saul" and see :huh:
 

strigamort

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Member For 2 Years
Member For 1 Year
You have to make sure EVERY option is exactly like in the screenshots.
The config values have to be exact the same.

I had the problem that the alien disconnected during the process. But after some tries it worked for me

I even didnt flash the old VB 1.0.2., i just erased everything, updated the config thing and then flashed the APROM

Dont give up, for me it also didnt work at first try, but finally everything was working as expected.
Well, skipping the .2 file may be the one thing I didn't try. I followed everything to a Tee, although there is the fact that I kept getting a non-connection pop-up. I would just close that and try again and it would proceed with the successful command screen (or w/e you call it), I'm sure you know what I'm referring to. In fact, every time I've tried to connect via USB I've gotten non-connect problems. I've been using a high end new laptop with confirmed working USB ports. It's definitely software issues as I've plug and played various devices with no problems. I'm leaving for San Jose today so I won't have my girlfriends computer to dick with and it's probably for the best since I've got stupid software all over it now. Oops. I know myself though. I won't give up until I've smashed the mod against the blacktop, which may happen sooner than later.
@strigamort
I'd like to apologize to you for my harshness the other day. You are not the idiot I mistook you for, and I'm glad my behavior didn't chase you away.

Wait... Are apologies leftist, too? "Better call Saul" and see :huh:
I actually have no idea what you are referring to, so we are good. ;) In any case, I'm fairly thick skinned, or thick skulled. Either way, no worries. I appreciate most senses of humor.
So close... so close.
I know, I know... Refer to the smashing bit. I'll eventually report the ultimate fate of the Alien, but today I won't dedicate any more time.

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hendrikR

Member For 2 Years
i also had the non connection problem. I am not sure how i fixed that. Iirc i did a reconnect after every step. I remember that i needed a few tries but after all it was working well again. Im sure you will get it right when you have some time. I did it at work :p
 

strigamort

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Member For 1 Year
@strigamort
I'd like to apologize to you for my harshness the other day. You are not the idiot I mistook you for, and I'm glad my behavior didn't chase you away.

Wait... Are apologies leftist, too? "Better call Saul" and see :huh:
Ahh, curiosity got the better of me. I think you are referring to my thread about safety and raising ohms on the Alien. Nah man, nothing you ever wrote was unfair. You were trying to explain something that I didn't understand, and largely, still don't. I like to believe I make up for ignorance with a strong attribute in willingness to learn. I will usually listen when someone clearly knows more about the topic at hand than I do.

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Huckleberried

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I know, I know... Refer to the smashing bit. I'll eventually report the ultimate fate of the Alien, but today I won't dedicate any more time.
LOL, I was just crackin' on gakudza's post, in a light-hearted way. I think we all have some really frustrating vape stuff happen at (more than) one time, or another.
 

Puff

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Are you going to get a new Mod ? Maybe look T the Smoant Battlestar or the Charon both are pretty good mods and they don't break the bank on price.

Sent From Rain Forest
 

strigamort

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I will certainly look those up. I don't know either of them. I love how I've gotten to learn so much more by reading this forum over watching YouTube videos. My Hohm Wrecker is working for the time being so I won't be buying a new mod just yet, but I'm sure I'll be on the search for the next one sooner than later. ;)

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hellcatrydr

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Member For 4 Years
My Hohm Wrecker is working for the time being so I won't be buying a new mod just yet, but I'm sure I'll be on the search for the next one sooner than later. ;)
Not buying??? You murdered the poor girls fave mod!:gaah:You beast!

As your wife's unauthorized attorney, we have an offer... It's the Hohm Wrecker or yer sex life.:eek:
Wot's it gonna be? :)

I personally think she'll look good with it...
 

gakudzu

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Hey @strigamort
What is it exactly that broke on your G2? I know you said battery contacts, but top or bottom? Because I've heard of the top breaking from falls. HT can send you a new bridge(has both top contacts), and it's a simple repair with just a small Philips screwdriver. The bottom contacts require solder, so not as simple, but far from impossible.
 

Puff

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Member For 4 Years
I will certainly look those up. I don't know either of them. I love how I've gotten to learn so much more by reading this forum over watching YouTube videos. My Hohm Wrecker is working for the time being so I won't be buying a new mod just yet, but I'm sure I'll be on the search for the next one sooner than later. ;)

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Really they are nice mods, you get a lot of mod for your money In my opinion they are the best in class. Lots of folks on here have them nothing but praise

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strigamort

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Not buying??? You murdered the poor girls fave mod!:gaah:You beast!

As your wife's unauthorized attorney, we have an offer... It's the Hohm Wrecker or yer sex life.:eek:
Wot's it gonna be? :)

I personally think she'll look good with it...

Hahahaha... My wife can have you as an attorney! As for my sex life, my girlfriend holds little against me!


Hey @strigamort
What is it exactly that broke on your G2? I know you said battery contacts, but top or bottom? Because I've heard of the top breaking from falls. HT can send you a new bridge(has both top contacts), and it's a simple repair with just a small Philips screwdriver. The bottom contacts require solder, so not as simple, but far from impossible.

So the bottom contacts have those black fittings that slide into the tray and hold the contacts in place. Those broke. They are pretty fucking brittle! If pressed I'd say they are delrin. I'd like to have seen them use uhmw or something else tougher.



Fut that! Mama wants a NEW one!!! :cuss2:

Probably, but I'm broke!

If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy lol
Words I've always lived by.

Really they are nice mods, you get a lot of mod for your money In my opinion they are the best in class. Lots of folks on here have them nothing but praise

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

The recommendations from this forum are how I ended up buying the G2 and I couldn't be happier. Well I guess I would have preferred to not drop it and break it, but I don't hold that against the mod.

Gakudzu, this pic shows the black fittings I'm talking about. They were undamaged when I took this pic. I definitely don't need a whole new sled or anything.
87875cb1513b04aa74f18fd94f20cddb.jpg


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strigamort

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Just shot HT an email regarding the fittings. :)

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gakudzu

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They should hook you up with new contacts. You just need a soldering iron, or a friend with one, to swap 'em.
 

strigamort

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So they emailed immediately after I sent mine. That's good cs! They sell the contacts for a really reasonable price,which include the plastic bits. I don't even need the contacts themselves, but spares are always good for the vapacolypse.

Leaving in a minute to my girls house. Gonna try to unbrick the Alien. ;)

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strigamort

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Thanks guys. Going to jump out of an airplane in a little while then I'll try to fix the mod this evening. Wonder if I'll be thinking about it on the way down. :)

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strigamort

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So jumping out of an airplane @ 15,000ft. I highly recommend it!

Anyway, my girlfriend had to leave this morning to Alaska so I spent time doing... ahem... other things, but I did try to fix the Alien. Downloaded the "V" software, but I couldn't get the fucking mod to connect via USB so gave up. I only had a few minutes and I know from experience that I'd have spent a half hour trying to get it connected. Piss on it. Until next time anyway.

The night before I'd been vaping the Hohm Wrecker and I knocked it off the nightstand and it had about a 1.5ft fall onto fluffy carpet. Broke the thing again. I took it apart (again) and tried to glue it back together, but it wasn't having it. My gf is an engineer, so naturally she couldn't let this go down without a fight.

Pic of broken plastic contact sleeve. The black disk looking thing by the solder was born as one piece with the plastic sleeve on the top of the spring.

She'd kill me for posting pics that she'd find unflattering, but I'm an asshole so...

Aaaand it's working again. :)

I really need to buy the new contacts.

420afee0b1368040eee7e1385456ddf9.jpg
933a62d8b6b21549ec497adab70c2011.jpg
a5ee0d28a00c23bf81990981ca5b9966.jpg


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Breazy_Com

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This may sound stupid but I recently tried to connect a SMOK mod for an update and couldn't get it to connect. Turns out the cable I was using didn't have data transfer on it. The one that comes with the mod does. I got the one from the box and it connected right away. Just a thought anyway.
 

strigamort

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That's actually a really good thought. I have a drawer full of shitty usb cables. When I get (yet another) one I toss it on the pile. I know about the data transfer thing so I grab a handful of hers (she's has them fairly well organized in a zip lock) and go until I find a decent one. My understanding is that they are simply a thicker cable, a quality cable so to speak, and that there isn't anything particularly special about them. Still, it's a pita.

Could you do me a favor and tell me if there are any special markings that identify the oem cable? I usually end up using an HTC cable, but I *always* have some form of trouble connecting. I'd rather grab a Smok cable and know for sure. I remember thinking that it didn't have Smok on the cables I have, but I could be wrong.

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Breazy_Com

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So I looked at one of the SMOK cables. There's no writing on the cable itself but on either end of the cable there's the USB symbol and on the opposite side a B with a circle around it. Maybe if you find one of those it might work ? I know for sure a regular cable would not connect. Also I believe you have to hold the fire button the whole time before you hit connect and have no batteries in the mod. Let us know what happens ! If it don't work you better get her a new one or someone's sleeping on the couch alone LMAO !
 

strigamort

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Cool! Found one. I'm throwing it in my bag so that I'll have it for sure when I go over next time. :) Thanks Beazy!

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Scaldyballs

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My Alien VB is also dead. I put the batteries back in while it was connected to the usb and it shat itself. Supposedly a solder can sort it out but I need to find out what to solder and then talk my friend into soldering it for me :D:D.
 

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