SmokTech M65 XPro Problems

[SDBolts619]

Just about ready to throw this new mod out the window and run it over. Maybe someone can help out here.

Picked up a M65 on recommendation from local shop. Also picked up a Delta II tank. Worked fine for a while, but now it's continually stepping down power. I'm running the pre-built 0.5 ohm coil along with an IMR Efest 2500mAh 35amp battery. I can start the day running 30 watts, but by midday, I'm down to 22 watts maximum or else the device cuts in on power protection. Even when I keep the thing plugged into a USB port it won't get to an acceptable power level.

I took the M65 back to the shop. Rep there was able to reproduce the problem and swapped out the unit for another one. Again, this worked okay for a bit, but not even 2 days this time before the same issue reappeared.

Shop rep thought it might be a problem with the tank not reading right on the mod. So I picked up a Kanger Subtank to try it out. Straight away the mod won't go above 22 watts with the new tank and a 0.5 ohm coil. So I changed over to the 1.2 ohm coil. Worked okay at 18 watts for about 15 minutes, now it won't go above 15 watts and that's with it plugged in.

So, is there a problem with this mod? Did I get two bad ones in a row? Or is it possibly that both of my IMR batteries are bad? I love the taste and vape from this setup - when it actually works, which doesn't seem to be too often.

 

[rdsok]

IMR Efest 2500mAh are not 35a batteries... they are a 20a battery that has 35a burst available for under a second. The eFests aren't the worst battery out there but they aren't top notch either. I've got both some eFests ( which do about like you mention ) and some Sony VTC4's ( which are very hard to find authentics of now ) and the Sony's are fine but the eFests don't last long before my iPV Mini 2 does like what you are saying.

 

[SDBolts619]

So, batteries are the likely culprit?

Did some searching on those Sony's. Apparently hard to find non-counterfeit ones currently...

 

[Fictitious Character]

I am not sure if it is the batts or not. The Smok does not have the best track record but they typically work longer than yours did. Try the batt switch and see if it corrects your problem. For the range you talking about running with the tanks a Samsung 25r should work just fine. The can be found for 6 bucks at Illumn.com this way you are not breaking the bank to determine if it is your batts since you already got duped into buying another tank over the issue.

Do you have a voltmeter to test your batts? Do you have another device to test your batts? I am leaning towards the device being the issue.

 

[Neunerball]

So, batteries are the likely culprit?

Did some searching on those Sony's. Apparently hard to find non-counterfeit ones currently...

Sounds like it's the batteries. The Efest aren't high quality. I had a few that were weak from the get go. In my Sigelei 100 Plus and 150W, I'm utilizing VCT5s, that I got when they were still available. I heard good things about the Samsung 25r, mentioned by @Fictitious Character.
For VCT4 check http://www.lightningvapes.com/colle...-vtc4-3-8v-30a-2100mah-battery-flat-or-button

 

[rdsok]

I've also heard a lot of good about the Samsungs.... The trouble with going with the Sony's now that they've been out of production for so long, is they may also be starting to get weak due to their age....

 

[Slurp812]

Mine did that. I took the bottom plate off, and loosened the top plate. Cleaned up the connections as best as I could, and re-assembled. Tightening all the screws snugly. Works like new. Mine is a few month old. When I started some of the top plate screws were loose. When it does the step down thing, its not getting enough power to the chip. weak battery, or loose/dirty connections.

 

[Mroutlaw]

So, batteries are the likely culprit?

Did some searching on those Sony's. Apparently hard to find non-counterfeit ones currently...

These are awesome batteries. On the recommended list for evolve dna40 too. I've bought them from here before and they are genuine.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-INR18650-25R-Rechargeable-Batteries-assorted/dp/B00NUI45AU


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Peter Shukin]

I might think about a new mod. I had an M50, didn't last me long. Can run 50 watt builds for 2 days on my Sig 100w and efest 35/20 amp batteries. Full power out until 0% level. And no, never a good idea, I swap at 40% normally.

 

[martinelias]

Lightning vapes has legit vtc4 batteries.

 

[fq06]

Mine did that. I took the bottom plate off, and loosened the top plate. Cleaned up the connections as best as I could, and re-assembled. Tightening all the screws snugly. Works like new. Mine is a few month old. When I started some of the top plate screws were loose. When it does the step down thing, its not getting enough power to the chip. weak battery, or loose/dirty connections.

Good suggestion.

Also, as the batteries voltage drops over the course of your day of vaping, the mod will reduce power. I don't think there's anything faulty in the unit and surprised that a smok rep was there and didn't know that.

I have an M50 and swap the battery out once the battery level indicator gets to about 50%. That is about 3.7v left in the battery and about where I would want to pull the battery to recharge it anyway.

 

[Faust]

When I first got my M65 it wouldn't fire over 3.4v no matter what. Then I ran across a video on youtube showing to sand the chrome plating off the inside of the battery plate and where the screws make contact. It works just fine now. Here's the video

 

[fq06]

Great find faust!

 

[cloudvaper55]

I've been using my m65 for a few months now with the battery it came with, INR18650-25R Samsung, and its been having this power reduce problem since the beginning.
I first started using a dual coil Atty clone and that was always super hot and burned.
I recently switched to a Mutation v4 and its been good about not burning but is still only goes up to 30 watt max at any time.
I'd prefer to use it at about 45 or 50 without power reduction but I'd still like the option to use 65 since its marketed as being able to go that high. I also did the "fix" recommended in the video about sanding down the ends and drilling down the screw holes.
Any other tips? New battery? New rda/tank?

 

[fq06]

Hae you been charging the battery in the mod? Or in a separate charger?
That mod charges fast and gets warmer than you want your battery to get. That could have taken the puch out of the battery from charging at too high of an amperage and getting the battery too hot.

You can try another battery, or build your coils at a higher resistance so you don't need high wattage... or get another mod. You can get superior mods now for the same $40 - $50 this mod cost a few months ago.

I only use mine now with a 0.8ohm atty @ 22w used for "medicinal vaping"

 

[Slurp812]

Iv'e cleaned every contact in the thing multiple times. Worked great for ~ 6 months. I gave up. Its in the junk pile now. If you evey get it sorted out, I'd sure like to know. Mine does it with a new 25r battery and only ~25 watts.

 

[fq06]

Iv'e cleaned every contact in the thing multiple times. Worked great for ~ 6 months. I gave up. Its in the junk pile now. If you evey get it sorted out, I'd sure like to know. Mine does it with a new 25r battery and only ~25 watts.

What I noticed is that once you sand the chrome coating off to get a better contact the bare metal will tarnish over time and needs to be touched up every once in a while.
When mine starts to act up, out comes the wet sandpaper and it's good to go again.

Sanding the coating off definitely helps conduct the power better but it's kind of letting the genie out of the bottle and you can't put it back in.