Are there any 100W+ TC dual/triple 18650 that can safely USB charge?

[vapesmooth1234]

The consensus seams to be none that can safely USB charge, at least what I found. But quotes directly from manufacturers state otherwise.

How about this, is there a 100-150W (150ish for TFV8 octa coil) TC MOD that has one big internal battery with as much mAhs as triple 18650s (or close to) and can safely be USB charged? And the battery is replaceable with some tinkering? 4400 mAh is the largest I found so far in the Smok XPro M80 Plus or MVP3 Pro has 4500mah. FWIW, I'm a noob at sub ohms and high wattage. If I do get a triple 18650 mod, I would go for batteries sort of in between large mAh capacity and ability to do very low ohms, in other words, I don't think I'll have it all maxed out with like 9,000 mAh from 3 3,000 mAh batteries, but also not something low-mAh for realyl low ohm builds).
And, how much bigger does a MOD actually have to be to include a built-in safe charger? Probably not much, but maybe it's just not possible. I would rather the third battery be replaced with a circuit to safely USB charge 2 18650s.


Eleaf iStick TC200W
http://www.eleafworld.com/istick-tc200w/
"Charging: The recommended way is to charge the 18650 cells externally as it will take less time to give them a full charge. The cells can also be charged in the iStick TC200W through the side USB port via 1A wall adapter or computer."



Wismec Reuleaux DNA200 (not the cheaper RX200)
http://www.wismec.com/product/reuleaux-dna200/
"Charging: You can take out the lithium-batteries from the device and then charge the cells.
Moreover, it can also be charged via USB cable"


Wismec Reuleaux RX200 (not the more expensive DNA200)
"Charging: It is BETTER to take out the lithium-batteries from the device and then charge the cells.
Moreover, it can also be charged via USB cable."

The RX200 says it is "better" to remove the batteries, but can also USB charge. The DNA200 doesn't say anthing about external charging being "better" than USB. I am told this is because the DNA chip is capable of Balanced charging but the RX chip isn't. However, if that's true, I read that using TC with SS on the DNA200 chip, requires obnoxious jumping through hoops in software. But with the newer RX200 chip, you get TC SS right out of the box. The most I want to get involved with in software is updating the firmware if need be. FWIW, I have no idea about TC or SS or nickle etc but I just want to be future-proof, but will probably end up soon getting SS coils once I get past the initial learning curve (I vape a very basic single coil 2ohm at 10W on a 2-year-old DNA 30 Hana [which I charge USB since day one, using the same batteries for about two years], but I want higher watts).




This link says the Eleaf Istick 200W uses the same chip as the Reuleaux RX200 (and thus possibly shouldn't charge the Istick with USB).
http://vaping360.com/eleaf-istick-200w-review/
"...Both mods use the same chip with the same menu options...."


If there simply is no regulated 100-200W TC dual 18650 MOD (preferably triple 18650 and 150W) that can safely USB charge, then I'll get a dedicated charger (or a singel interal battery 150W TC MOD). I know that TC and arguable other features of the DNA might be better than the RX but I'm not sure if that's worth the hassle of learning the software which is said to be complicated. However, maybe a firmware update already fixed this TC SS issue with the DNA200? That's what I read actually. If so, and if the DNA is indeed safer to charge with USB, then I'll probably spend the extra $100 for the DNA200.

Whatever I choose, I would like the possibilty to USB charge in rare cases which might might not be too much of a concern if done only once a month or two even with the RX or Istick (possibly RX chip, not DNA).



Side note, I don't like the button position or the shape of the Istick vs the Reuleaux (at least just by looking at them) but I much prefer the Istick bottom battery door and there seems to be less chance of juice entering the casing vs the Reuleaux RX200 / DNA200 which are said to have gaps all over and a wobbly magnetic battery door (RX wobbles, not DNA I heard). But if the Istick can charge USB safer, I might get that.


http://vapingunderground.com/thread...ells-mod-from-eleaf-vs-rx200-thoughts.225587/

"9- Batteries setup in series with two extra connectors to seemingly provide individual cell monitoring and charging, they state:

"The cells can also be charged in the iStick TC200W through the side USB port via 1A wall adapter or computer"

Did they actually implemented a fully functional 1A balance charger?"






In this fasttech thread, they're saying some if not most dedicated external chargers actually do NOT balance charge and that the RX200 and DNA200 WILL balance charge and that it's good (but takes a long time).
https://www.fasttech.com/forums/3861801/t/1926336/balance-charging-on-rx200-and-dna-version/4
"(My email to Wismec yestreday)
Hello,
You have the micro usb "firmware upgrade" and "charge port" on both 200w mods.
Your website says "charge port" via usb.
Is this "balance charging" on both devices or either one?
I cant seem to find this information anywhere.
Can you advise ?
Thank you

(This was their reply)
Dear friend,
There is "balance charging" on both devices.
Have a nice day. "






But I've read countelss claims of people charging with USB and saying they're getting different voltage readings from each battery after charged or not fully charging. Possibly not left to charge long enough though nor using married batteries. I read in the following links something possibly about the balancing being done at the end of the charging cycle and taking a long time.
https://evolvapor.forumchitchat.com/post/balance-charging-not-working-7780208
https://evolvapor.forumchitchat.com/post/how-can-you-tell-its-balancing-the-cells-7788439

Another fasttech thread
https://www.fasttech.com/forums/3861800/t/1973341/the-dangers-of-charging-with-the-usb-cable/1



Also
https://www.reddit.com/r/electronic...ion_kangside_3x18650/?st=ireonvpz&sh=d3563aba
"not this again.... have you seen mooch315's opinion on this?

Not that he is the ultimate guru or anything, but he knows battery safety better than most.

"I would recommend taking the batteries out once in a while for external charging to rebalance them and give you the longest vaping time with those batteries"

Hardly says "NO DONNNT DOO IT""

"I use the DNA200 version charging, quite a lot (as well as an external when at home) and my batteries have never been unbalanced ever. So anecdotal points all around."

"It's capable of charging via the USB, but just barely, but you're much more likely to fry the batteries or the board inside the mod because it just isn't capable of balance charging properly.

Seriously, it's not worth it. I have a list of reddit posts where people have fried their mods from using that damn USB port to charge. Even the manufacturer recommends you use an external charger, and for good reason."


http://www.esmoke-ksd.com/index.php/Product-view-id-734.html
Here's ^ the Kangside KSD copy of Reuleaux RX200. Real smart having all the wires etc so easily exposed in the battery compartment in case an atty leaks into there or something. All MODS IMHO should all have a .5 cent water/dust proof gasket.
Anyway: "Warm Tips, the USB is for upgrading, not charging".

Well, sorry for basically throwing up all over the forum recently with these long posts asking for quite a bit. My gut tells me to just get the RX200s for now (same as RX200 except different screen view, "improved 510", shows battery as a % vs the bar, and hopefully fixed the battery door wobble the RX has but not the DNA), get a dedicated charger and marry 3 new quality batteries, and if I really really have to charge it USB once every month or two, it shouldn't cause a problem.

 

[NickIsANoob]

The DNA wismec reuleaux will balance charge the RX version will not. Charging the RX via USB is just asking for trouble.

The lost vape Triade DNA 200 will also balance charge.

 

[Flightmedic76]

I tried doing that with my RX one time just for giggles. It was painfully slow as expected. I trust my Opus and Nitecore chargers much more to do their job and shut off. If your plan is to charge it while you vape, I doubt using the USB will keep up, but that all depends on how much you use it and the wattage. I have 2 sets of batteries for my RX. I can very easily charge one set completely while I use the other one. I've never owned a mod with an internal battery. I don't like the thought of being tied to a charging cable. And when the internal reaches the end of it's life, the mod is pretty much a paper weight.

There are many great mods on the market, but I do love both of my RX's. The only problem I've ever had was one of the little magnets that holds the battery door on fell off. One drop of super glue and the problem was solved.

 

[vapesmooth1234]

i posted on another forum and they said the same exact thing, that the DNA200 will balance charge just fine but the RX won't but how does that explain the email where Wismec says both will. I guess DNA is just better at it. Maybe if like I said, I only do it every once and while, it won't really matter with the RX.

"(My email to Wismec yestreday)
Hello,
You have the micro usb "firmware upgrade" and "charge port" on both 200w mods.
Your website says "charge port" via usb.
Is this "balance charging" on both devices or either one?
I cant seem to find this information anywhere.
Can you advise ?
Thank you

(This was their reply)
Dear friend,
There is "balance charging" on both devices.
Have a nice day. "


Reuleaux RX2/3 looks nice too because of the double 18650 option in case I find triple too heavy and overkill this omits me finding a separate MOD for dual 18650 I was going to find myself (no ridiculous forum threads needed). But I'm kinda in a rush, and RX2/3 is about $25 more than RX200S at the moment ($64 vs $40 from what I checked).


One other thing, I know the RX200S has the battery life as a % sign but the RX200 has it as a bar, but not sure about the DNA200 with the latest firmware. From videos of the new Reuleaux RX2/3, it shows it as a bar but might be able to change with firmware. I prefer %.

I'm still leaning towards RX vs DNA. Another thing I don't like about the DNA is the battery compartment, in order to prevent you from putting the batteries in backwards (which I never would), the DNA has a physical bump out but the RX safety is built into the chip. I heard the DNA's physical bump out has the tendency to rip at the battery wrap and tare them up.

Actually as I write this out, I think I'm set on the RX for now, and then I can always sell it later when these get better. I think 6 months or so, there will be a new version that fixes small problems (gaps hopefully which the RX2/3 has plenty of) and maybe just maybe the RX will be able to actually USB balance charge as well as the DNA if there even is a difference. What I'll do is decide if the $25 is worth it for the RX2/3 or just get a $40 RX200. And then sell it in 6 months or so if something better comes out. The only thing about that though is if regulations destroy the market and everything becomes much more expensive and harder to get in the US.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

The DNA200 board was originally designed to use a 3s Lipo pack. That means they (Evolv) knew it would be used to internally charge the cells. Because of this it has a very good balanced charging board. The only issues are:
1. All but Vapor Shark are 1 amp charging boards (VS is 2 amps). Charging 3 x HG LG2's is going to take awhile at 1 amp.
2. I prefer to use my charger because I don't want to put more stress than necessary on the Micro USB port. That being said I have 6 DNA200 mods that use Lipos and all charge internally. I've yet to experience a problem with the port. Just don't be yanking it around while connected.

Cheers,
Steve

PS IMO The Wismec Reuleaux uses very thin wiring. There are better choices out there if you are looking for a 3 x 18650 mod. I would go with a Triade (I have a Reuleaux by the way).

I have quite a few Hcigar VT133 (dual 18650 DNA200 mods capped at 133 watts just like all DNA200's are when using 2 cells). It's my most used DNA200. I call it a best bang for the buck type of mod (a real workhorse). Ecig.com was blowing them out for ~$80 with a coupon code. They are currently OOS but I understand they will be restocked.

 

[vapesmooth1234]

PS IMO The Wismec Reuleaux uses very thin wiring. There are better choices out there if you are looking for a 3 x 18650 mod. I would go with a Triade (I have a Reuleaux by the way).

I did hear the same thing, possibly the RX only or also the DNA. Only thing about the Triade and there's another very similar one I think using the DNA200 also and priced around $125 is they have leather and I'm a vegan and don't buy leather.

2. I prefer to use my charger because I don't want to put more stress than necessary on the Micro USB port. That being said I have 6 DNA200 mods that use Lipos and all charge internally. I've yet to experience a problem with the port. Just don't be yanking it around while connected.

I read there's usually no problem charging single internal battery MODs (even with non-DNA chips), but when you start using multiple batteries, the balancing etc can be an issue. I always though my DNA30 Hana cloen was dual 18650 but just unscrewed it and it's only single 18650, explains why I never had a problem with the battery I guess.
but regardless, I think the Realeux DNA200 should be fine USB charged, just takes a long time. The RX200 might be more prone to unbalancing etc, risky.

I think 133W should be more than enough, I did just order the octa coil TFV8 tank but 133W should be great even for that. So if it's a DNA, and I can charge/passthrough USB, dual batts should be fine. I'm really on the fence about getting the Realeux DNA or RX200 because I'm afraid it will be too big and heavy in the pocket. They have the new version for $75 that can take out one battery and make it two but it's not a DNA chip. I bet soon then will make that in a DNA200 form, and I will probably jump all over that, unless something else similar comes out (I just don't like the gaps in the Realeux).

Actually, edit, I have decided possibly not to get the triple 18650 mod. If I get the DNA200, I don't have to spend on a separate charger but it might end up being too big of a MOD. Even if they make the RX200 2/3 as a DNA that can USB charge I am told the 2/3 version means you should marry 3 batts for triple and 2 others for dual = lotsa batteries and confusion. I was planning to just buy 3 and mark them and rotate when in dual or triple mode but that might not be smart.

I think what I need is a dual 18650 DNA 100-150W TC so I can safely USB charge and not even need a separate charger (saves me about $40). And since it can passthrough while vaping, just having dual 18650 should be enough.

 

[vapesmooth1234]

welp, I decided to go with a Wismec Reuleaux DNA200, at least for now..
DNA's ability to more safely USB charge vs the rx200 (and possibly other 150-200W chips) was the deal breaker for me.
Don't get me wrong, I have a cheap (but very bright) dual 18650 headlamp that has sketchy built-in charging and I took the advice of others and charge them in a nitecore in the garage without worries or hassle, but with the e cig, I'm just so accustomed to USB charging. I'll charge it overnight right next to my bed, like I have been charging my single 18650 MOD and eGos for years. Worst case scenario is it explodes, and then I will wake up and bash a hole through the wall into the bathroom and put the fire out with the shower wand.

I say I'm getting the DNA200 just for now because I will probably sell it in 6months to a year because I can almost guarantee that Wismec (and probably other companies) will soon follow in the footsteps of the Reuleaux RX2/3 with a DNA200 in a casing that you can chose 3 or 2 18650s. And possibly also with faster 2amp USB charging such as the VaporShark DNA200 and SBody Nuke DNA200 (although those use a single lipo pack battery which is possibly the key to 2Amp safe charging).
Basically I think that in a year or so, the safety concern with USB charging multiple cells will be history, even if it makes the cheaper RX200 MODS $10 more, the RX200 mods are dirt cheap as it is so it's not a big trade off. And with 2Amp charging possibility, there's almost no reason to even mess with an external charger that I know of, except to not wear out the USB port when needed for actual firmware or configuring.

Only concern of mine is if I should have to open the Reuleaux DNA200 and rotate the batteries for added safety.

Actually, now I googled that and found this that I'm thinking says I should. If you Ctrl + f to "find" [series], you'll see what they say.
https://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/3xwsea/psa_for_wismec_reuleaux_rx200_owners/


that thread ^ is for the RX200 not DNA200 but I googled and confirmed that both are Series MODs and not parallel (whatever that means lol). But it's concerning enough to me that I have changed my mind yet again and my final answer is that I will get the cheaper RX200 (possibly the 2/3 model) AND charge externally (next to my bed lol). BECAUSE, I don't want to have to open the damn Reuleaux DNA200 every day or so and rotate the batteries because the damn thing has protruding plastic rings around the battery connectors as a safety feature to prevent users from putting the batteries in at reverse polarity - these protruding plastic rings are notorious for ripping at battery wraps and potentially damaging them. Google [Reuleaux dna200 "file down" ] and you'll see others have done this but I really don't want to get into all that or try and resell this thing later with that modification it would look sketch as F.


I like the battery doors for the Reuleaux RX200 2/3 they now snap into place, still have some magnets I think but I like the security of snap (don't like the giant gap where juice can enter though).

well, if anyone's read this far, all I need to know now is what three batteries do you recommend? Link em and I'll buy em on ebay. I will be vaping single and dual coil build but I really have no idea what ohms. I will do SS and other non-kanthal builds but also kanthal claptons etc, fancy stuff. I have a TFV8 on the way and it has pre-built .15 octa coils, so that's probably as low as I'll need to go, I don't know. Basically I know this has been asked a million times but I want something in the middle ground of what can do low ohm coils but also has decent mAhs.

For the charger, I already have a nitecore i2 for my headlamp, I have two very high quality keeppower 2900 batts that were $25 a pair. After about 9 months, the nitecore only blinks that one is fully charged even if left for two days. But if I change the battery to the other slot it will fully charge, so I'm not so happy with nitecore.

I have the car adapter for the nitecore though so that might be useful unless you suggest another charger that has a genuine OEM car adapter?

 

[Topweasel]

Any reason to get the DNA RX over the Triade? Just asking. The Wiring, 510 placement, 510 pin, style, and comfort are all better on the Triade. The RX200DNA while still available out there hasn't actually been in production for over half a year. I haven't looked around is it that much cheaper?

 

[Wingsfan0310]

Any reason to get the DNA RX over the Triade? Just asking. The Wiring, 510 placement, 510 pin, style, and comfort are all better on the Triade. The RX200DNA while still available out there hasn't actually been in production for over half a year. I haven't looked around is it that much cheaper?

I already tried to tell him that. I have one that was bought when it first came out. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't buy it again for the reasons listed. IMO the Triade is the far better mod in just about every way imaginable.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Rabbit Slayer]

I don't understand why you wouldn't just buy two sets of batteries and a 4bay charger

 

[vapesmooth1234]

I know about the Tirade, and there's another similar ~$125 one but they both have leather and I'm actually a vegan and don't buy leather. I have read about 510 problems with all the RX200s, even after supposedly fixing it on the RX200S and the new R2/3. BUT, it's rare and only with certain attys. But warranties possibly aren't covering it if it does pop inward or something. I'm just going to take a chance. I only have a handful of attys I can get a $3 heatsink if needed also. I also know about the thin wiring in the RX. This is sort of a temp MOD for me though, and then I'll sell it. I think they have to work out some kinks in all these, even if that means raising the price %30, they're still cheap. I'd buy the DNA200 right now if it weren't for those stupid protruding rings around the battery connections that rip at the battery casings. Even though I can safely USB charge the DNA version, like I mentioned, I'm under the impression that I will still have to rotate the batteries daily = potential to rip the casings in the DNA (but not the RX but the RX shouldn't really be USB charged).

One thing, do you think it would be detrimental if I were to use just 3 batteries for the RX 2/3, and rotate them for dual and triple mode or will that un-marry them too much? I will be charging in a nitecore etc externally %99 of the time and always rotating them. If I want dual mode with the R2/3, I'm thinking I'll just remove one battery but then swap it with one of the other two if I continue in dual mode and rotate it like that. If not a good idea, I might just get the RX200S for now. I see myself selling it in 4 months or so for something potentially better. I just hope regulations don't hit by then and make buying a new version difficult or expensive.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

That's too bad, the Triade would have been a good choice.

 

[vapesmooth1234]

I made a thread at evolve just for good measure asking if the DNA200 requires rotating the batts if usb charging it.
https://evolvapor.forumchitchat.com...tteries-8200841?pid=1293034181#post1293034181


I however in the meantime of waiting for that account to be approved by moderator mostly decided to just get a $40 RX200S for now with a $25ish external charger and hopefully never need to USB charge it, and then I will sell it and the charger sooner or later because I imagine, DNA will release a MOD that A) doesn't have the stupid screen ribbon wire directly in contact when you press fire (I know it can be fixed but also folding the ribbon is a bit concerning B) will have removed the stupid protruding rings around the batteries and instead use how the RXs have that protection built into the chip, and they will probably make a RX2/3 version in DNA that you can opt between 2 or three batteries (and I asked before but No, I wouldn't risk rotating between just 3 batteries to do this if doing a few days as dual and a few days as triple, I would just spend the $20 more for a dedicated pair of 18650s for in dual mode).
And if the DNA200 does require rotation if USB charging, then I imagine soon enough they might fix that also but that might be wishful thinking and too advanced for the near future.

 

[vapesmooth1234]

I just bought Wismec Reuleaux DNA200 and will be USB charging it. I read enough to steer me away from anything RX. I dunno yet if I should still rotate the cells in the mod if USB charging. I have read it's a good idea from electrical engineers in reddit threads stating that there will be slight uneven balance drainage from each cell if it's series batteries regardless of chip, and best practice is to rotate. How often I don't know. The link to the evolve forum I'm waiting for a reply might eventually be answered.

https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...apers-looking-to-purchase-mod-rda-rta.758517/