SlightlyStonedSD

Active Member
@SlightlyStonedSD, Harbor Freight has them under a sawbuck, RadioShak, as well.

Does it work plugged in, w/out battery?

This is the first I've heard the Air can work without a battery. It didn't, just gave me the no battery red light. Not the same problem I've been having with overheating and shutting itself off.

At the bottom of the charge. When you're close to the end, the extra load of trying to heat can push it over the line.

Again, how confident are you the batteries are sufficiently charged? If in doubt I suggest charging for a couple hours and trying again? A depleted battery will keep it from working 'even when plugged in'.

OF

I know I had enough power to run it but I'm gonna fully charge it right now to be sure.
 
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OF

Well-Known Member
This is the first I've heard the Air can work without a battery. It didn't, just gave me the no battery red light.

I know I had enough power to run it but I'm gonna fully charge it right now to be sure.

It won't run without a (working and charged) battery. The charger can only supply about 1/4 the needed power (which is why I said "A depleted battery will keep it from working 'even when plugged in'", a missing battery is like the ultimate depleted battery.....).

If you know the battery was at least partially charged, that can't be it. Although it wouldn't hurt to check.....

OF
 

SlightlyStonedSD

Active Member
It won't run without a (working and charged) battery. The charger can only supply about 1/4 the needed power (which is why I said "A depleted battery will keep it from working 'even when plugged in'", a missing battery is like the ultimate depleted battery.....).

If you know the battery was at least partially charged, that can't be it. Although it wouldn't hurt to check.....

OF

Well now this is interesting. I fully charged it and gave it a quick test before work and it reached temperature on blue without spazzing out. I didn't use it yet but I think this brings the batteries back into contention as the source of the problem.

So what could I be doing wrong with my batteries. when I switch out the spare I keep it in the little plastic baggie it was shipped in, twisted shut, and placed into a plastic end mill case.

Sometimes when I charge it may be considered "topping off" which I remember you warning against OF.

Could I have ruined 2 batteries in a few weeks?

I feel like I owe an apology for throwing out the term "faulty unit" before being 100% sure of the issue.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
Well now this is interesting. I fully charged it and gave it a quick test before work and it reached temperature on blue without spazzing out. I didn't use it yet but I think this brings the batteries back into contention as the source of the problem.

So what could I be doing wrong with my batteries.

Could I have ruined 2 batteries in a few weeks?

Funny the difference in perspective, I don't see it as 'interesting' as much as 'logical' or 'reassuring'. It fits the symptoms IMO....often a useful troubleshooting tool.

I don't think the batteries (actually technically "cells") are trashed, although we've certainly not done them much good. The very erratic behavior you report is most likely the protection circuit kicking in in fact. I think what happened to you is you got both 'batteries' discharged at the same time. I'd charge 'em both up fully and retest, I bet you'll be Jake.

Congratulations on the progress, I hope it pans out. Sure beats sending it back for service, don't it just?

OF
 

SlightlyStonedSD

Active Member
Funny the difference in perspective, I don't see it as 'interesting' as much as 'logical' or 'reassuring'. It fits the symptoms IMO....often a useful troubleshooting tool.

I don't think the batteries (actually technically "cells") are trashed, although we've certainly not done them much good. The very erratic behavior you report is most likely the protection circuit kicking in in fact. I think what happened to you is you got both 'batteries' discharged at the same time. I'd charge 'em both up fully and retest, I bet you'll be Jake.

Congratulations on the progress, I hope it pans out. Sure beats sending it back for service, don't it just?

OF

Well, to continue my trend of waffling back and forth, it does not work. It appeared to be working when fully charged AND plugged in. But I just powered on unplugged, with a full battery and had the same issue.

The good news is I heard back from Arizer today(same day I emailed) and they are ready to help:

"The intermittent nature of this issue makes it difficult to troubleshoot and diagnose, but it sounds like an issue that will be covered under the warranty."

I hate to have to send it in but I can't wait until it's back in action.
 

stark1

Lonesome Planet
For your own peace of mind, why not go to a Radioshak and chat up a friendly employee to test out your batteries, if you don't plan on doing some future electronics projects with a multimeter.

It seems unlikely that BOTH batteries can be corrupted, both at the same time.

Is it possible the charger may have had its wires stretched, is it outputting the proper voltage. Take it to test it, as well.

Also, my understanding is that a Power Adapter which puts out more amperage than its charger was used without a battery to reset the older Solos. Perhaps you can chat up Arizer's CS to find out how to do a reset, if that is indeed the case.

Sure beats sitting on one's hands sending it out, and waiting, for the return if you can resolve the issue yourself.

Best Wishes, hope you have some backups, if you do end up having to post it back. FC.
 

SlightlyStonedSD

Active Member
Thanks @stark1 I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to batteries and electrical components in general so I'm not confident I can diagnose it myself

Maybe I'll buy a multimeter today so you and the other friendly members can help me interpret the data.

I have a desktop vape but the Air is my first portable so it would suck to lose for a few weeks, or longer..:ugh:

Is there anything I should know about multimeters before I go out and buy one, are the cheap ones accurate or is there a brand to avoid?

Can it tell me how much juice is left in a battery as well?
 
SlightlyStonedSD,

stark1

Lonesome Planet
Bummed out that you have to suffer the issue with your baby.

A multimeter will indicate voltage, at full capacity it will read the max, then as the battery wanes, the voltage will continue to drop.

One has to think that the new batteries are OK, that perhaps the charger isn't up to par.

The unit itself is kinda like a meter, it will indicate the battery levels as it discharges.

How fast does it drain the battery from full charge? :hmm:
 
stark1,

OF

Well-Known Member
The unit itself is kinda like a meter, it will indicate the battery levels as it discharges.

Indeed? How is this done? I thought we'd decided there was no battery level indication with Air (unlike say Solo)? TIA

Otherwise, yes, a voltage reading on the battery will indicate the state of charge. About 4.2 Volts 'full', close to 3.0 when completely discharged (per Centigen). Anything above about 3.5 Volts should work Air normally for a while (at least a session?).

OF
 

stark1

Lonesome Planet
Indeed? How is this done? I thought we'd decided there was no battery level indication with Air (unlike say Solo)? TIA

OF

Flying blind.

I am Airless, this airhead thinking of Solo, dreamin of Solo.

Solo Mio. Solo, Mamacita.

Ah, gawd! Am I following the air currents?

PS are you up so early, Sir, it is only seven in San Jose....
 

stark1

Lonesome Planet
Retire, Sir?

Why, I never jumped on the bandwagon.

Simply happy, never joined the 9-4:30 types, they say, the rat race.


BTW a VERY crude meter: fully charged, happy vapors; depleted, WHA! :hmm:
 
stark1,

JoeKickass

Well-Known Member
Air vs. Alpha vs. Firefly, my impressions and opinions:

After a few weeks using these daily I think I gave them a fair trial, and while the Arizer Air is easier to clean, the Goboof Alpha is more portable, and easier to use; the Firefly is less practical than both but offers superior taste and power.

The user interface on the Air is slow and clunky, it takes nearly 10 seconds to set it to the previously set temperature. The Air has more temp levels, but top temp is only equivalent to medium on the Alpha. The Alpha's rotary dial makes temp selection effortless, but it does need taping if carrying in the pocket so it doesn't turn on. The Firefly requires extensive practice and extra batteries, and it's hard to get consistent abv, but you get goods hits when you get everything just right.

The Air takes the edge in ease of cleaning and slightly in taste (a freshly cleaned Alpha tastes the same IMO) The Firefly gives a pure convection taste, but it's inconsistency and battery life really limit its practicality as a portable.

When it comes to on-the-go vaping I like a discreet portable that medicates quickly, and while the Air works for that purpose, it's e-cig looks, long heat up time, and low max temperature hurt it in real-world use. The Alpha is very nearly an ideal portable, as long as you tape the wheel before pocketing it. The Firefly is really only a semi-portable, as it benefits from stirring and extra batteries, but it is a great home or travel vape.

The modern portable vaporizer market is very competitive now-a-days, with all the options it's nice to see products playing to different strengths. Whether you want the cleaning ease of the Air, the taste of the Firefly, or the portability of the Alpha, there's a vape for every situation!
 

CarolKing

Singer of songs and a vapor connoisseur
This is a response from my email to Arizer.
I sent another email asking for a list of authorized vendors that sell Arizer products. I hope to hear something soon.


You are right to advise people to purchase our products from Authorized Retailers and we appreciate you providing guidance on the forums where incorrect information often runs rampant.
All of our products are covered under warranty, but there are many reasons why people should purchase our products from Authorized Retailers:
  1. To ensure they receive the newest available of our products
  2. To ensure they receive Authentic Arizer products
  3. To ensure they receive everything they ordered, new, and in good condition
  4. To ensure they receive their order
  5. To ensure they receive fast and friendly service direct from their retailer
We hear many horror stories on a regular basis from customer who order from unauthorized retailers at discount prices, only to receive the order with missing and / or broken parts, used and / or damaged units, sometimes not receiving anything at all, and poor service or no response or assistance from their retailers.
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.
Best Regards,
Kevin
Arizer Tech
Service@arizer.com
 
Last edited:

jeffsimp710

Member
Just preordered an Air though Namastevapes, and I'll hopefully get it next week. I've heard good things about them, but we'll see when it arrives.
 

SlightlyStonedSD

Active Member
I've got my multimeter and I'm ready to figure this mystery out!

I have no idea how to use this thing. Can you guys give me some pointers before I head to class at YouTube University?

I hope it's ok to discuss here since I'm attempting to diagnose a problem with the air.
 
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OF

Well-Known Member
I've got my multimeter and I'm ready to figure this mystery out!

I have no idea how to use this thing. Can you guys give me some pointers before I head to class at YouTube University?

I hope it's ok to discuss here since I'm attempting to diagnose a problem with the air.

OK, let's see if generic instructions will work, otherwise we'll need a link (or more information) on the model you have.

Plug the red and black leads into the ground and common jacks (avoid the one that says '10 ADC' or similar). Color is not really important at this point. Turn it on and set the range to '20 VDC' (Volts DC), the display most likely reads 0.00.

Put one lead on each end of the battery. Expect something between about 4.20 (fully charged) and 3.00 (dead flat).

OF
 

CarolKing

Singer of songs and a vapor connoisseur
My response from Arizer in regards to an authorized vendor list.

Our products are sold worldwide by hundreds of retailers and the list is constantly changing so we do not keep an active list of Authorized Retailers. If anyone has any specific inquiries about a specific retailer they can feel free to contact us with their inquiry.


Best Regards,
Kevin
Arizer Tech
Service@arizer.com
 
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OF

Well-Known Member
Wish I got a free sample unit to review...grumble grumble...pretty good overall review:
http://gizmodo.com/arizer-air-review-a-breath-of-fresh-vapor-1676049806

I've got the feeling you'd do a better job. I'll give it a weak C..... I sure am glad I got my Air before reading it.

Guy loves the FF? I've never tried, but understand the taste is not a strong point??? That decided the issue, I hope I didn't misunderstand......

Still, you know what they say, '.......as long as they spell your name right.'.

OF
 

OyVape

Well-Known Member
Well, alas, I've broken the small stem with the mouthpiece. So already I've broken both original stems in my Air's short life. :drool: Fortunately, a few days ago I just got 2 more stems from Arizer. But this has got me thinking I want unbreakable stems. Not sure about Ed's wooden ones, as some say they stretch the opening of the vape and can affect taste. I'm wondering about the possibility of getting some nylon stems made, similar to some log vapes, like maybe with a stainless steel bowl/screen.

Perhaps this is a job for Underdog Dave? Does anyone have any suggestions?
 

Slow Draw McGraw

Well-Known Member
Company Rep
Well, alas, I've broken the small stem with the mouthpiece. So already I've broken both original stems in my Air's short life. Fortunately, a few days ago I just got 2 more stems from Arizer. But this has got me thinking I want unbreakable stems. Not sure about Ed's wooden ones, as some say they stretch the opening of the vape and can affect taste. I'm wondering about the possibility of getting some nylon stems made, similar to some log vapes, like maybe with a stainless steel bowl/screen.


Perhaps this is a job for Underdog Dave? Does anyone have any suggestions?



Jeez, if you broke these at home, get carpet Installed.
If you broke these these on the go, stay home and get carpet installed.

Just teasing.:tup:
 
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