Even if the Lavatube is not your first electronic cigarette, you may initially feel a bit daunted when you open the package because of the number of parts included. These instructions will walk you through the process of setting up and using the Lavatube for the first time. In addition, we will share a few tips that you can use to help keep your Lavatube e-cig working its best.
Setting Up the Lavatube
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The Lavatube battery arrives with approximately a 50-percent charge. Place it on the charger and wait for the charger’s light to turn green before using your Lavatube for the first time. Your patience will be rewarded. Charging the Lavatube battery for the first time should take a little over three hours, while subsequent charges take about six hours. The positive side of the battery has a dark ring; this side should face up in the charger as well as in the Lavatube e-cig itself.
When the battery finishes charging, turn the bottom cap of the Lavatube counter-clockwise to remove it. Insert the battery with the positive side facing up, and replace the bottom cap. You should see the screen light up, indicating that the e-cig is on. If it doesn’t, hold the red power button for five seconds. The Lavatube always starts with a default setting of 3.0 volts.
If you are using the Lavatube atomizer, insert it into the threading at the top of the e-cig and turn it clockwise to tighten it. Place the drip tip over the atomizer so the rubber ring faces the atomizer’s top opening, and push down firmly. If you are using a cartomizer, simply screw it into the threading. The Lavatube is now ready to use.
Using the Lavatube
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Open your bottle of e-liquid, and send about 3-4 drops down the drip tip to wet the atomizer’s heating coil and wick. You will need to add more drops periodically as you “vape” with the Lavatube; 2-3 drops for every 4-5 puffs is usually sufficient but varies depending on the atomizer, voltage level and length of each puff.
Push the large button on the side of the Lavatube to activate the atomizer. Draw vapor slowly from the drip tip into your mouth. If you taste any harsh or burned flavors, you may have added too little e-liquid. Add another 2 drops, wait a few seconds and try again. Once you have added the right amount of e-liquid, use the Lavatube exactly as you would a real cigarette; some people prefer drawing the vapor into the mouth before inhaling it into the lungs, while others prefer to inhale into the lungs directly. It’s up to you.
[box type="info"]Tip: To get the most vapor with the Lavatube, take long, slow puffs rather than short, strong ones.[/box]
Changing the Voltage
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After you become accustomed to using the Lavatube, raise the voltage slowly with the “+” button until you find the level that is right for you. The 3.0 ohm atomizer included with the Lavatube works at all power levels up to 6.0 volts. At the maximum voltage level, the Lavatube produces a great deal of power. If you allow the atomizer to get too dry, you taste burned flavors at 6.0 volts. Lower the voltage slightly until you get used to adding the correct amount of e-liquid to keep the atomizer wet without flooding it.
When you find the right voltage level, hold both buttons until the screen blinks. The voltage setting is now locked and cannot be changed accidentally. To unlock the voltage, hold both buttons until the screen blinks again.
When to Charge the Lavatube
Press the Lavatube’s power button seven times in succession to see the current charge level of the battery. The screen changes to display the current voltage between a minimum of 3.3 and a maximum of 4.2. The Lavatube uses a voltage booster to raise the battery’s output to a maximum of 6.0 volts. When the power level drops to 3.5 volts, it is nearly time to charge the battery. You will also notice that the vapor production of the Lavatube drops slightly at this point, because the booster can no longer bring the power level of the battery quite up to 6.0 volts.
[box type="info"]Tip: The Lavatube’s display flashes five times when the battery is dead.[/box]
Atomizer Resistance
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When shopping for atomizers, you may have noticed that they come in three categories: low, standard and high-resistance. These atomizers are rated at approximately 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0 ohms respectively. The Lavatube works with atomizers at all resistance levels. However, it is generally best to use a high-resistance atomizer; low-resistance atomizers are not designed for high-voltage e-cigs such as the Lavatube. Rather, they are designed to increase the amount of vapor that a 3.7-volt e-cig can produce. At 6.0 volts, a low-resistance atomizer would be instantly destroyed. To prevent this from happening, the Lavatube includes a limiter that automatically drops the voltage when a low-resistance atomizer is connected.
Periodic Maintenance
Clean your atomizer periodically — preferably each time you charge the battery — to remove excess e-liquid and prevent excess buildup on the heating coil and wick. When you remove the atomizer, use a paper towel or cotton swab to remove e-liquid from the atomizer threading. Learn more: How to Clean the Lavatube
Maintaining the Battery
The Lavatube e-cig uses a 18650 battery, which is a standard size that you can buy from many sources online. However, it is strongly recommended that you purchase replacement batteries only directly from Volcano, as third-party batteries may not work properly. The 18650 battery included with the Lavatube has a flat top — a standard button-top battery will not fit properly. In addition, any battery incompatible with the voltage booster will not produce the same amount of vapor and will degrade the Lavatube’s performance. Finally, using a third-party battery with the Lavatube may void your warranty.
Follow these tips to extend the life of the Lavatube’s battery:
- Charge every new battery fully before using it.
- Use your Lavatube and charge the battery at least once per month. If you put the Lavatube into storage, remind yourself to charge the battery and keep the electrons flowing.
- Keep the battery out of extreme temperatures. Using the Lavatube in environments colder than 32 degrees and hotter than 95 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce battery’s performance.
- Hold the power button for five seconds to turn the Lavatube off when you aren’t going to use it for a while. This eliminates the possibility of accidentally pushing the primary button and draining the battery.