looking to buy

[scrumpox]

Ipv d2 is only slightly larger than an istick 30. I like mine, and they are a popular choice at the moment. I might get a second one as a TC backup.

I've been charging mine via the on board charging for a couple of weeks without any issues but today received a separate charger, so I can chug happily while a spare cell is charging.

The iPV D2 does have passthrough, so you can vape whilst it's charging. However, the cable is too damn short for this to be practical.

 

[cmichael818]

SNOW WOLF 200 WATT!! All the way, I was never a big IPV/Sig guy, and the Snow Wolf blows both of them out of the water (IMO). I paid retail for it, and haven't regretted it since. Runs Ti and Ni beautifully, as well as kanthal. And fires down to .05, so dual Ni coils aren't an issue. If you're going TC, I suggest one of these guys or a DNA200 if you can find one for your price range

 

[nacmacfeegle]

The iPV D2 does have passthrough, so you can vape whilst it's charging. However, the cable is too damn short for this to be practical.

Haha, yes it is!
To avoid vaping with your nose pressed up against a wall, you might use a USB extension lead, or a USB power bank. Or reach for your back up.
I found a couple of USB leads that fit that are longer, they were from old portable 2.5" hard drive caddies.
I've seen longer 3.5 / usb cables on Amazon as well, so spares exist out there. Search for "usb 3.5 barrel".
Amazon.co.uk: usb 3.5 barrel
I've no guarantee these will work, but worth a punt for a quid if you are worried.
This blows the 'non standard cable' criticism out of the water.
Before using I checked that mine were centre pin positive with a meter.
So now I keep one in the car, one at home and one in the office.

Al kind of moot since I bought myself a nice groovy Xtar VC2 charger.
I don't have an excuse for my cells running out, but I'll still get caught short sooner or later!

 

[scrumpox]

The cable's long enough to recharge as I'm sat at my desk. Thanks for the link though. I think this 3.5mm barrel port is far superior to the fragile miniUSB ... it should be the standard. Reviewer objections to it are based solely on it being different and ignore the fact that the ubiquitous miniUSB is flaky. What would we rather have?

The battery change is so easy too. The inconvenience is having to keep the skin on because the paint job is so poor.

The form factor and weight is spot on, the bang for buck is fantastic.

 

[Mr Numpty]

I've seen a few reviewers saying that you can't charge the D2 via a PC usb port. That you need a usb wall socket adapter due to the amps required or something. Then again, I've also read people who say you can. I charge my batteries externally but I'd quite like to know if I could charge it via my car's usb port if I ever get stuck.

 

[nacmacfeegle]

I've seen a few reviewers saying that you can't charge the D2 via a PC usb port. That you need a usb wall socket adapter due to the amps required or something. Then again, I've also read people who say you can. I charge my batteries externally but I'd quite like to know if I could charge it via my car's usb port if I ever get stuck.

"Can't", what do they mean "can't"? Okay, well maybe I can guess what they are on about, but can't help being a little inquisitive. Timing is good as my Sony vct5 (or maybe its not!) was about to cack out, it was showing nothing on the D2 batery meter.
With nothing else to do this lunchtime I chucked it on the charger, and sure enough its down to 3v.

Hmmm thats about as flat as they get, so I shoved it back into the D2, hooked up a wee usb power meter thingie, and connected to my Dell's USB3 port.

Seems reasonable, 4.8 v at 0.74 amps, well within USB 3 specs and good enough to charge the VCT via the D2. I plugged it into a USB 2 outlet on my monitor as well with exactly the same results.
On a mission now...off to the truck and its lighter socket / generic dual USB gismo.

Again all seems reasonable and no fuses blew, the sky did not fall in, and global warming did not accelerate.
Finally after scouring the office for a 2 amp wall wart, all I could come up with was my Anker 5v 2amp, 5200mah power bank, close enough to be a wall adapter, which gave me by now familiar results..

Yep, everything fine there as well.
Take from this what you want, IME many reviewers are fuds spreading FUD. I'd be happy charging my D2 via any of these means (My car, My laptop, My power bank), your mileage may vary, and as always common charger safety should be applied.
Never leave a charger unattended.
If it gets hot shut it down.
If you don't like the smell of it, shut it down.
If in doubt shut it down.
Until then,I wish you all happy and safe vaping...

 

[Mr Numpty]

Ha ha, outstanding work, nacmacfeegle, if indeed that is your real name!

Thanks for your comprehensive investigation, much obliged.

 

[nacmacfeegle]

No worries MrN, Just a bit of frivolous geekery to pass an otherwise dull lunchtime.

External charger is always the preferred method. Otherwise you need a 1 amp usb port (car, computer, power bank, wall adapter, hell I've even used a Playstation), a 2 amp will do as well, I don't think a 0.5 amp adapter will cut it and will probably be overloaded by the current draw of the D2. At least you know what you can and can't do now.

This may get you out of hole someday and keep you off the urge to buy a pack of stinkies, and that's what its all about really.