Understand what temperature control is all about !
Temperature control is a function used with electronic mods that prevents any dry hits and offers a more consistent rendition without deteriorating the flavours.
Configure your mod's maximal vaping temperature. Hence, even if you use it intensively you will be restrained and this mode will 'regulate' downwards, and even 'switch off' the current if the calculated temperature is too high, notably if there is a lack of e-liquid on the coil.
To use an electronic cigarette in its 'temperature control' or 'TC' mode, you will need:
- A mod, box or battery equipped with this function
- An atomizer or clearomizer fitted with Nickel (Ni200), Titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SS) or even NiFe30 coils.
Caution: kanthal coils are not compatible with temperature control.
How does temperature control work?
Contrary to what you might think, an electronic cigarette's temperature control isn't done using a thermometer !
How does it work? Firstly, the box or mod measures the coil's value at room temperature (20°C). This value will serve as a starting point for any other measure and that is why you need to take care when calibrating the mod at that time (otherwise called 'locking the coil').
When using the electronic cigarette, the coil's value will increase. Depending on the measured value (in ohms), the electronic module will compute and 'convert' it into degrees Celsius using the following formula:
Temperature difference (degrees Celsius) = Resistance value (ohms) – Resistance benchmark (ohms) ÷ (thermal coefficient of the used wire X resistance benchmark (ohm) )
The wire's thermal coefficient is supplied and integrated into the box's electronic module by the manufacturer.
For example:
- The resistance value for a Ni200 coil (thermal coefficient of 620) is of 0.2 ohm at 20°C
- The resistance value of this same coil increases when heated and is measured at 0.35 ohm when you heat and vape it
- So the difference in temperature with the first measured value is (0.35 - 0.20) ÷ (0.0062 x 0.20), resulting in 121°C.
- Measuring your coil at 0.35 ohm, your mod will thus determine that you vape at a temperature of 20+121=141°C !
NB : This calculation is only possible with a wire that is not or lowly resistive. As the kanthal coil's values vary too much when heated, it is indeed impossible to reliably and efficiently calculate it for that type of wire.
How to find your ideal temperature?
Just like vaping in variable wattage mode (VW), it is entirely up to you to determine your preferred setting, depending on your personal feeling, equipment and e-liquid used.
Some e-liquids (mentholated, fruity) are better used at cool or tepid temperatures, whereas others (gourmets, tobaccoes) are better used at hotter temperatures.
What does the power do in 'temperature control' mode?
The power you need to configure when using the 'temperature control' mode is approached in a different way and does not have the same function as in variable wattage mode (VW).
In TC mode (Ni/Ti/SS), the wattage only serves to reach the configured maximal temperature. So, you will have to take care to adjust the wattage in accordance with the temperature's setting.
For example, if you choose to vape at 200°C with a power of 60w, you will rapidly reach the maximal temperature with a very 'punchy' effect. On the contrary, reaching a 300°C cap whilst being set at 10w will be very long or even impossible. It is up to you to find the ideal compromise that will suit your personal tastes!
Related articles: How to build your coil - What is an e-liquid for electronic cigarette?