The mechanisms of a vaping device seem to be getting more complex every day. So, you’re not the only one who feels bogged down with all things vaping-related.
So, how do you grasp the workings of temperature control units, TCRs, and various operating modes and use them to your advantage?
Put simply, TCR denotes a number that identifies how the resistance of certain materials changes as the temperature fluctuates. When talking about vaping devices, TCR refers to how the coil’s (material) resistance changes as the heat shifts.
Without enough knowledge, TCR may seem like a complication you don’t need. However, temp control can be helpful.
Contents
TCR Mode in a Nutshell
You may have stumbled across the enigmatic term TCR mode. Most vape mods today have this option, which arose from the 2014 creation of the DNA chip.
TCR stands for Temperature Coefficient of Resistance, and vape TCR mode is one of the most valuable features of a mod.
The temperature coefficient of resistance lets you know how a physical property changes when the temperature fluctuates.
TCR works with more than just vaping coils. Yet, in a vape, the physical property is the coil material, and the different TCR values tell the mod about correct resistance and the corresponding heat of a specific alloy.
The TCR mode in vape devices assigns a value that depends on the best temperature for each coil type. This mode allows you to get the best results from your vape and coil combined.
TCR doesn’t actually tell you about the coil temperature. Instead, the value is more about the relationship between heat and resistance. For instance, when there is less resistance, there will be more heat.
Importance of TCR Mode
Not all materials respond the same to an increase in temperature. Therefore, you need to know information about your coil and its corresponding wire type.
The type of alloy in coils is responsible for establishing the connection between resistance and potential heat. Different coils such as stainless steel, nickel, and titanium react differently to heat and have their own temperature coefficient.
Now, when you use the TC (temperature control) mode, the mod asks you to provide information on the coil you’re using. With this information, the mod identifies the ideal temperature for vaping with the specific alloy you’re using, and the TC controls kick in if the temperature isn’t perfect.
Most manufacturers have the settings of their mods fine-tuned to their own particular coils.
For instance, Company Vape Limited will have its own brand of coil heads and mods. Let’s say the company makes its coils from 316 stainless steel. Their mod will have TCR-rated temperature control for 316 stainless steel coils.
Therefore, when you use the SS setting mode with the coil provided by the company, you won’t need to fiddle with the TCR.
For casual vapers, simply getting the mod on the correct setting (SS, Ni, Ti) is adequate. However, that won’t be near enough for experienced users.
So, what if you use your own coils made of 304 steel or use a different alloy?
Without adjustments made when you do coil changes, there will be a reduction in flavorful vapor production. In worst cases, your wicks can even get burnt.
TCR Mode to the Rescue
To adjust your 316 steel-tuned vape mod to work with your new 304 stainless coils, you must enter the vape TCR mode. Wattage mode will not work the same here.
Upon doing so, you will have to provide the correct TCR value of 304L coils.
For trustworthy TCR values, visit the site steam-engine.org.
Overall, the vape TCR mode allows you to adjust your mod to be as precise as possible.
You can also use the TCR mode in vape devices to adjust and control the use of e-liquid, creation of vapor, battery life, and warmth of the drags.
This mode has inadvertently facilitated the creation of new lines of vaping coils and accessories. Calling the mode a positive innovation to the vaping experience would be an understatement.
Finally, before moving on, a quick note about the safety of the dry-burning process. You should only use dry-burning for a stainless steel coil in a rebuildable atomizer.
Difference between TCR and TC Mode
After absorbing all the information I have laid out, I have a gut feeling that you are confused about the difference between TC (temperature control) and TCR (temperature coefficient of resistance) mode. It’s easy to get confused since both modes function similarly, processing numbers and ultimately limiting the temperature on a vape device for safety purposes.
With TC vaping, you get an input value that is preset to function optimally with a specific coil. The temp mode will not let you go above a specific setting.
TC mods also give you a more consistent vape by keeping the temperature the same, unlike regular wattage mode. Furthermore, TC vapes avoid dry and burnt hits and can extend wick life.
People usually use temperature control mode for coils that don’t have a fixed resistance value. Coils with this wire type, like nickel wire, need a selected temperature coefficient to function correctly.
Meanwhile, with the TCR mode, you need to input the values yourself. These temperature readings pave the way for greater accuracy, allowing the device to limit the temperature even more efficiently.
Conclusion
There is no need for you to know specific values and understand the workings of the TCR mode if you intend to vape with pre-packaged coils and mods created from the same brand. Besides, figuring out each coil’s exact TCR value is complex, and beginners should probably master power mode first.
However, if you want to test your mod and experiment with your coils, you will need to know the value of coils to fine-tune your mod. Failure to adjust the settings in the TCR mode can spell doom for both you and your device.
Finally, it is essential to remember that the coil determines the right temperature and the value, not any other device feature.