Direct Output – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Direct Output is a battery-driven vaping mode in which the device delivers power exactly as the battery voltage stands, with no internal regulation or buck/boost circuitry. In other words, the coil receives whatever voltage the cell can give at that moment—falling from about 4.2 V when fully charged to roughly 3.3 V before cut-off. The purpose is a mechanical-style vape while still keeping basic protections such as short-circuit and low-voltage cut-off found in regulated mods. Beginners enjoy it because there are no wattage menus; advanced vapers like the instant ramp-up and gradual “softening” of hit as the battery drains, similar to a traditional mech but safer.

Technical Details

Direct Output mods read battery voltage in real time and close the MOSFET circuit with minimal resistance (< 1 mΩ on quality boards). Because Ohm’s Law governs the run, coil resistance determines power: P = V² ÷ R. A 0.4 Ω build on a fresh 4.2 V cell pulls 10.5 A and 44 W; at 3.5 V it drops to 8.75 A and 30 W. Most boards set a 3.2–3.3 V cut-off to protect the 18650/21700 cell, and cap current at 25–35 A. Variations include “Direct Output with hard/soft curve” (a tiny firmware capacitor that slightly flattens voltage sag) and “true-series direct” on dual-battery mods where 8.4 V maximum is fed until batteries reach 6.6 V. Unlike variable wattage, there is no PWM ripple, so output is 100 % DC—ideal for DTL (Direct to Lung)cloud chasing with dual-coil decks.

Usage & Tips

  • Build smart: Target 0.15–0.5 Ω for a 25–40 A battery; always leave 20 % headroom on the cell’s continuous rating.
  • Monitor voltage: When flavour fades or dry hit risk rises, check the LED or screen—below 3.5 V means time to swap cells.
  • Keep it clean: A dirty drip tip or clogged airflow can mimic weak output; rinse and dry before blaming the battery.
  • Don’t chain-vape on low-resistance builds—voltage sag under load can dip below 3 V and trigger early cut-off.
  • Safety first: Only use high-drain rated batteries (Sony VTC5A, Molicel P28A, etc.) and inspect wraps for nicks; Direct Output has no wattage ceiling to save you from a hard short.

History & Context

Direct Output appeared around 2015 when chip makers (Evolv, Yihi) wanted to give regulated users a “mech experience” without removing safety nets. It bridged the gap between primitive disposable vapes and full variable-wattage box mods, becoming a staple mode on Aussie-favoured single-battery devices like the Pico Squeeze and Vandy Vape Pulse V1. Today it remains popular among squonkers and rebuildable fans who enjoy the gradual power taper reminiscent of classic tube mechs.

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