Regulated Mod – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A Regulated Mod is any vaping device that contains an electronic circuit board to control power delivery to the atomiser. Unlike mechanical mods, it lets you set wattage, voltage or temperature via buttons and a screen, keeping the output steady regardless of battery charge. This built-in regulation protects against short circuits, Resistance“>low resistance, over-discharge and overheating, making it the safest and most user-friendly option for mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-lung (DL) vapers alike. Whether paired with an RDA, RTA, RDTA or simple refillabletank, a regulated mod ensures consistent flavour and vapour production.
Technical Details
Inside every regulated mod is a chipset (often branded DNA, Gene, or proprietary) that reads the coil’s resistance in real time and adjusts power accordingly. Common specs include:
- Power range: 5–300 W (most Australian users stay below 100 W)
- Voltage range: 0.5–9 V
- Temperature range: 100–315 °C (useful for stainless-steel or nickel coils)
- Battery configuration: single 18650/20700/21700, dual 18650, or integrated lithium polymer pack
- Output modes:Variable Wattage (VW), Variable Voltage (VV), Temperature Control (TC), TCR, Bypass (simulated mechanical)
Box-shaped and tube-shaped regulated mods dominate the market, while pod-mods add refillable pods with built-in coils. Firmware updates and USB-C charging are now standard on mid-range devices.
Usage & Tips
- Start low: Begin at the lowest recommended wattage for your coil and increase slowly to avoid dry hits.
- Lock the resistance: In TC mode, lock resistance at room temperature for accurate temperature readings.
- Battery safety: Use married pairs in dual-battery mods, store cells in cases, and never exceed the continuous discharge rating.
- Common issue – “Check Atomiser”: Remove and re-seat the RDA/RTA/RDTA, inspect the 510 pin for e-liquid, and ensure coil resistance is within the mod’s limits.
- Travel tip: Remove batteries or switch off the mod before flights to comply with Australian aviation regulations.
History & Context
Regulated mods emerged in 2010 when Evolv released the first variable-voltage DNA board. By 2014, mass-market box mods like the iStick brought affordable wattage control to Australian vapers, quickly replacing mechanical devices. Today, chipsets offer smartphone-level safety features and precision, making high-power vaping accessible without the risks associated with unregulated tubes.