i got the same problem , crackling , and btw i have a stingray a year back and i dont really use it anymore cause it keeps getting fried, like got burnt charcoal taste and the juice becum brown colour. after 1 year (3days ago ) i got a lemo 2 for the top part , everything is really good but will the battery or my old stingray mod spoil the lemo 2 (produce charcoal burnt smell)