Discontinued ThermoVape
- Thread starter VaporBoxed
- Start date
OF
Well-Known Member
Good luck with it. My bet is if they say the added moisture is a benefit it's because at least some of the Beta testers reported that, besides just making sense. I feel for the spending money part and all, but good health and enjoyment are generally not available for purchase, if you have the chance to buy some I'd suggest finding the bucks somehow....what's more important in life?
And you know, if adding a few drops of water doesn't give you the improvement you want, how about trying a few drops of Scotch? It's 60% water, with a little alcohol to retard spoilage......
Again, best wishes with the results.
OF
Hey guys, wasn't going to post til I received some more batteries for using the TV.
But thought maybe I'd get some input first. I have been having mixed results and some very frustrating times with this unit. I realized there was a learning curve as with most unique products but tried all techniques I could think of. Everything kept pointing to the batteries losing punch too fast. I could not keep up the lung exercises without passing out, so I had to prove the batteries were to blame or is this TV just an expensive piece of crap. I was getting some hits but needed fresh batteries and luck to get 2 - 3 hits. Also noted hot handle. Just now read that is a symptom of batteries nearing end of discharge cycle. Great clue. Hard to believe all my batteries are bad, have the included 6 plus 4 more I ordered. Some do seem much better then others. I marked and mated them right away so they would always be used together. Maybe the charger?
Anyway I orded another charger plus 6 more batteries and will be sure to give them all proper top up before putting into service. I must admitt I may have tried the new batteries before topping them up. Would this degrade them?
I had to prove to mayself that I might be on the right track so I made a battery replacement which can hook up to an external supply. Used an old MagLite flash light housing. I'm actually using the power supply I posted a couple pages back Have it tweeked to 6 volts and testing without worrying about killing the batteries.
The above picture is using a power supply which can only put out 4 amps so even though the display says 6 volts, the element is only seeing seeing under 5 making it glowing somewhere around 20 watts.
So whats this mean:
I now have the inhaling technique down to an art, basically start very slow, found can actually breath through nose while sucking with tough into mouth. Sometime it seems to take so long but just kept going, like riding a wave. Have to let it build and then the fun begins. So I found it very possible to get a good hit. This is even predictable and can get to know when almost done. This was always the problem I was having, it was barely acceptable to have to spend a fresh set of batteries down to dead for just 1 bowl but I was into 2 -3 sets before I got so frustrated I would have to sit back up and just scratch my head.
So for the TV that's were I'm at. So far IMO, allot of work for not so quick hits. Hoping feeling will change when have a handle on this power issue.
In reading my own post and using this I thought I'd mention that this should not be done unless you know about power supplies and not to use an un-protected or more then 6 volt powered supply as it will burn out the element or worse.
I was really hesitant to post as I do understand battery issues for the most part and was floored a few months back when I first read about the MFLB and a single 1.5 volt cell. WoW
Also, just started testing my REV but having similar troubles but early, think I over filled it....opps. In process of small puffs with huge lung exercising. More to come on that one.
Just thought I'd mention, I pulled out that key ring figure I posted as I found not an issue at all once herb is not powdered. Also IMO, this or screens may cause scratching of the rim.
Cheers all,
Hope to get more information or tips on the battery troubles.
But thought maybe I'd get some input first. I have been having mixed results and some very frustrating times with this unit. I realized there was a learning curve as with most unique products but tried all techniques I could think of. Everything kept pointing to the batteries losing punch too fast. I could not keep up the lung exercises without passing out, so I had to prove the batteries were to blame or is this TV just an expensive piece of crap. I was getting some hits but needed fresh batteries and luck to get 2 - 3 hits. Also noted hot handle. Just now read that is a symptom of batteries nearing end of discharge cycle. Great clue. Hard to believe all my batteries are bad, have the included 6 plus 4 more I ordered. Some do seem much better then others. I marked and mated them right away so they would always be used together. Maybe the charger?
Anyway I orded another charger plus 6 more batteries and will be sure to give them all proper top up before putting into service. I must admitt I may have tried the new batteries before topping them up. Would this degrade them?
I had to prove to mayself that I might be on the right track so I made a battery replacement which can hook up to an external supply. Used an old MagLite flash light housing. I'm actually using the power supply I posted a couple pages back Have it tweeked to 6 volts and testing without worrying about killing the batteries.
The above picture is using a power supply which can only put out 4 amps so even though the display says 6 volts, the element is only seeing seeing under 5 making it glowing somewhere around 20 watts.
So whats this mean:
I now have the inhaling technique down to an art, basically start very slow, found can actually breath through nose while sucking with tough into mouth. Sometime it seems to take so long but just kept going, like riding a wave. Have to let it build and then the fun begins. So I found it very possible to get a good hit. This is even predictable and can get to know when almost done. This was always the problem I was having, it was barely acceptable to have to spend a fresh set of batteries down to dead for just 1 bowl but I was into 2 -3 sets before I got so frustrated I would have to sit back up and just scratch my head.
So for the TV that's were I'm at. So far IMO, allot of work for not so quick hits. Hoping feeling will change when have a handle on this power issue.
In reading my own post and using this I thought I'd mention that this should not be done unless you know about power supplies and not to use an un-protected or more then 6 volt powered supply as it will burn out the element or worse.
I was really hesitant to post as I do understand battery issues for the most part and was floored a few months back when I first read about the MFLB and a single 1.5 volt cell. WoW
Also, just started testing my REV but having similar troubles but early, think I over filled it....opps. In process of small puffs with huge lung exercising. More to come on that one.
Just thought I'd mention, I pulled out that key ring figure I posted as I found not an issue at all once herb is not powdered. Also IMO, this or screens may cause scratching of the rim.
Cheers all,
Hope to get more information or tips on the battery troubles.
OF
Well-Known Member
Pipes,
I'm with you on questioning the charger. In troubleshooting you look for a single point failure that can account for all the observations and I can't see another reason for so many bad batteries ending up at your house all together.....
BTW, I really like your test fixture. Too bad you can't get a little more steam from the bench supply.
Hang in there, there's 6000 of these out there assumed working. You can't have the dud....
OF
I'm with you on questioning the charger. In troubleshooting you look for a single point failure that can account for all the observations and I can't see another reason for so many bad batteries ending up at your house all together.....
BTW, I really like your test fixture. Too bad you can't get a little more steam from the bench supply.
Hang in there, there's 6000 of these out there assumed working. You can't have the dud....
OF
PB88123
Vaporist
@Pipes
After I clean mine sometimes I don't screw the thermocore in all the way and it makes me think my batteries are bad when it isn't working how I know it should. When I screw it in more I can sometimes turn it another 5 times and then it works perfectly. Is yours screwed in all the way?
I've been using the water pipe attachment for 5 days now and it works great. When using it I pack .07g a bowl. I like that power adapter mod @pipes. Once I have a PA it will be a great solo home vape always ready to go.
After I clean mine sometimes I don't screw the thermocore in all the way and it makes me think my batteries are bad when it isn't working how I know it should. When I screw it in more I can sometimes turn it another 5 times and then it works perfectly. Is yours screwed in all the way?
I've been using the water pipe attachment for 5 days now and it works great. When using it I pack .07g a bowl. I like that power adapter mod @pipes. Once I have a PA it will be a great solo home vape always ready to go.
Checked that out no resolution.
Thanks.
I sure hope it's the charger. Find out soon enough, just doesn't work well on half full batteries. BTW, I have been using the power supply from the post a couple pages back. Here's the set-up that is working for me right now. Getting 5.9 volts before the unit shuts off., seems good enough for now. Still open for suggestions on a good easy contact method for attaching the power cord. Work in progress. I'm very curious to see what the TV PA will look like and what power source they have.
Added a couple more pictures to show how I have it right now.
I'm still looking for an old 6.3 volt heater transformer or a reasonable 5.5 Volt 6 amp converter type. Have seen some 4 amp jobs that are reasonable size but still keeping an eye open.
Still have not had much time to get frustrated with the REV yet. Getting random puffs now and then and the ceramic center is clearing up. Need to push the oil around a bit I guess.
Anyway, still playing, lots of fun.
OF
Well-Known Member
I'm still looking for an old 6.3 volt heater transformer or a reasonable 5.5 Volt 6 amp converter type. Have seen some 4 amp jobs that are reasonable size but still keeping an eye open.
Still have not had much time to get frustrated with the REV yet. Getting random puffs now and then and the ceramic center is clearing up. Need to push the oil around a bit I guess.
Anyway, still playing, lots of fun.
How about using pulsating DC instead? For instance this transformer should give you your four amps at six volts:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_29226_-1
For a dollar more you can double the capacity to 8 amps:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_149771_-1?CID=PDF
To complete either package you'll need a dollar or so pair of rectifiers, two of these should work well:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_177762_-1?CID=PDF
Of course you could also just use half the secondary on the larger one to get four Amps AC with no diodes....or the whole secondary and drive the full primary with 120 VAC.
Do you know how to wire it up? Remember each rectifier only does half the work so those 6 Amp units will support 12 Amp loads, nice to have a margin.
OF
Actually. never thought much about a 1/2 wave rectifier to cut the duty cycle in half. Great way to get around the low voltage high current circuit.
Still figuring an easy way to use in the car. 12 - 14.5 volt range. Honestly was thinking about a rolled up extension cord even. As just need to have 1 ohm in series and a way to disperse the heat. Just a thought. Or about 8 high current diodes in series, but still have the heat dispersion to contend with.
Do you have any connector ideas? The one I'm using isn't up to my standards....LOL But was in a hurry.
Also, have you had any sneaks peeks at the TV PA?
Let the games continue...
OF
Well-Known Member
Let me think about the car issue some. You don't want diodes. Think about it, that 2.5 Volt swing will all show up on the vape, not the series load where you want it. If you set it up so 14.5 Volts stays under six, 12 will drop to 3.5, right? Not good. We want a switcher or something else active....but simple.....and cheap. Let me think a bit....I'm simple and cheap, that will help.
I wouldn't put an connector on it. I'd use a whip or at least a pigtail. Anything up there will be in the way and probably get killed off quickly.
No, haven't seen anything on their PA, I don't think they trust me since I said I didn't see how they could cheat physics like that. Ten again, if I was involved I wouldn't talk about it....but I couldn't lie either, so I guess it's 'no comment' time then?
Anyway, somewhere I think there's a five amp integrated series pass regulator that should do just ducky in the car......
OF
Edit: Here it is. 3 terminal, auto protected for I and temp, easy to set up and two bucks:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_192284_-1?CID=PDF
The data sheet should get you started. You'll need a heatsink, of course, but some of that load can be an external resistor, just be sure to guarantee headroom at worst case (low battery, full power). Make a nice way to get a PA of your own, wouldn't it? Feed it 12 Volts (or anything over about nine?) at home and you're all set for a variable output PA..... OF
Excellent. I take it a resistor on the base (centre pin) determines the output voltage? Also. since this is a LM series (linear amp) the output will vary slightly with input, No? But will vary in ratio to the input? Unlike diodes as you said would make the load take the full input variations. In essence this is like a transistor with protection circuits built in?
Sorry. I should really know this stuff but has been years since I actually designed much. Technology has changed so much and repair has turned into replace. Specially the power supply technology with the creation of the cheap DC-DC converters making physical size and weight so much smaller.
I'm more into video circuits as that's the industry I'm into. So into TV in more then ways then one.
OF, you sure seem to have many answers. glad to have you around.....
Sorry. I should really know this stuff but has been years since I actually designed much. Technology has changed so much and repair has turned into replace. Specially the power supply technology with the creation of the cheap DC-DC converters making physical size and weight so much smaller.
I'm more into video circuits as that's the industry I'm into. So into TV in more then ways then one.
OF, you sure seem to have many answers. glad to have you around.....
OF
Well-Known Member
Actually you get way more than that for your two bucks. The voltage is set by two resistors, we'll get into that in a moment. Inside the package is not only a honking transistor to do the hard work, but an error amplifier to drive it with and a precision voltage reference to know when the output is right. All with overtemperature and overcurrent shutdown. Really really hard to hurt these guys.
And it builds a supply with performance specs very hard to beat. Way way past what we need, but the price is right and it's easy to pull off.
Anyway, go to the data sheets (link on left side part way down), then on page 5 of the data sheet is the part of the Application Notes dealing with this. The information for selecting the two resistors is there. If you make the upper one variable (we can discuss how) you can make the supply adjustable so you can fine tune the heat like in the MFLB PA. You'll also need two small capacitors, one on the input one on the output probably, but that too is all covered there and I'm happy to help sort it out.
Heatsink will be needed, perhaps a real fun idea might be the little 12 Volt fan and heatsinks used on computer CPUs? Neat little quiet forced air cooling system just waiting.....
Anyway, check out the App Notes and think about it a bit? Send me a PM if you want.
OF
Edit: Sorry, I just realized I forgot to answer your stability question. Look on page 2 near the bottom there's 'line regulation' and 'load regulation' specs? That shows that for HUGE changes in input voltage (line) or load current (load) the expected change is a few hundredths of a volt. You probably won't be able to measure the difference between 12 and 15 Volts in on a bet. Not to worry, these things are designed to remove noise from power supplies, which means reductions to tiny fractions of a percent (like 10,000 times reduction just to get started). OF
Cooool idea. I have a couple of those 12V ceramic fan heaters around. Have all kinds of heat sinks and fans at work. The heater casing will make for a good incognito unit. Do you think those capacitors are needed in this application? They are there more for spikes and noise which should not effect this application. Thus, limiting circuit to 2 resistors and the regulator plus heat sink and fan.
Now for the control for fan. Easiest to just have on all the time but would be nice to have it thermo sensor activated. Haven't really looked but think most fans which have more then two wires are generally current sense or multi speed motors. Is there such a thing as a self activating fan with external thermo sensor? I know I'm getting ahead of myself here but hey good to know anyway.
Now I know TV is keeping a lid on their PA for now. Can only speculate on their design but would like to do just that. I can in vision a "battery assist" pass-through/charger. Where the power supply is capped at the peak charge voltage for the Lipo battery. Where as when the battery is charged, the supply is down to trickle charging. However, when load is applied the supply will help out up to let's say 2 amps or so, depends on how much charge the Lipo can take, now the batteries can handle the rest without dropping in voltage. Also. there charge current would increase as the batteries need it. The max current out of the supply should not exceed the max charge current for the Lipo. (spec sheet states 500 mA but 2 amps "should" be OK for short term when battery is depleted). This would reduce the physical size of supply and keep the attached unit topped up. Just my thoughts from a marketing point of view. The only question is the characteristics of Lipo batteries. Again. I'm behind on that technology and if that kind of use would cause any other battery problems. Man. I'm curious as hell as to what they have in mind. I night be away off base here. Would not be the first time but I try to stay in the ball game. Anyway, this would be my concept of the PA.
OF. your really saving me research time. I love short cuts. Your the man.
OF
Well-Known Member
Sounds like you're getting some useful plans in. The capacitors are probably a good idea. The one on the front is not needed in some cases where leads to the device are very short and close to the source (we don't have that), otherwise it oscillates and can cause serious problems that are hard to find. One is the size of an almond more or less, the other even smaller. They should be as close to the regulator as is possible, wire causes problems otherwise. Most fans run full time, but we can make it temperature sensitive if you insist. I'd start out with hard wiring it to 12 Volts.
The problem with USB based 'pass throughs' is power. High power ports can supply an Amp at 5 volts, a mere five Watts. No matter how you convert it it's going to be less than that total. We know five Watts isn't going to feed the bull dog. More of a problem is lots of the laptop ports guys will no doubt want to use are only half that power.....
The battery buffered scheme you propose is probably the only way to do it, but it has issues as well. Time will tell.
Glad to help out in your project, good show you can solder and have a working understanding of this good stuff. It's gonna be fun I think.
OF
The problem with USB based 'pass throughs' is power. High power ports can supply an Amp at 5 volts, a mere five Watts. No matter how you convert it it's going to be less than that total. We know five Watts isn't going to feed the bull dog. More of a problem is lots of the laptop ports guys will no doubt want to use are only half that power.....
The battery buffered scheme you propose is probably the only way to do it, but it has issues as well. Time will tell.
Glad to help out in your project, good show you can solder and have a working understanding of this good stuff. It's gonna be fun I think.
OF
Wasn't thinking about a normal USB supply. Not practical by no means. The available power is just not there. External USB chargers and desktops are generally 500 mA and as you say laptops around 250 mA. Just not enough to really help with load demands. Not worth the trouble I'd think. Not to mention if tied in at all with the load there would be a high risk of blowing the power supply in the laptop....ouch
Now, who's to say that the batteries need be in the handle. hmmmm, maybe more then two batteries at once. Now it's becoming a little more practical. And less assistance would be needed by charger.
Still need to learn the Lipo characteristics. This seems two easy.
Always have to tinker with one thing or another. And having fun with it is what its all about.
Now, who's to say that the batteries need be in the handle. hmmmm, maybe more then two batteries at once. Now it's becoming a little more practical. And less assistance would be needed by charger.
Still need to learn the Lipo characteristics. This seems two easy.
Always have to tinker with one thing or another. And having fun with it is what its all about.
sessnet
Noob Saibot
I've had about a days worth of use with the PureFlow, and can comment a bit on it.
I don't know if it's because I am so used to the TV (that a small change can feel different), or if it's a placebo effect, or what, but:
Pros:
1. Seems to cool down the vapor
2. Seems to produce more vapor (as in more hits, not clouds)
3. Can draw hard, not worry about particles
4. Can taste awesome (even better than before?)
5. Give me more balls (feel like I can use it anywhere)
Cons:
1. Can't tell easily (because of heat?) when it's "working".
2. Hard to tell, when outside, if vapor is produced...
3. Can taste like ass - if it gets black (expected).
4. Really tough draw at times.
Overall, I haven't used it enough to master it. I think this thing needs another week or two of learning, sort of like when I first got the ThermoVape.
If you shine a flashlight through the PureFlow, it seems the ceramic is pretty thin - because the light shines though a bit. So it's just a piece of metal, and ceramic - no magic. However, I think it's worth it - I haven't really choked or had a bad experience. In fact I feel like this is how the ThermoVape is SUPPOSED to act.
I really wish there was something like this for water pipes!!! I guess a charcoal filter is the closest thing?
I don't know if it's because I am so used to the TV (that a small change can feel different), or if it's a placebo effect, or what, but:
Pros:
1. Seems to cool down the vapor
2. Seems to produce more vapor (as in more hits, not clouds)
3. Can draw hard, not worry about particles
4. Can taste awesome (even better than before?)
5. Give me more balls (feel like I can use it anywhere)
Cons:
1. Can't tell easily (because of heat?) when it's "working".
2. Hard to tell, when outside, if vapor is produced...
3. Can taste like ass - if it gets black (expected).
4. Really tough draw at times.
Overall, I haven't used it enough to master it. I think this thing needs another week or two of learning, sort of like when I first got the ThermoVape.
If you shine a flashlight through the PureFlow, it seems the ceramic is pretty thin - because the light shines though a bit. So it's just a piece of metal, and ceramic - no magic. However, I think it's worth it - I haven't really choked or had a bad experience. In fact I feel like this is how the ThermoVape is SUPPOSED to act.
I really wish there was something like this for water pipes!!! I guess a charcoal filter is the closest thing?
OF
Well-Known Member
An interesting pair of opinions for sure....
The first leads to the conclusion"'you need one to make yours' complete" doesn't it? I for one will be most interested in this opinion after your relationship with it 'matures' shall we say?
The second is perhaps even more telling as most guys look to water pipes to improve their vapes, if this bypasses that, very cool. OTOH if a modified version could further improve water pipes in base mode, it stands to reason hooking any vape to it then would be better than ever before.......
Thanks for two things worth considering. Keep up the good work, you're an inspiration to us all.
OF
sessnet
Noob Saibot
You are right - it took me a while to get used to my ThermoVape - but now I use it every day. It is my go-to portable vape. My MFLB hasn't been touched in a month or more!
I really like the PureFlow - but I wish I could try this on a bigger scale. Does anyone know of anything similar - charcoal filter etc?
ioright
Cloud Connoisseur
Hey there everyone,
Silly question. Has anyone else had trouble with their charger suddenly dying on them? I went to charge my batteries today and nothing
Super bummed about this since I JUST placed an order for my Revolution a few days ago. Had I known this would happen I would have ordered two extra chargers for backup.
Being a Canadian, the shipping costed me almost $40 from Thermovape on my most recent order. Does anyone know where I could order another charger without having to shell out double the price of said charger for shipping?
Thanks
Silly question. Has anyone else had trouble with their charger suddenly dying on them? I went to charge my batteries today and nothing
Super bummed about this since I JUST placed an order for my Revolution a few days ago. Had I known this would happen I would have ordered two extra chargers for backup. Being a Canadian, the shipping costed me almost $40 from Thermovape on my most recent order. Does anyone know where I could order another charger without having to shell out double the price of said charger for shipping?
Thanks
OF
Well-Known Member
Hey there everyone,
Silly question. Has anyone else had trouble with their charger suddenly dying on them? I went to charge my batteries today and nothing
Being a Canadian, the shipping costed me almost $40 from Thermovape on my most recent order. Does anyone know where I could order another charger without having to shell out double the price of said charger for shipping?
Thanks
Bummer. The charger part, not the 'wall wort' part died? That is it won't work on the car cord?
The charger is special, but more widely marketed than as a TV accessory for sure. Have you tried a Google search on that model for suppliers closer to you?
But no, mine's fine. Haven't heard of a dead one, either. Generally that class is pretty dependable.
OF
QuantumTimeSpace
Hashtronaut
I got a charger and 3 sets of batteries from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Kits-RCR123A-...HO9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332180888&sr=8-1
Or if you just want the charger:
http://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Charg...38/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1332180888&sr=8-16
http://www.amazon.com/Kits-RCR123A-...HO9G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332180888&sr=8-1
Or if you just want the charger:
http://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Charg...38/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1332180888&sr=8-16
Hey there everyone,
Silly question. Has anyone else had trouble with their charger suddenly dying on them? I went to charge my batteries today and nothing
Being a Canadian, the shipping costed me almost $40 from Thermovape on my most recent order. Does anyone know where I could order another charger without having to shell out double the price of said charger for shipping?
Thanks
Charger is under warranty. We ship warranty replacements at our cost. Shoot us an email with your order number and let us get you taken care of!
Cheers,
ThermoVape
ill just have to get both at the same time! 