Discontinued ThermoVape

[OF]

Good morning. I finally got some time set aside and spent a good part of yesterday and some of last night testing the Pipes Power Adapter for the T1. As I expected it's not all that straight forward, and I'm not at all sure I fully understand what's going on. A key issue is the 'pulsating DC' Pipes uses in his supply. Modern Digital Meters just don't deal with measuring it. I think my meters are reporting only about 70% of the actual value relative to the Direct Current we normally use. That is the meter would show 'only' 3.5 Amps when an effective 5 was flowing over time. Factoring this in it looks like the Pipes unit I have is 'tuned' to run a little hotter with my SV T1 core. I make it about 10% over the hottest batteries off the charger I measured. This is enough to char but not combust herbs with the PA, something I can't quite do with batteries.

All things considered, I'd like it a little cooler, more along the lines of the second or third hit from fresh batteries. Still, it's usable and seems at the top end of the acceptable range. It should definitely be used for "T1 Only" as the labels says, not on Revolution or Evolution. This kind of supply will also change with power line voltages (no regulation), my home mains are higher than most, 118 at present. I have a true power meter I want to dig out and see if I can figure out what's going on in more details.

However, I also tested the Jameco 6 Volt supply using the Pipes adapter (but not supply). It seems to work great that way. Powers delivered to Revolution (and DART) as well as Evolution SV carts are basically identical to those with fresh batteries (less than 10% differences) but also it drives the T1 core at the correct levels! It seems that the T1 core is actually getting about 3.5 Amps not the nearly 5 we expect since circuit losses have lowered the voltage at the core down closer to 5 Volts than 6. The Jameco supply I have goes into current limiting mode (rather than voltage limiting mode) as the current passes 3.3 Amps and holds fast at between 3.5 and 3.8 Amps, with the core showing normal heating. More testing is called for, but right now it looks to me like the Pipes adapter and Jameco supply might be the key to the castle at least for now.

I'm still having trouble making the Pipes adapter work right, it keeps wanting to either push up and turn the core on or drag the whole lot onto the floor, but I'm getting the hang of it. For those that have the Pipes adapter, I recommend the Jameco supply as it will definitely drive the Revolution, DART and Evolution but also seems suitable for T1? More testing is called for, as well as looking for a supply with 5 Amp rating, but for now this seems exciting to me.

OF

 

[PhreedomPhries]

Good morning. I finally got some time set aside and spent a good part of yesterday and some of last night testing the Pipes Power Adapter for the T1. As I expected it's not all that straight forward, and I'm not at all sure I fully understand what's going on. A key issue is the 'pulsating DC' Pipes uses in his supply. Modern Digital Meters just don't deal with measuring it. I think my meters are reporting only about 70% of the actual value relative to the Direct Current we normally use. That is the meter would show 'only' 3.5 Amps when an effective 5 was flowing over time. Factoring this in it looks like the Pipes unit I have is 'tuned' to run a little hotter with my SV T1 core. I make it about 10% over the hottest batteries off the charger I measured. This is enough to char but not combust herbs with the PA, something I can't quite do with batteries.

All things considered, I'd like it a little cooler, more along the lines of the second or third hit from fresh batteries. Still, it's usable and seems at the top end of the acceptable range. It should definitely be used for "T1 Only" as the labels says, not on Revolution or Evolution. This kind of supply will also change with power line voltages (no regulation), my home mains are higher than most, 118 at present. I have a true power meter I want to dig out and see if I can figure out what's going on in more details.

However, I also tested the Jameco 6 Volt supply using the Pipes adapter (but not supply). It seems to work great that way. Powers delivered to Revolution (and DART) as well as Evolution SV carts are basically identical to those with fresh batteries (less than 10% differences) but also it drives the T1 core at the correct levels! It seems that the T1 core is actually getting about 3.5 Amps not the nearly 5 we expect since circuit losses have lowered the voltage at the core down closer to 5 Volts than 6. The Jameco supply I have goes into current limiting mode (rather than voltage limiting mode) as the current passes 3.3 Amps and holds fast at between 3.5 and 3.8 Amps, with the core showing normal heating. More testing is called for, but right now it looks to me like the Pipes adapter and Jameco supply might be the key to the castle at least for now.

I'm still having trouble making the Pipes adapter work right, it keeps wanting to either push up and turn the core on or drag the whole lot onto the floor, but I'm getting the hang of it. For those that have the Pipes adapter, I recommend the Jameco supply as it will definitely drive the Revolution, DART and Evolution but also seems suitable for T1? More testing is called for, as well as looking for a supply with 5 Amp rating, but for now this seems exciting to me.

OF

I'm a bit confused. You say it is driving it at the "correct levels" for the T1, but then say that a supply with 5 amp rating is worth looking for. Is 3.5-3.8 amps "ample", or does it need the 5 to properly fire?

Thanks.

 

[Pipes]

I agree with you OF and Thank you for your honest evaluation.
So in a nut shell in speaking about the T1 only.
The un-regulated runs approx 10% warm on your mains and it is possible char but not combust, the herb.
Seems about right in my experiences as well.
The Jameco maxes out at 3.5-3.8 mark thus falling a tad short on full power. (20%)??
In conclusion those who like their vaping on the lower heat side the Jameco is an all in one solution.?
Sounds like the options are now out there.
Thanks again for the time OF spent on the evaluation.
Cheers,
Pipes

 

[SameOldTim]

Amazing discussion OF!

There is a lot of hype about a PA, still figuring out the sleekest and most effective setup before we officially release anything.

You should come to HempCon in 2 weeks and see what kind of stuff we bring!

Tim

 

[jambandphan03]

Good review OF! I've been running my T1 exclusively on the Jameco 6v 3.3amp power supply for a week now, with no problems.... Also running my Evo 6v and Rev 6v with the same power supply. I find the T1 heats up plenty hot, giving me great vapor, and I can still get near charring, if I let it run too long using the Jameco power supply. I have not even tried the Pipe's supply yet (sorry Pipes), since I have had such good results using the regulated one. I have a few inches of my wire coiled up just under the adapter/switch sort of like a spring, and not having any issues with it turning itself on, I do unplug it between uses. I notice at first it was not making proper contact when activated, so I did have to adjust the center contact a few mm to get it to connect better, no biggie there. Over all, I am happy with the performance of these paired together on the T1. I am rotating in my Evo and Rev once in a while, but lately the T1 is getting most of the attention.

 

[OF]

I'm a bit confused. You say it is driving it at the "correct levels" for the T1, but then say that a supply with 5 amp rating is worth looking for. Is 3.5-3.8 amps "ample", or does it need the 5 to properly fire?

I'm not 100% clear on what's going on either. the normal level seems to be lower than was assumed from the start 3.8 would seem to be all my core is using. Others might use more, which needs to be checked into. 5 Amps would just provide a wider margin, allowing the supply to stay in CV mode rather than shift to CC mode (not that there's a reason to worry about it perhaps).

For those who understand such things there's some interesting potential here. For the rest you might want to standby for a bit and see how it plays out.

OF

 

[OF]

Amazing discussion OF!

There is a lot of hype about a PA, still figuring out the sleekest and most effective setup before we officially release anything.

You should come to HempCon in 2 weeks and see what kind of stuff we bring!

Thanks, fun stuff, and some unexpected turns as well.

I'm smelling some real sweet, simple solution out of all this, I'm just not sure yet what it looks like.....but I think I'm gonna like it. HempCon sounds like fun, a bit confusing perhaps, but fun?

Good review OF! I've been running my T1 exclusively on the Jameco 6v 3.3amp power supply for a week now, with no problems.... Also running my Evo 6v and Rev 6v with the same power supply. I the T1 heats up plenty hot, giving me great vapor, and I can still get near charring, if I let it run too long using the Jameco power supply. I have not even tried the Pipe's supply yet, since I have had such good results using the regulated one. I have my wire coiled up just under the adapter/switch and not having any issues with it turning itself on. I did notice at first it was not making proper contact when activated, so I did have to adjust the center contact a few mm to get it to connect better, no biggie there. Over all, I am happy with the performance of these paired together on the T1. I am rotating in my Evo and Rev once in a while, but lately the T1 is getting most of the attention.

I agree. After getting over the shock that the T1 seems to run normally as well the set up does rock. In fact, I find it even a little too hot if I don't keep an eye on it. Just what the doctor ordered.

As far as making the adapter work right, I'm me I'm sure. It's fine as long as I keep an eye on it.....not always high on the list you know.

OF

 

[jambandphan03]

So I got this grip tape in the mail today... http://www.zumiez.com/mob-grip-tape.html?gclid={SI:gclid}

I stuck some little thin strips on the grooves of my battery sleeve, and also a thin patch on the Pipe's adapter, and it gives some serious grip. My thumb doesn't seem to have to work nearly as hard now. It doesn't let the sleeve come out of the casing though, it's just thick enough to prevent it from sliding out. I don't mind that so much, they sent me a huge roll, enough to cover an entire skate board, for $6 and I barely used a few inches of it experimenting, so if I end up having to pull it off, and put new on there, I have plenty to last a long time. I don't know how long it will stick or hold up, only time will tell...

 

[Slightly Medicated]

Cool. Sounds like it was cheap enough that you can afford to take it off if you really need to pull the battery out of the casing.

edit: I like the photos. It looks good.

It is kind of hard to tell. The one on the left. Does it have the strips positioned in the valley of the battery cover? Some of them look like they are on the ridge and not the grove/valley. If you cut them small enough to put in between the ridges in the valley maybe it will be able to fit through the sleeve? If they are in the valley and I just can't tell then never mind.

I just got my pass through. Pretty cool stuff!

 

[J.R.R.Tokin']

Got a T1 today and been test driving it. Liking the size and build. Very straight forward and good vapor first try. Looking forward to putting it through it's paces.

 

[Norlin]

Got my T1 a couple days ago, love it to death. My only problem is having to reposition my fingers every five seconds to keep the switch on. It's really hard on my mother's hands as she's got peripheral neuropathy and arthritis. I feel thermovape needs to address this problem (if they haven't begun to already), there's just gotta be something more professional than just grip tape.

 

[Pipes]

Got my T1 a couple days ago, love it to death. My only problem is having to reposition my fingers every five seconds to keep the switch on. It's really hard on my mother's hands as she's got peripheral neuropathy and arthritis. I feel thermovape needs to address this problem (if they haven't begun to already), there's just gotta be something more professional than just grip tape.

They do offer an easier handle which I have seem. Rather then the slot in the center it is closer to the bottom with a portion of the bottom removed. Thus you can push directly on the sleeve. I did not like the way you had to have your thumb that low on the handle myself.
Also, only a half cover with Delrin IIRC. But if needed that option can be discussed with TV.
Hope this helps,
I use the velcro stickers myself.
Pipes

 

[jambandphan03]

Just got a new glass piece (David Golstein Fritted Disc), and put together a quick vid using the T1...

 

[Slightly Medicated]

@JamBand How do you have your PVHES adapted to your GonG water pipe? I saw it in a video but I could not tell what you had done exactly. Also where did you get that new glass piece. It is pretty fantastic.

 

[jambandphan03]

I used a small length of silicone tubing to connect it into my 14mm joint. The glass is a David Goldstein piece, you can read about them here: http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/david-goldsteins-fritted-disc.5930/

NVS and ALT sell them, but they seem to be going quickly...

http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scientific-glass/dave-goldstein.html

http://nvsglassworks.com/?page_id=4588

 

[OF]

Got my T1 a couple days ago, love it to death. My only problem is having to reposition my fingers every five seconds to keep the switch on. It's really hard on my mother's hands as she's got peripheral neuropathy and arthritis. I feel thermovape needs to address this problem (if they haven't begun to already), there's just gotta be something more professional than just grip tape.

Contact them directly, they have an option for just this. I've never seen it, but it's been described and referred to a couple of times now when this topic comes up. As I understand it the inner tube is extended through a hole in the bottom and you have a button you can press up with the palm or heal of your hand.

I also have been told of a couple of other efforts involving redesigns of the battery assembly and another modifying the adapter section.

They are, AFAIK well aware of the issue and have a few efforts going forward including a stop gap already in place and well received by some (but not all) users with special needs. And also something else for those of us with old tired but still fairly normal hands as well?

Drop 'em a line.

OF

 

[Pipes]

It looks like this:

This is a proto-type that Tim had sent me a picture of.
Would take a while to get use to. But easier to push the slider for sure.
Pipes

 

[jambandphan03]

It would be great to be able to get that bottom access switch sleeve in the parts on the website... I would like one as well. My hands are not what they used to be, and can get tired quickly holding the switch on. The grip tape does make a big difference, and is holding on tight, but I will have to remove it eventually if I ever want the sleeve to come out.

 

[PB88123]

With the bottom access sleeve you could jam something in there to keep it always on and then take it out when you are done so you don't have to hold anything up.

 

[Pipes]

With the bottom access sleeve you could jam something in there to keep it always on and then take it out when you are done so you don't have to hold anything up.

My guess would be you are correct and why this is a special order item.
Hope I didn't...
Pipes

 

[Peloton]

http://www.innovapor.com/test/alpha-parts-temp/alpha-ultramax-parts/alpha-ultramax-main-body-ea/

Here it is. No delrin, though... I'm sure they could come up with something if asked nicely.

 

[Pipes]

I believe the Delrin from the T1 housing would fit on the top portion but not for the lower part. Might be something more now though. I noticed the unit on the Alpha site has a longer slot. The above picture I posted above is a proto-type remember.

 

[Kuroth1]

ugggggg Had about decided on the T1 but reading all this about the Battery issues.... Now has me back to wondering.. Would the EVO V6 be better and avoid this T1 fast over heat up issues??? This was one of the things that drove me crazy with the MFLB is that I become obsessed with battier's... I dont want a repeat that again...

 

[PB88123]

ugggggg Had about decided on the T1 but reading all this about the Battery issues.... Now has me back to wondering.. Would the EVO V6 be better and avoid this T1 fast over heat up issues??? This was one of the things that drove me crazy with the MFLB is that I become obsessed with battier's... I dont want a repeat that again...

The EVO 6v uses the same batteries as the T1. Only the EVO LV has 1 battery.

You can manage your batteries a number of ways.

1. Pack enough so that when you get to hit 8 or 9 the bowl is empty and you change out both batteries.
2. Pack a little more and take 6 or 7 hits and then change out the batteries and take another 6 or 7 hits then change the bowl and batteries.

The key is not running your batteries all the way dead and not use them while the batteries are really hot (after 5 or 6 hits the batteries may be getting really hot and I would change them if I wanted more hits) Let them cool down before recharging. You should be able to get many charges out of them but no one can say 100% that you won't have any issues with all your batteries. Each battery is around $3 and you can change them yourself when you notice performance isn't how you want it.

 

[jambandphan03]

I find I want to change batteries between loads on the Evo now too, to get peak performance with each new load. With the T1 it's also not that big of a deal to swap out the batteries while reloading the bowl...just one more step really, it just means you do have to have extra batteries around and charge often. I don't find it that big of a hassle, you can get a 10pk of 3.0lifepo4's on amazon for around $30. Keep plenty charged up and you don't have to worry about it as much, or just figure out how many loads you run through a day, and keep that many extra batteries ready to go. It's really pretty simple once you get into the swing. I guess it's all perspective. One day we will have the perfect long lasting portable vape, this is one of the finer choices on the market right now, and there are not that many others that really work to choose from ATM.