Arizer Solo

Buzzbomb Almighty said:

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/arizer-solo.3833/page-1113#post-617716
Is that what you mean, with the little washers?

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Thanks @Buzzbomb Almighty, that`s the one but I was hoping for a lot more detail on where to get the right hardware and what the threading is on the screws. Are people re-building with epoxy to some degree (which I'd prefer to avoid since intake holes on the bottom could be pulling in epoxy vapor for a long time)...

Also wondering if anybody has contacted Arizer directly about this issue. This Solo is about 1 1/2 years old and I`m wondering how well they stand behind a product that clearly does have an issue with the base plate, since many of us have experienced the same problem...

I apologize in advance if I`m rehashing what may have been posted before...it`s just really hard to find all the detail in one place and we`ve got over 1500 pages now to look through...

Thanks!

Arizer do not consider the cracking an issue. Some have done the damage themselves by using o rings and over tightening the cap. Its only cosmetic so i would not worry about it.
I had one that i glued with 2pac. Those stick on felt pads they use for furniture are great to cover up the glue and damage and also gives a nice cushioning effect on hard surfaces.

Make sure you don't accidentally glue the bottom to the body of the vaporizer. You will someday possibly change out the battery. You will need to screw the bottom off and have access to the battery.

Vicki said:

It's so weird. I have so many vaporizers (see my sig), but I keep coming back to my Solo! I like the effects and how it effectively extracts the good stuff, in comparison to my other vapes.

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Hey @Vicki I have so many vaporisers it would make your head spin like Linda Blair!
The SOLO is really cool to own and use!
It's cheap and the taste is not bad really.
For me it's different, however it fit's my life?

So basic however simple in design and functional to da max!
@OF & @CarolKing use it even?
I think @lookhigh @poonman @His_Highness @Quetzalcoatl and so many others use a SOLO even @kellya86 from ENGLAND?
Sorry @Buzzbomb Almighty and many I did not include because I'm over medicated as usual!
@happyvapeman @Vape Dr. you have SOLO's?
@RUDE BOY @VapeHeadz @Vapor Trails @Pipes @lazylathe @biohacker @Dr. Soxhlet
@Stu saved me!

was at the headshop today, failed at buying a fenix and took a glance at the air in the glass cabinet. It is tiny, I can't afford it right now, but my VAS grew a bit. Then i took a peak at an all new black solo, which also looks really interesting. Top that with some short stems, maybe black ones, and here we go. Now only my budget ..yada

ataxian said:

The SOLO is really cool to own and use!

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I love my Solo!

lookhigh said:

Arizer do not consider the cracking an issue. Some have done the damage themselves by using o rings and over tightening the cap. Its only cosmetic so i would not worry about it.
I had one that i glued with 2pac

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Thanks @lookhigh I googled 2pac and couldn't find much...can you give me a little more detail on the glue...

I did send Arizer customer service an email so hopefully they will respond responsibly. As much as I love my 2 Solos I`m extremely careful with how I treat things (in general), so it`s very clear that this is a defect in the product and not at all how I`ve treated it...it`s been babied (never even been out of the house)...

I will definitely not buy another Arizer product just on principle if they don`t step up and make it right on the base plate issue...

happyvapeman said:

Thanks @lookhigh I googled 2pac and couldn't find much...

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Haha, tough name tho hey.

VapeHeadz said:

Haha, tough name tho hey.

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Got a lot of Gangsta hits but not much on glue!...

The cracked bottom is strictly cosmetic and doesn't affect the overall use of the Solo. I don't know if I would make a statement that I wouldn't buy anothef Solo because of a minor issue. That would be your decision.

I ended up buying a stand from @Pipes and don't give it a second thought most of the time. Not sure if @Pipes is still selling them? You can give him a PM. Also Arizer sells stands too. I haven't paid much attention. They have the lighted base.

I wish that Arizer would send out the piece that cracks separately to those that would like to fix theirs. It seems like it wouldn't be too expensive for the company other than shipping.

CarolKing said:

The cracked bottom is strictly cosmetic and doesn't affect the overall use of the Solo. I don't know if I would make a statement that I wouldn't buy anothef Solo because of a minor issue. That would be your decision.

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Thanks @CarolKing my concern is that it seems to be connected to the front panel as well and is not a stand alone piece...
I`m looking at it and thinking the structural integrity of the Solo may be compromised as the base plate continues to break apart...

So I`m not entirely convinced that this is just cosmetic but keep the comments coming...they are appreciated and I`m learning as we go...

Yeah, someone posted a replacement stainless steel section for the whole bottom plate that looked good, I think they made it themselves?

VapeHeadz said:

Yeah, someone posted a replacement stainless steel section for the whole bottom plate that looked good, I think they made it themselves?

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That would probably do the job nicely...

LOL 2pac maybe should be two pack, basically 2 tubes to mix together one is a catalyst.
Motor parts store has a black colored one. Im not sure what they call this in the US. Is used for bonding metal plastic glass incredibly strong, Some brand call it plastic weld the brand name here is innovation. Look for two tubes stuck together and a long mixing nozzle. Gorilla glue LOL do a one that is epoxy and is good too.
The base plate is a part of the chassis so it is not replaceable or sold as a replacement part.

uhranium said:

was at the headshop today, failed at buying a fenix and took a glance at the air in the glass cabinet. It is tiny, I can't afford it right now, but my VAS grew a bit. Then i took a peak at an all new black solo, which also looks really interesting. Top that with some short stems, maybe black ones, and here we go. Now only my budget ..yada

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It is not my place to tell you how or where to spend your money, however, If funds are tight, I would think that better deals are available on-line than a brick and mortar LHS.

happyvapeman said:

I will definitely not buy another Arizer product just on principle if they don`t step up and make it right on the base plate issue...

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I believe you are acting silly. Arizer products last and last and last. I have not counted, but I believe there are way more posts about getting a second (or third) Solo than there are about Arizer making poor products.

happyvapeman said:

Thanks @lookhigh I googled 2pac and couldn't find much...can you give me a little more detail on the glue...

I will definitely not buy another Arizer product just on principle if they don`t step up and make it right on the base plate issue...

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This is what I used, you have to be careful with glue selection, not all glues hold well to some plastics over time.:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NUGL9S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The glue is "Cream" colored, off white. If you want to go hog wild on this you can dye it black (or most any other color) using appropriate dye like would be used to make a rich man's boat:
http://www.tapplastics.com/product/fiberglass/resin_fillers_dyes/tap_premium_pigments/50

I have a jar of it left over from another project so I mixed a drop (what stuck to a toothpick) into the glue well before adding the hardener. Remember CK's warning, mask off the part you don't want. I used a layer of 'Scotch' tape on the end of the case covering the corner area and put the (waxed so you can get it out again) screw in place before poking the missing area full of epoxy. Go a bit 'large' and trim it off as the glue sets up with a razor blade (about 12 minutes in IIRC) then set it aside to cure.

Oh, yeah, be sure you carefully clean the plastic with ISO and don't touch it before the glue gets there. Finger oils can cause the joint to fail over time.

You call on blaming them, just remember from their POV it's not a defect in materials or workmanship (the usual warranty perspective). That is it still makes vapor.

CarolKing said:

The cracked bottom is strictly cosmetic and doesn't affect the overall use of the Solo. I don't know if I would make a statement that I wouldn't buy anothef Solo because of a minor issue. That would be your decision.

Good luck with it. I did it and survived to tell the tale.

I ended up buying a stand from @Pipes and don't give it a second thought most of the time. Not sure if @Pipes is still selling them? You can give him a PM. Also Arizer sells stands too. I haven't paid much attention. They have the lighted base.

I wish that Arizer would send out the piece that cracks separately to those that would like to fix theirs. It seems like it wouldn't be too expensive for the company other than shipping.

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Another excellent solution, and neat upgrade IMO. Not for all of course, but worth considering.

As far as Arizer selling (or giving out) replacement bases we've discussed this before. I think that's not a realistic thing to consider since the base plate is part of the chassis the entire vape is built on.


Not only does 'everything' attach it, leaving all sorts of possibilities of mischief, but that photo is of the original version with the plugs connecting the oven assembly on. Newer ones world require dealing with the tiny sensor leads now soldered into the main board. I fancy myself with above average soldering and such skills and I can tell you from personal experience it's very easy to break those wires. I did so taking the original oven apart to see how it worked (not advised unless you're willing to accept the loss). Fortunately I broke it off at the PCB end so was able to solder it in again after removing the broken part. Had it broken off at the other end it would have been a scrapped Solo (since they don't sell oven assemblies).

IMO it's just not practical to change the chassis out for end users. And there's the added issue that the serial number is attached to the base plate, which actually makes the unit contriband in most (if not all states). Seriously. No serial number is required on vapes (most don't have them?) but if the maker puts a serial number on one (or anything else for that matter) possession is a bust even if it's your's legally......it's considered 'prima facie evidence' it's stolen.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_facie

This came up a while back with MFLBs being sold with the S/N sanded off. Simple possession (let alone offering for sale) is an 'up front' bust.

This puts you from a position of assumed innocence to having to prove it's legitimate (and how do you prove it used to have any specific number?). Bad Karma in the 'right' conditions. There are a few products (like motor vehicles and firearms) that are required to have unique serial numbers from the start, otherwise once put there they are best left there. A savvy cop/DA has you dead to rights otherwise, drug issues aside.

OF

sickmanfraud said:

I believe you are acting silly. Arizer products last and last and last. I have not counted, but I believe there are way more posts about getting a second (or third) Solo than there are about Arizer making poor products.

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I disagree...Arizer offers a 2 year warranty against any defect in manufacture. This is clearly a defect in manufacture and therefore a warranty issue. If that warranty is not honored then it is not worth the paper it was written on.

I`ll purchase from a manufacturer that actually honors that warranty if Arizer doesn`t step up and make good on what is an inherent defect...

I understand this may not be a popular stance to take on an Arizer blog but I`m not here looking for strokes...and I never said I think Arizer makes poor products.

What I did state, and I stand by my statement, is that there is an inherent defect in manufacture of the bottom plate in the most recent versions of the Solo.

And just for the record, I own 2 Solos and I like them a lot...that doesn`t change the inherent defect in manufacture of the base plate and their responsibility to repair or replace the defective part under the terms of their warranty.

I hope that`s clear enough.

happyvapeman said:

I disagree...Arizer offers a 2 year warranty against any defect in manufacture. This is clearly a defect in manufacture and therefore a warranty issue. If that warranty is not honored then it is not worth the paper it was written on.

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Not to quibble (but of course any Lawyer worth his salt would when pressed), that's not a 'material or workmanship' defect? It's made like all the rest. It might be considered a design defect (which is not covered under this or any other warranty I know of.......dangerous claim to make, no Lawyer would let you?).

I get your opinion, just trying to give mine based on my experiences in the area (from 'both sides' in fact). IMO they would counter 'most units don't show this (not an obvious design failure)' and that (like a scratched unit) it still heats correctly and makes vapor......

Your call, but I think you might be up against it on that tack? Good luck in any measure. You, like the rest of us, no doubt bought Solo to enjoy not stress over.

OF

Thanks @OF for weighing in with a lot of very useful info. I know there are some good plastic repair epoxies available here in Canada, so I should be able to find a good one if Arizer drops the ball on this.
Did you keep the original screws without adding washers ect?

OF said:

Your call, but I think you might be up against it on that tack? Good luck in any measure. You, like the rest of us, no doubt bought Solo to enjoy not stress over.

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Well yeah....this is more of a goodwill issue than a legal issue, given that I don`t have lawyers on retainer as they almost certainly do. So my ability to fight a legal issue in court doesn`t even enter into it...
I don`t have the time or energy for that but I do feel strongly that it is their responsibility, and acting in good faith with regard to standing behind their product would involve a repair under warranty (given that the unit is under 2 years of age)...

Mod note: posts merged

happyvapeman said:

Well yeah....this is more of a goodwill issue than a legal issue, given that I don`t have lawyers on retainer as they almost certainly do. So my ability to fight a legal issue in court doesn`t even enter into it...
I don`t have the time or energy for that but I do feel strongly that it is their responsibility, and acting in good faith with regard to standing behind their product would involve a repair under warranty (given that the unit is under 2 years of age)...

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Yep, I get that, but 'what will happen in court' is generally what drives such policies? Their Lawyers advise them on which cases they'll likely win and which not. That sort of advice is pretty standard, I've heard it first hand on several occasions 'in the real world' (back when I did time there......).

I also get you think it's their fault, I just don't agree (and neither do I think they do?). It would be nice to get a free replacement for sure, same as having your Student Loans 'forgiven'. But like there that's not really free, that cost is paid somewhere. For myself I'd rather get a better price and stick to the rules than pay even a little extra so some other guy can get free stuff he wants.....no offense meant of course.

You see it as broken, they do not. Few if any makers would cover this? Good luck with your next buy finding one.

OF

OF said:

I also get you think it's their fault, I just don't agree (and neither do I think they do?). It would be nice to get a free replacement for sure, same as having your Student Loans 'forgiven'. But like there that's not really free, that cost is paid somewhere. For myself I'd rather get a better price and stick to the rules than pay even a little extra so some other guy can get free stuff he wants.....no offense meant of course.

You see it as broken, they do not. Few if any makers would cover this? Good luck with your next buy finding one.

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I get you disagree with my perspective and I respect that, but I`m used to paying my own way just like everybody else...same rules all around.
I see it as inherent defect and given it`s within the 2 year warranty I see it as their responsibility...I`m not looking for a free ride...That`s not how I do things.
Personally I`d rather pay a bit more and have a bottom plate that doesn`t fall apart under normal use within the warranty period.
No way that should be happening. So if I`m wrong in thinking that then I`m glad to be wrong in this case.

Didn`t really expect to be having a conversation about this aspect of things...just thought I would ask about repairs and at the same time ask about people contacting Arizer on the issue.
I didn`t expect an Arizer blog to warm to my criticizing a much loved product so going there wasn`t my intent...realize now would have been best to keep anything that would be perceived as criticism to myself.

Do appreciate the input on repairing the problem though...all the best to all.

happyvapeman said:

Didn`t really expect to be having a conversation about this aspect of things...just thought I would ask about repairs and at the same time ask about people contacting Arizer on the issue.
I didn`t expect an Arizer blog to warm to my criticizing a much loved product so going there wasn`t my intent...realize now would have been best to keep anything that would be perceived as criticism to myself.

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You asked that in there too I think. And several of us answered? This 'problem' has been discussed before, many times in fact. The answers given (Arizer will decline replacing the unit for broken tabs, considers it (like loose stems) to be not a problem that effects performance and so on) will likely be accurate..

The idea of giving out replacement bases has also come up and is basically a 'non starter' as well.

Consider replacing your unit (probably the only real option for them due to costs/volume) is very bad for them. It costs a lot in processing alone (it's not like selling cases to distributors), the returned units will be scrapped of course. There's no doubt very little profit in each unit, it will take a LOT of sales to cover that single loss. I once worked for a similar high volume outfit. We made 12VDC powered fluorescent lamps for RVs. Lots of lamps, like 1500 a day using 30 or so minimum wage assemblers working their tails off. Most had to do their part in 200 units an hour (there were two coil winders, otherwise the line was linear). Hourly inventory, a true full effort. Sears got the best price (they can negotiate like you wouldn't believe.....), even though Fleetwood Industries bought ten or more times more (Sears even had their own color and packaging (for direct individual sales in stores). The Bean Counter told us a single return from Fleetwood wiped out the profit from 25 lamps, Sears over 100. Half an hour's profit for the whole outfit wiped out over one lamp that might not even be really defective. You can't send the same lamp back in such cases (perhaps a wiring or installation problem?) since the owner will wire that one in, get no light again and really jump you case. You had to send a brand new one with a standard note that showed the stamps of the 3 inspectors each lamp had (stamps normally on the units, we'd do runs of 'warranty lights' that each had the 'special inspection notice'. We had a traveling 'Gipsy' named Hafeley who'd show up with a van full of junk demanding replacements (too cheap to ship them to us he'd wait until he had a pile. The clown would demand 'the good ones' (the ones with the special notice) for all his orders even though we explained (and in one case even showed him when he landed at a time we were doing a run of them) they were exactly the same just had more documentation. Didn't matter to him, he'd brag to folks how only he had the good ones for sale. Human nature, I guess.

Still, COGR (Cost of Goods Returned) is a very important factor in low profit/high volume manufacture. When you make a few units a year (at big profit) you can afford repairs and those per unit costs can be high but if you sell a lot of units on low margin that's another story. We were always 'a bad run of component parts away from bankruptcy'. We ran every light overnight covered (gets hot in there....) then inspected them the final time the next day (a good inspector can judge by the pattern of start up sounds and final current when lit) before shipment. Every light that failed 'burn in' was torn to bits, several times the boss held an entire run until that happened. Shipment of them could be the difference between a big problem and searching for a new job.

It's fine to be concerned/negative I think (although the rules say you get one bite on that apple, these Forums are not for bashing any makers), that happens a lot in some threads. I don't think you can expect much support for ideas that have already been discussed and resolved before you get here?

You're welcome for any advice you find useful, no charge as they say. I think the best advice is two parts. First don't put too much faith in Arizer changing policy and replacing your unit (please be sure to tell us if they do, we've plenty of folks eager to give them that sort of business), the answer to 'what do you think will happen'. Secondly either accept that and continue to enjoy your Solo (it still makes the same vapor in the same way), even if that means not looking at the bottom? If not, find a vape you can enjoy using, there's lots of good choices out there I think.

Regards,

OF

happyvapeman said:

I`m looking at it and thinking the structural integrity of the Solo may be compromised as the base plate continues to break apart...

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Like a crack in a windshield.... if not sealed or plugged it can get worse.
I believe strongly in the Solo as a sound medical device.
I have owned 3 Solos, and donated over 30 Solos to the community.
It has been 4 years and all Solos are in perfect condition, except that 6 units (mine included) required a battery change at year 3.
ONE Solo that was donated, came with compromised structural integrity at the bottom plate.
2 of the screwholes were missing a corner.. the corners were chipped.
I used JB Weld on the plate, with the plate removed, and on a piece of waxed paper.
Using a toothpick, I painted on 2 new corners with tiny dot like movements and precious little JB weld on the toothpick tip. I did the buil-up on the outer surface of the plate only in case the glue sagged...
I allowed the holes to remain open, but I let them become tighter with a touch of the JB weld.
24 hours later I replaced the bottom plate. The screws had to go through the holes a tiny bit snugly for 1st couple of turns, then they went right in. I went ahead and kept this unit for myself and gave mine to the next patient in line for a Solo.
This repair lasted, and I opened the bottom plate a year later to replace the battery, and it closed up tight with no issue when battery was changed.
It lasted another year, until the Police took all of my vaporizers during the raid.
It is among the vaporizers that will be returned to me within a short time.

happyvapeman said:

would have been best to keep anything that would be perceived as criticism to myself.

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I have found this with another very popular vaporizer manufacturer.
I was younger and less wise. I thought going on Facebook and bashing about the issue would push my issue to the top of their priority list.
Now I realize this was not the way to "catch more flies".
We all learn and get reinforced in our manners and means here on FC...
We all learn and become more educated in how not to get problems resolved.
I had GREAT issues with my first Solo, and Arizer did nothing for me.
I posted Videos on youtube about my wobbly stem...
It would not stay in.
Read the back and forth communication with "Kevin" at Arizer at http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/arizer-solo.3833/page-254#post-219721
They NEVER resolved this issue.
It turned out that the unit they sent had no teflon seal for the mouthpiece.
I contacted them again for warranty service where they said I would have to send it in to them, as they would not send me the teflon piece without seeing my unit.
Pictures would not suffice.
Randy from @PuffItUp fixed my issue.
He found an old dead Solo that was irreparably damaged,,and he got me the teflon seal from it.
Now that I think of it perhaps a bottom plate from a dead Soldier would help!(of course the serial number would be gone then...)
I think that @OF gave sound advice, and that @CarolKing and others offered excellent attitudes toward the issue.

The Solo might be be replaced by the company, if it had arrived with a cracked bottom that was partially dis-attached. It has been my experience that Arizer does not favor "service after the sale" as a position.

Is there a guide somewhere to flashing light patterns for the solo? I just received mine yesterday and am having issues today. I think it's finally charging now (finger's crossed) but I have spent over 4 hours googling trying to find out what was wrong to no avail. Came across a few "just bang it" posts, which I did. This resulted in what I think is charging - but honestly I'm really not sure. If I could come across some kind of LED guide it would be most helpful. The manual is pretty worthless when comparing it to the light patterns I've seen. Does anyone know of a resource that contains all the LED codes?

ETA: Well it wasn't charging... and now a new set of lights to contend with....blue idle, 1-6 yellow, 7, heat, up, down and charge are all green. All lights are steady with no flashing. Unplugging charger has no effect. Pushing buttons has no effect.



and unplugged:


Any ideas? I've emailed the ebay seller, who claims to be an authorized repair place, but it's in China. I just got it yesterday and am not of the mind to have it spend another couple of months in transport...

mizjewels said:

Came across a few "just bang it" posts, which I did. Does anyone know of a resource that contains all the LED codes?

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Sorry you're having trouble with your unit.

Someone on this thread told you "just bang it"???? I completely missed that advice I guess, I surely would have commented on it, that's mighty lame advice to be giving IMO. Just what sort of problem could the guy giving the advice be expecting to fix that way? This is not Aunt Bee's old time tube radio, "spit in the back and whomp it a good 'un" isn't appropriate advice. I suggest you stop banging it unless you want to make it worse.......

You should have fully charged it before use, assuming you did that was normal? Now the battery is flat and it won't heat any more? Normally plugging it in should cause the top ("Charge") light (alone) to flash. As the battery charges up the seven LEDs below it should 'step up one after the other over a few hours. After that you should get 'a session per light' more or less on a full charge. On turn on it should flash the battery condition (one or more steps) briefly before getting down to business, that's worth keeping track of.

As to "LED codes" the reason there are none to be found is they don't exist as far as we know. Not like you're thinking of at least. No magic list, no secret decoder ring. Several patters of flashing lights have been reported, we just did this a few weeks back in fact, generally random (though repeatable) patterns are the result of improper charger module output (or flakey cable/connectors) as the Solo struggles to try to run on too little power. I assume you don't have a second charge source, either another mains charger or a car charger to try, some guys have reported success with a different outlet to plug the 'wall wort' into. Plug strips have a bad history here, several guys reported plugging it in directly fixed the issue. You might try that. You can measure the output (assuming you have a proper meter and have the experience to drive it, or have a friend who can), but that's often useless unless it's 'under load', that is it's fine putting out 12 Volts when there's no load but when it comes time to do work it tends to sag and collapse to useless levels (perhaps you know people like that, I do.....). This is easy enough to do with a "Y cable" and adapters you no doubt don't have. The best troubleshooting technique for you at this point is probably substitution.

The basic unit 'has to be OK' since it ran when the battery was charged? It didn't just decide to die I think, it got drained to the bottom and can't recharge. I'd start there.

The other option, assuming you bought it from a legit dealer, is to pack it up and let them sort it out. There are counterfeits about, but in at least one case they behave with the same lame 'light show' when charger power is sub par.

Last I checked flashing starts about 10 Volts (and below). The old style also beeped sometimes. And they had a window from 9 down to 7 Volts where they would run in 'true PA mode', that is the lower voltage, much higher current supply would run the Solo without using battery power. Flashing would resume (different pattern, no beeps) below that.

Good luck with it, but I'd suggest looking to the charger first.

And stop banging it if you value it?

OF

Edit: BTW there's a reset procedure around I think. Something like 'hold the buttons down and plug it in'? You no doubt came across it in your research, but I don't recall anyone reporting it fixed much, for sure not this issue? Prolly worth a try anyway?

I've tried 'hardware resets' (pulling the battery out for a while) but that doesn't address charger issues either.

OF