Flux Deluxe number 36 checking in.
I am one of the first with the new
15mm coil.
As I also own a Portside Mini, I've decided to compare the two and write up my findings.
For those of you who disagree with my measurements; my apologies.
My calibers came from Harbor Freight, my scale from Amazon and the stop watch courtesy of Windows 10.
I have tried to be as objective as possible with each of the tests. However as each of these units are hand-built and your choice of batteries may be different from mine, YMMV.
While both units are similar in size and weight, the Flux Deluxe just feels more compact.
This may be because the dark green Alpinetech aluminum 1590B enclosure is more expensive and esthetically pleasing case.
With the included bag, I would most likely grab the Flux Deluxe if I was leaving the house to go out with friends for the evening or on a trip away from home.
However, the black silicone band on the Flux Deluxe is both good and bad.
Good because if the band wasn’t installed on the case, the lack of feet on the unit would scratch my coffee and end tables.
Bad because with the black band on the case, the Flux Deluxe teeters a bit on a table when being used.
For home use; I would most likely go to the Portside Mini as the location of the IH coil makes it taller and easier to reach when on the coffee table. I also like that the red IH indicator leds are integrated onto the glass tube.
Each of these units appears to be well made and each will make a fine Induction Heater for the Dynavap. Each unit will have a proud place and frequent usage in my home.
For the engineers among you, here are some details on the Flux Deluxe
Flux Deluxe
Dimensions:
Height = 4.425” (112.4mm)
Width = 2.382” (60.5mm)
Depth = 1.22” (31mm)
Accessories:
12V charger, Plug-in better than nothing battery gauge, black silicone band and bag storage bad.
Weight:
Without batteries 8.0 oz (228 grams)
With batteries: 12.95 oz (368 grams)
Observations:
Exterior:
Choice of colors of Alpinetech aluminum 1590B enclosure.
The holes on the case are countersunk.
Unit has a clean look.
Cover is attached with magnets.
During my use the magnets alone kept the cover on.
The cover has an indent to facilitate opening. I found that I didn’t need to use the indent to take the cover off.
As the on/off button is located inside the case, the only exterior protrusion is the charging status led.
The exterior of the case has one hole drilled for glass insert and four additional smaller holes were drilled for heat dissipation.
Where the openings were drilled and the edges were deburred, bare aluminum is showing. For me, this visually deters from the clean lines. I’m going to have to find a green sharpie to touch up the holes (Sorry I'm OCD).
While there is no external magnet for the Dynavap, any one of the corner magnets holds the Dynavap fine.
Interior:
14 awg wire makes up the coils along with a 1.3mm thick glass tube.
Glass tube appeared to be hand-cut and had a rough edge to it.
Note: If I hadn’t taken the glass tube out to measure the coil ID, I would not have noticed this.
ID of coil is
15mm.
Heating of Dynavap is done using a momentary switch that is wired to the exterior case led; green indicates switch has been turned on, red indicates Dynavap is being induction heated.
Momentary switch has a Pyrex (glass) screen on top of switch for protection.
Battery:
Uses (3) 18650 batteries. Unit does not come with batteries.
For my tests I used the following: (3) 3.6V LG HG2 18650 20A 3000mAh lithium-ion Battery, fully charged.
After listening for the click on both units and using the Dynavap, the resulting AVB from both units was similar:
Here are some comparison pictures of the Flux Deluxe and the Portside Mini:
Length:
Width:
Depth:
), and I expect to finish it quickly once I can get back in the shop. Sorry for the added delay; thanks for understanding.
on my experience with my new FD. 