Arizer Solo

Meth0tica said:

Need some advice from those more experienced on how to be most efficient with my Solo use. I typically medicate just before bed to help calm down from the grind of the day. That said, with a full shorty PVES stem I only need 3-4 draws on level 4 dry to do the trick. However, I don't know what to do w/ the remainder.

After my 3-4 draws should I just shut the Solo down and leave everything in there until next time (sometimes a week or so goes by between sessions), should I keep a separate container for 'half used' product, or what?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Only because it's easier to clean out a hot/warm stem in relation to one that's cooled, would advise storing in a separate container. (eventually, you may find another use for ABV as well).

Bearded Dude said:

Question regarding a scratched oven... for background, I had a solo a month ago that wasn't heating up enough. I sent in for warranty and got a new replacement. I have been using the PVHES GonG exclusively with this (used several times in the old unit with no scratching) and noticed that it has scratched a ring into my solo oven. Any ideas how that happened? The GonG doesn't seem rough on the edges at all...

One thing I notice is that even with the o-ring added the stem still wiggles a lot inside, not sure if that has anything to do with it... If it's not big deal that's fine but not sure if i'm inhaling anything coming off the scratched surface.

Here is a pic of the oven and a pic of the pvhes gong (also to show how dirty it is with regards to my smell question earlier)

Click to expand...

Try taking a wooden toothpick, dipping in ISO (rubbing alcohol) and going back and forth crossing that black ring to see if a small section of the ring gets removed. (Don't try right at the oven holes initially).

Meth0tica said:

Need some advice from those more experienced on how to be most efficient with my Solo use. I typically medicate just before bed to help calm down from the grind of the day. That said, with a full shorty PVES stem I only need 3-4 draws on level 4 dry to do the trick. However, I don't know what to do w/ the remainder.

After my 3-4 draws should I just shut the Solo down and leave everything in there until next time (sometimes a week or so goes by between sessions), should I keep a separate container for 'half used' product, or what?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Im no expert but if its that long between uses id be worried about the residue really sticking to the chamber and heating element. Besides if you take it out you get a chance to stir it so the herb that used to be in the middle can get mixed around. But as I said im no expert just a theory

My Solo car charger worked a couple of days ago, I tried it again yesterday and it didn't work. I contacted Randy at Puffitup and he sent me an RMA with paid shipping within the next couple of hours. The way they stuff them in such tiny boxes, it's no wonder some wire probably got twisted or something. They will be sending another one.

MethOtica, You could have a container just for slightly used herb and keep it separate from the fresh stuff. I think that's what I would do. Whereas others may say just leave it for next time. Sometimes it's personal preference. It may make a mess if left in, like GenYhippie said.

poonman said:

It looks more like resin stains , rather than scratches .
Resin stains can be cleaned .
I use a lightly soak iso/qtip and old fine screen .
Insert the screen in the oven first , then the iso/qtip .
Do a swirling/mopping motion on the screen .
It works like a charm .

Click to expand...

Like using steel wool? My 2 solos have dirty ovens. I kinda never cleaned them. I tried and failed to clean them with 99% iso and q tips. Scrubed hard, little results. But I have to see what others think about the screen scrubbing technique. I fear it might scratch the oven a bit. Then it would get dirty easier etc

DDave said:

Try taking a wooden toothpick, dipping in ISO (rubbing alcohol) and going back and forth crossing that black ring to see if a small section of the ring gets removed. (Don't try right at the oven holes initially).

Click to expand...

Good idea the tooth pick! No way it can harm the oven

spoutti said:

Like using steel wool? My 2 solos have dirty ovens. I kinda never cleaned them. I tried and failed to clean them with 99% iso and q tips. Scrubed hard, little results. But I have to see what others think about the screen scrubbing technique. I fear it might scratch the oven a bit. Then it would get dirty easier etc


Good idea the tooth pick! No way it can harm the oven

Click to expand...

Exactly! Use items that won't harm Stainless Steel.... a wooden chopstick sharpened in a pencil sharpener for detail or filed down to look like a standard flat screwdriver head for larger areas... both make awesome scrapers/cleaners.

Start with the toothpick though. I'd imagine you could put much more force on the oven or whatever was being cleaned with a chopstick.

Vape On!

spoutti said:

But I have to see what others think about the screen scrubbing technique.

Click to expand...

I guess I'm reckless?
Maybe I no longer have the photograph of me cleaning the SOLO with a DREMAL Tool.
2 1/2 years later still clean!

Meth0tica said:

Need some advice from those more experienced on how to be most efficient with my Solo use. I typically medicate just before bed to help calm down from the grind of the day. That said, with a full shorty PVES stem I only need 3-4 draws on level 4 dry to do the trick. However, I don't know what to do w/ the remainder.

After my 3-4 draws should I just shut the Solo down and leave everything in there until next time (sometimes a week or so goes by between sessions), should I keep a separate container for 'half used' product, or what?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

I would see no problem with keeping it in for later and not even unloading it. Or even better if you load the stem with a very little amount of material, put in barely enough to make a layer and maybe up the heat to 5

Pinnacle Pro said:

My Solo car charger worked a couple of days ago, I tried it again yesterday and it didn't work. I contacted Randy at Puffitup and he sent me an RMA with paid shipping within the next couple of hours. The way they stuff them in such tiny boxes, it's no wonder some wire probably got twisted or something. They will be sending another one.

MethOtica, You could have a container just for slightly used herb and keep it separate from the fresh stuff. I think that's what I would do. Whereas others may say just leave it for next time. Sometimes it's personal preference. It may make a mess if left in, like GenYhippie said.

Click to expand...

@ PP,

Did you confirm ta another charger works? i.e.your car cellphone charger?

It could be the fuse for the 12VDC cigarette lighter.

I've gone though a few uses for a couple of my cigarette lighters by pushing the limits on them.

I checked using another adapter and the car outlet seemed to work fine. I tried the Solo car adapter on our other vehicle and it wouldn't work. I was excited that I had the car adapter, a little bummed out it quit working, so it goes. I'm thankful so far the new Solo has been working wonderfully.

I'm trying to be kind to the battery by treating it the careful way. I don't want to be abusive, I want it to last and give me years of service. Thanks to OF for his expert advice.

Haymaker94 said:

Any specific reason why some people dome their screens as opposed to just fitting the flat screen in the glass stem?

Click to expand...

I do it because I think it helps air flow even when the screen is starting to clog up - air can get under the edge and down the holes - a flat clogged screen would block the holes - I know it sounds like bullshit but try doming flat screens over a pencil eraser.
If I don't dome my (fine) screens, I have to clean them every 2nd day to keep the air flow up - but domed ones keep on trucking..

Pinnacle Pro said:

I checked using another adapter and the car outlet seemed to work fine. I tried the Solo car adapter on our other vehicle and it wouldn't work. I was excited that I had the car adapter, a little bummed out it quit working, so it goes. I'm thankful so far the new Solo has been working wonderfully.

I'm trying to be kind to the battery by treating it the careful way. I don't want to be abusive, I want it to last and give me years of service. Thanks to OF for his expert advice.

Click to expand...

@ PP,

Typically 12VDC car chargers contain a fuse also, which is located right behind the spring loaded contact pin.

This might be quick fix, otherwise you're SOL.

DDave said:

What heat levels were you using in your initial trial?

Grind: I find a fine grind works best for me. Some also use whole tiny nugs, some anywhere in between.

Charging: concensus is
* New Out of Box - Fully charge it till green light stops blinking and indicator is on level 7
* Maintenance - charge only till level reaches 7 but green charge light is still blinking (for longest battery life). And only charge when needed, not after each session. (I'm charging after each session religiously and will report back on battery life once it fails).
*Preheating may help. Allow one minute to expire after the heater reports reaching the target setting with stem loaded and inserted. (this tip mostly for the cloud chasers).

And lastly the herbs. I have had top shelf which stopped producing vapor after a 3rd draw or so and I've had mids that would produce vapor forever.... Try various strains...

Good Luck! Enjoy your Solo!

Click to expand...

thanks for the tips here's my second experience
I've done another session i've loaded more material and changed the type of strain(better one) and as i've done first time i've started on 4 and stepped the temperature every 2 puffs, the output was better: about 10 cloudy draws have been made and i dumped out some brown avb before the 12 minutes ended (maybe a bit on the light side but it wasn't producing vapor at level 7 so i though it was it) seems the problem was in the small load the first time, is 10 draws efficent enough? that made me pretty high but it seem the there isn't space for sharing in a group of 3+ but i read threads of people saying that 1 stem was lasting for 2-3 12 minute session, i guess that is just bullshit(?)

Adding some @PlanetVape F-bomb love

So last night I tipped over my tube and my gong adapter broke......must have been vaped

Anyway's I was just on Vapefiend ordering a new one and I spotted this:

http://www.vapefiend.co.uk/epages/e.../Shops/es115421_es122485197719/Products/42036

Thought id post it in case anyone in UK/ Europe has any battery issues and doesn't fancy changing it themselves............until I saw this I would probably have attempted it myself when needed, if I ever do need I think the 35 notes will be well spent.

I love my Solo

i was going to do that with vapefiend but he dint answer about sending one to me so i got one of citizens batterys on the way soon cot £40 and all you have to do is un screw the 4 screws on the bottot pull out the unit take off the battery cover un plug the battery and plug in the new one put back together it is very simple to do and you dont have to send in your solo and you can get up 2 12 sessions from citizens battery

Unnotrafitto said:

thanks for the tips here's my second experience
I've done another session i've loaded more material and changed the type of strain(better one) and as i've done first time i've started on 4 and stepped the temperature every 2 puffs, the output was better: about 10 cloudy draws have been made and i dumped out some brown avb before the 12 minutes ended (maybe a bit on the light side but it wasn't producing vapor at level 7 so i though it was it) seems the problem was in the small load the first time, is 10 draws efficent enough? that made me pretty high but it seem the there isn't space for sharing in a group of 3+ but i read threads of people saying that 1 stem was lasting for 2-3 12 minute session, i guess that is just bullshit(?)

Click to expand...

Glad to hear you have seen improvement in your sessions!

I really believe there are a few factors involved that we can not directly compare with each other. Strain and technique/perception.

Strain: I've had top shelf that could be extracted until it stopped producing after few draws, regardless of temperature. Have also had mid shelf that would produce vapor for many more draws. Comes down to the mechanics of a the strain, the various combinations of cannabinoids it contains... and results are influenced by technique and personal perception.

Grind: (part of technique) Some seek flavor, so grind less finely or not at all. Some seek the clouds, grind finer... (also, start sessions at higher temp).

"One man's lung-busting, face-melting, zero-visibility cloud is another man's slight haze."

Keep at it! Experiment! Most importantly - make it fun!

Ripstar said:

never mind 113 looks to work well?

Click to expand...

the newer ones need a thinner o-ring than the #113...

look here:
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/arizer-solo.3833/page-965#post-550406

Dr. Soxhlet said:

There is something strange about my warranty replacement Solo. I can not get it to operate in PA mode. I have used two of my tried and trusty PS2 power supplies that ran my old Solo for almost a year without any problems, but neither will allow the Solo to operate in purely PA run mode. When either plug is inserted the Solo immediately goes into charge mode. Of course the run while charging mode works, but I would like to extend the battery life if possible. Both of these power supplies read out at 8.8 V positive polarity at 5.65amps. I tried two more power supplies one read 9.1 V and the other 10V. Same deal with these as well. Any opinions?
This new M1D2 Solo works much better than my first, so I'll be keeping it whatever the outcome.

Click to expand...

Hey Dr. S and fellow FCrs,

Regretfully this has been my experience as well (M1D2). I've used a variety of supplies also: Arizer's stock PA (labeled as 8.5v DC @5amps - but mine is actually 8.68v DC), Tim's PA and another one I had laying around the house (~9v DC).

It appears that @Pipes' fear of an additional change - removing a 'true PA feature' from the newest Solos - has unfortunately, been realized. I was quite surprised to find that my stock PA no longer worked in that fashion (true PA) on my new M1D2 (it still can be used to charge the new Solos however). Seems like Arizer may have widened the range of 'acceptable' voltages in order to facilitate the new charge and heat feature? True PA mode is a feature I'm going to miss - I liked the ability to use my Solo in this fashion without constantly hammering the battery with IMO is unnecessary charging (again just my opinion). Fortunately my angst is minimized since this is a second Solo - I'm rotating them on a daily basis: charging one while using the second in true portable mode. I seem to have found a sweet spot - takes about an hour to 'charge' for me (charging started after my last session started at battery level 1 - until battery level 7 is reached and green charging LED is still flashing) all well within the time that it would take me to finish the 7 sessions that I typically get after charging either my older M1A3 or the new M1D2. Working pretty well for me - fully untethered - true portability. Biggest 'advantage' (other than ease of mind knowing a backup is available) in acquiring a second Solo - at least for me at the present.

Cheers,
NN

tdriver said:

the newer ones need a thinner o-ring than the #113...

look here:
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/arizer-solo.3833/page-965#post-550406

Click to expand...

I don't think you can make that sort of an absolute statement. It's very likely to change. Please note thicker caps (and therefore thinner rings) were noted long before the latest models came out. It seems to be a 'sometimes' deal? Along with not being able to interchange them always it seems to be more batch than model related.

I'll maintain that fitting a ring is not a maker supported activity, each owner is on his own to investigate it and decide for himself. Since Arizer is not in on the deal, no absolutes are guaranties? Experienced based guidelines perhaps, but we've already seen exceptions.....

OF

I know where the thinner o-ring is comming from. That was my first reaction:"Bummer! Cant screw my cap completly back with that o-ring". "It doesnt stay fit, sometimes the cap loosenup and the o-ring has to be recentered". At first i reverted back to no o-ring. But loose and rattling stems were a bigger problem, so i put it back.

But, I can adjust my airflow even more now! I have the oem/pvhes option plus thight/loose cap. I am a complainer. Im picky. But I feel I have a better solo because of my extra airflow adjustment option. Not that i play with it a lot months later, but boy i did a lot to find my sweet perfect airflow adjustment back then.
And just did it again right now inspired by your post

hey stupid question, but wondering what the reason is for waiting for the solo to heat up, then inserting the stem? Why not insert stem as soon as you turn solo on? Also is it ill-advised for longevity of the solo to turn on solo let it reach desired temp, then flick it off then back on, insert stem, get that minute back ?

So far M1E has worked pretty well, not going to try charging it and using it at same time I think that is what made my m1d defective(the few times I did it), also noticed that stems fit alot better than the m1d as some one previously posted. Starting to notice straight stem rattle a little, think will just order thin o ring anyway. Is PV the only spot right now that has the THIN o-ring?

As for using it on 2 and 3 like other people said it heats up overly well just doesnt work for me, I need to start at 4 and work my way to 5, find that the optimal levels, tried 2 and 3 but like I said just dont enjoy the experience compared to 4 and 5

thanks for the infos

Not sure which is worse. A stem that is loose or and ill fitted cap with an o-ring?

What is the advantage of o-ring? Does it help the draw?. The taste? What's the purpose? What's wrong with loose stem and way company made it?

gbetter said:

Not sure which is worse. A stem that is loose or and ill fitted cap with an o-ring?

What is the advantage of o-ring? Does it help the draw?. The taste? What's the purpose? What's wrong with loose stem and way company made it?

Click to expand...

@ gbetter,

I added a large o-ring to fill in the gap of the cap and the body.

Ohhhh yeaaaaaah, double o-ring baby!

I messed around with a couple sizes but found a thick one that took the load of the tightening the lid to the outer o-ring, vs without this outer o-ring, the lid is forced down onto the stem/chamber o-ring.

The rubber pretty flush with the body but actually adds a slight grip to the Solo with it.

Ordered a solo yesterday off ioffer, shipped today and should be here tomorrow. I'm definitely stoked
In the meantime I'm been reading through this thread and learning a lot.

Well god damnit man i'm getting pretty frustrated with this vaping technology.. So far i've only been running my new solo with a 14mm pvhes gong, I decided to try a session with the stock stem (they sent me 2 new stems with my warranty replacement so I now have 4), I chose the NEW straight one they sent me. Couldn't seem to get it in easily so I took out the o-ring I added from PV. It still went in pretty stiff with some force after heating up.

Ran that session fine and decided just now to try the gong again but it has basically ZERO grip, slides in if placed above and falls out if turned over. I put the o-ring back in and it was a LITTLE bit better but still super loose, falling out easy. I took a closer look and it does seem that the NEW straight stem is slightly larger which explains why it's tighter, however the NEW bent stem and the other 2 old stems are all the same slightly smaller size and they ALL are super loose now. The bent stem whirls all around now and easily pulled out.

I'm not sure what is going on. Did the o-ring possibly mess up the stock black ring? I do notice that it's not flush anymore and parts are pushed in on the sides. It seems like once I put in this thicker stock stem, it loosened up the oven area to the point where the rest of my stems don't fit anymore... just this one straight stem.

Now i'm worried about ordering any other stems because how will I even get them to fit?

I REALLY hope this one doesn't need to get sent in too.... It heats up and charges perfectly.. just now I have to hold the other stems still with my hand. Turning the GonG upside down for my bubbler is impossible unless I hold it still in the solo, which gets hella hot.

I'm also testing this all while the unit is COLD, so it's not like they are stiff and loosen up with heat as is known. With heat it's like the stems covered in butter.

Picture to see the stock black ring, does that look fine? Any ideas why the o-rings aren't helping anymore? (i've got a few from PV and one from Pipes and tried all of them)




EDIT: comparing it to the picture I took of the oven in my other unit before it went in for warranty, they both look about the same. The old unit was snug as a bug with the o-ring but had some major heat issues which is why it was sent in.