mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
I had forgotten about that! I only watched it once...I need to give it another view. Thank you for reminding me....I don't think it ever got posted here so here it is...
Discontinued The Firefly Vaporizer
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I had forgotten about that! I only watched it once...I need to give it another view. Thank you for reminding me....I don't think it ever got posted here so here it is...
BuzzDanklin
Well-Known Member
Wow it only has a bit over 500 views still? I liked it quite a bit, and definitely expected it to have more views by now.
mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
I blame myself, I think I saw it on my phone when I was out of the house, meant to post it...and totally forgot it. Maybe we can up the view count.
I totally missed it the first time, but I heard something right up EDA's alley...that first massive butane-powered brick FF had a removable magnetic mouthpiece. Of course, you need Popeye's arms just to lift the thing...
studmuffin
Well-Known Member
and Popeye's legs. Remember, lift with your legs. And keep yer back straight.
EveryDayAmnesiac
Well-Known Member
I totally missed it the first time, but I heard something right up EDA's alley...that first massive butane-powered brick FF had a removable magnetic mouthpiece. Of course, you need Popeye's arms just to lift the thing...
Well, that's fine, because there's something you don't know about me, mitch:
Legal in Washington State
Member
Someone said earlier that every Firefly is unique. I loved the behavior of my first one -- very smooth, with easy draws. But Firefly recommended I replace it because the light was constantly flickering (very faintly). Even though it worked great, I sent it back for replacement because I did not want to be stuck with a faulty unit.
I used the first one for several weeks, so I can say with confidence that the replacement unit behaves differently. The draw is more resistant. (The main reason I chose the Firefly was its reputation for an easy draw, as compared to, say, the Pax.) It's also harsher: the only way I can get solid vapor is to toggle the button more than I used to, which results in a hotter draw that wrecks the nice green taste I enjoyed with the first unit.
Could I have gotten another bad one? It does not combust, but could I have coil alignment issues or something? Is it possible to tell from the serial number if they sent me an earlier version (it came with the older battery)? Are there things I can try on my own without going through more hassle with Firefly? Or does this behavior fall within the normal variations among units?
It's only been a few weeks, but I've tried cleaning it thoroughly, changing the screen, experimenting with packing, etc. (I tried probing those little holes under the screen with a pin, but the pin barely went in except in two of the holes -- I suppose that's normal?) When it's closed up empty and clean (with no material) its draw resistance is still more than I remember from using the previous unit fully loaded. Now, its taste, resistance, and harshness is pretty much on a par with my old Vapir NO2.
I used the first one for several weeks, so I can say with confidence that the replacement unit behaves differently. The draw is more resistant. (The main reason I chose the Firefly was its reputation for an easy draw, as compared to, say, the Pax.) It's also harsher: the only way I can get solid vapor is to toggle the button more than I used to, which results in a hotter draw that wrecks the nice green taste I enjoyed with the first unit.
Could I have gotten another bad one? It does not combust, but could I have coil alignment issues or something? Is it possible to tell from the serial number if they sent me an earlier version (it came with the older battery)? Are there things I can try on my own without going through more hassle with Firefly? Or does this behavior fall within the normal variations among units?
It's only been a few weeks, but I've tried cleaning it thoroughly, changing the screen, experimenting with packing, etc. (I tried probing those little holes under the screen with a pin, but the pin barely went in except in two of the holes -- I suppose that's normal?) When it's closed up empty and clean (with no material) its draw resistance is still more than I remember from using the previous unit fully loaded. Now, its taste, resistance, and harshness is pretty much on a par with my old Vapir NO2.
mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
Sorry to hear you are having a frustrating time, Petey. Yes, you could have another bad one, though "bad" may be a judgment call given your issues. Coil alignment could easily be the culprit.
Not enough to be meaningful. I think the ones from 2014 start with "14" as the first numbers. But that doesn't help much.
There are of course a myriad of technique tweaks that change the behavior of the FF. If you've tried all the variations (check the "best of" thread for ideas if you haven't already) you may have a malfunctioning unit. It's not obvious to me that's the case, because the problems you are having do fall within normal FF behavior, sort of.
1. I have two FFs currently, and they have noticeably, even drastically different resistance. One has a stronger magnet than the other, noticeably. (That's the one with the easier, less-resistant draw, oddly.) Both perform fine, but differently. One is hotter than the other. Yes, there certainly are differences between units, and yes, no two seem identical in the way they perform, to me anyway.
2. The "harsh" thing isn't something I've experienced, other than the odd session here or there. Certainly nothing systemic or consistent. The thing is, I'm not sure it's evidence of device malfunction. If it were running too cool, even pulsing the button shouldn't make it harsh, just maybe normal in extraction. If it were too hot, you'd probably be combusting if you pulse that button.
3. Sticking a pin in the plate holes won't tell you anything and there's not much space between that plate and the ceramic platform it sits on, so your perception that you couldn't get a pin through it isn't indicative of much. Doesn't mean anything is wrong.
If this were my unit I would try several basic technique variations (dense vs. light pack, playing with draw speed, pre-heating before hits etc) and give it a few more days or another week. (You might even wanna try a newer battery...ask FF to send you one since they stuck you with the old battery.) If you are still unhappy, tell FF and send it back. There shouldn't be any hassle for you, other than being without it for a few days (which, yes, is a hassle.
). But if you aren't happy with the way it's working, you should let FF fix it one way or another. Good luck and let us know what happens.Marctraider
Member
Hi all.
My self-realigned FF still going strong! No combustion, and I do not expect any in the future.
Anyway, i just wanted to say that ive been experimenting with (very)fine grinds and recently went back to a more coarse grind (significantly moar coarse).
Damn at least I know the difference now! Way bigger clouds and significantly better experience overall.
My self-realigned FF still going strong! No combustion, and I do not expect any in the future.
Anyway, i just wanted to say that ive been experimenting with (very)fine grinds and recently went back to a more coarse grind (significantly moar coarse).
Damn at least I know the difference now! Way bigger clouds and significantly better experience overall.
Mitch, thanks much for helping me think through my issues. After reading through the Best Of thread, I'm thinking my replacement unit might be running a little cooler than the first one, but that my main issue is probably draw resistance.
The first thing I noticed when I received it was that the lid magnet seemed much stronger (but, unlike with you, that did not lead to less resistance). My hunch is that the extra resistance is coming from somewhere earlier in the stream, though, because when I put my lips over an empty bowl and suck (with the lid off) I encounter approximately the same amount of resistance as when I'm actually using the unit.
So now I'm trying to figure out what kind of manufacturing variances could be restricting the air flow, as compared to my first unit -- and if there's anything I can do about it. I worry that if I go to the trouble of sending it back to FF I can't be sure a replacement would be any better when it comes to draw resistance.
The first thing I noticed when I received it was that the lid magnet seemed much stronger (but, unlike with you, that did not lead to less resistance). My hunch is that the extra resistance is coming from somewhere earlier in the stream, though, because when I put my lips over an empty bowl and suck (with the lid off) I encounter approximately the same amount of resistance as when I'm actually using the unit.
So now I'm trying to figure out what kind of manufacturing variances could be restricting the air flow, as compared to my first unit -- and if there's anything I can do about it. I worry that if I go to the trouble of sending it back to FF I can't be sure a replacement would be any better when it comes to draw resistance.
mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
I find the newer units have stronger magnets...it's probably not the cause of your resistance, though a weak magnet can really screw you up!
Your story is a tough one...it's not super-obvious one way or the other (technique vs. device flaw). At the risk of pointing out really obvious stupid shit (apologies in advance!), make sure you are keeping all six side/front vents clear when you draw...anything blocking the airflow can affect it.
While there is no guarantee of getting a better FF, it's pretty likely you will get a different-acting one, and that may be all you need to make yourself happy with it. They are temperamental and variable, but the one thing that is constant is the FF's' team commitment to service and to making their customers happy. You might consider just giving them a phone call tomorrow and chatting with someone about the issues and see what they think. Make sure you tell them you feel like your FF is running a little cool, because that's a part of the functionality they'll want to know about.
One way or another they will get you back to being a happy customer. That's about the only thing I can say with certainty.
Again good luck and keep us in the loop...you've got me seriously intrigued about your problem now....
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Slightly Medicated
(SliM) Iron Lungs
I have been using my Firefly since I got it when it launched. I still enjoy it allot. My only complaint is the batteries. They don't last long enough for all day use. I find I have to bring about 3 batteries out with me in order to have my power needs covered. Unfortunately my batteries keep breaking or dying. I am back down to one working battery at the moment. For a dry portable though I get very smooth hits. I have managed to fine tune my drawing technique so that I get 2-3 really good hits and the session is finished.
EveryDayAmnesiac
Well-Known Member
You got the new 770 mAh batts? They haven't been out all that long, but FC'ers here, including myself, are reporting much better results with them.
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/the-firefly-vaporizer.11365/page-190#post-723409
Slightly Medicated
(SliM) Iron Lungs
Thanks for the heads up. I have not had a chance to try them yet. Maybe 2 of those are the answer to my problem.
TheDudeNextDoor
Abiding
Well now, that's interesting. All three of my batts are 750s, and I get one session on each consistently. Every now and then I will get two. So the 770s make a big difference?
Seasoned Senior
Well-Known Member
At the beach for the weekend. Went into LHS and they had the 770s, so I grabbed one.
mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
Yes! I rarely see a red light anymore. I get about 2x the hits from the 770s.
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/the-firefly-vaporizer.11365/page-199#post-744681
One thing I'm having a hard time understanding (even after examining all the graphics in the Best Of thread) is how exactly the air flows into the chamber. Does all the air come up through those six little holes? Or does it also come from the perimeter of the base of the bowl?
While attempting to figure out my resistance problem, I did another thorough cleaning last night, put a new screen in, and, while I was at it, did my best to clean the perimeter of the base (where that black gasket sits) using a little pick. There wasn't much gunk there (I've only had the unit a couple of weeks), but when I put everything back together the resistance was noticeably lighter. But then, after taking just one (nice, freeflowing) long draw, the resistance suddenly went up again, significantly. I was using a light-ish load, broken into pieces (not too fine), but even after stirring and fluffing, the resistance remained just as bad. Clearly something had changed. The rest of my session was like sipping a thick shake through a little straw.
Makes me wonder if some sort of air clearance is off with this unit. Or maybe the gasket isn't seating correctly. Does any of this sound familiar?
(In the end, I may need to return it to FF again, but I'm really curious about what's going on.)
While attempting to figure out my resistance problem, I did another thorough cleaning last night, put a new screen in, and, while I was at it, did my best to clean the perimeter of the base (where that black gasket sits) using a little pick. There wasn't much gunk there (I've only had the unit a couple of weeks), but when I put everything back together the resistance was noticeably lighter. But then, after taking just one (nice, freeflowing) long draw, the resistance suddenly went up again, significantly. I was using a light-ish load, broken into pieces (not too fine), but even after stirring and fluffing, the resistance remained just as bad. Clearly something had changed. The rest of my session was like sipping a thick shake through a little straw.
Makes me wonder if some sort of air clearance is off with this unit. Or maybe the gasket isn't seating correctly. Does any of this sound familiar?
(In the end, I may need to return it to FF again, but I'm really curious about what's going on.)
mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
Check out these pix if you haven't.
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/best-of-the-firefly-vaporizer-thread.16628/page-3#post-705773
Air comes in from the vents, flows through those little notches on the bottom of the ceramic ring, and, yes, up through the holes in the steel plate. I guess it's possible you have some debris trapped underneath the plate and it's intermittently blocking some of the holes depending on the air flow at the time. It seems unlikely to me...but unlikely shit happens all the time, right?
![:\](/i/s/hmm.gif "Hmm :\")
Sounds like getting a replacement is a good idea....seems like you've tried everything. Damn. Don't get discouraged....let's let FF get you back to a happy place....
hodor
Tree Smoking Giant
Patrick: Hello, and thank you for chatting with us!
Patrick: How may I help you today?
Hodor: Hi. When will the 770 watt batteries be available for the firefly?
Patrick: At this time we took the batteries off our site as we are out of stock.
Patrick: We were not expecting the over haul or demand of purchases for our new and improved Lithium Polymer batteries.
Patrick: We just got a shipment on March 25th, however due to a workers strike, our shipment has not been sent out.
Patrick: Estimated time for purchase is April 10th assuming there are not obstacles.
Patrick: As soon as we get the batteries in our warehouse we will be able to put it back on our site.
Patrick: How may I help you today?
Hodor: Hi. When will the 770 watt batteries be available for the firefly?
Patrick: At this time we took the batteries off our site as we are out of stock.
Patrick: We were not expecting the over haul or demand of purchases for our new and improved Lithium Polymer batteries.
Patrick: We just got a shipment on March 25th, however due to a workers strike, our shipment has not been sent out.
Patrick: Estimated time for purchase is April 10th assuming there are not obstacles.
Patrick: As soon as we get the batteries in our warehouse we will be able to put it back on our site.
Regarding my too-much-resistance problem: I've concluded that the unit is innately somewhat harder than the previous one to draw, but that also it requires more frequent cleaning. After each use I get significant accumulations under the screen and around the bottom rim. After removing the screen and cleaning everything thoroughly, the unit usually performs adequately for the rest of the session (but still not as smoothly as the previous one).
It seems most users can go quite a long time without cleaning under the screen. Does that mean mine has too large a gap or something? The screen seems a little too small as well. I notice the edges are pretty loose, so sometimes one side of the screen doesn't stay all the way under the porcelain.
I also still think this unit runs cool. It takes a little over 4 seconds for the coil to achieve full brightness. Does this seem long? It also dims immediately after I begin drawing -- so that I can only see a modest glow from the sides.
Just trying to finalize the symptoms so I can describe them accurately to FF if I do attempt to return it.
It seems most users can go quite a long time without cleaning under the screen. Does that mean mine has too large a gap or something? The screen seems a little too small as well. I notice the edges are pretty loose, so sometimes one side of the screen doesn't stay all the way under the porcelain.
I also still think this unit runs cool. It takes a little over 4 seconds for the coil to achieve full brightness. Does this seem long? It also dims immediately after I begin drawing -- so that I can only see a modest glow from the sides.
Just trying to finalize the symptoms so I can describe them accurately to FF if I do attempt to return it.
mitchgo61
I go where the thrills are
Hmmm. Your situation continues to baffle and intrigue me, Petey. (I know it's worse for you!) The more I learn, the harder it is for me to wrap my head around either side of this problem. First, even some buildup around that bowl edge shouldn't create that much extra (noticeable) resistance. Second, I'm not sure why you are getting "significant" debris build up, even with screen issues.
The screens do suck. Their suckage is legion, in my house anyway.
They are most definitely too small, not when they are first installed, but after a user removes and replaces one. The act of screen changing makes the edges uneven, lowers the total circumference of the screen, and yes, causes it to provide insufficient coverage. The screen is at its most effective when first installed, and after that, it's all downhill. Still, a bad screen will let crap get on the plate, but shouldn't really affect resistance so much. I take out my screens after every third bowl, religiously. There's always powdery weed under it. I brush and blow it out, and wipe the bowl and plate with a damp ISO paper towel. But it never affects resistance, that I've noticed.4 seconds is the normal point you will see the orange glow. (Hence the "count to 4" rule many of us follow. You can just wait for the glow.) It will dim a bit when you draw, depending on speed...this is you starting to "overwhelm" the heater as it works to keep up with the airflow. It will also dim 15 seconds-ish into the heat cycle; this is by design...the hottest part of the cycle is at the beginning, starting around second 5. If you think your FF is coolish, this can help you...pulse the button during the hit, and you'll get the hottest part of the cycle over and over again.
But really...at this point, between the cool-ish heating and the resistance issues, you should think about returning it. You won't need to give FF that much detail (resistance is not right, it's not getting hot enough, I'm unhappy...that's all they'll need to hear). If you beg them and pout you might get them to ship a new one next-day so you aren't without it for long.
I am all-in with you, Petey.
Let's get you back to your FF happy place post-haste, already. 
MolecularConcept
Well-Known Member
I'm gonna have to give theese new batteries a try. I have been less than pleased with my last 3 batteries..
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