MileHighLife
Blower of glass, grower of grass
The ebay/fasttech battery pack is regulated and maintains the set voltage until the battery runs out. An unregulated battery pack would slowly lose voltage as the battery wore down causing the vape to run cooler.
You should look into the battery voltage keeper for your econodog. His thread is in the vapor related equipment section. It's basically a battery pack and variable voltage power supply in one and he can program in a voltage range that'll work well with the econodog .... something like 11 - 19 volts?
Last edited:
Vicki
Herbal Alchemist
But better to have a dead power supply than a dead UD!I'm glad we finally got it solved!
Me too!
Likes2vape
Well-Known Member
The differences between the Econo-Dog and regular Dogs:
You can run them 24/7 just like the regular Dogs.
- Econo-Dog runs on 17v+ whereas the regular Dogs are 12v
- Econo-Dog is an AirCore design so is meant to be used with the stainless tipped nylon and NonG stems, they don't have the design features to work particularly well with our glass stem options.
- Econo-Dogs don't work with car chargers and require their own unique power supply and extension cables.
They won't work with a standard battery pack as they require considerably higher voltage.
An Econo-Dog and Mini is probably the worst possible combination since they require different power supplies and accessories and neither is happy using glass stems. Plus the combined price puts you into the regular UD price range.
No discount codes other than the 'free' shipping code in my signature.
Close but no cigar..
The Mini uses the same 12v as a regular UD but only draws about 1/2 the power.
The glass stems will technically work on the Minis (and AirCores and Econo-Dogs) but not as well as on regular Dogs because of the lack of stem-stop. They can be handheld though or a core o-ring installed to act as a stop. Workable but not as good a solution as the regular Dogs.
Vintage stereos.. cool. I used to do a lot of repair work on vintage equipment.
There is a little stress on the heating elements in the Dogs during heat-up but much less than the wear 'n tear from sustained operation, if the UD is powered on it's power consumption is pegged at 100% max.
We talk about a lifespan measured in time-run because the primary modes of failure are heating element fatigue and degradation of the wooden body due to cumulative effects of heat exposure.
They do live a good long time though and oh what an enviable life dogs live.
That's a great compromise and will surely extend the operational lifespan of your Pup.. just like using a VVPS to lower voltage when not in use.
Thanks perfect thanks. I will have to read up a little more on this thread. I did see that the Econo Dog runs hotter and that is something I want for now.
Perfect I'm going to check that out I see an econo Dog in my future!!!
pacifica333
Well-Known Member
dimildarko
Well-Known Member
Is there a popular or highly recommend VVPS for the UD? The one on Amazon for around $30 looks nice but it looks rather large.
Ideally I would like something with a digital display. But if the best cheap ones don't have a display then oh well.
Ideally I would like something with a digital display. But if the best cheap ones don't have a display then oh well.
I've been using this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q48BRFO , and so far I like it a lot. It's nice that it's small and only $10. I have it set on 13.1 volts. If you're planning on changing the voltages frequently then maybe it's not the best option, since the set screw is small and requires a screwdriver.
I don't know if that one is popular or highly recommended, but at least 1 other user here said he uses and is happy with the same one.
As a sidenote: I've been finding the UD at 13.1 volts more pleasurable than at the standard 12v, and I'm glad I tried this experiment. My original wall wart was measuring at 12.2 volts.
Walter Bishop
Well-Known Member
Been using this one for a little while. (mine is all black) http://www.amazon.com/Tekpower-HY-1502-Power-Supply-1-5/dp/B003EGYRP6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
I wouldn't call it large compared to many out there, but it's not exactly compact either. About 3" tall, 6" wide, and 4 3/4" deep.
So far it's been reliable.
XeroRespect
This too shall PAX...
@izzy212 looks like @underdog recommends this one...
http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-Lig...F8&qid=1429637603&sr=8-12&keywords=led+dimmer
... and @Walter Bishop beat me to it.
http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-Lig...F8&qid=1429637603&sr=8-12&keywords=led+dimmer
... and @Walter Bishop beat me to it.
dimildarko
Well-Known Member
That functions as a VVPS then? That's way cheaper than any with a display. Looks exactly like the dimmer on my E-Nano cord and if it functions the same then that will do the trick for me. I think I'll order two black ones today!
Thanks! Those look useful. I'm particularly interested in the version with the remote control. If I can decode the wireless signals, then I can have my arduino unit automatically turn down the UD voltage when I'm not using it, and turn it back up around the times I'll be using it. I just emailed the company and asked them what frequencies their remote operates at.
vaporonly
living in a van down by the river
That allows you to idle your dog at a lower temp then bring it back up to normal temp, something a VVPS does 'do' but this isn't a VVPS which would allow you to go over the normal output of the stock p.s.
thanks everyone for answering my questions earlier
Heya Dogs, out of the office today but wanted to answer a few emails/questions first. Hope you all have a great day. 
No, unfortunately. Even though it says 17v the Econo-Dogs power supply actually delivers nearly 22v to it during operation so a VVPS for one would need to go to at least 22v, maybe 24v to allow for a bit of margin.
The larger Tekpower one that I've posted about before seems pretty reliable, we used to sell them with UDs at one point years back. There are also some functional tattoo ones that are considerably smaller but I have found them to be less reliable.
Someone already posted it but I'll repeat it anyways. I've used this one and the wireless one with good results. They're only good for lowering temp though, not raising it. http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-Lig...F8&qid=1429637603&sr=8-12&keywords=led+dimmer
It's basically the same as the one on your Nano, just for lower power/voltage use and functions the same. Only thing to keep in mind with the dimmers is that they only lower temps and can't raise them. If your Dog runs hot enough for you straight from the wall-wart and you want to cool it a bit then they're great.
No, unfortunately. Even though it says 17v the Econo-Dogs power supply actually delivers nearly 22v to it during operation so a VVPS for one would need to go to at least 22v, maybe 24v to allow for a bit of margin.
The larger Tekpower one that I've posted about before seems pretty reliable, we used to sell them with UDs at one point years back. There are also some functional tattoo ones that are considerably smaller but I have found them to be less reliable.
Someone already posted it but I'll repeat it anyways. I've used this one and the wireless one with good results. They're only good for lowering temp though, not raising it. http://www.amazon.com/HitLights-Lig...F8&qid=1429637603&sr=8-12&keywords=led+dimmer
It's basically the same as the one on your Nano, just for lower power/voltage use and functions the same. Only thing to keep in mind with the dimmers is that they only lower temps and can't raise them. If your Dog runs hot enough for you straight from the wall-wart and you want to cool it a bit then they're great.
Madcap79
Jack of all trades, master of none.
Yes, econo dogs are fairly new.
dimildarko
Well-Known Member
It's basically the same as the one on your Nano, just for lower power/voltage use and functions the same. Only thing to keep in mind with the dimmers is that they only lower temps and can't raise them. If your Dog runs hot enough for you straight from the wall-wart and you want to cool it a bit then they're great.
Thanks Underdog! This actually helped a lot. I think I will just wait to see how hot my two dogs run when they arrive. Then I can decide whether a VVPS or dimmer is better. I already have an E-Nano for high heat so I think dimmers may do the trick for my dogs.
Thanks! I just found some old posts about them.
I didn't realize there were so many changes on the UD site. I think I saw an older post saying that the econo-dogs were temporary, until the 17v power supplies run out. Is that still true?
It looks like the regular UDs aren't available for sale on the website. Are those going to be available for sale sometime in the future?
Also, I'm not sure if I had read this correctly, but is it true that the recommendations were changed so that they recommend VVPS more often, instead of just suggesting that only a small portion of users would like them?
Madcap79
Jack of all trades, master of none.
As far as I know, a limited amount of 17v power supplies were purchased by Dave. Not sure if he has plans to procure more.
I believe a refresh of stock on the UD site is on the horizon. Dave hurt his hand recently and slowed him down a bit plus he was trying to complete some custom orders. They usually announce on here when more UD's are available.
VVPS's aren't necessary but more and more people want a little more control over the temp at which they are vaping to achieve different effects. You can also achieve this somewhat without a VVPS by adding an extension cord (supplied by UD) or moving the screen up or down in the roasting tube to get the herbs closer (higher temp) or farther away (lower temp) to the heat source.
Hope that all makes sense.
Walter Bishop
Well-Known Member
Lemme tell you a funny story.
Had my Dog for almost 2 months now. Purchased a vvps while I was waiting for it to be finished (it was a custom).
Dog and vvps arrive within a day of one another, and I never bother using it without the vvps. After playing with it for a few sessions I realize my personal sweet spot is about 12.2-12.3 on the dial. So 9 times out of 10, that's where I keep it.
The other day, while reading this thread, I hear the newer wall worts run around 12.2-12.5.
So for the first time I plug in the stock wall wort. Bingo, it was perfect! Lol.
Not saying I wouldn't want a vvps eventually anyway for playing around. Or that your experience will be exactly like mine (conditions vary from home to home).
Just that I outsmarted myself by not giving the stock power supply a chance.
Different herbs vape differently and may call forLemme tell you a funny story.
Had my Dog for almost 2 months now. Purchased a vvps while I was waiting for it to be finished (it was a custom).
Dog and vvps arrive within a day of one another, and I never bother using it without the vvps. After playing with it for a few sessions I realize my personal sweet spot is about 12.2-12.3 on the dial. So 9 times out of 10, that's where I keep it.
The other day, while reading this thread, I hear the newer wall worts run around 12.2-12.5.
So for the first time I plug in the stock wall wort. Bingo, it was perfect! Lol.
Not saying I wouldn't want a vvps eventually anyway for playing around. Or that your experience will be exactly like mine (conditions vary from home to home).
Just that I outsmarted myself by not giving the stock power supply a chance.
different temps, packs, distances, etc. Also, when using oils or concentrates cottoned or sandwiched, higher temps than 12.2v providing for faster & cleaner vaporization may be desirable.
Last edited:
@Madcap79, thanks for the wonderful answer!
I ended up ordering that DC dimmer with the remote. Can you guys please give me recommendations for the following scenario?
I would prefer to use just the 3 buttons on the remote that switch between 100%, 50%, and 25%. I want the UD to be powered at full power (13 volts) for 3 hours a day in the evening when I'm most likely to use it, but at a lower power for the remaining 21 hours. I still might use it sometimes (though rarely) during the other 21 hours, so that's one reason why I would like it to remain partially pre-heated all day.
Which power do you think would be best for the 21 hours when it's on low power? Would 50% be okay? Is 25% too low? Maybe would I have to find something between 50% and 100%?
Thanks!
I ended up ordering that DC dimmer with the remote. Can you guys please give me recommendations for the following scenario?
I would prefer to use just the 3 buttons on the remote that switch between 100%, 50%, and 25%. I want the UD to be powered at full power (13 volts) for 3 hours a day in the evening when I'm most likely to use it, but at a lower power for the remaining 21 hours. I still might use it sometimes (though rarely) during the other 21 hours, so that's one reason why I would like it to remain partially pre-heated all day.
Which power do you think would be best for the 21 hours when it's on low power? Would 50% be okay? Is 25% too low? Maybe would I have to find something between 50% and 100%?
Thanks!
ctxgooner
gooner
I dont have the dimmer with the remote,but i turn mine down to about 40% +/- when im not using it.....i think either 25 or 50% would be ok
dimildarko
Well-Known Member
When you crank the dimmer back to 100%, how long is the heat up time? Does it still take 20 minutes? Or does having it running at a low voltage at all times help reduce heat up time since it's always kept warm.