Discontinued The Grasshopper

[Icon13]

how could negative touching negative cause a short explain if you know more about battery's than others

well, the tear seems to be by the positive end. If that negative part of the cell which is exposed makes contact with the Positive terminal that could cause a short. I have not actually seen grasshopper in person so I do not know how the design is when it comes to the battery contacts. I have, however, seen batteries get hot and burn people, nickel metal batteries to be exact; which is a very safe chemistry, because the PVC is torn and it shorts out when being placed in or taken it out of the charger.

Of course, I cannot tell you exactly what happened because I'm not there. Perhaps the battery did not short inside the device and the battery was defective to begin with. Maybe the battery went bad over time from the stress this device puts on it.

Personally, I have been planning all along to source whatever size batteries are inside the grasshopper once I receive mine. I was also going to make sure whatever battery I sourced was lithium magnesium of some sort because it is a much better chemistry all around especially when it comes to safety.

 

[Skywalker OG]

do you have a ss hopper? try to push down your temp dial when turning....

It's titanium but the backend works the same as the rough SS ones. It does get smooth if you push down. His is like perma-pushed down and glides just by turning it. Feels really nice.

 

[Vapor_Eyes]

It's titanium but the backend works the same as the rough SS ones. It does get smooth if you push down. His is like perma-pushed down and glides just by turning it. Feels really nice.

That's how my new Ti works. It's nice. Unfortunately I find it getting changed accidentally more often. Since I pretty much live the temp 4 life it's enough to be a minor drawback. For someone who likes temp stepping it's a huge improvement.

Has anyone here had a Grasshopper last, out of the box, with zero repair issues for any good length of time?

I'm at 3+ months with my SS hopper, no warranty issues. My only real issue has been a gradual warming of the backend over a period of several weeks. This is easily corrected by twisting the temp dial rapidly. I attribute this to general maintenance and cleaning, similar results can be achieved using isopropyl alcohol or compressed air to clean the temp dial.

I also want to chime in on the flickering blue lights. My SS has flickered from day one, usually on the first hit of a fresh battery. Always on the second hit. It flickers more when I draw on it, when I don't hit it it's solid. My Ti performs the exact same way.

I've never been concerned with the flicker and haven't had issues with my hoppers so I don't think it's the sign of a problem. It does make me wonder why some don't experience it.

 

[Mrbrown81k]

I also want to chime in on the flickering blue lights. My SS has flickered from day one, usually on the first hit of a fresh battery. Always on the second hit. It flickers more when I draw on it, when I don't hit it it's solid. My Ti performs the exact same way.

Mine has been flickering as well and its 2 days old. Doesnt seem to make a difference.
Im starting to develop a routine with it. I start at 3.5 and take 2-3 hits with no mouthpiece. (turning it off between each hit) Then a couple hits on 4 with a mouthpiece and then finish it off on 5 with an arizer glass stem over the mouthpiece.

 

[MonsterWithoutBorders]

Is there any posting of what the mouthpiece sceen looks like? Mine seems to be rattling but looks fine and draw is very restricted

 

[Vapor_Eyes]

Is there any posting of what the mouthpiece sceen looks like? Mine seems to be rattling but looks fine and draw is very restricted

http://fuckcombustion.com/resources/grasshopper-fixes.11/

Scroll to the bottom, there is a section on the mouthpiece with a video showing the screen. There's also instructions and tips for removing and replacing the screen.

 

[MoltenTiger]

I just filed my second warranty request for an unknown issue with my plain Ti. And as soon as I finished typing it all out, it starts working again.. so we'll see what happens but zombie hopper hits are a good time

 

[catbird]

"Your Hopper tested to operate in the acceptable heat range. Unit was retested multiple times with a nearly drained battery but was unable to recreate the excessively hot Back End. Nothing was replaced on your device. I apologize that I was not able to replace your Back End, but the heat was well within the acceptable range- Caroline"

In all seriousness, that is pretty disturbing.. glad nothing catastrophic happened. I've been down this exact road with my first back end, burned fingers and all- thankfully not to the melting point. I was plenty frustrated, can't imagine the level you're at

@lovecrush. eep -- that's scary! And it's very concerning that they're not considering user account/experiences more. It's totally not uncommon for testing to fail to uncover real world usage issues, and good tech support understands and accounts for that, and works with people.

If the PVC is ripped, exposing the negative terminal (the entire side is negative) it could in theory cause a short and make the battery heat up rapidly to the point of fire.

Good to know as two of my four cells have torn plastic -- this occurred almost from jump. It's annoying that 2/4 cells would be in this state in contrast to my many other various rechargeable batteries that have seen much heavier, longer term use. Seems like an indicator of a quality issue that is risky for batteries in a device such as this -- not a place to skimp. Have others experienced this?


In other news, I came on to report that I was having red/blue flashing lights of death, and thorough cleaning worked. Been using GH for almost 4 months, regularly enough, but not heavily, and do a full clean about every month (I find that frequently scraping the chamber and mouthpiece screen keeps things flowing). Everything has previously been good; I've sporadically gotten weird lights, but nothing that has persisted or interfered with the device's functioning.

Thursday night I first got the death lights, but was able to power on and off a few times and get it to work. Then last night I brought it out and couldn't vape, despite many attempts and switching to a fresh battery. Cleaning the threads and battery contacts really only uncovered a very small amount of debris, so I was skeptical but afterward it powered on right away. Glad to have avoided a warranty request -- not looking forward to joining those ranks (not only because it sucks to have a broken device, but because CS policies seem questionable according to some accounts here). EDIT: I guess I will reach out to them about the batteries because I'm not happy having only two to rotate.

EDIT: Got red/blue flashing again with partially drained, but not quite dead battery. Fresh one worked, then more flashing, then no lights at all, now working again. Seems time for the dreaded warranty claim :/

 

[Icon13]

@lovecrush. eep -- that's scary! And it's very concerning that they're not considering user account/experiences more. It's totally not uncommon for testing to fail to uncover real world usage issues, and good tech support understands and accounts for that, and works with people.

Good to know as two of my four cells have torn plastic -- this occurred almost from jump. It's annoying that 2/4 cells would be in this state in contrast to my many other various rechargeable batteries that have seen much heavier, longer term use. Seems like an indicator of a quality issue that is risky for batteries in a device such as this -- not a place to skimp. Have others experienced this?


In other news, I came on to report that I was having red/blue flashing lights of death, and thorough cleaning worked. Been using GH for almost 4 months, regularly enough, but not heavily, and do a full clean about every month (I find that frequently scraping the chamber and mouthpiece screen keeps things flowing). Everything has previously been good; I've sporadically gotten weird lights, but nothing that has persisted or interfered with the device's functioning.

Thursday night I first got the death lights, but was able to power on and off a few times and get it to work. Then last night I brought it out and couldn't vape, despite many attempts and switching to a fresh battery. Cleaning the threads and battery contacts really only uncovered a very small amount of debris, so I was skeptical but afterward it powered on right away. Glad to have avoided a warranty request -- not looking forward to joining those ranks (not only because it sucks to have a broken device, but because CS policies seem questionable according to some accounts here). EDIT: I guess I will reach out to them about the batteries because I'm not happy having only two to rotate.

Interesting to know that your batteries tore too. What charger do you charge them on? Many times it is a design defect in the charger and not the batteries when the PVC is being torn. If you happen to own a charger that sometimes tears the PVC then I suggest being very careful when inserting and removing the batteries. Don't let the "corners" rub up against anything abrasively. Alternatively you can buy a different brand charger if it becomes a regularly occurring issue.

 

[moondog]

Interesting to know that your batteries tore too. What charger do you charge them on? Many times it is a design defect in the charger and not the batteries when the PVC is being torn. If you happen to own a charger that sometimes tears the PVC then I suggest being very careful when inserting and removing the batteries. Don't let the "corners" rub up against anything abrasively. Alternatively you can buy a different brand charger if it becomes a regularly occurring issue.

I wonder if these would help: http://delta3dstudios.com/grasshopper-external-battery-charger-sleeve/

 

[catbird]

Interesting to know that your batteries tore too. What charger do you charge them on? Many times it is a design defect in the charger and not the batteries when the PVC is being torn. If you happen to own a charger that sometimes tears the PVC then I suggest being very careful when inserting and removing the batteries. Don't let the "corners" rub up against anything abrasively. Alternatively you can buy a different brand charger if it becomes a regularly occurring issue.

XTAR VC4. It doesn't seem like there's anything in the design for the plastic to be snagging on. I've used the Tenergy charger from my T1 like twice when traveling and that design seems more questionable (the plastic housing has rectangular cutouts for the + terminals, whereas with the XTAR the plastic cutouts are an exact fit, and are recessed), but the plastic was torn before those trips (I'm scared of the stock charger and have never used it).

I wonder if these would help: http://delta3dstudios.com/grasshopper-external-battery-charger-sleeve/

It doesn't look like those would help protect the tops, unless just by inhibiting motion by seating the cells more quickly/firmly, but I'm skeptical, though it's worth a try. I ordered accessories from @Ratchett a little while back and figured I'd be wanting more eventually.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

It doesn't look like those would help protect the tops, unless just by inhibiting motion by seating the cells more quickly/firmly, but I'm skeptical, though it's worth a try. I ordered accessories from @Ratchett a little while back and figured I'd be wanting more eventually.

Actually, you only need to protect one side of the battery to prevent completing the circuit and thereby preventing any sort of incidents from happening.

It should be noted however I made those sleeves 50% the length of the battery, so if you order two you can encapsulate both ends of the battery for maximum protection.

Alternatively, I also sell these caps - http://delta3dstudios.com/grasshopper-battery-caps-pair/

What I do is use one cap on each battery. I put it on the (+) side to indicate full charge. And when I remove a battery from my hopper, I put the cap on the (-) side to indicate the battery is drained. So far it's helped me rotate all 4 batteries equally through my hopper and all 4 seem to be in equally decent shape (never drained completely to flashing red, always charged on a Nitecore D2)

 

[catbird]

Actually, you only need to protect one side of the battery to prevent completing the circuit and thereby preventing any sort of incidents from happening.

It should be noted however I made those sleeves 50% the length of the battery, so if you order two you can encapsulate both ends of the battery for maximum protection.

Alternatively, I also sell these caps - http://delta3dstudios.com/grasshopper-battery-caps-pair/

What I do is use one cap on each battery. I put it on the (+) side to indicate full charge. And when I remove a battery from my hopper, I put the cap on the (-) side to indicate the battery is drained. So far it's helped me rotate all 4 batteries equally through my hopper and all 4 seem to be in equally decent shape (never drained completely to flashing red, always charged on a Nitecore D2)

Are you talking about the battery protector products? I already have both types! Moondog was recommending the charger adapter things to prevent tearing the plastic coating on the batteries when seating and removing the cells from the charger (2 of mine are torn on top). I'm not sure they'd prevent it, but it's possible.

 

[Herbo]

Could somebody please explain some of the cons of this vaporizer to me please. Thank you.

 

[HillaryClinton]

My grasshopper almost exploded.

So, seems like I'm going to submite my fourth warranty request or whatever the fuck that means. I just switched batteries with my unit turned off and instantly I started to smell burned electronics in my room. My grasshopper got REALLY hot, like I couldn't even touch it, but I tried my best to unscrew the unit and remove the battery. My fingertips are hurting at the moment. The battery was melting and the top piece just got fucked as you can see in the picture. My room is still stinking like burned electronics btw. Honestly I'd just like a refund at this point (I don't know if that's possible, since I've already registered for the three previous warranties)

Woah been away from here a bit, "good" to see things are going "smoothly"?

But yeah this is why I don't use my hopper, back gets hot...and from my e-cig knowledge(Battery knowledge in general really) I know what is good and whats not in this area of electronics.

I just checked the reddit, someones on the 10th replacement? Damn, I am honestly impressed that with all the repairs they are in business and I do now understand why they wanted me to pay return shipping, probably bleeding money at this point.

Seems like some have good luck, glad some are enjoying them tho...

 

[Herbo]

10 repairs!? If people keep coming back to this vape after all that it must be one hell of a device haha.

 

[HillaryClinton]

10 repairs!? If people keep coming back to this vape after all that it must be one hell of a device haha.

Personally I don't like it, vapor was to hot beyond my comfort zone, some don't mind though. I am sure its great if you can handle the heat and you get a good one...

 

[Herbo]

Personally I don't like it, vapor was to hot beyond my comfort zone, some don't mind though. I am sure its great if you can handle the heat and you get a good one...

This factors of units being broken down and customer service not being helpful just completely took this off my list off vapes to purchase, unless someone could convince me otherwise. Now it's between the Ti Woody and Milaana I guess. It's a shame, the grasshopper seemed extremely stealthy and efficient.

 

[MonsterWithoutBorders]

Could somebody please explain some of the cons of this vaporizer to me please. Thank you.

Finicity sealing can be overlooked and cause poor results. Need for Stirring irritates some. Cost irritates some. CS can be a challenge.
Need of app for optimum performance.

 

[Baron23]

Actually, you only need to protect one side of the battery to prevent completing the circuit and thereby preventing any sort of incidents from happening.

It should be noted however I made those sleeves 50% the length of the battery, so if you order two you can encapsulate both ends of the battery for maximum protection.

Alternatively, I also sell these caps - http://delta3dstudios.com/grasshopper-battery-caps-pair/

What I do is use one cap on each battery. I put it on the (+) side to indicate full charge. And when I remove a battery from my hopper, I put the cap on the (-) side to indicate the battery is drained. So far it's helped me rotate all 4 batteries equally through my hopper and all 4 seem to be in equally decent shape (never drained completely to flashing red, always charged on a Nitecore D2)

I have both of Ratchett battery covers. For longer one (that one that is just not an end cap), have been using two and completely encapsulating the batteries. Bit of a PIA to get them off to get a battery out (they still a bit between the silicone and the PVC of the battery) but they do work well. I think I'm going to follow Rachtett's advise and only cover one end.

I completely like the end covers as they are easy to use and work wonderfully.

@Ratchett - thanks for the idea of using end caps on either + or - terminal to indicate battery charge state. I would have thought of this myself if I wasn't so stoned (yeah, sure you would LOL!!).

Finicity sealing can be overlooked and cause poor results. Need for Stirring irritates some. Cost irritates some. CS can be a challenge.
Need of app for optimum performance.

Do you think this is the FF2 thread, by any chance? The GH doesn' have finicky sealing problems and does not have an app much less require one. You may be thinking of that other new and highly touted vape.

Cheers all

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Are you talking about the battery protector products? I already have both types! Moondog was recommending the charger adapter things to prevent tearing the plastic coating on the batteries when seating and removing the cells from the charger (2 of mine are torn on top). I'm not sure they'd prevent it, but it's possible.

Oooo, yeah, sorry - jumped in at the wrong end of the conversation, hahaha

@Ratchett - thanks for the idea of using end caps on either + or - terminal to indicate battery charge state. I would have thought of this myself if I wasn't so stoned (yeah, sure you would LOL!!).

Hey, when you use a vaporizer daily, you start to develop some interesting techniques

 

[945]

That's how my new Ti works. It's nice. Unfortunately I find it getting changed accidentally more often. Since I pretty much live the temp 4 life it's enough to be a minor drawback. For someone who likes temp stepping it's a huge improvement.


I'm at 3+ months with my SS hopper, no warranty issues. My only real issue has been a gradual warming of the backend over a period of several weeks. This is easily corrected by twisting the temp dial rapidly. I attribute this to general maintenance and cleaning, similar results can be achieved using isopropyl alcohol or compressed air to clean the temp dial.

I also want to chime in on the flickering blue lights. My SS has flickered from day one, usually on the first hit of a fresh battery. Always on the second hit. It flickers more when I draw on it, when I don't hit it it's solid. My Ti performs the exact same way.

I've never been concerned with the flicker and haven't had issues with my hoppers so I don't think it's the sign of a problem. It does make me wonder why some don't experience it.

the design of the grasshopper would work with a cell with no wrapping on the side as the whole body like the cell is negative there is only one small positive contact on the cell and the grasshopper and as the grasshopper is a tube and the battery fits that tube it could never shrt out unless the cell was deformed or if the positive terminal in the grasshopper is out of place of broken also if there is some conductive material like the conductive grease you all seem to bang on about that you may get on you battery when changing and the heat of the unit may cause this conductive grease to become more viscous and find it's way inside the components which is why id never apply conductive grease to parts so close to a circuit board and heat

 

[catbird]

the design of the grasshopper would work with a cell with no wrapping on the side as the whole body like the cell is negative there is only one small positive contact on the cell and the grasshopper and as the grasshopper is a tube and the battery fits that tube it could never shrt out unless the cell was deformed or if the positive terminal in the grasshopper is out of place of broken also if there is some conductive material like the conductive grease you all seem to bang on about that you may get on you battery when changing and the heat of the unit may cause this conductive grease to become more viscous and find it's way inside the components which is why id never apply conductive grease to parts so close to a circuit board and heat

Well now I don't know what to do. I guess I will ask GH to confirm whether the cells with torn plastic are safe to use as I'll be conversing with them anyway about my death lights.

 

[Vapetrees]

Has anyone here had a Grasshopper last, out of the box, with zero repair issues for any good length of time?
Three months?
Four months?
Six?
Buehler?

I really do like these Hoppers. Got a warranty Body back today, I have two hopping Hoppers and life is good.
On the flip side, of four new Hoppers received in early August, all four have failed at least once and one has had a second malfunction.
Response from service has been very, very good.

One for the Travelogue;
On the beach at Robt. Moses State Park (Atlantic Ocean) with my honey in our beach chairs, umbrella, etc., not too many folks there after Labor Day so we were pretty comfortable with hopping. I was taking a nice long draw and happened to look over my shoulder as the state police SUV rode down the beach about 30 yards behind us...
Glad I didn't bring the bubbler!

I have a purple Ti that has been working since March without any issues at all.

 

[MoltenTiger]

the design of the grasshopper would work with a cell with no wrapping on the side as the whole body like the cell is negative there is only one small positive contact on the cell and the grasshopper and as the grasshopper is a tube and the battery fits that tube it could never shrt out unless the cell was deformed or if the positive terminal in the grasshopper is out of place of broken also if there is some conductive material like the conductive grease you all seem to bang on about that you may get on you battery when changing and the heat of the unit may cause this conductive grease to become more viscous and find it's way inside the components which is why id never apply conductive grease to parts so close to a circuit board and heat

The negative terminal is connected to a brass plate that routes the power through a pentiometer and then sends the energy, corresponding to the dial position, through the body and to the PCB controlling the heater.
Bridging the cell to the body bypasses this voltage divider and normally the device will turn off as it detects this.

Lovecrush has already told us he hasn't used a torn battery. I don't recall if he used conductive grease, but I'm unsure (however your reasoning is exactly why I have avoided anything but 99.8% isopropyl anywhere on my hoppers).

Anyway, as the device was off, there must have been a short circuit somewhere, but we can only guess how, and ultimately it shouldn't be so easy to accidently have this happen.
Full disclosure would be appreciated as it is certainly a scenario I would like to avoid..