VapCap Induction Heater for Desktop and in Car Use

[cybrguy]

I don't miss using the torch AT ALL! I will if I have to, but I never got as vaporous hits as I do with the IH & rarely did I get vapor on the 1st hit with a torch. To get a wisp of vapor on the 1st hit, I would heat the vc till click & let it cool to click w/o taking a draw & reheat a 2nd x before draw. The IH is an absolute luxury for me. The vcs & IH have been the best purchases I made this year.

If I get visible vapor on the first hit I did something wrong. With my VCs the first hit is nearly always about flavor and I don't go past the click. I'm not much of a cloud chaser anyway as much of the time I see clouds as wasteful. I DO like big hits, tho, so I do "waste" some vapor even the way I vape.
I have three other vapes (besides VCs) that i use regularly (Zi, Mi, and Lotus) so I am really not looking to have the same experience every time I vape. And I like using my VCs both with the Jarhead AND with the torch.

 

[kushkush]

First, everybody on this page gets a huge KUDOS from me! Thank you ALL for providing so much very necessary information and also personal experiences with @Pipes heaters! I've read each one very carefully and will go back and read them again later.

Portside - yep, I'm getting that one. What changed my mind was what all of you said about the batteries lasting quite a long time. I have lots of rechargable batts because I vape ecigs, but I'm just guessing that the Portside will require 'married' batteries? I have several sets of those (but they're 'twin' sets)...or should I purchase brand new batteries and marry them?

Which batteries do you find last the longest in these heaters? Or does it matter? Also, how many batteries are in the Portside? I can see 3 on his FAQ page but it doesn't say how many (or I couldn't find it).

Again, thanks a TON!

 

[KeroZen]

The closer to total discharge the better it is for the longevity of the battery.

Actually no, with Li-Ion it's best to discharge only down to 20% for maximum service life. Deep discharges and complete charges are actually detrimental.

 

[GreenHopper]

First, everybody on this page gets a huge KUDOS from me! Thank you ALL for providing so much very necessary information and also personal experiences with @Pipes heaters! I've read each one very carefully and will go back and read them again later.

Portside - yep, I'm getting that one. What changed my mind was what all of you said about the batteries lasting quite a long time. I have lots of rechargable batts because I vape ecigs, but I'm just guessing that the Portside will require 'married' batteries? I have several sets of those (but they're 'twin' sets)...or should I purchase brand new batteries and marry them?

Which batteries do you find last the longest in these heaters? Or does it matter? Also, how many batteries are in the Portside? I can see 3 on his FAQ page but it doesn't say how many (or I couldn't find it).

Again, thanks a TON!

Glad we can help out.

You'll need 3x 18650's to run a PortSide or the Skeletor.

They don't have to be married up as there is a BMS but it's best to do so.

I went for 3x LG HG 2's. @ 20Amps they meet @Pipes minimum current requirement but they also have a high 3000mAh capacity.

As @KeroZen points out above its best not to fully deplete these units so I tend to charge them once they are down to 2/5th's capacity, I use the built in power indicator of my PortSide to judge this. As soon as all the blue lights are out I whack the thing on charge.

Another reason I do this is the lower the remaining capacity in the cells the harder the cell works at maintaining the current.

 

[Summer]

First, everybody on this page gets a huge KUDOS from me! Thank you ALL for providing so much very necessary information and also personal experiences with @Pipes heaters! I've read each one very carefully and will go back and read them again later.

Portside - yep, I'm getting that one. What changed my mind was what all of you said about the batteries lasting quite a long time. I have lots of rechargable batts because I vape ecigs, but I'm just guessing that the Portside will require 'married' batteries? I have several sets of those (but they're 'twin' sets)...or should I purchase brand new batteries and marry them?

Which batteries do you find last the longest in these heaters? Or does it matter? Also, how many batteries are in the Portside? I can see 3 on his FAQ page but it doesn't say how many (or I couldn't find it).

Again, thanks a TON!

Right now, if I recall correctly, @Pipes said his 3rd list for the PS production is closed. He hasn't even begun production as he is waiting on the enclosures. Since he's been waiting a month, he said he might have to find another mfr's enclosure. Originally this 3rd run was supposed to be completed in December, so with the possible enclosure delay & having to get on the list for the 4th run, you may have as much as a 6 month wait. So, if you wanted to do the battery version, I'd go with the Skeletor. In the interim, you could pick a container (take a look through this thread at some of the enclosures others have used & take a look online at amazon, the container store, etc. for available mason type jars you like & others; walmart & other local stores carry them, too.) & find someone who can make the 2 holes for you.

Yes, they take (3) 18650 batteries. I bought the HG LG2s from liionwholesale.com. Many have also recommended IMR.com If you go back in this thread you will find other acceptable 18650 batteries mfrs, but most users seem to be going with the HGs.

 

[Pipes]

Right now, if I recall correctly, @Pipes said his 3rd list for the PS production is closed. He hasn't even begun production as he is waiting on the enclosures. Since he's been waiting a month, he said he might have to find another mfr's enclosure. Originally this 3rd run was supposed to be completed in December, so with the possible enclosure delay & having to get on the list for the 4th run, you may have as much as a 6 month wait. So, if you wanted to do the battery version, I'd go with the Skeletor. In the interim, you could pick a container (take a look through this thread at some of the enclosures others have used & take a look online at amazon, the container store, etc. for available mason type jars you like & others; walmart & other local stores carry them, too.) & find someone who can make the 2 holes for you.

Yes, they take (3) 18650 batteries. I bought the HG LG2s from liionwholesale.com. Others have recommended IMR.com If you go back in this thread you will find other acceptable 18650 batteries mfrs, but most users seem to be going with the HGs.

I have enough enclosures to cover the 3rd batch. Going to finish up the Skeletor and JhII backlog before I make up the PSs. Everyone currently on my PS list is safe.

I have done some poking around and have come up with a scheme to make a PSMini, and have stuff on order to make a sample beta unit. If works as hoped, will get the stuff together and start the new model.
Might be a little early to announce as will not be till after Christmas before avaliable. Oh well, can't help myself...

The differences will be:

Battery will be supplied and is made of Lipo chemistry cells. Actually, designed for the RC world.
Battery capacity will be cut down to 900 mha which should be ample for a weekend out and about.
Size will be a little over 1/2 that of the PS. Measures 100mm X 66mm X 43mm Whereas the current PS is 100mm X 100mm X 50mm.
Enclosure is still Aluminum but black in colour.
Pricing will be a few more bucks over the PS because of included battery. This battery is currently on sale and if that price holds or close to it, PSMini will be around $100-$110 to you guys.

Please do not PM me for the list just yet, as only in the planning stages.

Here is how things will fit into the new enclosure.

 

[cybrguy]

Please do not PM me for the list just yet, as only in the planning stages.

Ha ha ho ho... How many PMs have you gotten SO far? I mean, it's BEEN 21 minutes already.

 

[turk]

...sure it'll be a winner pipes..as duff says..." your shit works"...or something to that effect...lol...cheers man

 

[Summer]

@Pipes, will the battery in the PSM(ini) be user replaceable?

Pipes, kindly set the record straight definitely as I want to get the most longevity out of the batteries, so please provide me (us) the correct answer in regards to the correct point at which to recharge. I originally asked (in post #1030 under question #1) if I should let the batteries run down completely before recharging. In your post #1031, you said, "You are correct in good battery maintenance and once they are full it's good practice to run them down before re-charging. So naturally, I thought I was correct in my statement about depleting the batteries, so I repeated this in my post to @fcmember.

Subsequently, Squiby posted the following which reinforced me believing I'm correct:

... My Skelator batteries last a very very long time. Eventually, shortly before they go completely dead, I notice a sharp decline in performance and must heat beyond the click for several more seconds than my usual 4 one thousands.

Then KenZen informs me I'm incorrect in his post below:

Actually no, with Li-Ion it's best to discharge only down to 20% for maximum service life. Deep discharges and complete charges are actually detrimental.

GreenHopper agrees with Ken & posts:

... I tend to charge them once they are down to 2/5th's capacity, I use the built in power indicator of my PortSide to judge this. As soon as all the blue lights are out I whack the thing on charge. Another reason I do this is the lower the remaining capacity in the cells the harder the cell works at maintaining the current.

So, when is it the correct time to recharge:

1) when the battery power indicator displays a certain color-code indication like no blues or only red?
OR
2) when the batts reach the point Squiby referenced, "I notice a sharp decline in performance and must heat beyond the click for several more seconds than my usual 4 one thousands"
OR
3) shortly after the output decline when they go completely dead?

Thank you.

 

[kushkush]

Right now, if I recall correctly, @Pipes said his 3rd list for the PS production is closed. He hasn't even begun production as he is waiting on the enclosures. Since he's been waiting a month, he said he might have to find another mfr's enclosure. Originally this 3rd run was supposed to be completed in December, so with the possible enclosure delay & having to get on the list for the 4th run, you may have as much as a 6 month wait. So, if you wanted to do the battery version, I'd go with the Skeletor. In the interim, you could pick a container (take a look through this thread at some of the enclosures others have used & take a look online at amazon, the container store, etc. for available mason type jars you like & others; walmart & other local stores carry them, too.) & find someone who can make the 2 holes for you.

Yes, they take (3) 18650 batteries. I bought the HG LG2s from liionwholesale.com. Many have also recommended IMR.com If you go back in this thread you will find other acceptable 18650 batteries mfrs, but most users seem to be going with the HGs.

Hummm....do you know if the Jarhead would take til Christmas to get? Thanks for the battery tip!

 

[Squiby]

Subsequently, Squiby posted the following which reinforced me believing I'm correct:

So, when is it the correct time to recharge:

I never run my batteries completely dry. As soon as I notice a decline in function I plug in and recharge the batteries.

 

[cybrguy]

I think he said he had Jarheads and Skeltors in stock, or at least had the parts...

 

[buckhakeesah]

What?! A mention of PSmini? haha. I am still in the honeymoon stages with the PS. Everything mentioned about the VC experience getting boosted is so right on. After playing with mine for a few weeks, it's taken over and I've begun to unload some of my other favorites cause I tend to reach for this now. Flavors come out so well for whatever you decide to throw in it. My favorite is with using some fibers and some squished fuel. It kinda takes me a while to finish since it drags out the session longer but it's very pleasant.

 

[Pipes]

@Pipes, will the battery in the PSM(ini) be user replaceable?

Pipes, kindly set the record straight definitely as I want to get the most longevity out of the batteries, so please provide me (us) the correct answer in regards to the correct point at which to recharge. I originally asked (in post #1030 under question #1) if I should let the batteries run down completely before recharging. In your post #1031, you said, "You are correct in good battery maintenance and once they are full it's good practice to run them down before re-charging. So naturally, I thought I was correct in my statement about depleting the batteries, so I repeated this in my post to @fcmember.

Subsequently, Squiby posted the following which reinforced me believing I'm correct:



Then KenZen informs me I'm incorrect in his post below:



GreenHopper agrees with Ken & posts:



So, when is it the correct time to recharge:

1) when the battery power indicator displays a certain color-code indication like no blues or only red?
OR
2) when the batts reach the point Squiby referenced, "I notice a sharp decline in performance and must heat beyond the click for several more seconds than my usual 4 one thousands"
OR
3) shortly after the output decline when they go completely dead?

Thank you.

Battery maintenance can be very complicated as many have different ideas and usually have merit.
Using the battery till lower limit is good for first 1-2 charge cycles as these are the most important cycles as they set the batteries boundaries. Once these are history, than driving to dead is not advisable nor is extended charging. Then the charging can be done basically anytime but good to run down once in awhile.

The battery gauge will generally read much better without the load. To get a more accurate reading, check while the VC is inserted. (or dipped...lol)

The new battery is replaceable as I posted the link above to the battery. However, being looking for the female 4 pin and 2 pin connectors to make the chore more user friendly. But really think it will end up the user will need to solder. This is not unlike other internal battery devices and they too sometimes require some soldering as the batteries should last over 500 cycles which translates into years.

Did I answer OK?

 

[Summer]

I never run my batteries completely dry. As soon as I notice a decline in function I plug in and recharge the batteries.

Sorry, Squiby, you didn't indicate that you charged them at their point of decline. Reads as if you charged them when they completely died.

Yep I'm with @GreenHopper. My Skelator batteries last a very very long time. Eventually, shortly before they go completely dead, I notice a sharp decline in performance and must heat beyond the click for several more seconds than my usual 4 one thousands.

 

[Krazy]

Hah!!

Stoopid slow adaptors; I just messaged pipes with:
"Mini Portside. The list; put me on it!"

 

[cybrguy]

I'm just sayin...

So @Pipes , after the mini I have an idea. A Multiport version. From the number of "dips" (I like that too) folks are getting, a multiport version may well be practical, and I can see how it might be useful in a party like or even sitting on a bar type environment. And of course for a high volume multi (like on a bar) plugging it in makes a lot of sense.

Just thinkin out loud.

(I haven't read the whole thread. If not a new idea, nevermind)

 

[Pipes]

Hah!!

Stoopid slow adaptors; I just messaged pipes with:
"Mini Portside. The list; put me on it!"

I'm just sayin...

So @Pipes , after the mini I have an idea. A Multiport version. From the number of "dips" (I like that too) folks are getting, a multiport version may well be practical, and I can see how it might be useful in a party like or even sitting on a bar type environment. And of course for a high volume multi (like on a bar) plugging it in makes a lot of sense.

Just thinkin out loud.

(I haven't read the whole thread. If not a new idea, nevermind)

Not sure how practical this would really be as well as power issues from doubling or tripling the output. Would need to be a pretty big party if one can't wait for a single hole to become free from use. Am I invited?

 

[Herbonius]

If you can make the heater and more portable and add a temperature controller then you have yourself a pretty amazing platform for a vaporizer. The quick heat up time, battery life and pure air path would make one hell of a vape.

 

[Hogni]

No PM? No problem!

Pre-order PS mini:
- Hogni
-

 

[passenger]

The last electronic device I was that excited about was the Sega Game Gear. No really, the PIHs look like a fantastic option.

 

[Hogni]

Perhaps you can build in a Skeletor into a Sega?

 

[passenger]

Perhaps you can build in a Skeletor into a Sega?

Yea, that Sega thing was too big, was it!
And could't live up to the Hype, so... Pipes better than Sega

 

[cybrguy]

Not sure how practical this would really be as well as power issues from doubling or tripling the output.

Hey, that's why you are the "mad genius" and I am the customer.

Would need to be a pretty big party if one can't wait for a single hole to become free from use. Am I invited?

Uhhh, Sounds like a frat party...

You are preinvited to ANY party _I_ give...

 

[jimt0r]

I am sure someone would bogart that hole over an extended conversation around a crowded table. As to power many units I would be looking to a PC psu to supply the amps, that would still leave the 5v rail to charge usb devices. I'd imagine it would be a "party" device rather than everyday use, though it would be a great gimmick for the owner of an Amsterdam cafe, mounted in the bar.

I still yearn to have a skelly to insert my cap into