Discontinued A Hot Pod

[slowandsteady]

Project sunk successfully! I hope you or someone else will start making Log Battery packs at some point... I'll stick to the Lotus and Solo for the moment. Thought it would be simpler. Can't bother right now. Thanks for the heads up mate!

Alan (the crafter of the HI) has made one for his personal use. You may want to reach out to him with your questions or desire for one.

 

[u bwade wunner]

Project sunk successfully! I hope you or someone else will start making Log Battery packs at some point... I'll stick to the Lotus and Solo for the moment. Thought it would be simpler. Can't bother right now. Thanks for the heads up mate!

Have a look here.OF mentions he has used it with his PD.If Its a go,You should be up and running for under $20. .I haven t tried it myself.

Good luck anyhow.As OF says.... hours of use on a single charge.Great for a day at a greek beach for sure.And who would nt wanna be there right now.

a camera case would be perfect to hold the battery pack and cable for transit.the 3 x 18650 battery holders are $2 or so on ebay and include wiring for projects.Mind you i would beef up the wiring a little.2m of bell wire would be sufficient for strength and length.the plug for the end is a 5.5 x 2.1 male available from any electronics outfit.That should have You podding outdoors for sure.Maybe tie it in with a small solar panel and hit the road charging the pack as you ride or walk.
Hey I hope You are onboard with the HI, Natural.I just recieved Alans package.the quality is nothing short of amazing.the units look they came out of a mould,they are so perfect.

Hey in and around dry hitting Vs water filtering... maybe I m derailing a little ,I think it applies to pod users though as well.
I filter with water over dry nowadays.I was developing a sticky hack cough from dry hitting and had to make changes to protect my health.
I use organic cotton in the bottom of a 14/18 adapter.I slip my 14mm HI gong stem in there.i pull the adapter including the stem to clear.It works well.I hit my meds on the hot & heavy cloudy side which is 12V on the HI.My glass stays a lot cleaner now and i get a little gift of very potent oil to vape every few days.Real whitewall stuff in an instant.I let the cotton really oil up until the draw becomes restrictive through it and then remove the cotton and insert a fresh piece.Using it I dont notice much difference in effect.go organic on the cotton.non organic may have a few nasties.
I am enjoying the ritual with glass and My meds are stretching just as Far.Cleaning/reclaiming from glass became a nuisance .Its manageable now even for me
Alan gives good technique advice here

 

[placetime]

If we could get a couple other people who are interested in getting something like this than I would have no problem getting something like this made, I'd just need some time. The only problem is I don't have a log vape (At least until Alan gets to me on his list) to test them with. But this type of product could be very useful. I am thinking of a five cell setup, with adjustable voltage anywhere between 9 and 16 volts. With a set of universal tips, that could power pretty much any log vape, the solo for both run and charge and probably every other charger.

The only set back I can think of is that the cells would need to be charged externally to the pack, or require a custom charger that can handle five cells at once.

Judging by what I've read here on FC on multiple log vape threads, I believe most models of log vapes all use the same 2.1mmX5.5mm plug, so you probably wouldn't need to deal with any special plug variations. And people tend to run them roughly between 12V and 14V (depending on a variety of factors, such as ambient temp, specifics of individual log (handcrafted wood, so they're all a bit different), specific herb/strain, etc.). There are definitely some exceptions, but it seems that usually people find below 12V to be too cool and above 14V too hot.

What people on FC usually mean by a "log vape" (ime), is a hunk of wood with one 20-ohm resistor (http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?sku=70023233) as the heating element, some wire, and a plug--and not much else. The specifics vary, but that's the basic idea. Log vapes tend to pull less than one amp, so you might be able to construct a fake "test log" using a simple circuit with a couple of nightlights. Or at least that's what I've heard said a lot in the past on FC (that logs pull about the same load as a couple of nightlights).

A log vape battery pack would be awesome. I've wondered before about some of the pre-made lithium packs available on dx.com. Adding on one of those step-down converters you mention might work great.

Who's gonna put one together and guinea-pig it?

 

[u bwade wunner]

Who's gonna put one together and guinea-pig it?

why not... Ive just ordered the parts and thanks for the idea OF.

but it seems that usually people find below 12V to be too cool and above 14V too hot.

Over 12V and Im torching herbs.at 12V Im adding air to cool down the heat hitting my herbs.

I digress,how about a 4 x 18650 battery set up for the pod?.4 x 3.7V,that would be equal to 14.8 volts.I think it will work well. might fry your heat element quicker,but the pod, like the HI, has the same simple element change out if that were to happen while experimenting.Good on Ya Hazy$3 for a new heat element is why I am sticking to logs.

From what ive read the pod works best with higher voltages .Maybe thats on account the air is not preheated on its way to the air intake like other logs,example the Hi and the UD, where the air enters the top of the Log and preheats on its way down.but hey anyone feel free to PM me .I just have to wait for the postman now.

Ciao

 

[placetime]

why not... Ive just ordered the parts and thanks for the idea OF.

I digress,how about a 4 x 18650 battery set up for the pod?.4 x 3.7V,that would be equal to 14.8 volts.

14.8 would be too high for me. Are you planning on using one of those step down converters like centizen posted? That would be awesome if it works well.

From what ive read the pod works best with higher voltages .Maybe thats on account the air is not preheated on its way to the air intake like other logs,example the Hi and the UD, where the air enters the top of the Log and preheats on its way down.

I think all brands and models of logs vary at least somewhat with the specific type of wood, shape of the wood, exact positioning of the resistor, exact resistance of the resistor (they do vary a bit) and a variety of other factors. Like you, I've read where people say they use higher volts with the Pod. But personally I never use my Pod higher than about 12.8, and usually it's at 12.5. Much more than that could cause burning, imo (at least on my particular Pod).

 

[Tweek]

I used to look at my old PD and dream of being able to plug a battery back into the bottom...

 

[CentiZen]

I digress,how about a 4 x 18650 battery set up for the pod?.4 x 3.7V,that would be equal to 14.8 volts.I think it will work well. might fry your heat element quicker,but the pod, like the HI, has the same simple element change out if that were to happen while experimenting.Good on Ya Hazy$3 for a new heat element is why I am sticking to logs.

Four cells would only be putting out 14.8 volts when they are spent, and near the point of exhaustion. They would be putting out closer to 17 volts when they are fully charged, and fluctuate between those two as they discharge.

It is pretty much essential to have a step down converter in place between the batteries and the vape. But the problem is finding the right step down adapter.

You can use one based around the LM317 for less than a dollar, but these are really bad for this particular situation, since the LM317 just discards the excess power as heat, completely wasting it. You batteries will be exhausted quicker and less power will make it to the vape overall.

DC/DC Buck convertors are a better option since they return excess power to the batteries. The problem is the way they do this, they require the input voltage to always be at least two volts higher than the output voltage. This means the highest you can run your step down converter while using four cells is 12.8 volts. I suppose that isn't that much of a problem, but it means people would not be able to drive their vapes at higher voltages like 13 or 14 volts. That's why I thought five cells might be better.

Right now I'm going through my supply chains trying to figure out the feasibility of this project and figure out a ballpark cost I can make them for. I don't mean to seem like I'm trying to discourage anyone from making their own (far from it - this will be open sourced like my other project) but I would hate to see someone accidentally connect too high a voltage or otherwise ruin their vape by using a wrong part.

Are all of these vapes running off an exactly twenty ohm resistor? It would make my math a lot easier if that was the case.

 

[placetime]

Are all of these vapes running off an exactly twenty ohm resistor? It would make my math a lot easier if that was the case.

As far as I know, they all use that same resistor that I posted (Ohmite 25J20RE). I haven't done a lot of testing myself, but I've read on FC that those vary enough to make a difference in heat output. I seem to recall people requesting a lower or higher resistor if they wanted a slightly cooler or warmer log, but I don't recall how much they vary. Maybe an ohm or so? The page I posted says they have a 5% tolerance.

Hmmm....maybe make a new thread so we're not just discussing this on the Hot Pod thread?

 

[u bwade wunner]

Interesting centizen,I used simple math 4 x 3.7v =14..8v.so maybe by your calculations a 3 pack of 18650s might work well with the pod? I ve ordered the 3 pack so we shall see.

 

[CentiZen]

You should be able to use that pack to vape at regular temps for a while. How long I'm not sure, depends on the batteries your using. I'm not sure what will happen when the voltage starts to sag closer to eleven though.

Also, I must stress this - protected batteries are an absolute must in the situation.

 

[Frederick McGuire]

...
If we could get a couple other people who are interested in getting something like this than I would have no problem getting something like this made, I'd just need some time. The only problem is I don't have a log vape (At least until Alan gets to me on his list) to test them with...

I might be able to work something out with ya, give you a "loaner log" while you test...
Shoot me a PM if you're interested
(though I'm in Australia, it'd probably be easier for you to hook something up with another member in you're country [Canada, right?})

Are all of these vapes running off an exactly twenty ohm resistor? It would make my math a lot easier if that was the case.

I don't know if it's extra resistance introduced by the rest of the circuit, or just manufacturing variances, but I've read of the resistors varying from as low as 19 Ohm, and as high as 23 Ohm.

I had Issues when I had my CRZ, I ran it at 12v and got barely any hits, I was PMing another FC member about it, and he got me to measure it, it was something like 22.8 ohm.

 

[u bwade wunner]

Also, I must stress this - protected batteries are an absolute must in the situation.

Good call Centizen.I definitely ordered protected 4000ah batts..We have all heard the exploding ecig story.Thanks for your advice

I work it out the 3 battery case inc. batteries and a camera case under $10,even better than I expected.

So am i right in thinking if the pod uses 1 amp ,3 x 4000ah batteries should allow 4 hours run time thereabouts?
I guess Im gonna need one of those two buck led Volt testers Alan and a few others had a while ago to check performance and battery drain.

edit: just ordered it too

 

[natural farmer]

We could use a new thread for this discussion... So happy that more people are interested.

 

[u bwade wunner]

We are all 12 Volters.No shame in that at all.safe clean fun 24/7.i m sure Hazy would nt mind a little movement on his thread especially concerning making his vape mobile.I ve been thinking about this for ages.

I found this emailed them but never got a reply.its designed for a Torch but would work.
I toyed with the idea of a power handle,a wood tube same diameter as a log vape with battery storage that plugged into the base of the log with rare earth magnets.the tricky part would be the plug connection in the handle.

 

[hazy]

I've been spending a lot of time away from the site, and just decided to check in today. Seems like we've got onto a new topic! Yes you're right ubw, I don't mind discussing this here. Power supplies are a subject close to my heart Ha ha I'm such a nerd...

I think I mentioned some months ago that I tried a 4 x 18650 setup and it can certainly deliver. But as has been discussed, regulation is a bit of a problem. I've stuffed around with a couple of different regulator boards but they all seem to have some disadvantage or another. A buck converter like CentiZen mentioned is a good choice. I've got one sitting here on my desk but I kind of gave up on the idea as being impractical because they use a trimpot with a tiny screw adjustment to change the voltage. I put that project in the "too hard basket" for the time being, as I've had other things to think about. However seeing as this topic seems to attract some attention I don't mind looking into it again.

 

[CentiZen]

We could use a new thread for this discussion... So happy that more people are interested.

I made a thread for updates and owners of other log vapes to discuss the design, but if hazy doesn't mind then we the hot pod specifics here.

Good call Centizen.I definitely ordered protected 4000ah batts..We have all heard the exploding ecig story.Thanks for your advice

Which brand of battery did you get?

 

[u bwade wunner]

Good to see You Hazy.farmer and a few others have kept the thread ticking along in Your e absense.
when did You check out of the playboy mansion?

Which brand of battery did you get?

Gold and black ultrafires protected 4000ah.

 

[hazy]

No playboy mansion for me unfortunately...

Instead I've been spending a good few months getting to know my bong I call it "research"

Seriously though, it has given me time to contemplate some changes to the pod. By chance, due to inconsistencies in manufacturing, a couple of people have ended up with stems that are a tight fit in their pods, and have mentioned that they actually prefer this. I did some experiments and found that I agree. Before getting a bong I didn't realise that it is useful to be able to lift the stem away from the downstem to clear it. When I first got the bong I was lifting the whole downstem with the pod hanging off the top of it to clear the bong. I found this cumbersome and there was also a bit of vapor left in the downstem as well, which didn't seem ideal.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I've made a new prototype similar to the original design that I posted at the start of this thread, but with much thicker silicone and heavier, larger diameter glass for the centre tube (same borosilicate tubing that I used for the DDS stems). Here is my first attempt at the "new" design:

And this is what it looks like with a stem snugly seated in the heat port:

I'm able to hold the pod upside down by the stem and shake it around without it falling off the stem, so it should be nice and secure when sitting on a bong. It also means that it should stay together even if the stem tries to stick to the downstem. The only disadvantage is that if the downstem pulls away from the bong easily, you will need to hold it in place when lifting the pod+stem from the downstem. Alternatively you could just get a keck clip (I'm going to order one myself when I can find one at a reasonable price ).

Another thing I like about this arrangement is that it is easier to remove the stem, as I can handle it by the ground glass section which stays nice and cool No more burnt fingers!

I've also realised that this arrangement has advantages for direct draw as well. It wasn't until I took a pod to a party and then I realised I had to keep telling people to use it two handed: one hand holding the pod, and one holding the stem. Of course, the inevitable happened when one of my drunken friends forgot to hold the stem and when he lifted his mouth away, the stem stuck to his lips then fell to the floor and smashed

Apart from these usability issues, manufacturing should be easier because the design is more forgiving of inconsistencies in both the top hole and the glass parts. Another advantage is that it will accommodate 13mm OD stems which some other logs use

I'm going to play around with some prototypes for a little while longer before I decide to go ahead with this design. In the meantime I'd be happy to hear anyone's thoughts on this.

PS: How are all those beta pods going? It's coming up to a year since the first ones were released to the wild. I hope they are still serving everyone well

 

[Frederick McGuire]

I might be in the minority, but I prefer having a stem that easily separates from the vape.

I like being able to pull the pod away from the stem if the vapor seems to be getting too thick, essentially as a backup temperature modulator after voltage and draw speed.

Having said that, I also love how simple the cloud is as one unit you plug into your bong, so maybe I just like easily removable stems because I haven't used an all in one design recently?

I broke my power cord a month or so ago and haven't been arsed fixing it yet...
Gonna have to fix it tomorrow and have another pod party

Btw, just throwing it out there, it would be AWESOME if there was a way to design a stem where the screen cannot move.

I like being able to slide the screen up and down to change bowl size, but I always end up with that screen getting a bit loose and falling out

 

[hazy]

That's a good point about thinning out the vapor, I hadn't thought about that. Although do you think you could pull the pod+stem up and let a little air into the mix as well? I realise it's probably not quite the same thing though, and advanced users might prefer to use the pod in the way you describe. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about this as well.

Regarding the screens, I think you got one of the early ones which were much looser than my "improved" version with the bottom edge that kind of scrapes against the inside of the stem for much better grip. I haven't had one move without deliberately pushing something in there. At least with the new pod design people will have more choice over what stems they can use.

 

[Frederick McGuire]

You probably could pull the pod/stem combo, but you wouldn't get any cooler air cooling the load, just reduced air flow over the bud.

Though I did do something similar with my gnome, a y adapter and a stopper recently and it worked well enough.

The more I think about it, having the whole thing as one unit is way better for newbies.

It seems to confuse my mates (who dont vape )to no end, "pull off the vape, then the stem"
Doesn't sound too hard to me, but the number of times my mates have been having a hit of the solo through a bong, and then just sorta look at me and flap their hand in a motion to indicate "can you pull it off so I can clear this, I can't figure out what to do"

 

[natural farmer]

I have to say I prefer the old design with the loose stems better... First of all, people usually need to stir. I stir two times for each stem I load and I can't even imagine having to take the stem apart from the Pod to do this. I think @hazy puts the bud in one piece but I have found grinding to give me more consistent results and better taste so stirring is a must. I believe it could be a good move for beginners or people who like their vapor at low temps but when the temps go up stirring is unavoidable.

Second, I don't use a bong or bubbler anymore but even with the vapor lung it's much better for me to lift the pod with my last three fingers and grab the stem with the index and thumb to clear. Also no burnt fingers if you just add a silicon ring around the stem (see pics at previous page)...

For direct hitting at low temps the new design could have advantages though as the party paradigm showed us... And overall it could be a better solution if the experiments say so. But, manufacturing issues apart, I think the ability to just drop the pod on top of a GonG stem and then just lift the pod and stir to be the holy grail of an easy session! I hope the new design proves as easy.

Sooo, noobs and light users need stability! Heavy hitters need looseness... Can we have both? All of the above could have no meaning at all if it's easy to pull the stem off the silicone of course.

PS: I love the screens and the Pod in general as is! I wouldn't change much... Maybe a way to hold the heat a little better at fast draws... But then we could have combustion like other logs do. Never mind! It's a perfect little Pod!

 

[stickstones]

I think I would like the tight fit better

 

[hazy]

... just sorta look at me and flap their hand in a motion to indicate "can you pull it off so I can clear this, I can't figure out what to do"

This is how I felt for quite a while myself! Even after getting used to it I still felt it was an unnecessarily complicated process. To me, it's nice to just clear the bong, put it down and be done with it. Having said that, when I first started using the new design I would hold onto the bong like I did previously, and I would drop a fresh stem onto the bong whereas I actually needed to stick it on the pod Seems like old habits die hard no matter what.

NF, I do grind the buds quite finely. This allows me to pack the small loads that I like and give me the right amount of restriction for efficient vaporization. After my first lungful I use a stick to push the screen up to pop out the load. It drops out in one solid piece and looks like a kind of herbal "pill". Then I crush it between my fingers and repack it. This is similar to stirring but I think it is more thorough and seems less tedious to me, although I can imagine that most people would probably say the opposite. I did try stirring for a while but didn't like it as much. For my technique to work I need to remove the stem each time anyway, so that's probably why I don't see this as an issue. It is however very easy to remove the stem from the silicone. It just "snaps" out. To put it back in I twist while pushing it in. Both procedures have a satifying kind of feel about them

So it seems there are 2 out of 2 votes against so far...

EDIT: Sticks! That brings the score up to 1 for, 2 against!

 

[natural farmer]

It is however very easy to remove the stem from the silicone. It just "snaps" out. To put it back in I twist while pushing it in. Both procedures have a satifying kind of feel about them

If the feel of pushing in and pulling out is of a satisfactory nature I am pro as well!

The only thing I worry is about pushing too hard or spill my load while trying to pull it out...