Alpine 2020/2021 - Induction Heater

[TommyDee]

You owe me one @stark1

Honestly, I put my money down like everyone else not a half hour after announcement. I liked the looks... still do. That is a big part of impression. Having a working one at that leaves an even better impression. Therefore, going from "what the hell.." to "I'll be damned..." is a positive I rarely get to enjoy.

Wait - PSM doesn't leave a ring on your new caps?

 

[indogems]

Have them refuse a valid RMA request {record of events] with cause and take that to you credit card company.

Oh, Randall finally agreed to a refund, but it was only after I posted a screed on Reddit. Read the thread I posted above... he keeps deflecting off the rights of the consumers until he finally understands that the language on the website legally binds him to stand behind his product. In private he seemed to think that I promised him I wouldn't post anything if he made it right! and then acted like he was doing me a favor taking the heater back (despite my post)... as if it were his kindness rather than the PIA of defending a small claims suit from me that made the refund a reality.

Best believe I'm going to photograph every angle of the return so that they don't try to claim I voided the warranty!

 

[TommyDee]

At least that. If he was smart he's be driving to your house to pick that piece of liability evidence right up from public view. Knowing this can happened just raised his liability level a few notches.

 

[stark1]

you and your VAS must be having epic wars right about now Mine just wants to know how to pop the top off

You don’t have to pop the cork.

Gently heat the top until the glue is soft enuf to pry off. LMK if that works (swap you mine for yours, if that (doesn’t) work ).

 

[acstorfer]

TD, did you get a (special) unit with QC properly checked over by “Randell”and/or
Got your unit gratis, so that you feel obligated to crow its
merits to us losers.

—If you didn’t, I owe you one.

(I have been reluctant to use mine, as it is running hot; so hot it
Left a burnt ring around my new cap. Been sitting since, as I
Try to chill.).

Mine came with all the QC issue, but at the end of the day it works beautifully. Yesterday I got the whole day, and one this morning on a single charge. I am really satisfied in the operation of my Alpine. Do I trust my Alpine for the long run? Fuck no. There were too many QC issues to have a lot of faith in the components. I am still on the flux waiting list. In the meantime for the 9 days I’ve had it, I am still very happy with the operation of it, and it really is a perty lil IH.

 

[TommyDee]

You don’t have to pop the cork.

Gently heat the top until the glue is soft enuf to pry off. LMK if that works (swap you mine for yours, if that (doesn’t) work ).

It'll be a while before I open it up. This will be for the battery exchange that is sure to happened. Or when I just can't live without the remote fire switch any more. ...which could be tomorrow. But I will let you know and all the other things I find.

 

[RustyOldNail]

I'm looking forward to ripping into it

As Dave Jones of EEVBlog says: “Don’t turn it on, take it apart”.

Especially, a device that claims the warranty is void, if you open it. Maybe more importantly is the reports of “smoke” from a unit, even if it’s just one. Why is it sealed with glue in the first place?

Disappointed in you TommyDee, I thought the first thing you would do is open your Alpine up. Not something most might do, but as an IH builder yourself, and a curious inventor, I quite surprised.

 

[thunderstealer1337]

I’ll go on the record to say the 1st one I received had an incomplete engraving, the magnet issue, and the top was not attached. I left a Reddit comment and was contacted by Randall within thirty minutes. I was instructed to box mine up and sent an RMA. They cross shipped me a new unit (I requested no engraving this time) and two days later I had a new unit that looks and works great! The magnet is still a minor issue, but for the money, I’m a happy camper. So far the battery seems to be about on par with my PSM.

So you got 2, 1 thru rma process, when he hasn't fully shipped preorders dating from May (mine)

Again this was all first come first serve whoever was posting on Instagram/reddit.

What a joke of a business model, fukn hilarious cuz ppl will go and defend him like - wow look he responded in 30mins. Yes he did it to squash the comment/thread to kill any more negativity - more proof of 1st come 1st serve bullshit of lies

 

[TommyDee]

As Dave Jones of EEVBlog says: “Don’t turn it on, take it apart”.

Especially, a device that claims the warranty is void, if you open it. Maybe more importantly is the reports of “smoke” from a unit, even if it’s just one. Why is it sealed with glue in the first place?

Disappointed in you TommyDee, I thought the first thing you would do is open your Alpine up. Not something most might do, but as an IH builder yourself, and a curious inventor, I quite surprised.

Simple - It's my wife's present. Much cleaner tabletop without the wires, meters, and battery packs. A'20 is "the standard" for the time being. However, HalfPint is seriously competing.

I'm not worried about it catching fire. The fact that it is a solid "can" makes a difference. Kind of like a little hibachi if it goes off. Just don't put water on it.

And don't get me wrong, I very much want to disturb the warranty! Hot glue can get messy and right now the unit is still purdy. I don't have a righteous excuse to open it up. When I do I will also recenter my switch. That my OCD can't ignore. That means loosening all the bits in the hot-plate. Nah, worth a lot more sitting here doing its fucking job. I have 4 more DIY IH's to fuck with. I already know what's inside. BMS trips at 9V; good. We know its the 10A BMS. The module is the standard ZVS with the switch, mosfet switch, and LED added to the board spin. They're running a decent wire gauge minimizing loss from the battery pack judging on a 11.75V reading while firing my hottest tip. The longevity of the battery will be the real test for parts spec'd for the build.

I gave this launch an initial 85%. Things have certainly come to light that drops that score by a lot and it seems to be mostly around customer service. The value score for customer service is a personal assignment. I rarely expect any. I get nothing but lip from my computer makers for instance. I depend on consumer protection on DOA and that's about as far as I can throw commercial vendors. If you think customer service is 50% of your value reference, then by all means, this company is failing in a big way. And the fact that they did experience, and then try to bury a dangerous short circuit event, that drops them below the recommendation threshold. Any reseller would be wise to do a internal QC prior to resale. That ain't gonna happened. These types of products carry a high liability. I hope Randall is prepared for that aspect. If more of these have spontaneous events, you might actually see a recall. Which will be funny because they'll be dangerous to ship too.

"The plot sickens" - GladIGotOneAnyway

 

[RustyOldNail]

You could have stopped typing, after mentioning “wife”.....

 

[LabPong]

So you got 2, 1 thru rma process, when he hasn't fully shipped preorders dating from May (mine)

Again this was all first come first serve whoever was posting on Instagram/reddit.

What a joke of a business model, fukn hilarious cuz ppl will go and defend him like - wow look he responded in 30mins. Yes he did it to squash the comment/thread to kill any more negativity - more proof of 1st come 1st serve bullshit of lies

Actually ...it is about having back ups for warranty replacements. Any product producers have a set amount of stock that is for very specific purposes. For example: what if they gave out all the stock and then some needed warranty/service replacements? That is why things work like this....basic in this business especially with anything electronic.

I have to do this with much lessor "tech" products....I have to hold back some stock for this and a few other reasons. So I might be out of stock for sales of a specific product, but I have replacement products held back to offer good CS when it is needed...which can be anytime after production release.

That said, Randal has the same problems he always does.......

 

[TommyDee]

Looks like Reddit is becoming the A'20 FAQ with Randall responding in person. Some good stuff.

Reddit - Dive into anything

www.reddit.com

Don't have a Reddit account. Don't WANT a Reddit account! Let them come here if they want answers outside the "factory tone".
"The magnet is upside down" What the

 

[thunderstealer1337]

Well I asked for a refund last Thursday, got emailed Friday afternoon that it finally shipped and I need to refuse the package....

UPS picked up the package like 4 hrs after I sent the cancel order email on Thursday - they prolly didnt see my email till Friday so w/e

Some guy finally got theirs and the qc is so lacking it melted the plastic button to his cap on 1st heatup cycle. It's pretty clear there is 0 qc being done on these other then checking that the wood tops are glued down.

Support someone else FC, this maker is a joke

On to making my own portable 12v battery pack, @TommyDee wanna share your parts list

 

[TommyDee]

What a merry-go-round world Of course I'll share. What do you want to build?

USB charger - https://www.ebay.com/itm/MT3608-MIC...399439?hash=item23b826b38f:g:BYUAAOSwY7lciApI

10A BMS - https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-10A-18...215104&hash=item5484c0a5ad:g:f94AAOSw205ezNgj

3S battery holder - https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-7V-Recha...009401?hash=item48bc8d1af9:g:clcAAOSwkMVcusCf !w/ PINS ...not wire. Salvage contacts for 18350.

5.5mm x 2.1mm connector - https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Pcs-IMC-...ocket-Jack-Connector-Adapter-BC/333655820384? This matches up with the 3D print

Battery meter for 3D print - https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-7V-2S-4S...apacity-Indicator-Power-Testers/133428432682?

18350 cells for the 3D print - https://mabdelectronics.com/collect...-10a-high-drain-flat-top-rechargeable-battery

And some magnet wire, 18-gauge minimum. I'm using 15 and 18. Happy to share the 3D prints as I complete them.

 

[thunderstealer1337]

18650x3 or a 3s lipo? I have a few 3s lipos from drones

 

[TommyDee]

3S lipo works if they do about 8 amps... which should be peanuts for a decent pack.

...and you already have charge options.
So next is the IH options.

 

[thunderstealer1337]

ooh some of those ebay items are 27-66 days out but only $11 total

 

[TommyDee]

I have a constant river of deliveries. Today was PSM style contact.

 

[thunderstealer1337]

Lol more ppl getting theirs delivered today, it's roflmao the QC issues again, tops not glued down still and missing engravings, and one poster stating they hold the cap in 10-15 secs after click.... Wtf

Ugh my apollo2 has built in shutoff if it's held for 15secs, and caldron would start a fire lol

 

[TommyDee]

Door #1 or Door #2 when the delivery truck comes @thunderstealer1337 ? You know you can pass it along as a mystery box adding significant value.

 

[thunderstealer1337]

ups threw the package from my driveway and did not read my gigantic refuse/return to shipper sign (claims my gf)
It was seriously like 110 font size huge letters
now its gonna be a ordeal and a 1/2 just to get it shipped back

 

[TommyDee]

Oh, he might have damaged it! LOL yea. Not opening it huh. You're a tougher guy than me @thunderstealer1337

 

[Stu]

Please don't make us start a shipping thread for this one guys....

Just sayin'.

 

[ChilledAsian]

Alpine 2020 Just arrived was surprised that it took only 8 days from purchase. And build quality on mine isn't bad at all. Maybe I guess I'm one of the lucky ones... Tried it out and might have to stash the torches for now...

 

[thunderstealer1337]

Lol, good for you, like I said ppl got 2 before I got mine, it's not a rma issue it's a full on 0 QC issue until you the purchaser tried it out 1st time.

Really shameful shady business practice, your lucky ppl posted up melting their caps on 1st insertion, cuz 2 other ppl posted today that the piece that protects your cap from melting - that is glued down already came off lol, and love how the bandwagon is dang 0 QC, but maker is shipping me another one - great customer service!!!!!

Lol so full of lies, and really disheartening to see the ppl who actually bitch and post it online get immediate attention, and those who wrote polite emails have to wait almost 24-48 hrs for a response