Arizer Solo

[OF]

Wow @OF that randy dude doubled his price on those batteries overnight! Still without replenishing stock! Must have seen the conversation here. Still though, seems douchey to me. I'd rather just buy another solo for $134.99 than a battery for $45 plus shipping.

Just my opinion. Can't believe that. Deleting that site from the old bookmarks.

Could be, but that sure doesn't fit with everything else he does for us, does it?

My guess is he reordered them and got hit with a price increase. AFAIK he's the only guy who ever offered them to us? $20 is much less than I bought the parts to make the ones I did, IMO $45 is a much more realistic price.

And yes, service parts are generally much more expensive than their fractional part of the whole unit cost due to volume and other concerns. I agree with you, if the pricing stays the same, most owners will probably opt to buy a replacement when the time comes, which I suspect suits Arizer just fine?

In the end you should do what you think best I guess, but in the mean time I suggest enjoying your Solo?

OF

 

[as]

I would just get a hc battery from @CentiZen for $48

 

[od88]

I'm looking to buy more plugs for the power adapter I grabbed from Jameco, but it appears they're out of stock. I see that the plug is 5.5 x 2.1mm MALE TO 1.7mm FEMALE, but I'm having a hard time finding that specific plug. I'm seeing plenty of the reverse though, is it possible Jameco had it listed in reverse or is it just a really hard plug to find?

 

[OF]

I'm looking to buy more plugs for the power adapter I grabbed from Jameco, but it appears they're out of stock. I see that the plug is 5.5 x 2.1mm MALE TO 1.7mm FEMALE, but I'm having a hard time finding that specific plug. I'm seeing plenty of the reverse though, is it possible Jameco had it listed in reverse or is it just a really hard plug to find?

I think 'no longer available' is not the same as out of stock.....it's not coming back. You might call them as they suggest when you try to buy part number 2113703 from them.

The gender of such connectors is mixed in the listings. IMO Jameco used the right version (gender has to do with the center conductor so the connector on the the Solo is male and the charger female). 2.1mm connectors are very common, 1.7mm pretty rare. Chances are most any you find will be right. There were also some very sort adapter cords (about 4 inches long) on EBay a while back (I ended up with a couple), you might try that? Perhaps someone has a link?

You might PM Pipes, I think he has some from his AIO days?

Good luck with it.

OF

 

[Papa Woody]

I agree with OF and AS 100%.
$45-$48 + shipping is very reasonable and the current going rate for new battery packs.

Back in 2011 when the Solo was released we were told the batteries were not user replaceable and you had to send the Solo back to Arizer:

From Vaporpedia -
"After initial confusion, Arizer has clarified that users will be able to replace the battery pack. Arizer will offer a service for anyone who is not comfortable doing the replacement. The cost of battery replacement, including labor, is $95 plus taxes and shipping."

 

[Sleepin in CA]

I am just going to rebuild it myself for $18. There is a tutorial online by Centizen showing how easy it is.

There is a slight drawback to a tighter stem fit, but I'm gonna look into it anyway.

 

[ratnamedbob]

Dry bud works best!!

So I took some out, ground it, and let it sit exposed for a couple of hours, and I had better results last night.

I cleaned everything but the heater, which I will do today.

So I'm running off the idea that there was to much moister in the herbs. The regulator packet in my CVault was almost bursting it had sucked up so much moisture.

I'm sure the Solo is fine. I've had really good results at times, so hopefully this is it.

 

[od88]

I think 'no longer available' is not the same as out of stock.....it's not coming back. You might call them as they suggest when you try to buy part number 2113703 from them.

The gender of such connectors is mixed in the listings. IMO Jameco used the right version (gender has to do with the center conductor so the connector on the the Solo is male and the charger female). 2.1mm connectors are very common, 1.7mm pretty rare. Chances are most any you find will be right. There were also some very sort adapter cords (about 4 inches long) on EBay a while back (I ended up with a couple), you might try that? Perhaps someone has a link?

You might PM Pipes, I think he has some from his AIO days?

Good luck with it.

OF

Thanks OF. I did come across an eBay listing earlier to what you mentioned but wasn't sure if it would work. Think I'll grab a couple and see how it goes. Here's the link for anyone looking:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-DC-5-5...r-Plug-Cable-Adapters-Connector-/301170449908

 

[Dr. Soxhlet]

I agree with OF and AS 100%.
$45-$48 + shipping is very reasonable and the current going rate for new battery packs.

Back in 2011 when the Solo was released we were told the batteries were not user replaceable and you had to send the Solo back to Arizer:

From Vaporpedia -
"After initial confusion, Arizer has clarified that users will be able to replace the battery pack. Arizer will offer a service for anyone who is not comfortable doing the replacement. The cost of battery replacement, including labor, is $95 plus taxes and shipping."

$45 is a lot of money for some of us. Guess I celebrated too soon!
I used to own a computer & video game store. I know about electronics parts and how cheap they are at the wholesale level. This is a battery "pak", but it is still just two batteries. I put two batteries in my Persei and it doesn't cost $45, more like $20.
Dealers love to charge "whatever they can" for stuff like this-huge profit margins. Funny the price was raised, but still is under CentiZens price.
I understand why CentiZen charges what he does though, small business.
At this point, I would buy one from him or attempt to build one myself.

 

[CentiZen]

Indeed, but I'd just like to point out that the battery packs being offered by various vendors have capacities of 2200mAh, using the same types of cells used in the original batteries. On the other hand, mine use the same cell used by Tesla in their electronic vehicles; offering 3400mAh capacity with no other tradeoffs. I think that's worth 3 dollars.

It's easy to look at a battery and see two cells stuck together, but that is oversimplified and frankly a dangerous mindset to have. Lithium Ion batteries are one of the few components used in vaporizers that pose an actual threat to the user when used improperly, and they are very easy to use improperly. You don't just simply weld two cells together and call it a day - you need to:

• match internal resistances
• pair balanced cells
• add a protection circuit specific for the voltage/application your using
• get the right polarity
• figure out a way to solder a battery that dosent damage it

Messing up any one of these is a costly and dangerous mistake

I know that most of these vendors are not making their own batteries, and I am not trying to excuse their pricing model. You'll find a suspiciously similar product on Amazon for 20$ But I do not want to be lumped in with them. I'm not comfortable going into my cost breakdown but I can tell you that my profit per order against the time it takes me to fill one is less than minimum wage.

 

[Pipes]

^^^^^^^^^
..+1..


Yes those will work. For some reason China (and many others) don't see the small post and confuse the gender. Well at least have made their own standard...

Thanks OF. I did come across an eBay listing earlier to what you mentioned but wasn't sure if it would work. Think I'll grab a couple and see how it goes. Here's the link for anyone looking:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-DC-5-5...r-Plug-Cable-Adapters-Connector-/301170449908

 

[Dr. Soxhlet]

Indeed, but I'd just like to point out that the battery packs being offered by various vendors have capacities of 2200mAh, using the same types of cells used in the original batteries. On the other hand, mine use the same cell used by Tesla in their electronic vehicles; offering 3400mAh capacity with no other tradeoffs. I think that's worth 3 dollars.

I agree.
Figures, the small business(CentiZen) has the better deal!! I'd buy from him.
At least for the money you get a great upgrade!!
!

 

[Papa Woody]

Indeed, but I'd just like to point out that the battery packs being offered by various vendors have capacities of 2200mAh, using the same types of cells used in the original batteries. On the other hand, mine use the same cell used by Tesla in their electronic vehicles; offering 3400mAh capacity with no other tradeoffs. I think that's worth 3 dollars.

It's easy to look at a battery and see two cells stuck together, but that is oversimplified and frankly a dangerous mindset to have. Lithium Ion batteries are one of the few components used in vaporizers that pose an actual threat to the user when used improperly, and they are very easy to use improperly. You don't just simply weld two cells together and call it a day - you need to:

• match internal resistances
• pair balanced cells
• add a protection circuit specific for the voltage/application your using
• get the right polarity
• figure out a way to solder a battery that dosent damage it

Messing up any one of these is a costly and dangerous mistake

I know that most of these vendors are not making their own batteries, and I am not trying to excuse their pricing model. But I do not want to be lumped in with them. I'm not comfortable going into my cost breakdown but I can tell you that my profit per battery against the time it takes me to make one is less than minimum wage.

And that is why when it's time for a new battery pack for my trusty M104, I'm going to you for a new HC pack. I understand money is tight for everybody and if you can DIY, go for it. But why reinvent the battery pack when a fellow FC member has already done the heavy lifting? IMO, it's worth it for my peace of mind.
BTW, my original batteries are still packing a fine punch since Oct 2011 with no signs of reaching end of life even though I lost track of my duty cycles the second time I used it.

 

[Dr. Soxhlet]

An



BTW, my original batteries are still packing a fine punch since Oct 2011 with no signs of reaching end of life even though I lost track of my duty cycles the second time I used it.

Good point. My original Solo lasted almost a year before being replaced, but the battery was still going strong. I know some members have even got 2 years or longer from the same batteries. Nice to know that if it does die, there is an upgrade available though.

 

[OF]

Indeed, but I'd just like to point out that the battery packs being offered by various vendors have capacities of 2200mAh, using the same types of cells used in the original batteries. On the other hand, mine use the same cell used by Tesla in their electronic vehicles; offering 3400mAh capacity with no other tradeoffs. I think that's worth 3 dollars.

Good point, but of course there are other trade offs. There always are. There is no doubt a reason why all the makers are using batteries like are used in say laptops, not electric cars. Tenergy (the maker of the pack used in Solo) also sells packs for similar uses, also using the same 'sub standard' 2200 mAh cells. In a capitalist world if it was as simple as using the 'better' battery no doubt some of the makers would to take advantage of being able to advertise longer run times?

For that basic reason, when I rebuilt mine I 'went with the smart money' and used the same class 2200s. Not that careful experimenting isn't a good thing.

It's great to have choices in the market. We should embrace that. As long as due caution is being used.

I agree that a good match and proper protection circuit are mandatory and believe the only "way to solder a battery that dosent damage it" is to use batteries intended for this service with welded tabs on them. Those "in the know" never solder directly to this class of batteries. Never. They go with the added expense for solid reasons we should not ignore IMO.

And, of course, there are some owners who insist on 'factory approved parts', which is also fine. I think it's great they have that option, too.

OF

 

[VapeMan980]

Are Ed's TnT stems worth the buy? Does it improve the performance and airflow on the new solos enough to justify spending $38?

I've heard mixed reviews.

Some have said it's unnecessary on the new solos because they already have increased airflow and that the herb doesn't taste as good because it's a wooden stem, not glass. Others say they love it.

I know it looks better but I don't really care about that I'm worried about performance.

 

[Vicki]

Are Ed's TnT stems worth the buy? Does it improve the performance and airflow on the new solos enough to justify spending $38?

I've heard mixed reviews.

Some have said it's unnecessary on the new solos because they already have increased airflow and that the herb doesn't taste as good because it's a wooden stem, not glass. Others say they love it.

I know it looks better but I don't really care about that I'm worried about performance.

I just got a Blackwood stem from Ed, and I absolutely love mine. I honestly don't see a difference in air flow in the wood stem. I'm still getting milky hits, and the taste is great too. The fact that it's beautiful is just a plus for me.

***I love this new Blackwood stem so much that I just also ordered a WonG from Ed for my Solo too!

 

[RUDE BOY]

Lovin' the solo with Ed's stem the taste is Awesome compared to any other battery powered portable I've tried and the ability to do a 12 minute session at each heat level from 2 through 7 continues to blow me away. Now I understand the conservation part of it all.

I Can't do that with the stock stems although I like them a lot also. Just wish I had listened when you all raved about the solo 1000 pages ago.

 

[as]

Just got a lil bubbler but no 14/14 female so I think what would @ataxian would do

 

[Yoduh]

Are there stems that have a smaller load size for the solo? And will a smaller load affect the performance of the unit?

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Are there stems that have a smaller load size for the solo? And will a smaller load affect the performance of the unit?

PV's shorty stems?

 

[Dr. Soxhlet]

Are there stems that have a smaller load size for the solo? And will a smaller load affect the performance of the unit?

Just put a domed screen in your stem for a smaller load size.

 

[RUDE BOY]

I just put smaller loads in a stem and don't expect big visible vapor. No matter what it vapes the herb completely with full effects and my stock stems are stock(no screens).

 

[Dr. Soxhlet]

I just put smaller loads in a stem and don't expect big visible vapor. No matter what it vapes the herb completely with full effects and my stock stems are stock(no screens).

When I have good bud, I just put the whole thing in there with no screen.
Works great that way.

 

[Yoduh]

Thanks so much guys. Gonna pull the trigger and join the solo club within the next few weeks. Tryna get all my window shopping for accessories all taken care of lol :-)