Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[Sativape]

All this talk about charging cycles and the Ascent got me thinking about a post I remembered reading by @Davinci_vaporizer - Luckily I was able to dig it up

@Ratchett

Nice find!

Conditioning myself to keep things topped up vs conditioning the batteries will ensure that I am not left powerless... (pun intended!)

*Disclaimer* My recommendations are for people who are similar to me and my vaping lifestyle.

 

[KeroZen]

@Sativape : but you forgot one crucial element, Li-Ions *hate* being used when they are hot (or freezing) but they hate even more being charged when they are hot!

And that's the culprit here, when you vape while charging, after 10 minutes the top of the device is warm already... can't be good.

As for hoping to be able to use the device plugged when the batteries are dead, I'm not holding my breath, it's not a real pass-through and you need juice in the batteries to make it work while charging (like in the Solo if I'm not mistaken)

Also to answer @silvercloud358, yes there will be a replacement program for a small fee, I'm happy for you continental US residents, but it's of little help for us Europeans. Don't you know that getting something out of the US border is super easy but letting anything in can be a nightmare? Especially when the thing is full of prohibited product traces... Whatever the amount of cleaning, a trained dog will sniff it. I'm not even mentionning the shipping price here, as anyways with $50+shipping I could buy a brand new Chinese vape or two and have them delivered to my door...

 

[cornwalis]

You so worried on charging cycle and percentage you for got that high draw curent for he heater and the heat permitting up to the bateries from the bowl that's is what will kill the bateries high draw cause high temp inside the batt also got to remember the batt institute does not look at battery operated heater it's all device with a regular power draw rate Sati explained it all dam good Really if you think about it their is no perfect way to charge it I'm 35 I got better thing to worry about than bateries it's a heater. And hell if I'm lost in the woods. I got 3h of survival heat from my davinci

 

[Silvercloud538]

@Sativape : but you forgot one crucial element, Li-Ions *hate* being used when they are hot (or freezing) but they hate even more being charged when they are hot!

And that's the culprit here, when you vape while charging, after 10 minutes the top of the device is warm already... can't be good.

As for hoping to be able to use the device plugged when the batteries are dead, I'm not holding my breath, it's not a real pass-through and you need juice in the batteries to make it work while charging (like in the Solo if I'm not mistaken)

Also to answer @silvercloud358, yes there will be a replacement program for a small fee, I'm happy for you continental US residents, but it's of little help for us Europeans. Don't you know that getting something out of the US border is super easy but letting anything in can be a nightmare? Especially when the thing is full of prohibited product traces... Whatever the amount of cleaning, a trained dog will sniff it. I'm not even mentionning the shipping price here, as anyways with $50+shipping I could buy a brand new Chinese vape or two and have them delivered to my door...

@KeroZen was unaware of Continental limits of extended wrrnty ,now

understanding dilemma of EU exportation to US ~ IOW EU has no rights to any

warranty claim ?? ~ if this is case ,me would find cheapest Ascent source w/o

coverage and vape easy ? ~ sucks

Since DaVinci is making partial relocation via China ,maybe something can be

worked out for international owners ??

 

[cornwalis]

That's messed up mines 2 year Warrenty You're using a heater 5 mins into you session you're exposing batts to heat from the bowl and from intense discharge What batt instatue boosted are prob for a normal device not a high draw heater I would not even pay attention. To the heat part of you're instatue no batterie invented so far like cold or heat that's why car batteries that are in you're trunk ie my chev hhr. It has the batterie form 2006 in it still going strong cold sucks degrades the stored power not so much dmg the batt I'd not worry and just use it and get stoned And just buy another their 199 now I paid like 300$ for mine and I'm not worried at all

 

[Sativape]

@Sativape : but you forgot one crucial element, Li-Ions *hate* being used when they are hot (or freezing) but they hate even more being charged when they are hot!

And that's the culprit here, when you vape while charging, after 10 minutes the top of the device is warm already... can't be good.

As for hoping to be able to use the device plugged when the batteries are dead, I'm not holding my breath, it's not a real pass-through and you need juice in the batteries to make it work while charging (like in the Solo if I'm not mistaken)

Also to answer @silvercloud358, yes there will be a replacement program for a small fee, I'm happy for you continental US residents, but it's of little help for us Europeans. Don't you know that getting something out of the US border is super easy but letting anything in can be a nightmare? Especially when the thing is full of prohibited product traces... Whatever the amount of cleaning, a trained dog will sniff it. I'm not even mentionning the shipping price here, as anyways with $50+shipping I could buy a brand new Chinese vape or two and have them delivered to my door...

@KeroZen,

If you are bypassing/supplementing the charging the battery, then you are reducing the discharge C rate, and which will decrease the temperature.

You're right, them little batteries hate being charged while hot.

Everything we are talking about is theoretical.

I'm talking from actual experience:
I have 2 friends that also purchased PNP's, and we all use them approximately the same.

They both get about 2-3 sessions now from a full charge.
I still get 4-5 sessions on both my PNP's.
I use mine 80-90% plugged in.

Time will tell for the Ascent.
The same 2 friends also purchased the Ascent, and we will see how their batteries will compare to mine.
(One of them just purchased a Haze... so their Ascent is not getting much attention lately).
I hate neglecting my vapes.

They all need loving.

 

[OF]

I don't recommend leaving it charged in while not in use.

I do strongly recommend using it plugged in while in use.

If a device has built in charging capabilities, then keep in mind that the onboard circuitry is designed in a way that it will not overcharge the battery.


I work with NiCad, Nimh and Lipo batteries.
Batteries have changed and developed.
So have charging devices.

Your method would apply to low milliamp current devices..

No, 100% charge 'when not in use' is to be avoided. This alone, never discharging, will kill Li-ions in short order as the Battery University page explains.

On what do you base your recommendation? I've given my reason why I think this is a bad thing. What battery saving function are you looking for?

Of course the charge stops, but it does so at 100%. That's the issue. 100% charge is to be avoided as a matter of routine.

You're work with other chemistries is only marginally useful with Li-ions. Any more than NiCd rules work with Lipos or NiMH. In fact, probably less? You need to learn new rules (for instance Constant Current to Constant Voltage until 10% or so of the CC value).

Yes, since it applies to all Li-ions it applies equally to high and low current applications. It has to do with the battery chemistry, not current levels.

All this talk about charging cycles and the Ascent got me thinking about a post I remembered reading by @Davinci_vaporizer - Luckily I was able to dig it up

"We run the vaporizers through a few charge cycles in the factory prior to shipping them out. It is part of our QC process to charge the units, make sure they heat properly then let them completely drain and repeat. This ensures that the batteries are set to give you the longest possible usage time out of your vape. The batteries are also always tested to make sure the volts match."

Yup, I remember that and it all fits in. Thanks for the reminder (and finding it). Their goal is clear, and IMO what we asked for, "set to give you the longest possible usage time out of your vape". Not battery life, time per charge. This means pushing the upper voltage (as TV did with Cera and it seems Arizer may be doing even further with Air). But that last 10% costs half the battery lifetime. Half. And if you never discharge down too far, why not make that 10% part of the charge you're not using anyway? That is run it from 90 to 40% rather than 100 to 50%.

Solid design, IMO, just what you'd expect a responsible maker to do. Kudos. A bit tough on batteries, but that was the trade off chosen.

BTW, I responded to them (go figure....), suggesting they lower the end voltage perhaps using a scheme like the 'gadget' I made for this problem on Solo which can completely isolate when it ends the charge. But they never got back (go figure again....), I guess the 'less run time per charge' part didn't please the suits.....

OF

 

[CarolKing]

I showed this some time ago. I have been using a o-ring that I wedge at the too of the opening of the unit by the mouthpiece. It help me with a tighter seal. I just use a toothpick or something similar made of plastic to poke it down. In the picture I haven't poked it down yet. after I place my glass flowers on top of my herb I cover lightly with cotton. Sometimes the glass flowers have gotten caught when opening the unit. The cotton helps that from happening

 

[Silvercloud538]

Ironically ,my *Gong became a little loose on stem soo just twisted to tighten ,but

in experiment mode ,after reversing Gong to as loose as possible ,increased air/

vapor ratio ~ anyway ,getting to the point ,havn't felt that faded in awhile ~

sweet discovery ~ works for me ,maybe others ??

Psst* the fix on your Wong is also sweet too

 

[Davinci_vaporizer]

No, 100% charge 'when not in use' is to be avoided. This alone, never discharging, will kill Li-ions in short order as the Battery University page explains.

On what do you base your recommendation? I've given my reason why I think this is a bad thing. What battery saving function are you looking for?

Of course the charge stops, but it does so at 100%. That's the issue. 100% charge is to be avoided as a matter of routine.

You're work with other chemistries is only marginally useful with Li-ions. Any more than NiCd rules work with Lipos or NiMH. In fact, probably less? You need to learn new rules (for instance Constant Current to Constant Voltage until 10% or so of the CC value).

Yes, since it applies to all Li-ions it applies equally to high and low current applications. It has to do with the battery chemistry, not current levels.


"We run the vaporizers through a few charge cycles in the factory prior to shipping them out. It is part of our QC process to charge the units, make sure they heat properly then let them completely drain and repeat. This ensures that the batteries are set to give you the longest possible usage time out of your vape. The batteries are also always tested to make sure the volts match."

Yup, I remember that and it all fits in. Thanks for the reminder (and finding it). Their goal is clear, and IMO what we asked for, "set to give you the longest possible usage time out of your vape". Not battery life, time per charge. This means pushing the upper voltage (as TV did with Cera and it seems Arizer may be doing even further with Air). But that last 10% costs half the battery lifetime. Half. And if you never discharge down too far, why not make that 10% part of the charge you're not using anyway? That is run it from 90 to 40% rather than 100 to 50%.

Solid design, IMO, just what you'd expect a responsible maker to do. Kudos. A bit tough on batteries, but that was the trade off chosen.

BTW, I responded to them (go figure....), suggesting they lower the end voltage perhaps using a scheme like the 'gadget' I made for this problem on Solo which can completely isolate when it ends the charge. But they never got back (go figure again....), I guess the 'less run time per charge' part didn't please the suits.....

OF

Yes I definitely remember this happening. We are still working on it, along with a lot of other exciting things here in China. Battery life is a huge factor in portable vaporization. One of our main priorities is to offer a device that will function like a desktop in your pocket, for a long time.

 

[Sativape]

No, 100% charge 'when not in use' is to be avoided. This alone, never discharging, will kill Li-ions in short order as the Battery University page explains.

On what do you base your recommendation? I've given my reason why I think this is a bad thing. What battery saving function are you looking for?

Of course the charge stops, but it does so at 100%. That's the issue. 100% charge is to be avoided as a matter of routine.

You're work with other chemistries is only marginally useful with Li-ions. Any more than NiCd rules work with Lipos or NiMH. In fact, probably less? You need to learn new rules (for instance Constant Current to Constant Voltage until 10% or so of the CC value).

Yes, since it applies to all Li-ions it applies equally to high and low current applications. It has to do with the battery chemistry, not current levels.


"We run the vaporizers through a few charge cycles in the factory prior to shipping them out. It is part of our QC process to charge the units, make sure they heat properly then let them completely drain and repeat. This ensures that the batteries are set to give you the longest possible usage time out of your vape. The batteries are also always tested to make sure the volts match."

Yup, I remember that and it all fits in. Thanks for the reminder (and finding it). Their goal is clear, and IMO what we asked for, "set to give you the longest possible usage time out of your vape". Not battery life, time per charge. This means pushing the upper voltage (as TV did with Cera and it seems Arizer may be doing even further with Air). But that last 10% costs half the battery lifetime. Half. And if you never discharge down too far, why not make that 10% part of the charge you're not using anyway? That is run it from 90 to 40% rather than 100 to 50%.

Solid design, IMO, just what you'd expect a responsible maker to do. Kudos. A bit tough on batteries, but that was the trade off chosen.

BTW, I responded to them (go figure....), suggesting they lower the end voltage perhaps using a scheme like the 'gadget' I made for this problem on Solo which can completely isolate when it ends the charge. But they never got back (go figure again....), I guess the 'less run time per charge' part didn't please the suits.....

OF

Typically, with electronics, manufacturers will use onboard charging control systems that are capable of monitoring the battery level.

I work with suppliers/vendors for micro, mini, standard and humongous size UPS's (uninterruptable power supplies). They are all equipped with battery level indicators that display optimal battery charge level vs actual.

@OF, you are referring to actual battery charge level.
I'm referring to display charge level shown.
The actual vs display are not the same.

Camera manufacturers, such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, use technology that will not charge the batteries beyond 80-85% of actual battery charge, although it will display a fully charged batteries.
This applies to both the onboard camera charger vs stand alone chargers aswell.

Blackberry and Sony Xeperia phones do the same.

Cellphone manufacturers use same suppliers therefore other manufacturers would be the same.

This is a preventative measure implemented by manufacturers to ensure longest life cycle possible out of a battery.

Also, power systems are capable of pulling power from batteries uniformly, versus from top "sectors".

It's like comparing HDD vs SSD's.

Technology has come a long way.

@Davinci_vaporizer
Can you please confirm if the Ascent shows full solid battery display, if it has stopped charging.
Also, does a fully charged battery level indicated actual battery charge or does the display reflect optimal max charge?

If so, great, if not, then you might want to consider using this technology which is readily available.

I am very pleased with your product by the way.

The more I use the Ascent, the more I am appreciating the function and design.

 

[OF]

@OF, you are referring to actual battery charge level.
I'm referring to display charge level shown.
The actual vs display are not the same.

Yes, as I've said a couple times, I'm measuring the actual charging current and therefore know the charge state in the last 10% or so very accurately. The real levels, not what displays, which can be 'soft' as you say. Cell phones, laptops, cameras and other stuff like that has to 'learn' what the setpoints (upper and lower) are. Which is why the instructions tell you to run it to lockout and until the charge terminates (so it will learn). Not so in Ascent?

My point is, no matter what that display says (or even if there is one as there isn't in Arizer Air) the charge controller keeps charging until the battery inside reaches 4.20 Volts typically. For the most part as a fixed current (under an Amp here) until it gets to about 90% charge, then the current starts to drop.

I've never opened up an Ascent, but this is how it works on Solo, Air, and VB2 which I have. I'm confident that's what's going on, since my modified 'gadget' detects the drop in current and ends the charge at about 90%. As confirmed by both run times and additional charge allowed without the gadget (the rig I test with integrates ('adds up second by second') the total charge current over time).

Again, I'm talking the basic rules for this class of 'batteries', drain/charge rates really don't change anything.

OF

 

[Sativape]

 

[Silvercloud538]

I showed this some time ago. I have been using a o-ring that I wedge at the too of the opening of the unit by the mouthpiece. It help me with a tighter seal. I just use a toothpick or something similar made of plastic to poke it down. In the picture I haven't poked it down yet. after I place my glass flowers on top of my herb I cover lightly with cotton. Sometimes the glass flowers have gotten caught when opening the unit. The cotton helps that from happening

Question : considering your tip on cotton ,but how does one avoid sticky adhesion to filter_stem ? ~ IDK ,maybe ISO takes care of it ??

 

[cornwalis]

I use eflud to and cottont to clean it. Pack it with coton 4 drops efluid. Vape for a bit pull cotton alont with gunk from bowl the i blow out the straw in the shot glass use in oil pen. Steam clean. And adds a peach flavor to my glass stem And vape

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

I just discovered that a MFLB turned on its side is the perfect height to use as a filling stand for the Ascent - Vape Synergy!

 

[CarolKing]

I find that very hot water, ISO, salt, toothpick and pipe cleaners for the glassware. That efluid sounds awesome. I have to look into that.

I have used the magic eraser on the oven.. Use at your own risk. @OF are you not a fan of the Magic Eraser? Do you think we are risking the glass oven? It did a good job of cleaning. I won't use it again if it might ruin my oven's glass finish.

It's hard to see if there's any damage and it still looks shiny.

 

[OF]

I have used the magic eraser on the oven.. Use at your own risk. @OF are you not a fan of the Magic Eraser? Do you think we are risking the glass oven?

I don't know, I've never tried it. I've got some on order (I think....) and will test it in due time.

While on one hand cleaning the shower is a suggested use, there are also reports/advice/warnings about scratching glass cooktops. My assumption is it's much easier to see there than in the bowl.

It's basically soft glass glaze in Ascent I think. Glasses have a wide range of hardnesses, IIRC tempered 'safety' glass like shower doors is hard and under a lot of strain (which is why it breaks into small pieces rather than shards) so broad based answers might not be possible. But a 'spot test' on the Ascent glaze should be useful?

For now I'm able to keep mine clean enough for my use with mechanical methods while hot.

I don't think scratching the oven surface is fatal, but roughening it would give a 'foothold' for deposits and cosmetics is very important to some of us. Best avoided I think.

OF

 

[Silvercloud538]

FWIW ,comparing Ascent herb/ oil blend vs Ascent bud only + oil pen on the side

( equivalent to "Haze" in effect ) ~

besides being better medicated ,less ($) daily oil ,taste appreciation of flower w/o

BHO after taste ,soo ,no reason to go back now ,unless for a temporary mobile

experience ~ Ascent seems to move forward at will

 

[Sativape]

FWIW ,comparing Ascent herb/ oil blend vs Ascent bud only + oil pen on the side

( equivalent to "Haze" in effect ) ~

besides being better medicated ,less ($) daily oil ,taste appreciation of flower w/o

BHO after taste ,soo ,no reason to go back now ,unless for a temporary mobile

experience ~ Ascent seems to move forward at will

@silvercloud358, can you get your hands on some unpressed bubble?

I keep it loose and dry and mix it with some fine ground bud.

I have played around with different ratios to find balance between taste and vapor production.

I would say in terms of volume (I will weight it out too) 90% bud : 10% bubble works amazing.

If you were to add more bubble, then the bubble will outlast the bud and the taste will be compromised.

I found the best method is just sprinkling the bubble onto the finely ground bud and mixing it slightly not pressing it together.

This is maximize the surface area of the bubble to allow for even air flow.

 

[CarolKing]

I really like using shatter that is real thick (not sticky) you can put it in the freezer. Have a ball of the shatter and roll it in the herbals. Then have some herb under and over the ball. You can flatten it out instead of a ball. It's person preference. That's my herb sandwich. I generally use about 5 glass flowers and a small layer of cotton on top.

This is just my way. You may have luck doing it differently. We are always trying to improve on technique around here. Any more tips using waxes or shatter in the Ascent. Just using cotton is another way. Wrap the wax in a piece of cotton. I don't like it that way personally. I think waxes and shatter can be harsh, sometimes they makes me cough.

The Ascent works well with shatter or waxes in the middle of the cannabis. Folks haven't had much luck with the oil jars.

 

[Silvercloud538]

@Sativape ,thanks for top tip ,monday is 10% concentrate day ; will def look for

the "bubble" ~ @ CarolKing ,due to prompting ,will continue BHO infusion in

alternate Ascent ,while using the "bubble crumble" in other one alternating

charging ,trying to keep repair trips @ minimum on top of variety ~

Thankfully for FC ,allows us to help figure out this piece of art to its max

*potential

Psst*... .. getting closer w/ fill **ratio > 0.2 g bud > 2 gf's > 0.2 g shatter > 0.2 g
bud > 2 gf's @ pinners ~

Psst**... .tromboning Gong/ Wong significantly cools @ it 'ratio'nalizes ,BUT '"bud solo"' is

like water going thru a sieve

 

[Davinci_vaporizer]

Typically, with electronics, manufacturers will use onboard charging control systems that are capable of monitoring the battery level.

I work with suppliers/vendors for micro, mini, standard and humongous size UPS's (uninterruptable power supplies). They are all equipped with battery level indicators that display optimal battery charge level vs actual.

@OF, you are referring to actual battery charge level.
I'm referring to display charge level shown.
The actual vs display are not the same.

Camera manufacturers, such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, use technology that will not charge the batteries beyond 80-85% of actual battery charge, although it will display a fully charged batteries.
This applies to both the onboard camera charger vs stand alone chargers aswell.

Blackberry and Sony Xeperia phones do the same.

Cellphone manufacturers use same suppliers therefore other manufacturers would be the same.

This is a preventative measure implemented by manufacturers to ensure longest life cycle possible out of a battery.

Also, power systems are capable of pulling power from batteries uniformly, versus from top "sectors".

It's like comparing HDD vs SSD's.

Technology has come a long way.

@Davinci_vaporizer
Can you please confirm if the Ascent shows full solid battery display, if it has stopped charging.
Also, does a fully charged battery level indicated actual battery charge or does the display reflect optimal max charge?

If so, great, if not, then you might want to consider using this technology which is readily available.

I am very pleased with your product by the way.

The more I use the Ascent, the more I am appreciating the function and design.

The Ascent is designed to display a full battery when it has stopped charging. It charges to batteries to max capacity of 4.2V. We are looking into a way to charge more efficiently, similarly to the way @OF's little charging gizmo works. Technology has definitely come a long way for these batteries, especially with the vaping craze going on with mechanical mods and the wide use of 18650 batteries now. Just in the past few years battery technology has progressed a lot for vaporizers and we plan on taking full advantage of that.

 

[vapen00b]

Hi guys,


yesterday I got some glass beads and started a tiny session with em on top of the herbs.
Taste got pretty strange after a short while and felt very dry .. Making my mouth feel dusty.
I stopped and thought it coz of I didn't clean the beads with ISO first. Wanted to do that with the whole device anyway so I isoed the beads, stems and the bowl with a qtip, did qtip the seals as well very carefully. Didn't really wait for everything to dry since I thought I'd just burn it off unpacked... Which I did then for quite a while. Smell was not too good either.. Not like alcohol but not "clean" or neutral.. After 30 mins I stopped and turned off. Did some dry hits when cold.. Tasted bad. Few hours later I tried it again with dried isoed beads in it on a minimal load.
In the beginning below 170C I could taste the fresh herb, but the longer the thing went the worse the taste got... Really bad.. Like soap and plastic in a way, bad melange.. Horrible. Even the tip of the tongue felt a bit numb after a longer hit at higher temp (up to 210C)...
Refilled and put out the beads and returned the ceramics I used before (the worked ok before, neutral taste) - but ended up with the same really bad result..Taste and smell soapy plastic whatever.. In no way natural.

Turned that thing off. Now I wonder what's up... If it's the device itself - used it for like the 6 time only, really new, did burn offs the first time, but the plastic taste now is even bigger than before. I removed the stems and tried to close the Lower hole with a finger then try to draw, see if it's tight. I could pull air in... Through the device somewhere... Plastic siliconish. Is that normal?

how do you guys clean the inner part of the ascent - when stems are removed. Also with ISO?
Wonder if I could have fucked anything up by putting the only almost dried isoed stems back in.. They were surely still a lil covered with ISO and got in contact with the silicone tube in the inside...


Does your oven surface look glass shiny? Saw quite a lot of pics that show the glass finish really good. Mine looks more dull..and not quite shiny coverage. Gotta get good light and check on that again...
Can't stop to have the feeling my device is not ok... plastic taste never got away and now climax. Really am concerned about my health, can't use it like that... Feel sad about it.

Thank you guys for your advices and opinions. Have a great week end

 

[OF]

yesterday I got some glass beads and started a tiny session with em on top of the herbs.
Taste got pretty strange after a short while and felt very dry ..

In the beginning below 170C I could taste the fresh herb, but the longer the thing went the worse the taste got... Really bad.. Like soap and plastic in a way, bad melange.. Horrible. Even the tip of the tongue felt a bit numb after a longer hit at higher temp (up to 210C)...
Refilled and put out the beads and returned the ceramics I used before (the worked ok before, neutral taste) - but ended up with the same really bad result..Taste and smell soapy plastic whatever.. In no way natural.

Bummer. As the old troubleshooting joke goes, 'what was the last thing you did before the lights went out?'.

Seems like the beads? Please tell us about them. I'm thinking something evaporated off them and is still there to some level and 'comes out' when hot?

Anyway, what's the story with the beads? Where do they come from? What is their intended use?

TIA

OF