Davinci by Karma

[hitnrun]

I just dropped it on the bottom corner. I have a two story house so it was no problem finding a 15 foot drop onto the concrete, but after two misses, I put a paper tail on it to fall the way I wanted......

OK, I actually pried the 5 rubber plugs out of the back side and took the Phillips screws under them out. Turns out you don't need to take the one on the hinged top piece out. If you look closely at the photo you can see the screw bosses in the lower corner and under the oven on the left? The fourth is in the shadows upper right.

Open it carefully and watch lead dress putting it back together, it's cramped in there. The hinge is tricky, and a good way to screw it up. Not really much to see, IMO, and it will blow the warranty. Your call.

Good luck.

OF

Thanks, OF. I'm a tinkerer by nature, and a baseball player at heart (3 strikes, you're out). My third new unit arrived, and it's a "mystery smoker" like the others it replaced, so since the designers can't get it right (by me anyway) I'm gonna give it a whirl.

Worst case, I won't be able to get it back together and therefore will avoid the temptation to vape from it as is. Hopefully, I can figure out -- and remove or negate -- the source of the mysterious vapors.

Thanks again, for the good luck wishes.

 

[sektr]

Thanks, OF. I'm a tinkerer by nature, and a baseball player at heart (3 strikes, you're out). My third new unit arrived, and it's a "mystery smoker" like the others it replaced, so since the designers can't get it right (by me anyway) I'm gonna give it a whirl.

Worst case, I won't be able to get it back together and therefore will avoid the temptation to vape from it as is. Hopefully, I can figure out -- and remove or negate -- the source of the mysterious vapors.

Thanks again, for the good luck wishes.

I don't get why people are SO concerned by this mystery vapor that they're refusing to use this vape.

IT DIMINISHES ALMOST ENTIRELY OVER TIME.

Anything that gets better, not worse/stays the same, is likely some sort of chemical that was left over on the unit from production, or it is something settling in for the long run (as OF said I am quite sure now that the fumes are just the rubber ring curing from the heat and it will stop completely eventually).

If it were melting plastic or something along those lines, you'd see the same effect consistently at the same temperature but my unit went from heavy offgassing to being almost impossible to see until 420, impossible below 395.

EDIT: My warranty appeal for the straw was replied to very quickly and there's one being shipped to me today or tomorrow. Very pleased with their quick and polite customer service.

They initially thought I would be returning my unit for replacement as I had mentioned the mystery vapor in passing, but after that got straightened out it'll be on it's way today

 

[hitnrun]

I don't get why people are SO concerned by this mystery vapor that they're refusing to use this vape.

sektr...

Don't mind me, and my moods. Since OF was (comically) willing to drop his off the roof, I just wanted to imply that I wasn't worried about the warranty. The build quality is impressive enough, but a tinkerer must tinker. I've got some "proven" high-heat silicone material, and in order to put it to the test I'll need to open the DV... so I inquired as to how best to do that, rather than risk trial-n-error.

On a much saner note, I've noticed (somewhat) what you're saying: while the vapor does diminish (e.g., not visible at default temps) it remains quite visible on maximum. If I can get it to disappear above 420 F, I'll sleep better when I share it with friends.

 

[sektr]

sektr...

Don't mind me, and my moods. Since OF was (comically) willing to drop his off the roof, I just wanted to imply that I wasn't worried about the warranty. The build quality is impressive enough, but a tinkerer must tinker. I've got some "proven" high-heat silicone material, and in order to put it to the test I'll need to open the DV... so I inquired as to how best to do that, rather than risk trial-n-error.

On a much saner note, I've noticed (somewhat) what you're saying: while the vapor does diminish (e.g., not visible at default temps) it remains quite visible on maximum. If I can get it to disappear above 420 F, I'll sleep better when I share it with friends.

I apologize if any offense was done with my comment, it wasn't directed at you specifically so much as those who aren't willing to even believe it's not a harmful offgassing. The chances of the mystery vapor being harmful in the long run are slim to none scientifically. Do we really think a relatively well established company would cheap out on parts and run the risk of a lawsuit just to make a few extra bucks? I mean c'mon now!!!

Speaking of friends, I'm pleased to say that the vape has grown on all of my friends that have tried it except for two. The "gross taste" comments have now turned into "damn, this thing is smooth as hell for a vape I really like this, kind of a weird taste but it's not bad anymore definitely tolerable". And they REALLY dig how high it gets them

 

[pecosthecat]

I'm still enjoying my daVinci. While the taste is not as good as the solo and the thermovape, it is still ok for me. The taste reminds me of the Iolite.

 

[suhbliem]

well it's been 1 week since I sent back my unit for a replacement, haven't heard anything back from them yet and Jessica will not return my emails...

 

[PortVape]

well it's been 1 week since I sent back my unit for a replacement, haven't heard anything back from them yet and Jessica will not return my emails...

Call them, I'm sure they'll pick up.

 

[Taz]

I ordered one today. Jessica did answer the phone as well. Will check mine before use and update.
Jessica did mention that they were out of the black units and it would be approximately 2 weeks before they were in. I went with the grey.

I appreciate all the information in this thread-It took a while but I did read they whole thing.

Thanks all~

 

[stickstones]

The chances of the mystery vapor being harmful in the long run are slim to none scientifically. Do we really think a relatively well established company would cheap out on parts and run the risk of a lawsuit just to make a few extra bucks?

I don't understand your allegiance. You have no proof that the possible harmful effects are slim to none, either scientifically or anecdotally. And I don't know that this company could be classified as relatively well established, but I'll give you that one since I don't know. I will say that the threat of a lawsuit in the US with a product designed to consume marijuana is probably very small. So, I'm not putting a whole lotta weight on your statements when considering this vape. All I would need to know to reconsider this model is why some units are offgassing. The company's presence here has really dropped since this became a problem, and their silence on the issue is concerning to me. I'm not asking for much, imo, but the only loss to the company at this point is a few bucks from me.

 

[sektr]

I don't understand your allegiance. You have no proof that the possible harmful effects are slim to none, either scientifically or anecdotally. And I don't know that this company could be classified as relatively well established, but I'll give you that one since I don't know. I will say that the threat of a lawsuit in the US with a product designed to consume marijuana is probably very small. So, I'm not putting a whole lotta weight on your statements when considering this vape. All I would need to know to reconsider this model is why some units are offgassing. The company's presence here has really dropped since this became a problem, and their silence on the issue is concerning to me. I'm not asking for much, imo, but the only loss to the company at this point is a few bucks from me.

I do agree that it's shady the company has not commented at all on this issue, especially considering I have PMed the rep with no response, despite them having regularly visited the site lately (without making any posts mind you).

 

[OF]

Hopefully, I can figure out -- and remove or negate -- the source of the mysterious vapors.

Thanks again, for the good luck wishes.

Sounds like fun to me. I'm pretty sure it's coming from the gasket at the top. It's a molded rubber bit that covers the heat chamber, both the inner bowl and the outer housing looks like to me. I suspect it's just pressed onto the top of the assembly, kind of a snap on cap, after the heater is put in and secured with the screw at the bottom. You can probably take it off and bake it separately to 450F or so and knock it way down.

You're welcome, wishes wise, looks like it's time to repeat them? I could be off in what's going on, but remember I mentioned not seeing the vapor when it was on it's side? I figure unless you do that there's no natural convection along the walls of the bowl from below, and unless that action (small as it is) is uniform for a while the gasket at the mouth never gets heated?

Please let us know what happens?

OF

 

[hitnrun]

I will start by saying patience does appear to pay off. That, and a temporarily depleted stash which removes temptations. I did several things, one of which I will not share (because it voids your warranty and is likely unnecessary). However, the others can be done by anyone -- preferably by the manufacturer.

IMHO, the folks at Karma need to make a change to their pre-assembly process, and (as noted earlier by sektr and OF) include a heat curing of the gasket used on the heating element, prior to installing in the unit. (The coating on the outer housing would love the same attention, too.)

Lacking that, running a new-outta-the-box unit with an empty chamber through at least 30 (preferably 40+) 10-minute cycles at maximum temperature (430 F), my test unit is no longer producing any visible vapor below 410 F. Since I don't plan on running mine above 390 F ever, I think I've got a reasonable temperature cushion as of now. Couple that with no smelly tennis shoe odors, and I'm anxiously awaiting "my friend" to show up, so that I can run something stronger than chocolate mint through the DV... which is excellent in a modified oil can. (Thanks, JRT)

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

[suhbliem]

Okay, got back my 5th DV from warranty support, happy to report that there are no offgassing issues during burn in when brand new. Glad they finally fixed whatever the issue was.

 

[MCfunkyJ]

mod note: Thanks for telling us how to do our job here at FC, but since we've already uncovered some competition on this thread pretending to be 'just plain members', I'm pretty sure DaVinci knows that we can spot obvious frauds. Now that you've expressed your opinion on this product and company, you can move on to something that meets all your qualifications.

Thanks for bringing it to our attention that you guys are actually moderating but don't get communist w/ me. I can express my opinions, ask questions and discuss topics just like anybody else.

Statements like the one above, even in the midst of some otherwise questionable stuff, catch my attention. They speak to a sincere guy with serious issues. Then I noticed the fellow's sig:

Papers: aLedinha, Bambu Hemp

Blunts: Backwoods, Dutch Masters

So, here we have a health nut that not only blazes, but smokes tobacco lecturing me on being careful about what I might be vaping in?

I'm sorry, but that amuses me.

I'm thinking now that what I at first took to be all too typical rude and confrontational prose really fits into a pattern. I just can't bring myself to take him seriously (something I assume he didn't intend), it's surely not the way this fellow would wish to be treated. I don't think he's looking for answers or trying to help others as much as just making trouble I guess. Too bad.

Wrong on so many fronts! I was actually on the verge of buying this pos and thanks to the misfortunes of others I opted not to to.

Your the one starting trouble by trying to analyze me. Save the yapping for your shrink n get off my nuts! Although you be getting scientific w/ your lingo I seen you smoke mexican midgrade so I can't really take anything you say serious. Happy Mystery Vaping!!

I find it funny when people talk about caring about what they put in their body and being smokers. It is like poeple that go vegan for health reasons and lecture me on the benefits of being vegan while chain smoking American Spirits in my face.

I don't smoke American Spirits but I do blaze some of the rarest Kush's on the planet and I also smoke cigars and hunt! I find you funny and thanks for the laugh!

mod note- responding to mod notes is not allowed, nor is being disrespectful to other members.

 

[Taz]

I received mine and have not noticed any vapors. Manufacturer did state they do a burn in before shipping now. I did not notice any vapors but I did a test to 430 10 different times to make sure while turning it on all sides etc. I also did clean mine after convinced no vapors with alcohol. Only noticeable smell for next 10 burn-ins was after cleaning and it was a hot metal smell with no vapors.

Will update later as I am going to test it out in other ways now.

 

[zomger]

Why, why, why! Why me!!!
My Da Vinci seems to be broken... I don't even know what happened, either! Never dropped it or spilt anything on it. I've been super careful with this thing, even after reading and feeling for myself how sturdy the thing is. But, alas, my temperature gauge has failed. When I power it up it reads 500+ F in idle mode. So, when I activate it the light instantly goes from blank to green and it never starts the heating process. I don't think I have a warranty for this thing either, I got it on Amazon. Had no idea I was voiding the warranty at all by buying it from Amazon.
...Combustion here I come till I can afford another... Unless someone knows a fix, not exactly worried about breaking it more since it's useless..
Only thing I can say MAY have caused it, and this could just be coincidence, not necessarily causation. However, the last time I successfully used it, my battery was quite low as I was out of town and forgot my charger. After a 10 minute session the battery was reading completely empty. It powered off automatically and I turned it back on instantly after, only for like 10 seconds (really wanted that extra hit!!) I'd advise against doing this on a low battery. Not that this will happen to yours if you do, but it can't be good for the battery either way.

 

[sektr]

Received my replacement flexi straw in the mail today it came VERY quickly, unfortunately they sent me the snorkel which I didn't want at all but oh well... I guess I'll just use that for vape bonging and use the standard, de-glued flexi straw for portable use.

My somewhat severe OCD wants me to ask for another one even though the one I have doesn't pull off that easily, but I can't bring myself to do it...

On the bright side, vape bonging is awesome with this thing I've been loving it, the unit no longer has any negative taste and the smell is only a minor annoyance. Glad everything worked out.

 

[sektr]

Ok, so this thread kind of died off I wanted to give it a bump while bringing up some concerns.

I haven't been using my DV much lately, but when I have, I've been noticing two things:

1. The high I get from it is very thick headed (cloudy thoughts, feels like there's almost a pulsating in my head, not really a pleasant experience). I notice the cloudy thoughts when using my MFLB, but the DV gives me uncomfortable sensations in my head.

2. It actually makes my lungs WORSE than smoking it seems. I'm an asthmatic, smoking regularly can cause my asthma to act up more frequently, but I hit my DV last night and woke up halfway through the night to one of my worst asthma attacks in years, my chest still feels congested this morning. I've had restricted feeling breathing several times after using this thing.

These things together make me newly concerned about offgassing, especially after I ran 20+ dry runs at 430F only to find it still had some noticeable vapor coming out at 395.

I'm honestly considering selling this thing to a friend now, doesn't seem right for me anymore

 

[Dreamerr]

Wow so sorry to hear that sektr. I still love mine but after a good cleaning the other day there was a huge mechanical smell. I don't know if I messed up with the iso but ran burns many times, let it dry for days and am back to using it. The air path is soooooooooo clear now lol. I do clean it but never this good. Black stuff came out of it which left me wondering is my resin that dark hmmmmmmmm.

I don't take big hits with anything since coughing will not be good for my body since I am a paraplegic. It would hurt my back greatly. I am wondering if you took real small slow hits with barely any vapor if that would solve your issue. Since you have tried so many times maybe give it one more shot but of course not in the next few days.

I am in the mind thought that huge clouds are a bad thing for me. I need my meds and no more then that. Also to me clouds and smell are not stealthy. Without the clouds you don't have smell according to people that are with me.

Good luck and if this vape doesn't work out, I hope you can find one that does. With so many on the market I still have not found what i really need so it is really a hard process.

Feel better and I hope you don't have another attack. I have seen them and they are down right scary.

 

[kushcabbage]

I'm honestly considering selling this thing to a friend now, doesn't seem right for me anymore

your poor friend

 

[OF]

your poor friend

Wow, that's a little cold, don't you think?

I suggest we give a guy a little credit for not abusing his friends.....just because his opinion of this vape doesn't agree with yours doesn't make him evil.

OF

 

[kushcabbage]

Wow, that's a little cold, don't you think?

I suggest we give a guy a little credit for not abusing his friends.....just because his opinion of this vape doesn't agree with yours doesn't make him evil.

OF

A little cold? You should have seen the post before I edited to make it nicer. Not at all, If I was his friend I would be disappointed to receive a unit that was giving the original user a lot of problems. he wrote "These things together make me newly concerned about offgassing, especially after I ran 20+ dry runs at 430F only to find it still had some noticeable vapor coming out at 395." I personally have no problem with the da vinci unit. My replacement from karma works like a charm. The only opinion I was trying to get across was that his friend would likely not be very appreciative of a device that gives the first user headaches and such.

 

[t-dub]

A little cold? You should have seen the post before I edited to make it nicer. Not at all, If I was his friend I would be disappointed to receive a unit that was giving the original user a lot of problems.

To be fair, how do you know he isn't going to disclose the nature of the device before the sale? He never said how he would represent the device to a prospective buyer/friend, at least as far as I could tell.

 

[kushcabbage]

to be more fair, do you know? "Oh hey want to buy this vape? BTW it gives you vapor before you even load it up!"

To be fair, how do you know he isn't going to disclose the nature of the device before the sale? He never said how he would represent the device to a prospective buyer/friend, at least as far as I could tell.

karma police

 

[t-dub]

to be more fair, do you know? "Oh hey want to buy this vape? BTW it gives you vapor before you even load it up!"

karma police

Its not my job, or yours, to know or even care unless you are thinking about making the purchase. I'm sorry but you are creating a problem where none exists since the OP NEVER said they were going to misrepresent the device. You are ASSuming.