Fluxer Heaters, induction heaters for Dynavap

[pxl_jockey]

I’d love one of those too-big stickers (or two)! I’m so excited for these to hit everybody’s mailboxes so we can hear what others think about this bad-ass heater. I still get a thrill using it, it’s certainly brought my vapcaps back into the rotation. It’s so cool to take with me wherever I’m puttering about.

There’s a convenience with the Deluxe that allows a vapcap to fit into my groove when doing other things, I can hit and run. Whereas with a torch it’s more of a “stop what you’re doing and pay attention to the flame and spin”. Also pray that the butane in your torch holds out because we all know that’s a showstopper! So this little accessory is increasing the (personal) value of my original investment.

Now I’m sure that much of what I say is probably true about any IH but when I pop the top to turn off/on and look at the guts, it doesn’t look like the guts of any other IH out there. I hope others agree and are better able to technically describe the quality of the build. Even to this idiot, it simply feels “premium”.

If a person has owned/used other IHs and already knows they like the tech, imo they should probably treat themselves to a Flux Deluxe whenever they can. It’s truly an evolutionary leap forward, just my opinion.

If a person hasn’t yet made the plunge (maybe waiting on DV and saving or just trying to decide which IH), I humbly recommend the Deluxe as being custom built for its intended job, its components selected for superior performance; it’s been completely designed, manufactured, and refined to heat vapcaps.

Basically if you are in the Dynaverse, if you’re invested in the VC ecosystem, you deserve a Flux Deluxe.

EDIT: words...

 

[Hogni]

I like the attached power meter! At least a cheap one like this, implemented in the outside of the Flux would bother the slick appeal of the FH. But would be nice to have the controls inside in a later version just for taking a look at the state of power in between after a short lifting of the lid.

 

[Gray Area]

I was thinking to myself, only a day or two ago, how I'd check how much power is still in the batteries (had visions of having to pop them out and into my nitecore to find out). Now I know

Mine is on it's way

 

[Moses Baca]

I like the battery meter, too. Easy enough to use when needed.

And thanks for the updates! It's great to hear that things are moving along. I'm looking forward to more reviews while I wait for my turn.

 

[kaisersosay415]

How do I get on a list to buy one of these ?

 

[Moses Baca]

Either send a PM to @mr_cfromcali through this forum or email him through his website. There's a link in his signature.

 

[caseball2051]

I like the battery meter as well.

 

[oneizm]

I’m gonna keep this brief because I’m enjoying myself too much. My heater is here. It’s everything I needed it to be. I own others and loved some while hating other. This is the best. My only gripe was the lack of a battery meter and now our favorite genius has fixed that. If you’re waiting on first impressions, I’d say this thing makes a great one.

 

[Ramahs]

Question, @mr_cfromcali - Since the Flux Deluxe is made to order, could I order one without the bright-ass conspicuous light? I mean no hole drilled, no light included at all.

I figure I can tell if the unit is on by looking at the switch, so the light seems unnecessary for me. Plus, it's a very unwanted attention grabber when I'm walking at night and trying to be inconspicuous in a very unfriendly State in the south.

Oh yeah...I like the plug-in external battery meter as well. I'd happily pay an extra few bucks to have it included as an accessory.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Question, @mr_cfromcali - Since the Flux Deluxe is made to order, could I order one without the bright-ass conspicuous light? I mean no hole drilled, no light included at all.

I figure I can tell if the unit is on by looking at the switch, so the light seems unnecessary for me. Plus, it's a very unwanted attention grabber when I'm walking at night and trying to be inconspicuous in a very unfriendly State in the south.

Oh yeah...I like the plug-in external battery meter as well. I'd happily pay an extra few bucks to have it included as an accessory.

Of course! Stealth is a very worthy goal, and the LED is for informational purposes only.

This is easy with a black case, as I’ll always have that, but if you want this with a different color, let me know ASAP, as I mark and drill cases in batches, and this will need to be a one-off.

No problem on the plug in power meters. I’ll post more about those soon.

Cheers

 

[Hogni]

I had a similar thought regarding stealth but mean an internal small light switch to switch-off the led if necessary would be a nicer solution. Generally a led is a useful indicator.

 

[AtomicPB]

@mr_cfromcali great update and an AWESOME idea with the battery indicator. Thank you for considering those and offering them among us here.

As everyone said before it is such a nice uncomplicated way to just check-in from time to time or just if one is not sure how much juice is left in the batteries.

And @pxl_jockey really does not make the waiting time any easier, hehe. Hope I can join to praise the FluxDeluxe very soon.

 

[Jill NYC]

So I got my Red Flux Deluxe yesterday which is also my first IH and my first impression is...
WHAT THE HELL TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET AN IH?!? I may never use a torch again!!!!!!!!!

Again, this is just after one night of use so take this with a grain of salt....
I love this thing!
Flip the tiny (so tiny!) switch, put VC in hole and wait for click. Voila! A beautifully timed VC hit!
I put my finger on the carb before placing it in IH, so when the click happens, it can go straight into my mouth. No more searching for the carb hole and wasting precious inhale time.

The unit is simple, small and sleek. I am still waiting on new batteries (here tomorrow) and I will definitely give more long term conclusions down the road, but here are a few things I can report back using old batteries:

With the Ti tip, it took about 8-10 seconds to get to the click from cold. About 5-7 seconds after going back for seconds on a warm tip.

I left the Flux on overnight just to see if it would wear down batteries, and it doesn’t look like it drained much, if any. (Again, once I’ve had time with it, I will report back with more accurate info).

The unit feels good in hand, doesn’t feel cheap or fragile. I like the carrying case and rubber band. Probably won’t need the rubber band unless I am traveling with it and want the extra security.

The one caution I have is removing the batteries. I removed one of them one-handed and I could feel the battery tray lifting up a bit. I don’t think this is going to be a major issue, but something I will be cautious about.

I would definitely be up for one of those battery gauges - @mr_cfromcali I will reach out to you about getting one for sure.

Bottom line: so far I am very happy and very impressed!!!
Here are a few pics for scale and beauty: (first time using post images - click on image to get bigger pic)

 

[mr_cfromcali]

So I got my Red Flux Deluxe yesterday which is also my first IH and my first impression is...
WHAT THE HELL TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET AN IH?!? I may never use a torch again!!!!!!!!!

Again, this is just after one night of use so take this with a grain of salt....
I love this thing!
Flip the tiny (so tiny!) switch, put VC in hole and wait for click. Voila! A beautifully timed VC hit!
I put my finger on the carb before placing it in IH, so when the click happens, it can go straight into my mouth. No more searching for the carb hole and wasting precious inhale time.

The unit is simple, small and sleek. I am still waiting on new batteries (here tomorrow) and I will definitely give more long term conclusions down the road, but here are a few things I can report back using old batteries:

With the Ti tip, it took about 8-10 seconds to get to the click from cold. About 5-7 seconds after going back for seconds on a warm tip.

I left the Flux on overnight just to see if it would wear down batteries, and it doesn’t look like it drained much, if any. (Again, once I’ve had time with it, I will report back with more accurate info).

The unit feels good in hand, doesn’t feel cheap or fragile. I like the carrying case and rubber band. Probably won’t need the rubber band unless I am traveling with it and want the extra security.

The one caution I have is removing the batteries. I removed one of them one-handed and I could feel the battery tray lifting up a bit. I don’t think this is going to be a major issue, but something I will be cautious about.

I would definitely be up for one of those battery gauges - @mr_cfromcali I will reach out to you about getting one for sure.

Bottom line: so far I am very happy and very impressed!!!
Here are a few pics for scale and beauty: (first time using post images - click on image to get bigger pic)

Wow! I'm so glad it got there safely and is working well for you! Sounds like you are off to a good start with it! Thanks for that great and detailed write up, too!





It's OK if the battery tray moves, as it isn't permanently attached - it's pinned in place by the pressure of the tan colored heat barrier. The tray is meant to be removable, to allow access the components underneath. Just press the tray back down if it lifts up a bit. It should stay put in most situations, but no harm will come if it lifts up, though care should be taken to make sure the red and black wires along the right side aren't pinched.

I'm still working on the user manual, and I'll add some info on this.

=-=-=-=-=-=

I'll have some more info on the battery monitors in an upcoming post.

 

[Moses Baca]

Congrats, @Jill NYC, love the red! The photos are helpful, too!

 

[kushkush]

I’d love one of those too-big stickers (or two)! I’m so excited for these to hit everybody’s mailboxes so we can hear what others think about this bad-ass heater. I still get a thrill using it, it’s certainly brought my vapcaps back into the rotation. It’s so cool to take with me wherever I’m puttering about.

There’s a convenience with the Deluxe that allows a vapcap to fit into my groove when doing other things, I can hit and run. Whereas with a torch it’s more of a “stop what you’re doing and pay attention to the flame and spin”. Also pray that the butane in your torch holds out because we all know that’s a showstopper! So this little accessory is increasing the (personal) value of my original investment.

Now I’m sure that much of what I say is probably true about any IH but when I pop the top to turn off/on and look at the guts, it doesn’t look like the guts of any other IH out there. I hope others agree and are better able to technically describe the quality of the build. Even to this idiot, it simply feels “premium”.

If a person has owned/used other IHs and already knows they like the tech, imo they should probably treat themselves to a Flux Deluxe whenever they can. It’s truly an evolutionary leap forward, just my opinion.

If a person hasn’t yet made the plunge (maybe waiting on DV and saving or just trying to decide which IH), I humbly recommend the Deluxe as being custom built for its intended job, its components selected for superior performance; it’s been completely designed, manufactured, and refined to heat vapcaps.

Basically if you are in the Dynaverse, if you’re invested in the VC ecosystem, you deserve a Flux Deluxe.

EDIT: words...

Can you tell us how long the FD Heater lasts with one 3-battery charge? Thanks in advance.

 

[analytika]

The perfect is indeed the enemy of the good.

Perfection is also kind of hostile to the risk of grievous bodily harm from venting and explosions of shorted lithium ion batteries.

Take your time please and get it right.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

The perfect is indeed the enemy of the good.

Perfection is also kind of hostile to the risk of grievous bodily harm from venting and explosions of shorted lithium ion batteries.

Take your time please and get it right.

Thanks, I'm certainly trying to.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Your post-New Years Fluxer update

Happy 2019, all! Hoping it's a better year than 2018.

Several updates packed into this post.

I got a lot done over the long weekend, and the first batch of Deluxes is now complete (less two still on the work bench).

I'm now sitting on a stash of 12 completed Deluxes (one not shown):

Some of these belong to some of you! If I've invoiced you, and you've paid, I will ship your Deluxe this afternoon.

The sharp eyed among you may notice that one of these Deluxes is Gun Metal, which I now have in stock:

Please let me know if you want Gun Metal and did not make it your first choice! I have 13 left from the current shipment, and can order more if necessary.

I received a total of 50 enclosures over the weekend, and have 50 battery sleds on their way, so I am going to be well supplied. Careful what you ask for, right? We'll see how this goes.

Based on the first batch, I think my throughput is going to be 20-40 heaters per month. I feel like I'm getting better at building them - I am seeing better results, and getting them more efficiently, which is great - but they are very hand made things, and as I've said previously, they just take time to make. I like building them. I like the process, and I like the results, so please be patient while I work my way through the list. Those of you who have received them so far them have had positive experiences (...again, 'so far' - I know it won't last...), so from my perspective, things seem to have gotten off to a very good start.

Some stats: Heaters from this first batch of 20 Flux Deluxes are going to new owners in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. Nice!

Flux Deluxe Waiting List: The waiting list is currently about 50 names deep. So far, the conversion rate from "waiting list member" to "Flux Deluxe owner" is around 70%. I still have seven or eight heaters from this first batch that need to find their new owners, with all of the major colors available, so don;' despair - I may yet contact you with a "first batch" Deluxe. (info added)

Power Meters:

It seems like the little plug-in power meters I came up with are a hit - cool! Thanks for the nice comments, I'm glad you like them.

I've decided that everyone* who receives a heater as part of this first batch will also get a power meter for free, as a thank you for being an early adopter of the Flux Deluxe - thanks! If you received your heater before I came up with these, I will followup with you to get one to you, along with the other items that came later, like the rubber security band and the stickers. Please contact me if I don't reach out to you in a timely manner.

Going forward, I will offer these for an extra $5 each with the purchase of a Flux Deluxe. They'll ship for free with the Deluxe. If you need one shipped separately, they will be $10/shipped, as they require parcel service due to their thickness.

*Unless your heater is being sent to a country with strictly enforced import regulations, like Germany, where additional components like this may present added risk of a failed mail inspection. There are three or four people in this situation, and we'll figure these out one by one.

Mother Fluxers: I was surprised by an up-tick in Mother Fluxer inquiries this week, and reminded that I need to give this heater some more attention. I need to port the improvements made during the Deluxe's testing to the MF (chiefly the Deluxe's debounce circuit, but a few other improvements, too). I would also like to convert it from its current through-hole components to the SMD components used in the Deluxe, as that will save room and also make it easier for me to keep track of parts, as they'll have many in common. Basically, this heater needs some more time on the drawing board before I build out a batch for testing. Thanks for your patience, MF fans - I will try to get to this in January, as I do want to bring this one into production as well.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I hope the people that got their Deluxes already are having a good time with them Feel free to share your experiences as you get yours.

Going to wrap this up for now, as I need to get stuff boxed and to the post office.

Thanks, all for your support!

More to come.

Cheers,

 

[Tupak420]

Thanks for the update. Looks like there's great feedback and progress. Great things to hear for us on the waiting list.

Also loving the gunmetal and sent you an email on that for my selection update

 

[Jill NYC]

Thanks so much @mr_cfromcali !
Very impressive work/customer service thus far.

I am only a few days and still extremely happy with my Flux.

As I get used the the consistent heat time, I find I enjoy removing the stem just before click for first few hits. Then last 1-2 hits I wait for the click. Tasty, efficient hits.

Can you tell us how long the FD Heater lasts with one 3-battery charge? Thanks in advance

I was trying to do this but I am not sure how to go about it... Do I clock it every time I flip switch? Or just when I am using it? Do I count number of sessions and/or time each session? Too many variables running through my head so I keep avoiding timing/logging my experiences. Possibly making it more complicated than I have to, perhaps related to vaping.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Thanks so much @mr_cfromcali !
Very impressive work/customer service thus far.

I am only a few days and still extremely happy with my Flux.

As I get used the the consistent heat time, I find I enjoy removing the stem just before click for first few hits. Then last 1-2 hits I wait for the click. Tasty, efficient hits.

Awesome, @Jill NYC ! Thanks for sharing that out. FWIW, a reminder that you do have the ability to lower the power to the heater via the adjustment potentiometer under the right battery (heater coil upper left). I ship these with the power set to max, so you can turn it down if it is too hot/aggressive. The range of adjustment is wide enough to be noticeable without being wide enough to get you into trouble. I'll post some more details about how to get the most from this feature this very soon.

Of course, if you are happy, you don't have to change a thing! But you can turn it down a bit if you want to.

I was trying to do this but I am not sure how to go about it... Do I clock it every time I flip switch? Or just when I am using it? Do I count number of sessions and/or time each session? Too many variables running through my head so I keep avoiding timing/logging my experiences. Possibly making it more complicated than I have to, perhaps related to vaping.

We should try and crowd source this a bit, but it is hard, as different battery capacities are going to produce very different results.

From a user perspective, though, you can talk about how often you need to recharge the batteries, even if it isn't backed up with data.

Thanks again for your post! Glad you it's working as expected.

 

[Jill NYC]

FWIW, a reminder that you do have the ability to lower the power to the heater via the adjustment potentiometer under the right battery (heater coil upper left). I ship these with the power set to max, so you can turn it down if it is too hot/aggressive. The range of adjustment is wide enough to be noticeable without being wide enough to get you into trouble.

I totally forgot about that. I had it stuck in my head that feature was only in the Mother Fluxer. If I get adventurous, I will give it a shot!

 

[pxl_jockey]

Can you tell us how long the FD Heater lasts with one 3-battery charge? Thanks in advance.

The longest I’ve gone between charges is 10 days, really more like eleven. The Deluxe still performed but the time to click was 2-3 x longer. At that point, I was more concerned about the batteries health as mr_c cautioned not to run them down completely.

I fell into a weekly schedule and thereafter never noticed any drop in the Deluxe’s performance. I don’t have a power meter but according to my NiteCore, my batteries usually have about 30-40% charge left after a week. I always stay in the room while they’re charging and usually it’s an hour or so charging and they’re back at 100%. Turning it off after sessions, they’re never used for very long.

With that in mind, I’m comfortable saying if one is using the Deluxe, with good batteries, you’ll get at least 7 days of quality performance. I’m figuring this roughly with a minimum use case of 5 sessions daily, each composed of at least 3 caps, each with a minimum 4 heat cycles. I’m fairly confident that you could increase the session & cap numbers by 50% and still have plenty of juice.

 

[Gray Area]

Looks like mine's been delivered and will be waiting for me when I get home from work...

Pretty good going to the UK - 6 days from dispatch.