Hi all,
I just wanted to let everyone know that I tested the effectiveness of the pyrex spacers last night, and the results make their own argument for adding them to the build. I recorded some video, but after editing it I realized that following pic was the best part, so here it is:
The switches were installed in the same test machine*, first one and then the other. For each test the Dynavap (with the stunt-double tip you see above) was held for 9-plus seconds of post-click heating. The picture above tells the tale better than my words will. I'll just add that the pyrex covered switch on the left is completely undamaged and 100% functional (the material visible under the glass is silicone adhesive, and it may be hard to tell from the picture but it is undamaged by the heat). The switch on the right, however, is toast.
I will be adding these inserts to the builds going forward. Any switches that need to be replaced will get the new version. The original switches will continue to work fine unless/until they are overheated past their more limited safety margin. If that happens, contact me, and we will determine the best way to proceed.
I have inserts on hand for the next batch, and just ordered 50 more, so this will be incorporated into the builds going forward.
Thanks again,
@Abysmal Vapor and
@Mono Loco , for your help with identifying and resolving this potential issue!
Other updates: Flux Deluxe batch #2 is underway. I began working on the battery packs last night, as that sub-assembly takes the most time to build. I hope to finish ~40 battery packs by Sunday night. If I can get those completed this weekend, I can work on the circuit boards next week, and hopefully begin shipping heaters from the second batch the week of January 21. That's the goal for now. That may be too optimistic, but we'll see how it plays out.
Finally, thanks for sharing your feedback. I may not always agree with it, but I do listen to it and think about it.
Cheers,
*I was asked via a PM why the thermal fuse permitted a 9 second post-click heat event? The answer is the test heater I used for this is unenclosed. I also bent the thermal fuse away from the coil:
(screen grab from otherwise boring video)
I hope that better establishes the context of the test.