Fluxer Heaters, induction heaters for Dynavap

[mr_cfromcali]

I STRONGLY would prefer an internal switch. It doesn't seem to me like it would be much extra trouble at all.

The cover is held on magnetically, right?
It seems it would take all of one to two seconds to pop it open, flip the switch, then close it and have your session, and a whole 1-2 seconds to do the same thing when you are done with your session. How is this too much hassle to use @Hogni? It's literally just using a finger to flip the door open.

I'd hate having it on the outside, if I knew it could've fit on the inside.
Anything like that on the outside makes it uglier and less "pocketable".

@Ramahs - Yep, that's my thinking, too. But I need to make these for people to buy, and if the buyers want an external switch, I'll give them one. That said, since I want an internal switch on mine, and you want one on yours (and probably a small percentage of others do, too), I believe I can offer an internal switch as an option. I'm making these, so why not? It will probably be a similar toggle, but PCB mounted so it's rigidly in place (since it won't be secured to a panel). I'll see what I can come up with.

 

[Ramahs]

@Ramahs - Yep, that's my thinking, too. But I need to make these for people to buy, and if the buyers want an external switch, I'll give them one. That said, since I want an internal switch on mine, and you want one on yours (and probably a small percentage of others do, too), I believe I can offer an internal switch as an option. I'm making these, so why not? It will probably be a similar toggle, but PCB mounted so it's rigidly in place (since it won't be secured to a panel). I'll see what I can come up with.

I know, I know...and if my opinion is the minority, then I wouldn't expect you to cater to it. You do need to make money after all. But, I still wanted to express my opinion, in case there are others who agree with me.

Though, if you do still offer an inside switch model, I'd certainly appreciate it.

 

[Gray Area]

If you're making them to order, I'll probably go with an internal switch...

But if you're going to do them outside, isn't there a lower profile option? Like a rocker type switch or something, that'll help keep the lines a little smoother and prevent pocket snags??

 

[mr_cfromcali]

If you're making them to order, I'll probably go with an internal switch...

But if you're going to do them outside, isn't there a lower profile option? Like a rocker type switch or something, that'll help keep the lines a little smoother and prevent pocket snags??

Thanks for the comments!

> isn't there a lower profile option? Like a rocker type switch or something...

Yes and no. I have severely limited space available for a switch that needs to safely carry around 5A, so I need to plan for 10A (@12V). That means it needs to be small, but also needs to handle some legitimate current.

Ease of installation and risk of installation are other big considerations. I can drill a round hole in my shop, but I can’t broach a square one. I also can’t risk using a Dremel tool to make one by hand, as the enclosures are the most expensive individual piece in the build, and the stakes are simply too high for the reward.

I can go on: I scoured Mouser, DigiKey, and AliExpress, (plus Amazon, and my local electronics shop) looking for something that would work. I have about 20 different samples that would be great if I had 2^2cm of space, but I don't, I have less than 1^2cm. I really have tried to find a tiny latching push button that will carry the current and fit the space. I haven’t found it yet, but I’ll continue to look.

I don’t want to wait for perfection. For the time being, the toggle is at least an "adequate" solution, not ideal, but workable. I'll try for a better one, but I can live with this.

And I don’t see an issue offering two types of switches, at least at this juncture. Just don't ask for both .

(edited for clarity.)

 

[mr_cfromcali]

So... there may be a way to make us all happy here

Turns out, this enclosure I'm using is also available with a .28" x ??? cutout:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpinetech-B-CNC-Aluminum-Enclosure-Box-1590B-28-Voltmeter-Cutout-on-the-LEFT/322054576151?hash=item4afbf2d817:m:myH-LuSx5fE2I06L_CrGtog:rk:1f:0

The interior of the Alpinetech enclosures are NOT uniform, as Alpinetech eliminates one "pillar" to give you more room. Like this:

They eliminated the lower right pillar in the above enclosure. (The current design keeps the pad for the magnet.) I use that extra room to hold the coil, so this cutout enclosure will only work if the cutout is on the correct side, which is the side directly opposite of that missing pillar. I think it is, but I won't know until I can confirm with the manufacturer or a reseller.

If the cutout is on the correct/opposite side, I'll explore using that space to hold the switch (and more). If I can make it work without too much difficulty, I'll do it. Otherwise, we will live with the toggle until something better is discovered.

Fair warning: these enclosures are a few dollars more than the "intact" ones, so if I go this way, it will bump up the price by a few dollars. At the same time, it likely offers the best opportunity for a recessed external switch. I will investigate and report back.

 

[pxl_jockey]

See, @Ramahs I didn’t even remember the lid was magnetic! You better not stop posting what you’re thinking, I’ll be in trouble. I’m with you, @Gray Area and mr_c on the internal toggle switch. Not only for the looks but it’s really the best option for me if I’m on the move. Please put me down for an internal.

@mr_cfromcali at least in my case, you are absolutely correct about not being able to tell from pics about available real estate and its possible use. I hadn’t even considered the switch’s size will be determined by the load requirements, so definitely don’t listen to me, lol! It’s so much easier to say, “make it smaller and put it here”. Please take everything I say about your design with all that in mind, I trust that you have explored the options and I know you’ve given this infinitely thought more than I have.

Offering the 2 options is brilliant and I suspect that you’ll see a preference one way or the other. You’re also right about these are just the first ones and they’ll surely change over time. Like most things.

About to hit post reply, and saw your latest news. Please disregard the above as appropriate!

 

[Hogni]

Sorry, I also didn't know that the lid is magnetic. If it is that easy an internal switch would be a sleek option. But there comes the next question. How secure holds the lid in use when carrying the heater around in your pocket or in a bag?

 

[Fat Freddy]

@mr_cfromcali ...when the switch is in the "on" position but not in use with a VC, is it still drawing power, and if so, how much vis a vis battery life?

Also, I prefer the internal switch but would be ok with a low profile external. As an aside, @mistvaporizer used a an external power toggle switch on one version of his units that was VERY LOW PROFILE. I don't know what power it is capable of carrying, however.


/

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Hi all,

I hope everyone had a good week. Some updates:

Flux Deluxe: Lots of motion on the Deluxe this week, but not a lot of success to show for it, other than confirming that "testing is important" and "it isn't ready yet."

In my attempt to fix a major issue with the last PCB, I accidentally introduced (or re-introduced) a few sneaky errors into the Deluxe's circuit, and those have persisted through the last few board variations. It has been very frustrating, as I thought I was past this particular flavor of failure. But...sigh... I guess not.

You may recall that I thought the Deluxe's heating time was longer than expected? It turns out that was a clue to a much bigger issue. The IH circuit was "kinda sorta" working, but it was also fighting itself. I had laid out the circuit in a way that inverted part of it, and it was cooking itself. Not good.

I *think* I have this all sorted out now, but I need to wait for the latest build to know for sure. I have four Deluxe PCB builds in the pipeline - they each address a different issue - but the last one is the only one that truly fixes things. Or so I think. I'll know more next week.

Mother Fluxer: Waiting on the latest circuit board to arrive - it should be here by mid week, and I expect this one to be good. The MF was another circuit that got worse instead of better last time, so I am hopeful that the next PCB puts it back on track. The MF is a lot less finicky than the Deluxe, and I believe this build will be successful. I would very much like to have the MF for sale by the end of the month, and am working hard to make that happen without cutting any corners.

Those are this afternoon's updates. Next week should be more exciting. Thanks for your support!

Have a great weekend.

 

[LongDraw]

Really looking forward to you heaters being ready for sale. They look great.

I have a ps mini which i really enjoy, but would like to have a second to use from a different developer as well.

Using a torch works great, but it is a lot nicer using an induction heater as it heats the whole bowel evenly. It is also a lot quiter. There were a few times I combusted after a few beers/bowls because it is harder to hear the click, and of course cause I had a few beers/bowls haha.

Keep on truckin

EDIT: Forgot to add. Both look great, but i think the larger one I may go for. I dont really need portability outside of going from room to room. Only endulge at the end of the day, rarely bring stuff places.

 

[Andy Capp]

Hi all,

I hope everyone had a good week. Some updates:

Flux Deluxe: Lots of motion on the Deluxe this week, but not a lot of success to show for it, other than confirming that "testing is important" and "it isn't ready yet."

In my attempt to fix a major issue with the last PCB, I accidentally introduced (or re-introduced) a few sneaky errors into the Deluxe's circuit, and those have persisted through the last few board variations. It has been very frustrating, as I thought I was past this particular flavor of failure. But...sigh... I guess not.

You may recall that I thought the Deluxe's heating time was longer than expected? It turns out that was a clue to a much bigger issue. The IH circuit was "kinda sorta" working, but it was also fighting itself. I had laid out the circuit in a way that inverted part of it, and it was cooking itself. Not good.

I *think* I have this all sorted out now, but I need to wait for the latest build to know for sure. I have four Deluxe PCB builds in the pipeline - they each address a different issue - but the last one is the only one that truly fixes things. Or so I think. I'll know more next week.

Mother Fluxer: Waiting on the latest circuit board to arrive - it should be here by mid week, and I expect this one to be good. The MF was another circuit that got worse instead of better last time, so I am hopeful that the next PCB puts it back on track. The MF is a lot less finicky than the Deluxe, and I believe this build will be successful. I would very much like to have the MF for sale by the end of the month, and am working hard to make that happen without cutting any corners.

Those are this afternoon's updates. Next week should be more exciting. Thanks for your support!

Have a great weekend.

Take your time and make them right. We’ve waited this long for other options. Have you considered a model with only two 26650’s ? That seems like a good combination, more compact and plenty of battery. Keep up the good work.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Take your time and make them right. We’ve waited this long for other options.

Thanks. Taking my time is sort of baked into this activity, as it were , and I'm definitely enjoying the creative and development processes. I don't intend to rush things, but at the same time I do need to keep things moving forward. My budget isn't infinite, and I eventually need to sell some of these devices if I want to keep making them.

I am not going to release these until I think they are ready, but I'm also not going to wait until Ive implemented every feature we can dream up. They are already more full featured (on paper) than any other IH on the horizon, with the exception of @stardustsailor , who shared many of the safety features I'll be implementing, and to whom we all owe a great deal of thanks!

Both devices should be very well received if I can make their current feature sets work properly and reliably. We just added a lot of features a few weeks ago, and I think I have them all in hand.

So...I am not going to sell these before they're ready, but I am also not going to sit on these once they are ready to go. I'll continue to share their progress with this thread as they closer to being released, and I'm confident you guys and gals will continue to tell me if you think these need some more time.

Have you considered a model with only two 26650’s ? That seems like a good combination, more compact and plenty of battery. Keep up the good work.

It's all about the volts. 2x 26650 = 8.4V @ 5,000+ mAh. I tried an 8.4V version with 18650s (2x 18650 = 8.4V @ 3,000mAh; aka the Flux, previously discussed up thread) and it didn't heat quickly enough for people in this thread. Also, 2x 26650 takes up more room than 3x 18650 (2x 26650 are the same width as 3x 18650, but 2x 26650 are taller). I have seen the light, and it is powered by 12 volts, lol.

Besides, my plate is pretty full at the moment "just" bringing these two devices to market. I'll feel a lot better when at least one of the current devices is available for purchase, and people who buy it tell me they're happy w/it. Honestly - those are big goals and they are (hopefully) within sight.


Deluxe and Mother Fluxer Updates:

DHL says I should receive some PCBs tomorrow for both devices.

The MF circuit board is a potential final candidate (meaning that if it proves out after testing, that device will be ready to sell). I am excited, and my fingers are crossed.

The Deluxe board is an interim board. There are two other boards coming after it, and the last of those is the one I am most curious about, as it will be feature complete.

I expect to have more info late Monday night or early Tuesday morning, depending on your time zone. Thanks for all of your support. Stay tuned - I hope to have some more pics very shortly after I have a (hopefully) functional Mother Fluxer.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

I don't have time to write up a long post at the moment, but the latest PCB testing is going very well.

I uploaded four new demo vids to my YouTube channel, featuring three prototypes built from the latest PCBs. The prototypes aren't feature complete - more on them and their testing progress when I have time - but they do heat very well!

Let me know what you think!

 

[LongDraw]

Looking Sharp. Really like the mother fluxer videos with the blue light around the device that lights up when the vap cap is inserted.

What are the little prongs on the mother fluxer? At first I was thinking they were soft feet, but their on the top.

Can't wait to see a final version!!

EDIT: Forgot. Watching the videos, both devices seem to bring the click pretty quick. Seems comparable to the ps mini.

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Looking Sharp. Really like the mother fluxer videos with the blue light around the device that lights up when the vap cap is inserted.

What are the little prongs on the mother fluxer? At first I was thinking they were soft feet, but their on the top.

Can't wait to see a final version!!

EDIT: Forgot. Watching the videos, both devices seem to bring the click pretty quick. Seems comparable to the ps mini.

Thanks!

The prongs on the corners are actually thumb screws to keep the lid on. The LED lid is too heavy and complicated for magnets. More on this soon.

I will post a text description of the current design details when I have time.

 

[ClearBlueLou]

Chiming in to say that if the cover is magnetically attached, then I can rock an internal switch, as ACCESS will not be an issue

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Chiming in to say that if the cover is magnetically attached, then I can rock an internal switch, as ACCESS will not be an issue

I am putting together a more comprehensive post to update you all on the current state of these models, but with regards to the lid fastening options, I can tell you this:

Flux Deluxe: The lid of this device will be attached by magnets, and will have an easily accessible internal power switch. This one allows a (comparatively) easy, straightforward magnet installation.

Mother Fluxer: This device will NOT have magnets at all corners by default. But don't take up the pitchforks and torches yet, hear me out:

• The Mother Fluxer has an external, well lighted on/off switch. You will know when this thing is on.
• The Mother Fluxer has an externally accessible charge port, so you should not need to access the batteries regularly unless you're changing them often.
• The Mother Fluxer uses a Hammond 1590BBS enclosure. The 1590BB series aren't set up well for magnets. To install magnets on these cases, I need to use the method described here: http://scottsmods.com/scotts-method-the-1550p/ . I've done this, and it's both a lot of work and carries some degree of risk (meaning that if I screw up I've wasted the enclosure and have to use a fresh one). So...I'm not a fan of magnets on this one.
• You will want to buy this if it is affordable. I can't spend 20-30 minutes installing magnets on every one of these and keep this device affordable.
• Finally, if you choose to add a lighted lid (it will be an add-on option), it's going to be too heavy for magnets, anyway...

I intend to make sure there is at least one magnet available to enable you to park the vapcap for cooling.

The other corners will get thumb screws by default. They're nice, and there will be some choices available (color, style). I'll be posting pics and more info soon - promise

More to come, but probably later tonight.

 

[Andy Capp]

I am putting together a more comprehensive post to update you all on the current state of these models, but with regards to the lid fastening options, I can tell you this:

Flux Deluxe: The lid of this device will be attached by magnets, and will have an easily accessible internal power switch. This one allows a (comparatively) easy, straightforward magnet installation.

Mother Fluxer: This device will NOT have magnets at all corners by default. But don't take up the pitchforks and torches yet, hear me out:

• The Mother Fluxer has an external, well lighted on/off switch. You will know when this thing is on.
• The Mother Fluxer has an externally accessible charge port, so you should not need to access the batteries regularly unless you're changing them often.
• The Mother Fluxer uses a Hammond 1590BBS enclosure. The 1590BB series aren't set up well for magnets. To install magnets on these cases, I need to use the method described here: http://scottsmods.com/scotts-method-the-1550p/ . I've done this, and it's both a lot of work and carries some degree of risk (meaning that if I screw up I've wasted the enclosure and have to use a fresh one). So...I'm not a fan of magnets on this one.
• You will want to buy this if it is affordable. I can't spend 20-30 minutes installing magnets on every one of these and keep this device affordable.
• Finally, if you choose to add a lighted lid (it will be an add-on option), it's going to be too heavy for magnets, anyway...

I intend to make sure there is at least one magnet available to enable you to park the vapcap for cooling.

The other corners will get thumb screws by default. They're nice, and there will be some choices available (color, style). I'll be posting pics and more info soon - promise

More to come, but probably later tonight.

Have you considered a flat head cap screw as a fastener ?

 

[Gray Area]

It's going to be a hard choice... the Mother Fluxer looks fantastic.
But I still the size of the Flux Deluxe

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Hi all,

Now that I have working boards for both devices and their releases are approaching, I want to update the feature lists and anticipated prices of the two upcoming portable devices, so you can plan for what's coming.

The Mother Fluxer, A powerful, flexible, portable induction heater engineered for use with Dynavap® vaporizers

Key features:

• 3x 26650 (12VDC @ 5,000+ mAh) OR 3x 18650 power (12VDC @ 3,000 mAh; 18650 battery adapters included)
• high performance, 25A-capable battery management system with balanced charging
• custom designed circuit board
• on-demand heating (push the vapcap tip to the bottom of the heater coil to operate the heater circuit)
• thermal fuse protection against overheating (90°C thermal fuse automatically resets when temp drops)
• PTC power fuses protect against shorts and reverse polarity (2x 4.5A PTC fuses automatically reset when fault situation is corrected)
• Tactile switch signal filter protects all four MOSFETS in the circuit and dramatically reduces the risk of MOSFET failure*
• LED power and use indicator
• Genuine Hammond 1590BBS die cast aluminum enclosure; colored enclosures are powder coated
• Mains powered LiPo battery charging adapter w/LED charging status indicator included. You will have a choice of either a US or a Euro version. (More info on the Euro version coming soon.)
• Hand built in the US by me

Cost for the above is not yet final, but it's looking like US$125 for the above, +/- $10. Shipping and batteries not included.

Options (some will be at additional cost):

"Light plate" with choice of LED colors when activated (options and prices TBD)
Switches (choices of color and style; no charge)
Enclosure (choices of color; no charge)
Corner fastener options (options and prices TBD)

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

The Flux Deluxe, Small powerful portable induction heater engineered for use with the Dynavap® vaporizers

Key features:

• 3x 18650 power (12VDC @ 3,000 mAh)
• high performance, 25A-capable battery management system with balanced charging
• custom designed circuit board
• on demand heating (push the vapcap tip to the bottom of the heater coil to operate the heater circuit)
• thermal fuse protection against overheating (fuse automatically resets when temp drops)
• PTC power fuses protect against shorts and reverse polarity (fuses automatically reset when fault situation is corrected)
• Tactile switch signal filter protects all four MOSFETS in the circuit and dramatically reduces the risk of MOSFET failure*
• LED power and use indicator
• Alpinetech CNC aluminum 1590B-style enclosure with magnetically attached lid
• Mains powered LiPo battery charging adapter included (w/LED charging status indicator). Choose either a US or Euro versions (more info on Euro adapter coming soon)
• Hand built in the US by me

Cost for the above is not yet final, but it's looking like US$135 for the above, +/- $10. Shipping and batteries not included.

Options (some will be at additional cost):

Enclosure (choices of color no charge)
Enclosure engraving (custom 1590B enclosure engraving is available from a 3rd party for additional cost; more info to come!)

The immediate plan for both devices is more testing. If you think you want one and have not yet told me, please send me a PM or email so I can add you to the appropriate list. I have been pretty quiet about these devices as I have been developing them, but once they're ready to go I expect to make a broader announcement, so if you think you want one, it might be good to get your name on one or both lists now.

* I will have more info on this signal filter and the other recent feature/safety additions in an upcoming post.

Thanks for your support!

 

[ClearBlueLou]

I love the baby octopus almost as much as I do your post!

 

[Hogni]

Does the tiny octo mean that fluxer is a subsidiary company of @710Coils ?

 

[pxl_jockey]

I’m pretty sure the dimensions for both device enclosures are a few pages back but thought it might be nice to have them on the same page with the latest lists of key features. So many things to think about!

Mother Fluxer dimensions - Hammond 1590BBS
120mm x 94mm x38 mm or 4.72”x3.70”x1.5”

Flux Deluxe dimensions - Alpinetech 1590B
112mm x 60.5mm x 31mm or 4.4”x2.38”x1.22”

 

[mr_cfromcali]

Assembled this prototype very late last night from the latest batch of PCBs. This is the first build with the internal on/off switch, which is solidly mounted to the circuit board. It has every feature except for the input signal filter (which is on its way, but still ~3-4 weeks out; more on this when I have time).

It needs a few minor tweaks (plus the input signal filter), but this sucker is just about done, pending some field testing.

Forgive the shaky, one-handed video, but if I can work the on/off switch with one hand while recording this demo, it's a good indication the switch isn't going to be an annoyance.

This thing works pretty damn well, by the way.

Oh...and I also snuck in one more feature: this build is the first to use SMD-sized components and reflow solder construction. I save 1-2 mm in height, so it's going to let me fit the PCBs in the 1590B enclosures pretty comfortable, all things considered:

Anyway, very excited about the success of the latest Deluxe build and wanted to share. Have a great weekend, everyone!

 

[Hogni]

Nice, but the seat of the magnetic lid seems to be pretty loose, better do some longtime testings while carrying around in a bag or whatever. Just for the purpose to use it on the go.