OK, as I'm really busy for the next few days, here's a short update -- I'm just pasting what I replied to Dave/ghostdigitalops asking me how my replacement was going after our skype call early last week.
I received the replacement on Tues/Wed. Being that I'm busy, I only packed 2 crucibles, to-date. And yes, I have vapor finally!!! This unit shipped with the new all-in-one mp assembly. I wonder if there is gonna be internal build up due to inaccessibility. What I can say, is the gunk on the crucible screen was lessened compared to my old unit. After 6 hits, I would say pretty negligible. The stem glides super smooth; seems like there's a gasket improvement. The stem's opening is larger than my previous 2 which I like, & the stem's lip ridge is evenly done & looks polished/professional. The lip ridge on my old 2 looks like it's dhgate glass quality in comparison.
I'm paying attention to moisture, grind, packing, stem height, but these didn't seem to be an issue. I used level 3 for the 1st 4 draws on both crucibles & then bumped it up to level 5 on the 5th & 6th hit of the 1st crucible. I should have not taken that 6th hit - Yuck! & I had tunneling (no stirring). For the 2nd crucible I took the 5th draw on level 4. From the taste I knew to call it a done crucible.
No stirring, perfectly even abv.
And as far as overheating is concerned, I got through both crucibles without overheating. Previously, I'd overheat on the 5th or 6th draw. *Just to let you know a vape session for me is 5 or 6 hits.
Starting with a full battery, it went from 3 to 2 lights after the 2 crucibles on the levels you see I was using. So I assume I'll get another 2 until it's 1 light & maybe another 1 or 2 until flashing. We'll see. Not great battery life, but I finally got vapor!!!
The only prob. I have is that battery that came with it is nigh impossible to remove. It gets stuck in the vape when fully inserted. Why? Don't know. I've played with it a lot & I don't think it will loosen up over time. The latch was impossible to open & still is difficult. Had to resort to using my fingernail to slide it open initially. Now with a lot of downward force I can usually open it. If my fingertips have had enough I resort back my nail. Based on history, I am certain that this will loosen up in time.
So, these are just my initial impressions & experiences. I'll know more beginning with the weekend.
I'd like to see about using the app to adjust the temps so I may request another skype call with Dave in the next week or so as I don't want to screw up the vapes internal software/programming by pressing the buttons inappropriately. Once I visually run through it with him, I'll be prepared for when the next firmware update comes.
I will let you know more as I use it more.
Have a good weekend!