Hex-Nail (HN-01) - RIP

[Baron23]

The USB ports were actually left out of phase 2 prototypes on purpose. We're still trying to actually see if they can be implemented to our standards.

We had them on early prototypes, but we traced noise in the tracking data to them (especially when actually in use for charging).

We're looking into ways of properly isolating them from the rest of the internals (unfortunately the best solutions increase size). In the end we'd rather ship a more accurate, smaller, reliable controller without, than have them as a poorly implemented extra feature that hinders performance in the grand scheme of things.

After building audiophile-grade amplifiers for a few months as a contractor in Austin at one point I have, unfortunately, already experienced major issues with interference from power 'noise'. The Hex-Nail's USB issue is similar to the effect 'dirty' power has on electronic components.

I love hearing that kind of talk...let's me know you guys are doing some serious engineering and I applaud your priorities and values. I sympathize on the noisy power issue. Ages ago I worked on avionics programs and trying to find a clean ground on an aircraft was not easy and "400 cycle hum" was our version of the boogeyman.

Personally, I'm with you. I would go for a small bit of reduced functionality for increased reliability, durability, and accuracy any day.

Thanks very much...I rarely (if ever) have seen this level of openness from a manufacturer about design issues and trade offs.

Cheers

 

[Hogni]

Hi Ava..a really interesting and sophistacated device with a lot of options and modes! A really 'next generation' E-Nail?

A Sublimator mode and connection would makes it double value for all the Sub owners and those who wannabe. Should be possible or not? Buy a Hex-Nail and get two controllers in one - spare the f***** Monkey Controller!

At least I would buy one at once with this feature.

Will there come a 220V version too?

 

[HexNailAva]

Hi Ava..a really interesting and sophistacated device with a lot of options and modes! A really 'next generation' E-Nail?

A Sublimator mode and connection would makes it double value for all the Sub owners and those who wannabe. Should be possible or not? Buy a Hex-Nail and get two controllers in one - spare the f***** Monkey Controller!

At least I would buy one at once with this feature.

Will there come a 220V version too?

So I'll answer the easiest question first...

The Hex-Nail is already compatible with any power from 100v-250v*
* - You just need a 220v coil.

Current orders include coils as a free Pre-Order bonus. After pre-orders are shipped, coils will be an add-on option to the HN-01 base price of $360.

We have left the 220v 'option' off the site until now because we haven't found a vendor we want to work with that carries a 220v coil we're particularly fond of including with the HN-01. There are options out there, but it's much harder to track down a good (but affordable) 220v heater coil than we first expected. We're in the process of trying to find a good alternative from another source to include in pre-orders for international customers.

At this point, we are currently implementing a 'No Coil' option to our in-line cart that reduces the price slightly for 220v customers (since we are getting closer to the shipment of pre-orders) to off-set the lack of a coil in their pre-orders. We'll be taking a hit, but we want our friends across the world's various ponds to be able to have a Hex-Nail, too) without simply having to shell out an extra $20 for nothing. It should be available to choose on the site within the next few days. We're also adding specs to the site during that update to make this all more clear (due to a few changes and time constraints, there are currently none listed.)

Beyond that...

We're hoping to manufacture our own heaters at some point in the future. We have a few designs ready, but simply don't have the time (with the finishing touches and upcoming logistics of the HN-01 roll-out) or capital to invest into the actual development of said designs right now.

Honestly, as a (currently) 100% self-funded company, we're living fairly hand-to-mouth right now after quitting stagnant careers and moving out of Silicon Valley to make Hex-Nail our full-time focus. The success (hopefully) of the HN-01 will allow us to re-invest the money into RnD so we can start to refine/test our heater designs and fund the expansion of our software development team (which would enable us to implement improved/new tunings & features faster).

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Now...about the Sublimator...

If you (or anyone else with a Sublimator) is willing to send an atomizer & heater* combo our way we think we can actually get this feature implemented pretty quickly as an update post-launch (with zero modification to the Sublimator or our current HN-01 unit).

* - I think we'd even be able to fare okay with just one of the 'nail' units if necessary, but ideally we'd be sent the atomizer, too (though we realize no atomizer puts it out of commission while we have it).

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We can actually make the Sublimator controllable via the current 5-pin XLR out on the HN-01 while also providing you more 'steps' for adjustment than the standard control box via our own existing software. It'd be as simple as removing your standard heater coil from the HN-01, switching to 'Sublimator Mode', and plugging in the Sublimator heater with a short adapter which we could also manufacture as a pretty low-cost (optional) add-on for the HN-01.

We could even theoretically build this feature in without ever having one on hand, but pushing out a feature on theories isn't something we really do.

 

[Hogni]

Thx a lot Ava! Awesome! Want to order!

Herbs with the Sub on Hex-Nail or dabbing with a Liger-Hex-Nail combo.
Sounds phantastic and will look and perform so I guess.

Would send you a Sub set immediately but neither I have one atm nor do I live in the US. For sure there is another Subbie who will send you one for you researches in favour of the Sub community.

But believe that this is not so simple. At least the PIN connections are different so far as I know.

 

[brucee10]

So I'll answer the easiest question first...

The Hex-Nail is already compatible with any power from 100v-250v*
* - You just need a 220v coil.

Current orders include coils as a free Pre-Order bonus. After pre-orders are shipped, coils will be an add-on option to the HN-01 base price of $360.

We have left the 220v 'option' off the site until now because we haven't found a vendor we want to work with that carries a 220v coil we're particularly fond of including with the HN-01. There are options out there, but it's much harder to track down a good (but affordable) 220v heater coil than we first expected. We're in the process of trying to find a good alternative from another source to include in pre-orders for international customers.

At this point, we are currently implementing a 'No Coil' option to our in-line cart that reduces the price slightly for 220v customers (since we are getting closer to the shipment of pre-orders) to off-set the lack of a coil in their pre-orders. We'll be taking a hit, but we want our friends across the world's various ponds to be able to have a Hex-Nail, too) without simply having to shell out an extra $20 for nothing. It should be available to choose on the site within the next few days. We're also adding specs to the site during that update to make this all more clear (due to a few changes and time constraints, there are currently none listed.)

Beyond that...

We're hoping to manufacture our own heaters at some point in the future. We have a few designs ready, but simply don't have the time (with the finishing touches and upcoming logistics of the HN-01 roll-out) or capital to invest into the actual development of said designs right now.

Honestly, as a (currently) 100% self-funded company, we're living fairly hand-to-mouth right now after quitting stagnant careers and moving out of Silicon Valley to make Hex-Nail our full-time focus. The success (hopefully) of the HN-01 will allow us to re-invest the money into RnD so we can start to refine/test our heater designs and fund the expansion of our software development team (which would enable us to implement improved/new tunings & features faster).

------

Now...about the Sublimator...

If you (or anyone else with a Sublimator) is willing to send an atomizer & heater* combo our way we think we can actually get this feature implemented pretty quickly as an update post-launch (with zero modification to the Sublimator or our current HN-01 unit).

* - I think we'd even be able to fare okay with just one of the 'nail' units if necessary, but ideally we'd be sent the atomizer, too (though we realize no atomizer puts it out of commission while we have it).

------

We can actually make the Sublimator controllable via the current 5-pin XLR out on the HN-01 while also providing you more 'steps' for adjustment than the standard control box via our own existing software. It'd be as simple as removing your standard heater coil from the HN-01, switching to 'Sublimator Mode', and plugging in the Sublimator heater with a short adapter which we could also manufacture as a pretty low-cost (optional) add-on for the HN-01.

We could even theoretically build this feature in without ever having one on hand, but pushing out a feature on theories isn't something we really do.

Send me a PM with your mailing Address and I'll get my Sub to you after I give it a good cleaning.

 

[Monsoon]

@HexNailAva How do I place an order if I'm in Canada? I started filling out the order form but there's no way to select my country and province.

 

[Hogni]

Hi Brucee...nice, thanks for that!
Perhaps you better should send Ava the important technical key datas too? As I know you did have researched on this topic bc you intended to develop a PID-Controller for the Sub yourself?
As I remember the Sub has no thermocouple just driven by changing of Volt?

 

[HexNailAva]

Send me a PM with your mailing Address and I'll get my Sub to you after I give it a good cleaning.

Done & Done! We're excited to get out hands on it. Honestly, after the quick research I did I might need to nab one for us after we see it in action.

Hi Brucee...nice, thanks for that!
Perhaps you better should send Ava the important technical key datas too? As I know you did have researched on this topic bc you intended to develop a PID-Controller for the Sub yourself?
As I remember the Sub has no thermocouple just driven by changing of Volt?

ANY specs, sheets, measurements, etc. folks have help us find a good baseline. Send anything relevant my way: ava@hex-nail.com

And yes from what we can see it's a straight voltage change. We'll design a simple but accurate percentage (%) based UI for the mode that will provide a lot of extra steps in voltage for the Sub vs. a standard control box.

I love hearing that kind of talk...let's me know you guys are doing some serious engineering and I applaud your priorities and values. I sympathize on the noisy power issue. Ages ago I worked on avionics programs and trying to find a clean ground on an aircraft was not easy and "400 cycle hum" was our version of the boogeyman.

Personally, I'm with you. I would go for a small bit of reduced functionality for increased reliability, durability, and accuracy any day.

Thanks very much...I rarely (if ever) have seen this level of openness from a manufacturer about design issues and trade offs.

Cheers

It really makes me happy to hear this. I worked in retail 10 years and had to deal with every type of angry customer out there for one reason or another. I always just wanted people to be honest with me and fair (when I had issues personally). I've tried to maintain that attitude of 'putting myself in someone else's shoes' when it comes to my personal business endeavors, too.

Most of the time, in my experience anyway, if you just tell a customer what the deals is/why there was a change, apologize and handle it to the best of your abilities immediately... They are almost always satisfied by the end. People aren't unreasonable, it just sucks to be left in limbo! Waiting just turns our bad for everyone involved by the end.

 

[Monsoon]

@HexNailAva How do I place an order if I'm in Canada? I started filling out the order form but there's no way to select my country and province.

Nevermind, either it wasn't there before or I somehow completely missed it.

 

[HexNailAva]

Nevermind, either it wasn't there before or I somehow completely missed it.

You didn't miss it. We got it implemented about an hour ago. I was about to include it in the previous post but your post notification got in under my radar.

To our customer outside the US,
Let me know if you have any other issues and please use coupon code: intrnlshphn01 to take some off for the lack of 220v coil with your pre-order.

Note: This is a workaround until we can properly implement regional restrictions for 'No Coil' selection in our in-line cart. If you attempt to purchase within the US with this code for a discount your order will immediately be cancelled. 110v coils are included as a pre-order bonus. The base price at launch for the unit only will be $360 after Round One.

A coil free option post-launch will be implemented, however, after our Round One orders ship.
------
Thank you for your patience while we get this taken care of and implement the changes over the next few days. By the time we ship, if we have found an option that's up to snuff we will offer the coil at a discounted rate (with free shipping) to customers that pre-ordered and would have preferred to receive a new coil.

 

[Monsoon]

You didn't miss it. We got it implemented about an hour ago. I was about to include it in the previous post but your post notification got in under my radar.

Cool, just placed my order for a Walnut unit!

 

[Baron23]

if you just tell a customer what the deals is/why there was a change, apologize and handle it to the best of your abilities immediately... They are almost always satisfied by the end. People aren't unreasonable, it just sucks to be left in limbo! Waiting just turns our bad for everyone involved by the end.

These ^^ are words for every vape manf to adopt as their CS policy.

 

[Monsoon]

@HexNailAva I was just thinking, does the tuning to determine the nail temp incorporate ambient temperature and (if it makes a difference) elevation in its calculations?

 

[HexNailAva]

@HexNailAva I was just thinking, does the tuning to determine the nail temp incorporate ambient temperature and (if it makes a difference) elevation in its calculations?

Yes it does! To some extent anyway, but our tuning algorithms for nail temp. aren't built on a purely physics based model.

 

[Monsoon]

Do you have an estimate when you'll start shipping round one orders? Also what shipping method are you using and would it be possible to pay for a faster option? I'm asking generally but also specifically for Canada in my case

 

[PoopMachine]

Do you have an estimate when you'll start shipping round one orders? Also what shipping method are you using and would it be possible to pay for a faster option? I'm asking generally but also specifically for Canada in my case

Based purely on past conversations with Ava, I think they're targeting Christmas or right after. That may have changed but that's what she told me a few weeks ago.

 

[HexNailAva]

IMPORTANT ROUND ONE INFO BELOW
(Please Read)

Round One orders will be closing at midnight on December 12th.

If you wish to purchase an HN-01 but may still be waiting on funds at the time of closing please contact me directly (ava@hex-nail.com) to have an invoice generated before the above time. These must be paid within a week or you will lose your spot in Round One. We want to insure everyone interested has the chance to get their HN-01, but you MUST contact me within the next 48 hours as the last of our Round One parts will be ordered immediately after closing.​

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Do you have an estimate when you'll start shipping round one orders? Also what shipping method are you using and would it be possible to pay for a faster option? I'm asking generally but also specifically for Canada in my case

We are planning to have all Round One orders on their way to new homes by New Years Eve! Early milling & assembly has started and all of our Round One internals & remaining hardwood stock should be arriving next week.

Each unit will be shipped immediately after assembly, stress testing, and final checks have been completed (via USPS Priority Shipping). So there should be a steady stream of folks receiving their units, rather than us doing larger 'bulk' runs to a delivery service.

We expect CONUS shipments to arrive in (at most) 3 - 4 days once your shipping confirmation has been sent. Shipments to the rest of North America should arrive in (at the latest) 6 business days (unless your order is held up in customs).

I've had bad luck (personally, in my audiophile days) with customs a few times so if it seems like your order hasn't moved in awhile (tracking will be provided) once reaching customs in your country please contact: support@hex-nail.com and we will make the necessary calls to try and move things along (and maybe even send a few goodies your way for the trouble, too). We definitely understand how frustrating it can be to have something stuck in customs.

We will (of course) be shipping everything as discreetly as possible to try and insure the swiftest delivery times.

EDIT: Our #1 priority at the moment is getting the awesome folks at CCA 710 their Hex-Nails (now ft. tunings for every Liger v3 combo we have at the moment). We had some delays this week due to snow/ice & power issues in our building here in Portland. But we're so close it's infuriating.

I promise the wait will be over soon for everybody soon.

 

[mutten840]

Looks like it's gonna be an awesome start to the new year for everyone that got in on the first round (woot) @HexNailAva thanks for all the updates and embracing all of our ideas and needs. I personally really appreciate it and cannot wait for more great things from your company

 

[Hogni]

Hi Ava,

just for clarification: Will actual pre-order price include the Hex-Nail version with added options for driving the Sub? At least if customers would wait for this model up to release?

I mean to remember that configuration of Sub's XLR is another one? Isnt it really necessary to place a 2nd plug connector for the Hex-Nail?

BTW it would be the best for customer to have the possibility to connect a Nail and the Sub at the same time just switching from one device to the other one without disconnecting and changing plugs every time of intended use

You've told that the actual Hex-Nail is able to work with 120 and 220V depending on used coil heater. Will there delivered a EU-version with a 220V EU-Plug?

 

[HexNailAva]

Hi Ava,

just for clarification: Will actual pre-order price include the Hex-Nail version with added options for driving the Sub? At least if customers would wait for this model up to release?

I mean to remember that configuration of Sub's XLR is another one? Isnt it really necessary to place a 2nd plug connector for the Hex-Nail?

BTW it would be the best for customer to have the possibility to connect a Nail and the Sub at the same time just switching from one device to the other one without disconnecting and changing plugs every time of intended use

You've told that the actual Hex-Nail is able to work with 120 and 220V depending on used coil heater. Will there delivered a EU-version with a 220V EU-Plug?

I talked about how it could be implemented (earlier in the thread) without the need for another port or model.

(more after the quote)

We can actually make the Sublimator controllable via the current 5-pin XLR out on the HN-01 while also providing you more 'steps' for adjustment than the standard control box via our own existing software. It'd be as simple as removing your standard heater coil from the HN-01, switching to 'Sublimator Mode', and plugging in the Sublimator heater with a short adapter which we could also manufacture as a pretty low-cost (optional) add-on for the HN-01.

We could even theoretically build this feature in without ever having one on hand, but pushing out a feature on theories isn't something we really do.

At this point the HN-01 will not be shipping with Sublimator Mode at launch. Our loaner has not yet arrived to actually implement it and we're going to be pushing full steam into round one assembly until all the units are shipped.

It should NOT be necessary to add or change anything about the current design to make this mode work (no need for extra ports, etc). There will not be a 'Sublimator' model of the HN-01 in the foreseeable future. The potential for interference with more hardware in the unit is also another major concern (as well as heat production in the unit itself, not to mention a decent increase in size/materials needed). We will be making adapters to convert to 3-pin configuration to work with the HN-01's 5-pin XLR.

The HN-01 will be our focus for almost all of 2017. 'Sublimator Mode' will be implemented as quickly as possible post-launch once a loaner arrives and we can implement it properly.

Remember guys, the Hex-Nail HN-01 is completely upgradeable and updatable. Tuning Library Updates, New Features, New Modes, UI Tweaks, etc. are FREE FOR LIFE.

We don't need to make major hardware modifications to improve performance, tuning, or add new features. This all can and will be done via software updates. You do not have to 'wait for a better one to come out' ever again. ​

Our focus after Round One ships is going to be 100% on packing in more software features and adding more nail tunings to the HN-01's library (thus also improving our baseline tunings for each material as we collect data from more and more nails from various manufacturers).

I have my head in the clouds every now and then about releasing a grossly over-produced and unnecessarily awesome model in the future (re: audiophile-tier) but parts cost alone for each one we built would break $600+. It would be a completely different beast compared to the compact, user friendly HN-01.

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Pre-Orders are closing because we've pretty much reached our comfort limit for production at this point. We're a 2 lady operation here. Every part of our website, our marketing/graphic design, support, milling, etc. is done in-house. Everything.

Can't make it all happen right away. We can only write so much code at once.

But rest assured, we're here to stay and support our PRODUCT and our CUSTOMERS. The communities new ideas and feedback are what we thrive on.

(Oh, and yes, all units should be shipping with a power cable for their respective region's line voltage.)

Looks like it's gonna be an awesome start to the new year for everyone that got in on the first round (woot) @HexNailAva thanks for all the updates and embracing all of our ideas and needs. I personally really appreciate it and cannot wait for more great things from your company

2016 was a rough one. We definitely hope the HN-01 gives everyone a great start to 2017.

And of course! We're unbelievably excited to start getting even more feature ideas and feedback from people once they see some use in the real world.

We're even hoping to start a 'Mail In, Tune Up' for specific nail tunings by Q2 2017. Giving the community the option to mail us any e-nail they want to see tunings for so we can run our battery of tests for a few days (and then we'll send it back) and keep an ever expanding library of tunings for every nail out there available to any owner of a Hex-Nail.

We think it'd be a really fun way to include the community more directly while also expanding helping to refine a product we (at least us here) use every day.

 

[bellas]

I'm "ALL IN" my first and hopefully last e-nail
Make me a believer Hex-Nail!!

 

[Monsoon]

I have my head in the clouds every now and then about releasing a grossly over-produced and unnecessarily awesome model in the future (re: audiophile-tier) but parts cost alone for each one we built would break $600+. It would be a completely different beast compared to the compact, user friendly HN-01.

I like that you gals have an audiophile background, gives me a bit more confidence in the product. That's my other money-leaching hobby thanks to Head-Fi . Even without "audiophile grade" components inside, that experience in design, attention to detail, and striving for the best performance should carry over nicely to the Hex-Nail. One of my favourite audio companies right now is a tiny one called Trinity Audio which is releasing innovative IEM designs based on customer feedback at relative bargain basement prices. They treat their customers fairly as people and strive to release the best products possible and for that they've developed a rabidly loyal following. I love companies like that. Josh over at CCA710 seems to be following the same model and it's nice to see Hex-Nail join the club as well .

 

[HexNailAva]

I like that you gals have an audiophile background, gives me a bit more confidence in the product. That's my other money-leaching hobby thanks to Head-Fi . Even without "audiophile grade" components inside, that experience in design, attention to detail, and striving for the best performance should carry over nicely to the Hex-Nail. One of my favourite audio companies right now is a tiny one called Trinity Audio which is releasing innovative IEM designs based on customer feedback at relative bargain basement prices. They treat their customers fairly as people and strive to release the best products possible and for that they've developed a rabidly loyal following. I love companies like that. Josh over at CCA710 seems to be following the same model and it's nice to see Hex-Nail join the club as well .

While it's a bit off topic...since you mentioned Head-Fi I have to veer a bit.

In my 'Headphonus Supremus' days I owned one of the first 5 Cavalli Audio Liquid Lightning Electrostatic Amps and the holy grail at one point. The Stax SR-009. I actually helped Alex (Cavalli) choose the designs for the Liquid Lightning (v1 & v2), Liquid Glass, and Liquid Fire (mk2). He's a great dude. He helped me a lot when I was organizing/hosting some of the ATX Head-Fi meets.

Now back on topic (sorta)...

If anyone read this post and it made sense to you...You probably have an idea of what I mean by '...releasing a grossly over-produced and unnecessarily awesome model in the future (re: audiophile-tier)...'

 

[Kalikron]

Hey Ava! Just got my hex nail preorder in! I tried so hard to get in by the deadline for 1st shipment but I had to wait to get paid...so I missed it by just a few days!! Still I am so excited to get my hands on one to use with my Liger 3.0/Flat Coil and a Sic insert(soon to be sapphire, hopefully). Am I correct that you already have settings pre-programmed in the Hex-nail for the Liger 3.0 and the various combos of inserts?
Again thanks for taking the time and I'm looking forward to trying the Hex!

 

[Kalikron]

And that post definitely made sense to me and I'd love to see an audiophile tier e-nail! I'd certainly be interested....