Mi-Log

ZC

Well-Known Member
If the cord ends up coming out the bottom you can still rest it on the side without rolling, the button would provide a natural stop.

But it's possible the final model will have the outlet on the side like other logs, which would allow it to stand upright when not in use.
 

HD Springer

Well-Known Member
Im thinking and hoping that with the 2 party's working together then we will have very little stumbling blocks.
I mean we have a proven heater from the Mi and then you add one of the very best log builders in the game adding his knowledge. I'm not sure you could draw up a better recipe for the success of this project. Only time will tell.
 

Alan

Master JedHI
Manufacturer
Thank you so much @RastaBuddhaTao for giving me the opportunity to work with you on this collaboration. Hope we can make something really special for everyone to enjoy. Looking forward to working @ZC and @KeroZen and everyone else on this project.

I have been using a 10A DC/DC buck converter w/ digital display and a fake battery to power a Milaana with great success. I installed an input power socket so it can be fed by a 12v 10A power supply, but the output wires are still connected to the screw connections. I will be adding output connections which will allow it to connect to the Mi-Log and also to a fake battery for the Milaana. Audiophile type connectors should handle the amp requirements for the cable and look very nice. They are available in a variety of styles. Have found poly cloth covered twisted pair cable in almost any color or pattern imaginable. The combinations of cable and plug end are vast.

Will keep everyone updated on the progress.
 

Diggy Smalls

Notorious
I'll be honest...I don't own a Milana and won't be getting to ever try one, so I was a little confused about this concept.

I think I'm still a little confused, but at least I understand the concept of a manual log. It sounds interesting, but not for me. I have no issue leaving my logs on, and I am not very into a manual electric vape.

It does sound cool though, and I'm excited to see where it goes. People are really trying to push the boundaries for a log vape this year!
 
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RastaBuddhaTao

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
This project's value is in it's modularity. @Alan is working to develop new ways to physically adapt the Milaana heater tech to his design ways such as eliminating adhesive and accidental glass breakage in machined hardwood. The RBT logs will use the Milaana technology as designed to improve the volume position and to ensure a tested and proven design will hit the market. The RBT logs will use ADK river drift wood to add a splash of Mother Nature .... A literal log lol.

Alan will lead the way investigating the list of potential cord sets. A US supply is preferred... With that said it's unlikely unless we standardize on a tried and true connector scheme that still has life in the states. We have decided on using a 12V 10 amp brick so that will drive the input connector. So the critical part of this is the connectors and cable leading between the Mi-log and the power supply. It needs to economical, reliable, rugged, supple, small and attractive. What is important to you customers? Any electrical engineers with any suggestions?

As far as a power supply RBT plans to standardize on the Zion control system. This will again add to the RBT economies of scale and build off a proven reliable power electronics. It's small to... Just cut the top off the Zion and plug it in. It will also give the ability to run a 100 watt 22 mm monster desk top as well as a battery pack which lends I feels to future offerings.

RBT's engagement in the project initially will be to supply HI the required parts and limited application guidance as Zion in now the focus. If all goes well the RBT Mi-log will come alive mid 2017... Until then my man Alan will be at the helm creating the first commercial Mi-logs.
 

Hippie Dickie

The Herbal Cube
Manufacturer
Any electrical engineers with any suggestions?

i like the W.S.Deans ultra plugs:

The industry standard in high performance connectors. Rated number one by R/C Car Action, The Ultra Plug actually has less resistance, including the solder joints, than an equivalent length piece of 12 gauge wire.

picture.php


they have gold contacts, a piece of spring steel to force the contacts together, wipes the contacts every time plugged together, polarized so it can't be plugged wrong, and can handle >50A of current.

wide tip soldering iron (1/4") is best for easier soldering.

i use the Deans Ultra Wire (16ga):

12 Gauge silicone wire with 660 strands of pure copper pre-tinned for easy soldering and corrosion resistance. The highest grade of copper and pure silicone insulation provide maximum power and easy soldering.

They also make the Wet Noodle Wire:

12 Gauge silicone wire with an unbelievable 1660 strands, it is so flexible that it feels like a wet noodle! The highest grade of copper and pure silicone insulation provide maximum power and easy soldering.

Female on the power supply, Male on the vape ... i recess it into my cube for cleaner appearance.

Made in USA.
 

KeroZen

Chronic vapaholic
Deans connectors are good indeed, but they fell out of fashion these last years. I would recommend to use XT60 connectors instead for various reasons:

- They are cheaper
- They are easier to unplug
- They are easier to solder
- They can handle 60A continuously
- They can accept down to 10ga wires (but 12ga fits better)
- They are less prone to shorts when ripped off (somewhat)

We can even get them in black now, which is better looking for our application. I know for sure that the ones from HK are genuine, here's the link >> https://hobbyking.com/en_us/black-xt60-male-and-female-5-pairs-bag.html

They are all the rage currently in the RC world, and are the defacto standard now that most Li-Po packs come standard with them. It means they are cheap and widely available.

44334.jpg


Banana plugs are good connectors but the risk of creating shorts when your stoned friend trips his feet on the cable ripping everything apart is too high. You can mitigate that by having one side all female and the other all male, but then you need to use heatshrink tubing on the female plugs, and it's not very good looking, doesn't age well and tends to leave a small gap (it's hard to make them perfectly fitted) So you need to have one wire shorter than the other, leading to something a bit goofy looking in the end...

Now if you want really high-end connectors, we can continue looking and find something better.
 

RastaBuddhaTao

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
Thanks @Hippie Dickie and @KeroZen for the great suggestions. I do like the spade type connection and any connector used in the RC world have to handle high current and take a beating... arguably an overkill? I know @Alan likes the round plug as it's easier to recess it in a drilled hole... but it does seem like most connectors fit for this application are square making recessing in wood tricky. Molex makes some cost effective industrial connectors that would work nicely the are also Square. Plan is to have the plug come in from the bottom but it could come in at the split so the square shape can be machined easy with a router.... reaching is a PIA lol.
 

Alan

Master JedHI
Manufacturer
I do indeed like round plugs since they can be held securely in place with a nut. Panel mounting is also important for the model of voltage controller I am currently using. All of the necessary parts arrived so I could put together a cord set to test out the banana style sockets. I'm using copper pennies for the fake Milaana battery ends. It works very well. The plugs easily handle the amperage. The input socket is on the right side of the unit, but could be placed on the back or the same side as the output sockets.
Does anyone have a preference to the input socket location?
So nice to have the digital display to control the temperature. The banana style sockets will also work for the wood MI-Log body. They will be tightened inside the wood by a nut on the hollow socket post.
I found some silicone tubing that is the perfect size that when stretched over female glass fitting, it fits tightly into a 1" hole. It will provide a bit of cushion for the glass and ensure the fitting sits squarely in the hole. Happy to share anything I learn with Ryan.

milaanafakebatteryvcu.jpg
 

P.A.M.

Vapo Rising
Great work Alan! Input socket might be good to have on same side or back of unit to limit the width of unit and the space it occupies .I also find when input is on left or right it limits/tangles wires if your plug is on the wrong side of the input .

I might update my vvps box so that the input wire come in from back instead of left side.. That way my unit wouldnt be upside down or wires wouldnt be tangled if its plugged into wall outlet that is right side of the unit.
 

RastaBuddhaTao

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
Nice work @Alan ... I really like the penny... just my two cents :). The cord has a nice organic feel. What stops it from "un-twisting"? The connectors have a cool retro feel. Given that the Milaana heater swings both ways, meaning polarity of course, no orientation is needed. Keep in mind that given its low resistance the length of the cord and connector contact resistance will be a factor.

I think I am leaning towards Molex style connectors in the spirit of DFMA. They are inexpensive, only one connector is required for multiple wires, and they use a crimp contact (no Solder). They are very robust as I have used them in high vibration environments like fuel cell forklift applications. They are a standard at most harness shops and are available through the big US electrics dealers. They will also recess easily into the PS box since I will be using the Zion control in a wooden enclosure with a split line.

Looking forward to seeing the response to the beta units. It will be some time before I start on this with Zion and the 510 in line first but I'm sure all of your shared learning will be very helpful.

have fun kids
 

Alan

Master JedHI
Manufacturer
Great work Alan! Input socket might be good to have on same side or back of unit to limit the width of unit and the space it occupies .I also find when input is on left or right it limits/tangles wires if your plug is on the wrong side of the input .

I might update my vvps box so that the input wire come in from back instead of left side.. That way my unit wouldnt be upside down or wires wouldnt be tangled if its plugged into wall outlet that is right side of the unit.

Thanks. I'm hoping the positions will allow the unit to still fit back into its original box. Will try the bock position for the next box.

Yeah I also think back for cords makes more sense, like parallel to the trigger?
Love that cord @Alan!

Wish there was enough room to put all the cords on the back. The output jacks pretty much have to go on the left side.

Nice work @Alan ... I really like the penny... just my two cents :). The cord has a nice organic feel. What stops it from "un-twisting"? The connectors have a cool retro feel. Given that the Milaana heater swings both ways, meaning polarity of course, no orientation is needed. Keep in mind that given its low resistance the length of the cord and connector contact resistance will be a factor.

I think I am leaning towards Molex style connectors in the spirit of DFMA. They are inexpensive, only one connector is required for multiple wires, and they use a crimp contact (no Solder). They are very robust as I have used them in high vibration environments like fuel cell forklift applications. They are a standard at most harness shops and are available through the big US electrics dealers. They will also recess easily into the PS box since I will be using the Zion control in a wooden enclosure with a split line.

Looking forward to seeing the response to the beta units. It will be some time before I start on this with Zion and the 510 in line first but I'm sure all of your shared learning will be very helpful.

have fun kids

Glad you like it. The pennies were cheaper than buying washers. The cord stays together from the stiffness of the wire. It is 18 gauge retro style lamp cord. I got some silver colored cable for the next batch of cords.
Trying to keep the cord length reasonable to minimize additional resistance. A molex to banana plug cord is all that will be needed to interconnect between units and power supplies that we will be making. Hurry up with those Zion units so you can get to the Mi-Log. ;)
 

RastaBuddhaTao

Well-Known Member
Manufacturer
Yeh @Alan where is the waiting list lol. In all seriousness this is a HI project first and formost. RBT is engaged in this project to have the opportunity to work with one of the greats in the industry who has graciously agreed to invest in this endevor. It's possible that towards the end of the year a RBT Log might appear but first, Zion, Milaana roll-out and the 510.

@Alan you have the floor sir... ya'll have a kick ass time
 
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