MiniVAP Vaporizer

[Michel]

@mixchu69
Just stood up 3 hours ago and wanted to try your style with mighty. Saturday is for extended vaporizer testing
Had already heated up the minivap which made me fall asleep until now with one direct loaded bowl only, hitting on pink with heavy 20sec draws, no clouds on pink. Green and red directly clouds with flexi+ only. Super dense massive clouds, not to hot, no coughs. Don't understand this device anymore. Still slightly medicated. Only slight throat irritation directly after bowl was dead, even on red until no vapor with heavy draws. Sporadic power raise? Guess temperature is too low on my unit and not heating up properly like I @Smknbud resumed already. Just want to say when working its a powerfull device with some small drawbacks.
Will try the mighty out now.

@mmafighterthe25

Do you see the blue S&B o-ring around the flexicone + ? Makes a far tighter air seal! Works with a simple stainless steel ring washer, too!

 

[mixchu69]

@mixchu69
Just stood up 3 hours ago and wanted to try your style with mighty. Saturday is for extended vaporizer testing
Had already heated up the minivap which made me fall asleep until now with one direct loaded bowl only, hitting on pink with heavy 20sec draws, no clouds on pink. Green and red directly clouds with flexi+ only. Super dense massive clouds, not to hot, no coughs. Don't understand this device anymore. Still slightly medicated. Only slight throat irritation directly after bowl was dead, even on red until no vapor with heavy draws. Sporadic power raise? Guess temperature is too low on my unit and not heating up properly like I @Smknbud resumed already. Just want to say when working its a powerfull device with some small drawbacks.
Will try the mighty out now.

@mmafighterthe25

Do you see the blue S&B o-ring around the flexicone + ? Makes a far tighter air seal! Works with a simple stainless steel ring washer, too!

I like the idea of using the mighty Oring for a better seal. So far, I never even thought about it. I always assumed the flexi nipple adequately sealed it, but I can see times when a tighter seal will def help. I will give your suggestion a try. It seems that you have issues with your minivap's heat. I would email Hermes or the distributor and get it checked out.

 

[Michel]

It might depend on the lid and on the age of the flexicone if an o-ring is really needed. With usage it loosens air seal I think. Perhaps this is why the flexicones are supposed to last only for ridiculously 25 usage after Hermes homepage, but I'm still on the first accessoires kit so who knows? When the lid goes on the core without any pressure, it was time for a better sealing in my case.

Already awaiting answer from Hermes...

 

[bigmouth]

So how long does everyone pre heat there's. I just wait til light soild N hit it.

IIRC, you have one of the newer models, so yours should heat up more quickly. With the new heater technology, once the light stops blinking, you're good to go.

 

[Polyrhythm]

My first units heater died after a few months, but my replacement has been running strong for over 2 years!

Yes, exactly 1 year now daily use of my old tcmV.
No problems until this time, only a few known bugs so far...

As far as reliability goes, are there any FC Minivap owners who have had a fully functioning unit for 12 months or longer?

I can't seem to wrap my head around the likelihood that a new unit will fail within 6 months of daily use. Seems crazy to accept that a premium-priced product doesn't really pass a prolonged stress test, unless it isn't intended to be used daily. Maybe it's a luxury 'special occasion' device, and a more robust unit is required as a daily driver.

There are Volcanoes out there still going strong after years of constant abuse.

 

[MinnBobber]

So I'm trying the mini straw thingie for the first time. I don't have to give the unit a 'kick-suck' (throwback to my old bike daze). I started it, forgot about it til it was timed out, restarted (on red), and while it was blinking took a nice slow test draw - and warmish, and cloudy! Turned it down to blurple, and on draw 3 it's nice and lemony and unscrewing my head. Probably because, when I forgot the MV was heating up, I refilled the INH and turned it back on. So this is actually #3 of the day... but man it's a nice day!

.................................................................................

Is the mini straw the 2" plastic mouthpiece??
It's odd but I find the vapor cooler from it than from the 6" flexicone plus...

Yes--- blurple ---- it's not really pink as they say. It's like the blue light plus the red light = blue purple/ blurple

 

[stickstones]

It's odd but I find the vapor cooler from it than from the 6" flexicone plus...

It's counter intuitive, but I found the same thing. I thought the longer path would be better but it wasn't.

 

[Michel]

I tought the 2-part-mouthpiece was designed that way because the upper part of it can be stuck in the 6 " flexicone + directly to get the best of both worlds...

The flexicone+ itself gets hotter on the outside even when the vapor is cooler when hitting without mouthpiece. Just uncomfortable for the lips, better for the throat, at least my experience after 2 weeks.

I prefer a cut mouthpiece from a mighty, no whistle sound and better air path.

Glas should be even better but don't like the Mflb straw to much and I don't have something else to try.
Dreaming of the S&B cooling coil from the plenty on the minivap like somebody else said already before...

 

[kimura]

having spent some good time with both the new TC and GC miniVAP, I have to say that both new units are a different sort of beast than either of my previous ones. basically the new units are more powerful.

but the difference isn't just quantitative. both of my new units are basically incapable of pure convection in any configuration that involves the lid. the flavor degrades noticeably compared to lid-less usage, and the load browns as well. even my teflon core will cook the load at idle. so, that's disappointing, but since the no-lid option is still there to provide pure convection, you could just think of it as a new feature, I suppose. like I hinted at earlier, this thing now gives significant conductive and radiant heat transfer if you load directly or use the lid, very much like the new S&B portables (but more effectively IMO).

so I am not using the lid at all at this point, enjoying better flavor (wet or dry) and massive clouds. true flavor chasing is still achievable with the new units, just gotta stay at blue or purple and forget about the lid. I'm only applying heat while actively taking a draw

props to @Roger D for promoting the no-lid configuration all along

It's worth mentioning that whether you actually prefer pure convection is entirely subjective. But I though this was post-worthy since pure convection has always been one of the main draws of the miniVAP, for me anyway

 

[Kommyknocker]

I've always kinda thought the RogerD method as THE way to use the MV from the get go. Definitely had the most air time with me by a long shot.
Convenient as you like too.

 

[stickstones]

Why does the lid effect convection? I could see it increasing radiation.

 

[Michel]

Thank you @kimura, your comparison to S&B is exactly what I was going to ask about. Damn I hope Hermes will reply soon and trade my tcmv for a new gcmv 2015.
Is there any way to find out which temps or firmware my unit is really running? The reseller where I got it from sounded like: "ahm, yeah, I think , yes, for sure, newest version available!" but he didn't even now about the gcmv. Jumped in anyway because I had serious vas after reading the entire thread and mighty broke anyway (I wanted to trade it even after warranty for keeping my MV after you guys here where admiring it, now I think I'll keep both )
Tried even to learn Spanish because 519.- € isn't enough to get an actual manual in English and I saw temps where somewhere like 140, 170, 200, 230 degrees in the manual from their site for older units?
This could be the reason why my unit is so shitty on low temps, because it isn't so bad when preheating and hitting on red directly! Just thinking, or it's the sporadic power drop like some of you said. Just curious because of the manual!

Just finished a 2nd direct loaded back-to-back bowl in the MV with long whip on red after preheating for 12 min until vapor came out. Pulled and puffed what my lungs and mouth could. I put this in the mighty on 210 and had 2 lung busting hits and 5 whispy ones until the bowl was completely over. Normally if starting on 210 and hitting what I can I get 8-10 hits before finishing with 2-3 whispy ones.
So the beautiful minivap is in his logicase again and I'm waiting for update or replacement.

@stickstones

I think without lid you can take out the flexicone when not drawing for full Convection and preventing cooking? Or am I wrong? This should be possible with lid, too, but less comfortable.

 

[killick]

So I ordered @Ratchett SonG - what a smooth experience. The transaction processed so fast I thought it errored out. Anyways, I got an order number in email, followed by a 'processed' email, followed by a 'shipped' email, all in the space of 12 minutes. Followed by an human email saying that the adapter might need a tweak, but give it a shot, and if it doesn't work there's another thing inside the package that will work'. Talk about fast!

 

[Mrmrmrmr]

You'll love it @killick !!
I've been using mine ever since I got it. My favorite way to use it is with a dry mouthpiece on top of SonG.
And get used that service , that's just how @Ratchett operates

 

[kimura]

Why does the lid effect convection? I could see it increasing radiation.

that's all I mean... if there is significant radiation and conduction, it's no longer "nearly 100% pure convection"

use of the lid doesn't detract or take away from convective heat transfer. some people just prefer as little conduction and radiation as possible.

@Michel I would definitely recommend you just send in your unit to Hermes and ask them to replace/upgrade it. I have gone through a couple faulty miniVAPs. I also have a Crafty that I have come to love. if your Mighty/Crafty is decisively outperforming your miniVAP, I would suggest that your miniVAP is probably not working properly

 

[Fogoff]

Hello everyone,


I'm very happy to come back and see the thread full with

A new mv
Plenty of new users

2 years and I'm still using my teflon units everyday, got an update last year but i have to try the new basket, glass adapter as well

Minivap rules !

 

[MinnBobber]

So I ordered @Ratchett SonG - what a smooth experience. The transaction processed so fast I thought it errored out. Anyways, I got an order number in email, followed by a 'processed' email, followed by a 'shipped' email, all in the space of 12 minutes. Followed by an human email saying that the adapter might need a tweak, but give it a shot, and if it doesn't work there's another thing inside the package that will work'. Talk about fast!

Yes, always great service from Ratchett.
His mV song works great for multiple use base. It gives a much firmer connection for any whip, compared
to pushing whip into top of flexicone/stock cover.
Also serves as a connector to a hydratube----have a hydratube on order and will report back on that.

I also tried the flexicone plus, then Song as a connector, then MFLB water whip for extra long whip which then has a nice glass end piece for direct draws OR pluck it into bubbler for water hits.

 

[Michel]

Still no contact from Hermes, phone number on their site is dead, too. Contacted my reseller, assuming he wouldn't believe me about the power drop. Glad he reads here on FC, too, and is aware of the problems. They didn't get the gcmv until yet and don't have black tcmv for warranty left. They will take care of me anyway and Contact Hermes because they know him personally. Hope gcmv finally defeats mighty mighty!

@kimura
If it's really only the radiation of the lid affecting taste and convection and not the fact that you're probably taking out the basket from the filling chamber between hits, you could just use the inner plastic of the lid. The lid is made of two parts. The inner plastic is open to the sides and you could drill some holes ( white points in the picture) in the top of it to decrease heat build up and radiation.

But I don't think this would increase convection and preventing from cooking the load so don't waste your lid if you don't have a replacement!

I totally agree anyway with the other posts and ideas you had! Just my .

 

[kimura]

interesting idea. I do actually have a few spare lids (don't ask)... I might actually try that?

but I think separating the heat from the load is the key here. the basket only goes in the chamber while you are taking a draw and then is removed immediately. whether or not you use the lid is probably much less important... I just assumed that anyone using the lid is most likely leaving the load in the chamber in between hits, where it is staying quite hot and probably cooking/decarb'ing

 

[Michel]

I totally agree now!
Don't feel offended, German engineers like to be precise with their ideas (see the housings breaking of S&B units ) so I write a lot to clarify my thoughts and I suffer under the language barrier and permanent recreational pot use
I should work on this, I realized a lot of information is getting lost in my very too long posts by some fast readers (or can't you concentrate because you are at work like me? )

If you are willing to drill the lid I'm very curious to see the results

 

[killick]

I loaded the larger flexicone screen with a bit of herb and a ton of kief and had it sitting on top of a bubbler for an hour or so last night. Every tweak in temp had more and more tasty clouds! Why didn't I try this before?

 

[bigmouth]

Woo hoo! My MiniVAP is on its way back from Spain with a teflon core and new firmware installed!

I have to take my hat off to Hermes here. Alfredo and Jorge went beyond the call of duty for me. I can say from experience now, be polite and patient, and they will take care of you.

As an aside, if anyone else ever has to go through the hassle of sending their MiniVAP to Spain from the U.S., here are a couple of tips to save yourself some unnecessary cost and delay.

First, use DHL. I foolishly used FedEx to send my MiniVAP to Spain, which cost me significantly more than DHL is charging to ship it back. The transit time is expected to be shorter, too.

Second, make sure you declare a $0 value. Otherwise, they (and ultimately you) will have to pay an importation fee. I believe the cutoff is actually €20, but just say $0 to be safe.

 

[JJ Cool F]

Woo hoo! My MiniVAP is on its way back from Spain with a teflon core and new firmware installed!

I have to take my hat off to Hermes here. Alfredo and Jorge went beyond the call of duty for me. I can say from experience now, be polite and patient, and they will take care of you.

As an aside, if anyone else ever has to go through the hassle of sending their MiniVAP to Spain from the U.S., here are a couple of tips to save yourself some unnecessary cost and delay.

First, use DHL. I foolishly used FedEx to send my MiniVAP to Spain, which cost me significantly more than DHL is charging to ship it back. The transit time is expected to be shorter, too.

Second, make sure you declare a $0 value. Otherwise, they (and ultimately you) will have to pay an importation fee. I believe the cutoff is actually €20, but just say $0 to be safe.

I'm looking forward to the review of your new unit. I'm also waiting for another member or two (@Kommyknocker) to get their replacement units back too and for their thoughts.

Being in the UK, and with the pound sterling so high against the Euro, there's never been a better time to order a Minivap directly from Spain.

That said, S&B have also recently lowered the prices on all their devices according to Vapefiend's Twitter feed.

 

[Kommyknocker]

It's in Spain still. VF received it on Friday. I miss it So... Lo, don't cut it.

 

[lazylightning]

Given how many issues there are with miniVAPs, I really wish the repair process was handled more smoothly. I've been waiting for over 2 months now to get my mismatched silver core/black battery back. I've been very patient and polite with Hermes and have in fact been thanked for my patience a few times.

But after waiting 2 months and having all but one of my emails ignored, it starts to feel like they have very little respect for their customers. If I know what's going on, it makes me much more patient. Here's what I know about my repair at this point:

January 12 - Sent unit to Hermes

Waited 3 weeks to make sure it had plenty of time to arrive and be inspected

February 3 - Asked if Hermes had received unit yet...no response

Waited 2 weeks

February 17 - Asked again if Hermes had received unit yet.

RESPONSE: Alfredo replied next day and said heater had been replaced and it would ship in 1-2 days

Waited 2 weeks+

March 5 - I asked Alfredo if he had tracking number for package...no response

March 9 - I again asked Alfredo if he could confirm it had been sent...no response


So after piecing everything together, I'm guessing Alfredo sent my miniVAP 3 weeks ago and that I'll get it when I get it? Sure would be nice to at least know for sure if it was sent and when. Then I could at least adjust my expectations.

These months without the use of my MV does make me wonder...since my battery has been unavailable for my use for ~20% of its warranty life and MV core for ~10% of its warranty life...would Hermes honor my warranty if either of these fail in the few months after the warranty expires?