Discontinued The Grasshopper

[tubasco]

Well this is concerning! Just what I need, spend more fucking money.



OK, then, let's say its either 150mA or:



OK, @Icon13 and @tubasco , assuming the charger is "safe for batteries when used as directed"

This is from the D4 Manual:
Note: When the D4 is charging three or four batteries, charging current will be set to 375mA. Alternatively, when charging either one or two batteries, charging current will be set to 750mA

Given that this is the case, as opposed to what is stated by our beloved @tubasco , then
when three or more batteries are in at the same time, I suppose nothing further need be done to "lower" said rate, as I'm assuming "375" is acceptable. Can I get an Amen?

However, if one were to charge one or two batteries and wished to set that rate to that target 375mA (assuming that's the low number), how might one do so? I remember reading about that here some time ago, and I'm pretty sure it was one of you fellas who mentioned it... (can't seem to locate this instruction in the PDF manual http://www.batteryspace.com/prod-specs/8979 specs.pdf )

I thank you. My Hoppers thank you.

Yes there is a "low" charge setting. When you insert 4 GHBs in there it defaults to charge Lithium Ion batts at 375mA, but when it's switched to "low" it drops to 150. When doing only 1 or 2 batteries all the mA numbers are doubled, so I always wait till I have at least 3 batteries to charge.

I use a lot of eneloop AAs too, and you can mix and match battery types which is nice.

Thanks @Icon13 for the info. I guess I'll only use the "low" mA rate when charging 1 or 2 batts and just go with the default rate when charging 3 or 4.

EDIT: @JoeMama , there is a button on the left side. The front of the button is the cursor to select which battery bay, and the back of the button, when held down, sets the selected bay into "low" mA mode.

 

[Baron23]

Well this is concerning! Just what I need, spend more fucking money.



OK, then, let's say its either 150mA or:



OK, @Icon13 and @tubasco , assuming the charger is "safe for batteries when used as directed"

This is from the D4 Manual:
Note: When the D4 is charging three or four batteries, charging current will be set to 375mA. Alternatively, when charging either one or two batteries, charging current will be set to 750mA

Given that this is the case, as opposed to what is stated by our beloved @tubasco , then
when three or more batteries are in at the same time, I suppose nothing further need be done to "lower" said rate, as I'm assuming "375" is acceptable. Can I get an Amen?

However, if one were to charge one or two batteries and wished to set that rate to that target 375mA (assuming that's the low number), how might one do so? I remember reading about that here some time ago, and I'm pretty sure it was one of you fellas who mentioned it... (can't seem to locate this instruction in the PDF manual http://www.batteryspace.com/prod-specs/8979 specs.pdf )

I thank you. My Hoppers thank you.

You don't need a lower rate. I can't remember who, perhaps @Icon13, but somebody with a large amount of battery knowledge posted some info on charging cycles/lifetime/charging rate. There was a variable that was, if I remember correctly, equal or about equal to the mAh of the battery.

Wish I could remember the details but even 750a is fairly low.

Up to you, though. I have also done things that were perhaps not necessary but did so out of an abundance of caution.

Cheers

 

[Receptor]

Looked at the Tenergy TN270,GL recommended a while back.
Specs on it shows 500 ma...max charge rate.
The XTAR VC4 can do 4 @ 500 and 2 @ 1000ma....
Hope that helps....

CANNABIS.....Cluster Headache....ReNew...Mission. Good to-Go!!!

 

[Kanyayweest]

Wow didn't know how much would be posted here in medley 6 days. As per my hopper usage, I use it quite like a desktop as well, often going 2-3 sessions at once ( although I only get one bowl out of a battery) I have 8 batteries so it works out. After my second bowl or during the third consecutive the hopper is too hot to hold a bit and the cops light turn on but don't stay if I let it cool down for a bit. Pretty cool. At least I have a back up hopper to tide me over if I need a warranty replacement!

Also, anyone know if there is a black ti?

 

[JoeMama]

Yes there is a "low" charge setting. When you insert 4 GHBs in there it defaults to charge Lithium Ion batts at 375mA, but when it's switched to "low" it drops to 150. When doing only 1 or 2 batteries all the mA numbers are doubled, so I always wait till I have at least 3 batteries to charge.

I use a lot of eneloop AAs too, and you can mix and match battery types which is nice.

Thanks @Icon13 for the info. I guess I'll only use the "low" mA rate when charging 1 or 2 batts and just go with the default rate when charging 3 or 4.

EDIT: @JoeMama , there is a button on the left side. The front of the button is the cursor to select which battery bay, and the back of the button, when held down, sets the selected bay into "low" mA mode.

Thank you, @Baron23 and @tubasco ; both, very helpful.
OK I did find that function to set the rate lower; whether I'll use it is TBD, but good to know now. Yes, and by putting >3 batteries at a time, I can at least be certain I'm at 375.

It's for that "topping" the charge (re that "trailing hit" thing @MoltenTiger discussed a bit ago), that I may set that function lower, since it would be hitting it at 750 if by itself.

Thanks again, guys.

 

[MoltenTiger]

You don't need a lower rate. I can't remember who, perhaps @Icon13, but somebody with a large amount of battery knowledge posted some info on charging cycles/lifetime/charging rate. There was a variable that was, if I remember correctly, equal or about equal to the mAh of the battery.

Wish I could remember the details but even 750a is fairly low.

Up to you, though. I have also done things that were perhaps not necessary but did so out of an abundance of caution.

Cheers

from the Battery University:

"When the battery is first put on charge, the voltage shoots up quickly. This behavior can be compared to lifting a weight with a rubber band, causing a lag. The capacity will eventually catch up when the battery is almost fully charged (Figure 3). This charge characteristic is typical of all batteries. The higher the charge current is, the larger the rubber-band effect will be. Cold temperatures or charging a cell with high internal resistance amplifies the effect."

Remember how the GHBs have huge resistance compared to other Li-ion batteries?
It's not good for your batteries, it's not going to kill them instantly but it will degrade them at an accelerated rate.

I've included charts before, this one explains them if they somehow don't make sense.
Feel free to continue high rate charging, but don't do a disservice by recommending it blindly.

I've gone through 7 GH batteries so far and I haven't been hopping for a year yet, so battery longevity is worth something to me, and others.

I charged those 7 cells with a 1A rate for most of their very short lives. Never again

Furthermore ,
even if high rate charging is worth it for the user, to minimise charging time at the cost of product life, doing so with a charger that is not prone to overcharging is a no brainer.
That's not to say the Nitecore D4 isn't that, it's just less precise than other options, which I consider a bad thing. If you have one that works, that's great. But there have been enough cases where that's not the case to avoid the brand. It's up to the consumer at the end of the day, and that's enough info and talk on the matter

Also, on the 18650 note, even though the battery would have a larger capacity, it will still give the best hit fresh from the charger (4.20V, ~11A draw). As it depletes the current increases.

There must be a reason that most 18650 vapes can't do what the hopper does, and HL spent so much on a proprietary option.
They protoyped with 18650s so it's not like they were alien to the idea, but I imagine choosing the more expensive and risky option must have had some solid logic behind it from these engineers.

 

[JCat]

I ordered a Nitecore D2 before I spotted the negative info on it ... still not sure why this wouldn't be a good option. It charges by default at 0.5A x 2 (ie. no more than 0.5A per battery, which should be fine). It also has a "Low" mode that drops it to 0.3A per battery which should be great no?

The D4 is either 0.375A per battery for 4 batteries or 0.75A per battery if just 2. It also has a low mode that changes it to 0.3A per battery.

Both these chargers also monitor the status of the battery and switch between CC/CV/dv/dt modes as it charges and stops when they are full ...

It was a tossup between the Xtar VC2 and this one ... we'll see I guess if I made a good decision (price was right ... that's for sure)

Anyways ... not sure why this wouldn't be ok ... thoughts?

 

[MoltenTiger]

Also, I would like to see them get rid of the hinky (to me) ballpoint pen-type push switch on the end. just too many parts. Make something with a simple and highly robust switch for on/off. Just my two cents.

I've never had a problem with the power button, though I would say it is much too loud for certain situations, and it's very mechanical switching on and off every hit, some won't like that (especially Vape Critic). But in terms of robustness, apart from the very rare out of place pin, I didn't think there were any issues with it?

Where are we going to get more film canisters

420 Science sell a glass one, though it's not too cheap.

I ordered a Nitecore D2 before I spotted the negative info on it

The Nitecore D2 is fine, it charges at the default rate.
If you want to be really scrupulous that it's fine, you could test a battery off the charger to make sure it isn't undercharging or overcharging it. It's unlikely to be, but not unheard of.

https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/threads/nitecore-d2-digicharger.596093/
there's a good read that exposes why charging precision is important for batteries that are designed to perform in a specific pattern

It's very obvious the GH performs best with a 4.20V cell, if you are collecting 4.16V cells that are fresh from the charger, you'll be trailing a hit

 

[Hogni]

Are you crazy? No more stuff to discuss here?? Are there actually no more problems with our 'old' hopper to solve that you seriously suggest to develope a new device by GHL??

NO! GHL should only focus on construction of the Hopper until all Hoppers are working flawlessly and reliably over years!! Period.

Its only allowed to them to optimize the Hopper aside developing of the long announced ss case - WTF is so difficult on this?? - and their long announced concentrate insert!

All fine but step by step...

 

[biohacker]

That's not to say the Nitecore D4 isn't that, it's just less precise than other options, which I consider a bad thing. If you have one that works, that's great. But there have been enough cases where that's not the case to avoid the brand.

Where have you seen enough cases? I'm just curious, as i've only read about one, and that ended up being a defective Nitecore i series charger that was overcharging to 4.25v. He ended up burning through batteries like crazy, understandable.

Anyways ... not sure why this wouldn't be ok ... thoughts?

I put alot of time into this yesterday, and although I self confess to having extremely limited battery knowledge, the overwhelming majority of what i've read points to the Nitecore being a more than suitable charger, in fact even 'the best'. This is just what i've read( google: grasshopper + nitecore), and even IF my batteries don't last as long as using the OEM usb charger (theory), at this point I don't even care.... because it would be ruining my enjoyment of the GH. We can discuss this all day long....i'll ask GH about it today, and hopefully put it all to rest.

It's very obvious the GH performs best with a 4.20V cell, if you are collecting 4.16V cells that are fresh from the charger, you'll be trailing a hit

The Nitecore d4 does this perfectly in my experience.....they finish charging at 4.20v, and then stop. When I put them on they are usually around 3.8v-3.9v.

Really hoping my GH's are shipped back out of the lab today....they've had them the entire week. How long does it usually take? I thought a few days...

 

[Elac]

The D4 will charge 2 batteries at 375mA if you put them in seperate rails, ie. One in the left 2 bays and one on the right 2 bays. As the first 2 bays run off one rail and the last 2 of another.
I have 2 D4 chargers on hand and even though both units say 4.20V when completely charged a test on the multimeter says 4.15V. That goes for any Li-ion battery charged from it.
Charging the batteries with the OEM charger from GHL truly charges to 4.20V.
Plus the GHL charger software is optimized for only that specific battery. The D4 is programed to handle a "range" of batteries not just one type of custom made battery.

 

[MoltenTiger]

Where have you seen enough cases?

Torch and e-cig forums I was reading and just from googling model numbers

Look for the most part, Nitecore is a good brand.
I'm bashing them too much.
All I should be saying is there are better options, and it makes technical sense to use them.
I've tried to learn and describe just why that is the case, and it seems pretty clearly worthwhile

There are absolutely worse options though

 

[GrandWazoo]

I've been saying this for years, concentrates on the go is still the superior solution. They just travel much better than dry herb. I'm not into e liquid though...I only load pure product on an all ceramic divine tribe v3 atomizer. I have no other use for other portable devices at this point, and it's embarrassing my home devices just as much.
Flavor is great over her with a temp controlled mod.

I would like to use pure concentrates too , but I think you must charge it every time , or every two. With e-liquid you can stay out for two weeks without doing anything...I got the Joyetech dual , and in dual mode also the two batteries lasts two weeks ( 14/16 hits pro day ). If it would be legal also where I live , I'd prefer my GH in my pocket , with some flowers and two or three batteries and that would be the best. Anyway e-liquid is very confortable.

 

[vapen00b]

Hi guys,

I had a mishap and managed to damage to batt wrap a bit (a scratch nearby positive terminal.. The external chargers contact snapped and kinda cut into it... Fuck). Knowing it's dangerous as fuck to use it, I put it away for now unless I find some fitting shrink wrap to rewrap it. Has anyone found a suitable product? Only finding 18650 ones.... Any help is greatly appreciated! (Buying new batts is NOT a fix for my prob, so please don't suggest that )

Thanks for your tips!

 

[MoltenTiger]

Hi guys,

I had a mishap and managed to damage to batt wrap a bit (a scratch nearby positive terminal). Knowing it's dangerous as fuck to use it, I put it away for now unless I find some fitting shrink wrap to rewrap it. Has anyone found a suitable product? Only finding 18650 ones.... Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your tips!

Try electrical tape if it's not too bad.

Otherwise, the hopper cell size is 12630. 14650 wraps might shrink to fit.
I've heard a lot of people recommend it, but never anyone try it.


Incidentally and on another note;
I just unpacked an Xtar MC1 I got for a friend.
It's a great size! Extremely portable
And just to add to confusion, it's worth noting that the MC1plus is no good for GHBs, the older MC1 is perfect

 

[vapen00b]

Try electrical tape if it's not too bad.

Otherwise, the hopper cell size is 12630. 14650 wraps might shrink to fit.
I've heard a lot of people recommend it, but never anyone try it.

Wow, that was even faster than a GH heat up... Thanks man.
I'm not sure how it's easily doable with electrical tape to cover the whole body seamlessly..
"Double taping" would make it too fat.. I tried some thin snippet of scotch tape, that doesn't do the job. Too fat.
So I think I need to unwrapp it completely.
I don't wanna risk anything and am not a pro when it comes to these things.. I would think just a tiny uncovered gap somewhere along the body would be still pretty hazardous. So I gotta find a proper solution prior to unwrapping that damaged cell.

Will check those 14650s out. Hope I can find them somewhere over here.
Thanks again for your response, mate!

If anyone else has fitting solution, I'm all ears.
Thanks!

 

[MoltenTiger]

Wow, that was even faster than a GH heat up

that's what she said


How bad is the tear, as long as there isn't metal/metal contact with the hopper it will be fine.

But best not to risk a short

 

[biohacker]

For what it's worth....

Vaporizer Wizard on FC said: "I have use X1 AC Plus plenty of times to charge, however it was with this 3d printed battery holder. Matt told me never to charge faster than 2 amps, but I still usually charge at 1amp if I have the time just, hopefully that will keep the batteries lasting a little bit longer."

EDIT: OMG have any of you read the comments on the GH on the vape critic's site? lol

 

[MoltenTiger]

For what it's worth....

Vaporizer Wizard on FC said: "I have use X1 AC Plus plenty of times to charge, however it was with this 3d printed battery holder. Matt told me never to charge faster than 2 amps, but I still usually charge at 1amp if I have the time just, hopefully that will keep the batteries lasting a little bit longer."

gees that would be fast charging at 2000mA, I guess 23 minutes.

The difference between 2 to 1 is twice the difference between 1 to 0.5, but the same amount proportionally.
I guess also, a reviewer doesn't really have to worry about long term charge cycles when he's releasing a review 6 months before there's an issue either.
Though FWIW HL don't endorse or promote reviews in anyway (which is why they're all quite honest, compared to the rest of the general selection)

If you have to pay someone to convince me your product is good, it is 100% a bad product

That's why forums are great (and why I am so appreciative of what @BuzzDanklin offers), I own so much amazing quality shit because of forums and dedicated reviewers, and I like passing on the favour when I can. With the GH, with Xtar.

I've killed batteries with 1A charging, it took 7 months.

My friend, who owns batteries the same age as 2 of my dead batteries, still has his all going strong. He only charges with the HL charger, and I've just now received an Xtar MC1 to give him, as it matches precisely the charge specs the hopper OEM offers (or at least the charger spec Trevor recommended pre OEM charger days [which as a US mains device, is useless to me here in Australia. My old charger (unsuitable) was only working on one slot, and eventually stopped working all together. After reading up on what my best option was, a reputable source lead to the Xtar MC2.

Measured off the charger, Xtar are very precise. And the discharge rate and charge processing is industry leading


EDIT: forget all this battery charging talk. Sorry for being obsessed with my portable lifeline

What are the Vapecritic comments saying? Haven't read them since the big event itself ><
The comments here were quite interesting too.

A steamy topic

 

[biohacker]

Though FWIW HL don't endorse or promote reviews in anyway

If you have to pay someone to convince me your product is good, it is 100% a bad product

Is this why @Zenpen was banned here?

I'll leave the vape critic comments for you to read for yourself, but there is a very unhappy angry cohort out there that's forsure. Understandable based on the reasons I have read why.

As for the batteries.... fortunately they are fairly affordable, but I honestly personally think that the heat from the device (especially with the hot back end issues) probably destroys the cell more than any charger IMHO.

 

[GrandWazoo]

Wow, that was even faster than a GH heat up... Thanks man.
I'm not sure how it's easily doable with electrical tape to cover the whole body seamlessly..
"Double taping" would make it too fat.. I tried some thin snippet of scotch tape, that doesn't do the job. Too fat.
So I think I need to unwrapp it completely.
I don't wanna risk anything and am not a pro when it comes to these things.. I would think just a tiny uncovered gap somewhere along the body would be still pretty hazardous. So I gotta find a proper solution prior to unwrapping that damaged cell.

Will check those 14650s out. Hope I can find them somewhere over here.
Thanks again for your response, mate!

If anyone else has fitting solution, I'm all ears.
Thanks!

I tried to do the best thing with a wrap , bought it from an electrical shop , cut it , heat with hairdryer and the work was perfect ! I was very proud of myself until I tried to put the battery in the Grasshopper ... no way , it was too thick ! It's incredible to say , because the wrap was very very thin and all in one with the battery , I did'nt believe. So I tryed another time with a "simple" electrical tape , but a 50 mm. one ( 5 cm ). Done a very good bricolage work, cut exactly the diameter and put it on the batteries. Also this has been a very good professional looking at the end , and it works , it works great and i think there's no way to get a short. The electrical tape is also "flexible" , more than the original . I usually charge batteries on an Xtar VC4 , and when you take them out , if you don't pay attention , you can demage batteries ( I did so with all mine). Sorry if I don't post photo , I don't want to get risks , here where I live people are strange...

 

[MoltenTiger]

Is this why @Zenpen was banned here?

I'll leave the vape critic comments for you to read for yourself, but there is a very unhappy angry cohort out there that's forsure. Understandable based on the reasons I have read why.

As for the batteries.... fortunately they are fairly affordable, but I honestly personally think that the heat from the device (especially with the hot back end issues) probably destroys the cell more than any charger IMHO.

did you read my spiel explaining the ZenPen situation earlier?

It kind of is, but it was mainly because of irate people here.
And they left of their own accord, after some stupid bullshit they were able to continue posting, and they did for a short while.


Okay, no link guy, I shall surf to unknown sand bars for the lolz

I've never taken out a hot battery from the hopper, and I've tried to.

Even with the over heat lights, it's just casually warm in there.

...

"Ah yes, the Grasshopper vaporizer. the elusive portable vape pen for dry herb."

Look, I'm not finding much funny as hoping.

It just seems like a consumer shit storm in there.

If they had half a researchers brain on their shoulders there'd nearly be no comments (or a website.. too far?).

 

[biohacker]

did you read my spiel explaining the ZenPen situation earlier?

It kind of is, but it was mainly because of irate people here.
And they left of their own accord, after some stupid bullshit they were able to continue posting, and they did for a short while.

I did, that's why I brought it up again...just kind of a joke, but I was misconstrued I thought they were banned for shilling, not run out of here.

Okay, no link guy, I shall surf to unknown sand bars for the lolz

All you bro, just scroll down to the most recent and work backwards.... some pretty funny posts, recent ones, the older ones are just whining from long delays, etc.

One of my personal favourites:

"Wow…GH Labs have done something that most companies find very difficult to impossible; they have destroyed their reputation and customer good will before even shipping the product.

Outstanding."

Maybe my sense of humour is different, but it give me a pretty good chuckle!

I've never taken out a hot battery from the hopper, and I've tried to.

Even with the over heat lights, it's just casually warm in there.

Yeah casually warm is the better term, I usually throw them on the d4 even when warm. I know I know, risktaker and all...

---------

If they had half a researchers brain on their shoulders there'd nearly be no comments (or a website.. too far?).

The comments are customers, why do they need half a researcher's brain? Maybe they aren't beneficial to you, but I appreciate all comments from consumers whether they are positive or negative, I just wanna hear their experiences.

If you are slamming Vape Critic, that's another storey.... he was absolutely destroyed after reviewing the EVO so harshly the first go around (for just reason) but IMO is a very legit and credible resource. I may not agree with all his opinions, but I think he has more than half a researcher's brain.

Apologies for leaving out the link, forgot to "paste"! Thanks for doing it..

 

[Doktor Dub]

It's very obvious the GH performs best with a 4.20V cell

VERY obvious, if they develop an Oil Pen we will have to use the new 7.10V Cells

 

[MoltenTiger]

I did, that's why I brought it up again...just kind of a joke, but I was misconstrued I thought they were banned for shilling, not run out of here.

Cool, well I probably didn't make good sense of it before. But yeah, they were banned, and they were like 'sorry guys, honest mistake' (which was not even really a mistake, I mean, a thread bump isn't the biggest evil out there now google changed their ways) and everyone here was like "you guys are faking it, full of lies, deceiving people" "you're product is bogus" "none of these are actual quotes but we think you are the worst HL!!"

Then the admins went all CSI:FC and HLs mundane story of the younger brother on a separate computer on the same network posting to the thread checked out.
But there was still no chill.

And all during this HL was struggling big time to actually realise their product.
Even today the struggle is real, because no one has any patience these days.
As is evident from the Vapecritic website..

All you bro, just scroll down to the most recent and work backwards.... some pretty funny posts, recent ones, the older ones are just whining from long delays, etc.

One of my personal favourites:

"Wow…GH Labs have done something that most companies find very difficult to impossible; they have destroyed their reputation and customer good will before even shipping the product.

Outstanding."

No worries brah, I got this.

All these complaints man, like yeah you're spending money, but not Mighty level money.
So do you really have a right to complain when you receive what some consider more value?
Would you buy a Porsche and complain that it's not a 1997 flawless Toyota Camry at the first service interval?

HL were chased out of here because everyone expected them to be lying about an assumed impossibility, and now HL have established themselves although are still having occasional batch issues.... lets raise hell bitch. Their impossible product is not impossible enough!

This one made me chuckle

"No doubt dude. Fuck GH labs and their shady ass business techniques. Just be up front with customers and tell them you suck and have no clue how to estimate a shipping date and they would get a lot better respect from me. I waited 7 months then got my cash back.

Firefly 2 it is"

r3sp3c7 hard work you little shit, if I had a lawn, I'd tell you to get off it

Also, no one gives a fuck about your bloody respect when you are literally throwing money at them....
You have straight up given all they care about from you away
Future hopperers thank you for your place in line whilst you opt for a completely different device