Discontinued The Grasshopper

[vapviking]

I have been going through various gyrations to get the 'ol hopper to work, wrote about it last week. I can always seem to get it going, it just takes some 'doing'. But it was many weeks before I came to understand that the problem is mostly all in the body, nothing really wrong with the back end (except the clicker can 'stick' occasionally). I've confirmed by swapping with other parts from other hoppers, which I know to be functioning perfectly. Cop lights, no lights, straight to blue, etc. etc., but even though it seems that trying different things with the back end appear to 'work', it's been the body all along.

Shame is that in the past (and several times now), when I have opened warranty requests, if I tell them I have a bad back end and have tested with other known-working parts, they have each time sent a new back end right out. Then I return the bad one. But anytime I've used the same explanation about a bad body, they've had me return the whole thing. So, I limp along with this one. Good news is we have another working Hopper in house (and another one in the hospital currently). Having a surplus number of units has basically kept us going through all the 2018 turbulence. All for not very much more than the cost of a Mighty. (though we have one of those, too!)

 

[mario]

The V5 body that I have is from buying the spare body on the site. I have my original body and it is for sure busted, but I don't want to send in the entire unit and lose the back end that I know is working right. Maybe when all this blows over I'll send it in....after I buy a backup hopper lol

 

[elykpeace]

The V5 body that I have is from buying the spare body on the site. I have my original body and it is for sure busted, but I don't want to send in the entire unit and lose the back end that I know is working right. Maybe when all this blows over I'll send it in....after I buy a backup hopper lol

I think the body you bought came back and it's not working So you should send the broken body back and get a body that you paid for


Seriously tho.

 

[newVaper420]

Ok.... my unit started behaving funny this morning. Blinking red lights. Wouldn't get to heater. Even after blowing with compressed air.

However, I just wiped my finger along the gold contact on the backend, and then re-tightened it, and everything started working again. I'm getting nervous. LOL

Edit: Just had my after lunch session with the hopper. it was glorious. I love that thing.

 

[mario]

I just used mine for my morning session before work, and goddamn there isn't anything better. I hope these positive posts aren't coming across as bragging or making anyone feel bad. That isn't the intention at all, just trying to give you all some hope that the wonderful device that has us all in this loop of RMA hell and such, just might be coming to a close. If mine keeps performing this way for another month, then I'll be convinced that they have fixed their issues and will probably buy an SS Hopper as a backup.

 

[newVaper420]

I just used mine for my morning session before work, and goddamn there isn't anything better. I hope these positive posts aren't coming across as bragging or making anyone feel bad. That isn't the intention at all, just trying to give you all some hope that the wonderful device that has us all in this loop of RMA hell and such, just might be coming to a close. If mine keeps performing this way for another month, then I'll be convinced that they have fixed their issues and will probably buy an SS Hopper as a backup.

I've been contemplating buying another if mine keeps working to. I agree with you Mario. However, they are pretty expensive now. $265 for titanium. I forgot what i paid for mine, but it wasn't that.

And go look at my post history. I just tell it like it is. So i don't want anyone to feel bad.... but just want to let you know, like mario, it may be getting better. My hopper has been broken since January 2018 or something or other.

 

[mario]

Yeah man, I'm right there with you. Bought the thing in April and finally have a working one in October. 225 for the SS version doesn't seem so bad honestly for such an amazing device. I wouldn't mind having a second in rotation if the reliability continues. Also means I will probably be buying the battery charger as well lol. Oh well, in for a penny right?

Here is the thing, when the Hopper is working, it makes all the waiting worth it. I have been using mine straight all week and I have been more blasted by a few hits (not even a full bowl) that I have been conserving herb like never before. It's been fantastic. I think that is why we are all here hoping and hoping and waiting for them to fix their shit, because we all know that the thing works like literally nothing else on the market.

 

[newVaper420]

Ok bad news. This morning was rough. Not getting hot enough. Had to go all the way to 5. Then, I cleaned the backend with rubbing alcohol, and cleaned the back of the battery. Dried very well. Tried it back at 4. Everything working well again.

I tell you, my heart sinks every time i have an issue.

 

[mario]

I think the backend is very sensitive to any kind of patina forming on it. When I change the battery I just swap the top with some alcohol before putting the new battery in. I'm thinking of getting maybe the smallest deb of brasso to clean the contact, but I want to do more research into what that could do to the connection.

 

[MoltenTiger]

I think the backend is very sensitive to any kind of patina forming on it. When I change the battery I just swap the top with some alcohol before putting the new battery in. I'm thinking of getting maybe the smallest deb of brasso to clean the contact, but I want to do more research into what that could do to the connection.

at one point HL came out and said something about sanding/scouring the brass contact on the back-end.. I guess I'll look it up on their blogs..

Maintenance:

There are a few maintenance checks that should be performed every month.

1. Keep your battery contact clean. If there is any dirt or build up on the battery contact, we suggest using a dry toothbrush to clean it. You may also do a light scrubbing with 600 grit sandpaper shine the surface. This will help keep good contact with your battery, increasing efficiency.

https://www.grasshoppervape.com/blog/best-practices/

 

[elykpeace]

Super bummed. Tried the trick this morning and nothing but cops lights. No debris in the oven so its done.. oh well



Got the grasshopper blues



Edit: to top it off my grasshopper feeder came in the mail from Israel... Too bad I can't use it now haha.. also o had my hopper in a 3d printed case. So accessories thought to maintain the life and I got 5 months and a few days with my pristine maintained hopper. Bummer

 

[LongDraw]

sorry, random thought aftrer the last few posts talking about patina forming on the battery and/or contact.

Has anyone ever used deoxit? There are a few versions of it. I remember buying this stuff with one of my old mechanical ecig mods. It helps prevent arching which leads to the black marks, which drops performance.

A small bottle can seem kind of expensive, but you use extremely little every so often after cleaning the contacts.

 

[fogbank]

sorry, random thought aftrer the last few posts talking about patina forming on the battery and/or contact.

Has anyone ever used deoxit? There are a few versions of it. I remember buying this stuff with one of my old mechanical ecig mods. It helps prevent arching which leads to the black marks, which drops performance.

A small bottle can seem kind of expensive, but you use extremely little every so often after cleaning the contacts.

The use of Deoxit was discussed often and at length much earlier in this thread. Folks were using it to clean the threads on the back end and the body. It seems like it fell out of favor quickly. I think that HL may have advised against it.

Does anyone think that maybe it's just screwing and unscrewing the back end that may be changing the way the Hopper works? Some users have posted that they adjust how tightly the back end is screwed on and the Hopper starts working better. I've tried unscrewing and removing the back end each time I fill the chamber and it seems to help a little. I know that when my oldest SS Hopper starts "acting up" (takes a long time to get blue lights, weaker hits) I will unscrew and remove the back end, screw it back on, and it goes to blue in under 5 seconds.

 

[elykpeace]

I'm thinking about getting some thermal paste for the barrel terminal. Just put some on the button (tiny bit) I've noticed the golden contact film is now silver ? Any one try this? I used to bake Mac book gpu chips and add thermal paste to"reflow" the chip.. worked so maybe it will be similiar

Come on 6 dollar fix! 99.9% silver
... didn't have any laying around so I'll come back in a few days and let you know if it's working again.


FuckRMA


Edit : @Foghorn I think it does have something to do with the twisting of the battery against terminals. In my case at least

 

[Vaporific]

So I sent my 2.25 year old preorder Ti in for its first warranty service (RMA) on 9/17 via USPS with tracking, and I received confirmation via USPS it arrived at Hopper Labs on 9/20. Never received any confirmation from HL nor did I expect to. On a whim I logged into my Hopper account just now to see if there's any activity and sure enough there was: it said my Hopper was received 10/1. I greatly dispute that but it goes to show they're so underwater they don't have time to administratively do anything right. And I'm not expecting any message from them soon nor will I nag them for a few more weeks because, reading many of the posts herein from the last few weeks after somewhat lurking for some time and originally following this thread from pages 160-250 - I won't hold my breath. Well, I will using another device - lol!

Following another thread recently from inception with the launch of a new unit in their product line, emailing them directly and getting a rapid response on a product question on their new product, and seeing them informatively post and respond to questions within that thread is like a night-and-day comparison of customer service to HL. And their return rate with their previously released product is less than 1% according to them, not just someone saying it. I don't think HL stacks up but the Hopper is great when it works. When it works...

 

[MonkeyTime]

The use of Deoxit was discussed often and at length much earlier in this thread. Folks were using it to clean the threads on the back end and the body. It seems like it fell out of favor quickly. I think that HL may have advised against it.

Does anyone think that maybe it's just screwing and unscrewing the back end that may be changing the way the Hopper works? Some users have posted that they adjust how tightly the back end is screwed on and the Hopper starts working better. I've tried unscrewing and removing the back end each time I fill the chamber and it seems to help a little. I know that when my oldest SS Hopper starts "acting up" (takes a long time to get blue lights, weaker hits) I will unscrew and remove the back end, screw it back on, and it goes to blue in under 5 seconds.

It makes complete sense that unscrewing and rescrewing changes the connection. It's no longer talked about, but they designed the GH without any wires. All of the connections matter a lot for it to operate at it's top ability. Each connection except the nose (pfe or tip) is an electrical connection as are the body connections to the heater. It's an incredible design that isn't able to be manufactured consistently.

Love it when it works, which in my case hasn't been frequently enough to bother with. I may send them both back in and wait for the best.

 

[MoltenTiger]

I'm thinking about getting some thermal paste for the barrel terminal. Just put some on the button (tiny bit) I've noticed the golden contact film is now silver ? Any one try this? I used to bake Mac book gpu chips and add thermal paste to"reflow" the chip.. worked so maybe it will be similiar

Come on 6 dollar fix! 99.9% silver
... didn't have any laying around so I'll come back in a few days and let you know if it's working again.


FuckRMA


Edit : @Foghorn I think it does have something to do with the twisting of the battery against terminals. In my case at least

this is pretty interesting to me. I'm not familiar with the "reflow" of the Mac GPUs.. what do you mean?
To me, reflow with a SMD component is referring to flux assisted hot rework.

I use AS5 on my Noctua D14, actually I think I used Noctua's blend last remount.
I washed some thermal paste off and ended up burning it, it was thrown amongst some paper rubbish. Fun fact, it went up like a sparkler.

But, I can't think of any safe use for thermal paste with a Grasshopper. It is conductive, so you won't want any seeping onto the PCBs as it could easily cause shorts.

 

[newVaper420]

this is pretty interesting to me. I'm not familiar with the "reflow" of the Mac GPUs.. what do you mean?
To me, reflow with a SMD component is referring to flux assisted hot rework.

I use AS5 on my Noctua D14, actually I think I used Noctua's blend last remount.
I washed some thermal paste off and ended up burning it, it was thrown amongst some paper rubbish. Fun fact, it went up like a sparkler.

But, I can't think of any safe use for thermal paste with a Grasshopper. It is conductive, so you won't want any seeping onto the PCBs as it could easily cause shorts.

I second this

Arctic Silver ARCTIC SILVER 5 Thermally conductive paste 8.9 W/mK 3.5 g Max. temperature: 130 °C.

Which is only 266 degrees fahrenheit.

 

[elykpeace]

I second this

Arctic Silver ARCTIC SILVER 5 Thermally conductive paste 8.9 W/mK 3.5 g Max. temperature: 130 °C.

Which is only 266 degrees fahrenheit.

@MoltenTiger

To be honest I'm just trying things .. the connection is shorting somewhere so I figured if I'm concentrating the connection back to the positive terminal in the battery it won't divert and go somewhere else..


By all means If anyone has info on disassembly or fixes other then iso and compressed air ... Two things that I've ruled out as issues .... And I'm not too sure that's the reason for people hoppers working and breaking after extended grinding of the battery against the terminals.

I started getting cop lights and turning the backend until the connection was strong seemed to be the only way it worked. Noe it looks like the connection down the body is all silver with whatever coating they used around the very edge of the terminal I don't see any other issues besides that ? So what else could it be ??

Also I would think if the positive terminal on the battery doesn't get that hot it should be ok?

 

[newVaper420]

@MoltenTiger
Also I would think if the positive terminal on the battery doesn't get that hot it should be ok?

I wouldn't try it personally. The last thing you need is something exploding in your hand / face. Just seems like a bad idea. That's just me.

 

[elykpeace]

I wouldn't try it personally. The last thing you need is something exploding in your hand / face. Just seems like a bad idea. That's just me.

I'll keep a safe distance

 

[pootsforjesus]

I was so excited for this vape, but now I’m throwing in the towel. I’ve had similar issues like everyone else but I’m tired of the games. The cherry on top is after I requested a refund for the case that I’ve been waiting 3 years for, support is cryptic and unhelpful. No idea how the refund is getting processed and it’s been 3 weeks at this point. Buyer beware for real on this one.

 

[MoltenTiger]

Yeah I don't think thermal paste is the ticket. It's meant for thermal dissipation and has limited practicality beyond pyromania and chip thermal management.

De-oxit might be worth a try?
If you push in the button most of the way and twist it, is there a lot of spring tension? The problem is there's just too many small parts, and lots of juju. Very hard to know what to recommend. Cop lights are the worst Hopper issue.

I've just heard back that I should be 10 days away from getting my Dec 28th arrival RMA units sent back.
I was told 20-30 days 45 days ago, so things are closing in.
Looking forward to having a bunch to compare. I'll be lending one and rocking two units, if all goes well.

 

[vapviking]

I was so excited for this vape, but now I’m throwing in the towel. I’ve had similar issues like everyone else but I’m tired of the games. The cherry on top is after I requested a refund for the case that I’ve been waiting 3 years for, support is cryptic and unhelpful. No idea how the refund is getting processed and it’s been 3 weeks at this point. Buyer beware for real on this one.

If I'm not mistaken, all of their transactions are via Paypal. I had ordered a couple of cases -- the new style, ordered earlier this year when the 35%-off sale was on. Then I found out that a PFE fitted Hopper won't fit, so I emailed support and requested my $ back. They did acknowledge my request, but I had to remind them a couple of weeks later that I had not received the refund. Next day, it was posted to my Paypal account.

 

[Vaporific]

If I'm not mistaken, all of their transactions are via Paypal. I had ordered a couple of cases -- the new style, ordered earlier this year when the 35%-off sale was on. Then I found out that a PFE fitted Hopper won't fit, so I emailed support and requested my $ back. They did acknowledge my request, but I had to remind them a couple of weeks later that I had not received the refund. Next day, it was posted to my Paypal account.

That fact that you - and me and many of us - need to remind them means they are indeed underwater and overwhelmed. See my previous post about logging the return and receipt of my Ti RMA. The jury rests with their overall customer service experience...