The "Project" DIY Herbal Vaporizer

[PPN]

Since my HGL was enlightened during a storm and is actually in repairs I get my Project back on the desk as a log vape replacement.

It performs very well on this department since I took off the wood sleeve and use it directly connected to a Vapocane bowl.

Still amazed by the battery life on my evic+project... maybe twice the amount of sessions in comparison with the DC generation2 dry herb atty from Divine Tribe.
Using a VTC4 I get 4-5 sessions with the DC and 8-10 with the Project although I didn't weight my load but I'm pretty sure I load more in the DC than the Project so maybe, finally, I vaped the same amount of weed!

 

[KeroZen]

Note: I got a lot of topics to cover, so for clarity sake I will make multiple posts. The rules say that it's ok to do that in this case, but mods feel free to merge if not! I kept postponing so I got a long back-log now!

Let's begin with a quick update on the new mods front. I will partly cross-post from the DT thread as it is also of direct interest for our readers here.

First of all, for those who missed it, Joyetech released the evic Primo mini and it's bloody sexy. So much that I ordered one! Check also the Primo while you are at it.

There is a trend around the so-called "side by side" (SBS) mods, as illustrated by this ECF thread where you can retrace the temporal evolution >> https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/threads/listing-side-by-side-mods.706607/

I've been enjoying the Smoant Knight V2 myself, and for longer attys and stem-as-a-bowl's like the Project the form factor is so much better. It also offers some protection for the atty and this is quite welcome with the latest version which is all-glass.

Being only interested by single cell mods (I don't need more than 40W in practice, and I don't mind swapping cells as long as it's quick and easy) here's a selection of candidates for your next MAS surge:

- Tesla Stealth 70W ($33) >> interesting but no custom TCR and no USB port (so no update)
- Athena eNVy Plus 75W ($34) >> bad reviews about TC implementation
- KangerTech JUPPI 75W ($44) >> mixed reviews about TC implementation but better than in the past
- Wismec Reuleaux RX75 ($26 on sale @ FT) >> not really SBS, compatible with custom firmwares
- Vaporesso Attitude 80W ($38) >> barely SBS but nice
- JomoTech Lite 76ERS ($30) >> not really SBS but kind of a Pico clone (they also make herb vapes)
- Smoktech SMOK AL85 ($37) >> another very similar to Pico

Note: the last two are for reference, unless you find them prettier I think the Pico would be a better choice due to the availability of custom firmware.
Note2: for the Kanger JUPPI I only read mixed opinions but didn't see any serious test.
Note3: the Tesla is not bad at first glance but I think the Knight V2 is a better choice.
Note4: I didn't list SBS mods with integrated batteries but there are quite some nice ones, refer to the thread for reference.
Note5: there's also the Innokin VTR but it's only VW AFAIK.
Note6: prices shown were the ones on fasttech when I wrote the post.

 

[KeroZen]

Then a quick update on the chipsets front:

The Vaporesso Attitude sports the new OMNI chipset. It has got a lot of very positive reviews, like this one for instance >> https://thevape.guide/vaporesso-attitude-kit-review/

The chipset + firmware offer new interesting modes:

• CCW (Customized Curve of wattage)
• CCT (Customized Curve of temperature)
• SMART wattage mode

I was intrigued and ordered the white version from fasttech. Then a week later they cancelled my order and told me the product was discontinued... bummer! Unless I find it elsewhere or someone else get it, we'll never know!

But it surely won't beat the current benchmark, the DNA boards. Those are sadly really pricey, with good mods close to the $200 mark (you could get 4 cheap mods for that amount!) There is a challenger though, it's made by Hohm Tech and implemented inside the Hohm Wrecker G2 and the Hohm Slice. I let you read the reviews below but they developed a new technique (I read they send a "ping" and monitor the propagation time) able to perform TC with Kanthal and Nichrome, and basically any kind of wire!

http://vaping360.com/hohm-wrecker-g2-review/
http://vaping360.com/hohm-tech-hohm-slice-preview/

The evic VTC primo obviously has a new firmware, which I haven't tested yet. It's already supported by ArticFox otherwise, so no worries if the stock TC is still crap, you can still upgrade to the real deal. I have no clue whether the chipset inside is different or still the same as the evic/RX/pico.

 

[KeroZen]

I tried to look for a solution to the Project Achilles' heel: the insulation bushing / washer that can deform with heat and create problems.

My goal was initially to find a ceramic replacement of some kind but I stumbled on other items that could prove interesting.

First those TO 220 bushings which appear to be the exact same size but in a different color. This time we know for sure that they are nylon and not teflon, and they are sold as "high temperature". Not much specs though and this particular lot/seller has outrageous shipping prices, so it's just for reference.

The best would be to find the same made of PEEK, which also often has this same brown-ish color. I saved a picture of the item in case the link disappears:

And the link >> https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...-RoHS-diameter-6-mm-aperture/32640814813.html

Apparently another name for the shape we need is "shoulder washer", as seen here >> http://www.essentracomponents.com/e...d-spacer-us-75079/shoulder-washers-us-p090930

On this same site I found these ceramic washers. Not perfect but the first ones are close with and OD of 5mm and ID of 2.5mm, unfortunately they are too thick >> http://www.essentracomponents.com/e...d-spacer-us-75079/non-threaded-spacer-ceramic

These ones are even better, but also a bit too thick, dimensions are closer. This time it's called "alumina insulator bead" >> https://wholesaler.alibaba.com/product-detail/HUTO-custermized-and-stardard-sizes-of_666551873.html

...and another source >> https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...0411620259.html?spm=a2700.7743248.51.1.5HAFOK

The "orchid PEEK insulators", don't know if they would fit but PEEK should be better than nylon >> http://www.avidvaper.com/orchid-peek-insulators/

There is this delrin (POM) center pin insulator >> http://www.avidvaper.com/510-connector-rigid-insulator-and-silver-plated-center-post/

Another cheap PEEK insulator set >> http://www.cloudycollabs.com/cci-archon-rda-replacement-insulator-set/

And those things that come in either rubber or silicone >> https://www.lightningvapes.com/coll...10-pack-ce-type-atty-s-eg-protank-evod-t3-etc

Nothing perfect though but some could be worth testing? What do you think?

 

[KeroZen]

We continue with a short interlude, to present you the new style of wooden mouthpieces that @Pipes is able to produce for the Project:

He was kind enough to include one with my Project "Pure" order, to compensate the fact that my OG stem had not the right outside diameter on the SS end. Thank you a lot my good man!

Not only is it really good looking, but the fit in my OG Project is much better! I don't have to hold the stem anymore, I can even shake the device and the stem stays in place. Night and day!

As an added bonus, there is no linseed oil smell on this one obviously... just wood, and I prefer that! But the OG black stem is nice too, more stealthy for sure. Better keep both!

 

[KeroZen]

Still on the stems topic, I found that you can use standard taper 14mm ground glass stems directly into the Project "Eraser", and it passes the shake test too. Here it's shown with a stock stem from the MistVape Touch:

Hmmmmmm golden reclaim, yum yum!

 

[KeroZen]

This one is for @phattpiggie: here's a picture of the inside of the OG wooden sleeve, if ever that may help you for your designs.

The ID of the sleeve is larger than the OD of the SS heater tube. The sleeve only holds the tube due to the o-ring that you can see, but the tube is otherwise "floating" inside. This means that there is an air layer acting as an insulator between the tube and the wood.

It's clear that it doesn't offer a lot of friction and you can't hold the vape by the sleeve otherwise the rest would fall... but why would you want to do that in the first place heh?

 

[KeroZen]

Because I'm such a tease, here's a quick glimpse of my two latest acquisitions: the evic Primo mini, in silver grey version, and the Eleaf Pico in brushed silver version (both look more stainless steel than silver but the finish is very nice)

The Primo mini is about the same height as the VTC mini, although the picture makes it look smaller. The Pico is incredibly tiny on the other hand!

I know, I know, I said I was all for SBS mods now and I end up with two new ones that are not! But the Primo is really nice and was relatively cheap. And well the Pico... let's say that I wanted to compare its TC behaviour to see if the problem I have with my VTC mini is due to the firmware or another factor (cf. the TC Box Mods Firmware thread)

I also hoped to get the Attitude which is kinda SBS, but as I said they canceled my order... Proper review of the two others will come later.

 

[KeroZen]

Now for a second interlude, here's your chance to vote for the worst tattoo ever!

My vote goes to the wolf!

 

[GreenHopper]

Now for a second interlude, here's your chance to vote for the worst tattoo ever!

My vote goes to the wolf!

Oh god I can't decide, they are all so baaaaaaaaad

Nice bunch of write ups, personally I'm sporting the Knight V2 and love it, although I'm using it for e-cig not project purposes.

 

[E0x]

@KeroZen about the insulator , mine never have any degradation so far , the only degradation is because i tight it too much some times , but then again , i have almost 6 months that i don't need touch it again and i have like more that 20 days in break so i am not touching it ( job hunting which i already go want but still waiting for the first pay day to get something good for celebrate , 22 days more i need to wait sadly :`( , ) i will post some pics to see if you can confirm that ( i think ! i dont see any heat degradation , the color change is maybe for herb dusk but the deform is because i tight it too much maybe )

those insulator are the one that @Pipes send me

http://imgur.com/a/ig4Lf


this is the best i could do with my phone camera , i will try maybe another time to take better pics


as for the stem area i still prefer the e-nano stem with fixed glass screen , is just great !!! but then again i don't partake in public , mostly in my home and that is why i still hold my dear RX200 , maybe i am complete adapted to it but is just perfect for me a lot better that my evic (wish got the connector damage and i fix it again but not try yet with the project because the break-jobhunting )

this bring me to another matter , i was planing to colaborate with @funkyjunky in the programming of the custom firmware but for a few reason that is not a go anymore but he already make some changes that maybe only or better fit the tubo ( his vape that use a evic as "engine" ) so not sure if somebody here is interesting in some of those feature , check it if you have a compatible mod , now that i already fix my evic mini i can maybe work in this firmware too but i am clueless in this area of programming and knowledge of the code of the firmware and i was asking myself is is really needed for the project ? i am to used to the time of 10s and the way the rx200 firmware work so i can't see any value of invest time of it because i can't see any feature that can help the project that not already exist in the articfox maybe ( But i am again use this firmware because of the close code nature ) or the tubo firmware/myevic so if some ppl have any idea i can hear that and maybe just maybe try to make it happen , i can not commitment to work on it because i can a too lazy person and with some motivation problem and other mental problems too so sorry to tease you but maybe i can start something among of us who know !

bear with me if all of this writing don't make much sense , english is not my native language and i was writing as my idea come to my mind.

 

[KeroZen]

@GreenHopper: I guess this brings us to the next topic then: my review of the Knight V2!

Here's my daily driver setup, using the Project "Pure" and the MVT stock 14mm stem (yes there's way more reclaim than in the previous picture, it has seen a lot of use in the mean time!)

I just love it really! It just works, no hassle, no complicated setup, no firmware to play with (and I love to tinker and configure minute details usually)

It offers proper protection for the "Pure", the aspect ratio with the SBS arrangement is way better (because honestly the "Pure" looks silly on top of the Pico or the VTC mini... it's too tall)

The screen is small, the active part is only a fraction of the protective cover, but no big deal. It's on the side which is not the best idea as it's often covered by your hand... but contrary to my VTC mini I don't have to watch the damn screen to see if it's acting or not. As I said, this one just works.

It's rather on the heavy side, that's a negative point. I read that the Knight V1 was even worse so I can consider myself lucky.

The buttons are very clicky, I don't mind that but it woke up my girlfriend once... Speaking about the girlfriend, it has been one of the rare times where she told me that she found the vape pretty. The combination with the "Pure" is aesthetically pleasing, whereas she found the "Eraser" very ugly (like many of my friends, even one who said it looked like that part of the male anatomy that some religious people cut off their child... another said it has the same color as the suction cups you use to clear your toilets...doh!!!)

A minor detail: the battery cover has a minute amount of lateral play, sometimes it makes a click when you hold the device, but I don't care.

And the best part: TC implementation is working great out of the box. You can see the power figure taper down progressively, it's not cutting on and off like the stock evic firmware. It enters "protection" only if you wait for a long time without drawing. As soon as you draw you can see the temperature and power fluctuate in real-time by smooth steps.

I'm unsure if that's optimal but I've set it to TCR 0.00180 and 220°C (sometimes 210°C) I don't care if the temperature reflects the reality or not, I just want to find the TCR value that offers me the most adjustment range (as you can change only by 5°C increments in this one, so with some TCR values you end up with very few temperature values to chose from, whereas with others you get a larger range, don't know if that's clear?)

The only real negative point, and it might be just an impression, is that it seems to drain my batteries faster than the VTC mini when set to the same 40W setting. And while it's regulated, I found that when you get to the last bar of the battery gauge (or rather when the last bar disappears) there's still a drop in performance and I can raise the temperature by one click.

Conclusion: really satisfied by this purchase, highly recommended!

 

[KeroZen]

Which leads us to the last part: my review of the Project "Pure" (and no sorry, I won't call it the "Shit Fucker", it's too silly and won't help make the Project more popular, it's already hard to explain what it is to other people, imagine their reaction when they ask you "-what is this? -it's the Shit Fucker! -hmmmm you are a weirdo, maybe you should use it less as it's obviously bad for your remaining neurons....")

But I digress, this version is brilliant! By far the best version released, no contest. For me it's near perfect.

I don't get hotspots at all. Sometimes I rotate the stem 90° once during the session to make it more even but I don't have to. I do need to flip the load once though, in order to fully extract. But it's the same with all my on demand convection vapes and is more due to the 14mm stem/bowl itself than the vape (unless you micro dose, but I don't)

No hot spots means excellent taste that lasts a long way. With this one I can really enjoy my herbs, I get the "it's yummy" feeling. It's not as good as the Zion but on par with the Milaana and MistVape Touch easily. And since you can't combust and when the TC works well, it's even better because there's no risk to spoil the taste with a single mistake (i.e. holding the trigger too long)

It's shown above with the provided stem. @Pipes as you can see there is some space between the top of the coil and the bottom screen. I think you could cut the blank female joint a few millimeters shorter (provided it doesn't create hotspots of course) It would make the whole thing even more compact.

For the negative points: of course being glass it's fragile, that's the price to pay. You can also burn yourself easily when you touch it (and the Knight V2 SBS design helps a lot here, most of the dangerous part is protected... or rather the mod protects you from it) But you can't beat the purity of an all-glass vapor path really, to me it's top there's nothing better.

The bottom screen is hard to put back in place, it's frustrating. I dislodged it once and never managed to put it back as well as it was initially. Minor annoyance only. By the way it seems the female joint is ISO and the stem US? (or the inverse?) As there's quite some space between the tip of the stem and the bottom of the female joint where the screen resides (not a bad thing)

Then finally, the biggest negative point for me is the stock stem: the provided screen is crap, it never stayed in place. I ended up swallowing plant bits so many times I just stopped using it. Also @Pipes, I understand the interest of being able to swap any 510 drip tip, but the cutting process makes the male joint weaker (I had one shard of glass separate after a very small shock already), it's extra work for you, why don't you just provide a cut-down 14mm blank like the MVT stem? (ok it's not just cut down, Dave does a clever thing to bore the inside of the male joint to create a stopper for the screen, it's hard to explain though)

Apart from that, I've been using the "Pure" daily since I first tested it, I love it!

@Pipes: do you think we could create the same thing but using a 18mm female blank? I measured the diameter of the "lip" on a female joint and it's 26mm (so too large for the Knight V2 which is 23.5mm max) but if the lip stays above the protective part of the mod, I think the straight part of the blank could well fit. Worth trying as 18mm is nice too.

Anyways, thank you so much, this time it's a real success, at least for me.

 

[GreenHopper]

@GreenHopper: I guess this brings us to the next topic then: my review of the Knight V2!

Here's my daily driver setup, using the Project "Pure" and the MVT stock 14mm stem (yes there's way more reclaim than in the previous picture, it has seen a lot of use in the mean time!)

I just love it really! It just works, no hassle, no complicated setup, no firmware to play with (and I love to tinker and configure minute details usually)

It offers proper protection for the "Pure", the aspect ratio with the SBS arrangement is way better (because honestly the "Pure" looks silly on top of the Pico or the VTC mini... it's too tall)

The screen is small, the active part is only a fraction of the protective cover, but no big deal. It's on the side which is not the best idea as it's often covered by your hand... but contrary to my VTC mini I don't have to watch the damn screen to see if it's acting or not. As I said, this one just works.

It's rather on the heavy side, that's a negative point. I read that the Knight V1 was even worse so I can consider myself lucky.

The buttons are very clicky, I don't mind that but it woke up my girlfriend once... Speaking about the girlfriend, it has been one of the rare times where she told me that she found the vape pretty. The combination with the "Pure" is aesthetically pleasing, whereas she found the "Eraser" very ugly (like many of my friends, even one who said it looked like that part of the male anatomy that some religious people cut off their child... another said it has the same color as the suction cups you use to clear your toilets...doh!!!)

A minor detail: the battery cover has a minute amount of lateral play, sometimes it makes a click when you hold the device, but I don't care.

And the best part: TC implementation is working great out of the box. You can see the power figure taper down progressively, it's not cutting on and off like the stock evic firmware. It enters "protection" only if you wait for a long time without drawing. As soon as you draw you can see the temperature and power fluctuate in real-time by smooth steps.

I'm unsure if that's optimal but I've set it to TCR 0.00180 and 220°C (sometimes 210°C) I don't care if the temperature reflects the reality or not, I just want to find the TCR value that offers me the most adjustment range (as you can change only by 5°C increments in this one, so with some TCR values you end up with very few temperature values to chose from, whereas with others you get a larger range, don't know if that's clear?)

The only real negative point, and it might be just an impression, is that it seems to drain my batteries faster than the VTC mini when set to the same 40W setting. And while it's regulated, I found that when you get to the last bar of the battery gauge (or rather when the last bar disappears) there's still a drop in performance and I can raise the temperature by one click.

Conclusion: really satisfied by this purchase, highly recommended!

As another Knight V2 user (only ecig cart at the moment) I can confirm all of @KeroZen's conclusions regarding the mod.

It is heavy but like KZ I've read its lighter than the V1, you will want a belt if you intend to put this in a pocket or you'll end up with you pants round your ankles.

I like the solid feel of the buttons.

The Atomiser 510 attachment has a max diameter of 23.5 which is fine for the project but won't take the larger ecig Atomisers and I'm still not sure what the RBT Splinters final dimensions will be.

I like the battery cover as it's so easy to switch 18650's out, no spinning of fiddled battery covers required.

I like the large range of TC modes as well which apparently includes NiCr (if that's your preference).

Another great report there @KeroZen, thanks

 

[Joaon]

Hey buddies !

I just updated my Evic vtc mini with the Tubo evic Firmware,
and it has completely changed my experience with the Project !

Here is a post of @funkyjunky with details:
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/tubo-evic.22992/page-35#post-1128496
(Edit: Caution, high heat/prolonged exposition could deform the insulation bushing/washer..)

I just changed/locked the coil back at .600Ω, and power to 45w

For posterity, here are the actual settings:
P=4000
I=650
D=10
Boost=50%


Now the temp is really stable and quick heat up!
And that cruise mode.. It's a killer !
Two clicks, and you no longer need to touch the power button
It goes up to the selected temp, keeps it stable whenever you draw or not
(power is down to 1w when not drawing.. )
Perfect for sessions, and certainly perfect for sharing with people !


Thanks again @funkyjunky, nice settings
(and I definitively love your work on the Tubo Whips .. )


Edit: Yeah @KeroZen, we need to find a better insulation bushing / washer, it clearly don't like the cruise mode !

 

[stickstones]

nice write-ups, @KeroZen !

I gave the shitfucker (I have to call it that!) a full run the other day and was having problems with the mod settings. Do you have any starting point suggestions for this one paired with the joyetech cuboid 150w?

 

[E0x]

@stickstones my ohms reading is 0.60 , and my tcr 185 , my top temp is 240 celcius ( i don't go beyond that ) and i have set in 150 watts , i have a rx200 mod


pd: i don't have the pure ( all glass ) i have the eraser ( the red one )

 

[KeroZen]

Yeah TCR between 180 and 190 inclusive something like that. What kind of problems did you have Sticks?

My Pure reads at 0.48ohm but it doesn't matter. Did you switch to myevic or ArcticFox?

 

[stickstones]

Thanks guys...I'll give it another go. I don't remember what happened last time that went wrong, so it couldn't have been all bad!

 

[Xelatsok]

I vape tobaccos all day with Eraser exclusively and enjoy it. I am not missing neither my Mighty nor my Lotus. Oh well, I was missing the Lotus once.

I get good results with both Eleaf iPower 80W (TCR 200, no fine tuning available) and Wismec Presa 100W (myevic settings according to Eraser documentation, TCR 170). The former has 5000 mAh Li-Pol (I hope it is safer) and lasts longer than Mighty. Coupled with Eraser, it takes 50% less physical volume comparing to Mighty and it is lighter too. It bests Mighty on taste, flavor and vapor production. It costs less than 1/3 of Mighty, I paid $96 for whole rig with extra black glass stem. And I am not a Mighty hater, but happy owner.

 

[ShallowJam]

Just finished reading through this thread - holy moley.

A couple questions:
I have a RX200 lying around, would that be suitable? The guide mentions the 200s for firmware compatibility but it is very similar

Batteries - since this is a 3 cell mod, would LG HG2's work? They seem to be the most readily available on Amazon.ca which is why I ask. Any other recommendations would be welcome as well

I'm a hobby turner myself so I'm definitely interested in picking up an SF and trying out some sleeving options with some nice different woods. Maybe cocobolo to match the red RX200....

 

[E0x]

@ShallowJam the requeried for RX200S is if you want use the custom firmware myevic/tuboevic, but i have the rx200 and i think is great. i got this battery from amazon:

http://a.co/do5eHwF

they work fine so far that was in january 2016

 

[phattpiggie]

Thanks @KeroZen I have one of those, I agree on the weak point as I melted mine insulators. Didn't check the mod after playing around with it. I've gone this way with it but can see me looking into ecig decks. My coils is nowhere as neat as yours.
The white insulator has a washer and nut stuck in it. Blackwood washer, bush and a short piece of silicone tube.

Sorry for the quality of the picture, bush and tube in place. SS washer then the BW then a smaller SS one.

And a focused picture of it all together. I've got two nuts on the screw, this way I can tighten one end of the coil in place, a pair of washers sandwich the other end with the second nut.

 

[KeroZen]

I have a RX200 lying around, would that be suitable? The guide mentions the 200s for firmware compatibility but it is very similar

It's compatible with ArcticFox, cf >> https://github.com/maelstrom2001/ArcticFox

The white insulator has a washer and nut stuck in it. Blackwood washer, bush and a short piece of silicone tube.

Wood could be an avenue to explore indeed, didn't think about it. On your last picture it seems the base of the coil is directly touching it, no problem so far? (I know the center of the wire gets hotter but the entire thing being resistive, even the ends get quite hot)

 

[phattpiggie]

@KeroZen I've not had much of a chance to play with it. Had the coil fired up a few times in succession with my nose over the tube feeling for heat and smell. Nothing untoward yet but it's not something I'm going to load up and toke on straight away. I've got no idea how the Blackwood will behave.
There must be some ceramic or porcelain washers and tubes out there.
I'd have preferred not to use the silicone either.