The Voltage Keeper

[VoltageKeeper]

Now THAT'S a real winner!!! Add to that a small hinged retractable prop on the back (like on the underside of a computer keyboard) and you have an easily usable desktop unit.

That certainly wouldn't be all that hard to do assuming I could find such a part. I could probably put real big feet on the back too if you wanted it angled like that. The viewing angle is very good on these LED screens though, so it's definitely not required to have it at an angle to use it or see it by any means.

The knob positioning is one of those things that's definitely up to personal preference. I rather like the front mounted knob on the standard units, I often just nudge it from the top. It's also very low profile. With the top mounted knob, I definitely find myself using more fingers to turn it, it makes you really want to grab onto it, and with the 10-turn pot, it really works out nicely. Of course, both choices are functionally the same, though top-mounting makes it much more difficult to fit an ammeter, and also limits the case choices somewhat.

 

[exit]

anyone has one of these tuned to go down to about 7.5v? interested in using it for a solo PA as well as vvps...

 

[VoltageKeeper]

The standard model goes from around 9v to around 15v. For the 7.5v range, I can certainly tune a unit to do something like 6.5 - 12.5v or something like that. However, another, and possibly better option, is to go with the 10-turn pot. With those, you'll get a full 1-15v range, without sacrificing any accuracy.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Been fiddlin' with my VK quite a bit these past few days, honing in on what voltages work best for me. And I gotta' say, I LOVE this little guy!

I'm loving the accuracy, the look, the size, and after a conversation with the man himself, the safety and the dependency. This little fucker was built with a lot of love and I think even more thought. After having it a little while now, I can feel that it has its own presence. And now that I understand it a lot more, I think it's in many ways beautiful in the same way as the HI. It is not just a functional tool; this thing is a work of art!

This one is the real deal, and I'm thankful to have had enough dumb luck to stumble onto it.

Can ya' tell I like it?

Just loving the clear look. So clean and professional and scientific. Makes it more personal too, IMO.

I'm wondering if a vvps might be necessary for the glass heater cover HIs. It might just be me, but I find that at 12 volts, my walnut is pretty darn warm, starting to test the boundaries of what I'd deem "comfortably warm." I really don't think I'd want it running at 12 volts all the time.

I find that it still produces so much heat with the glass cover that even at 10.75 volts, I can produce significant cloudage by just BARELY inserting the heater core into the very outer edge of the standard GonG. Those hits are so tasty and I enjoy not having to use any technique to achieve this.

I decided to try out what the VK is like after leaving it plugged in all night (i.e. I got too drunk and passed out, leaving my poor HI and VK exposed all night to terror kitties.) and was quite pleased by how cool the unit was. Directly above and below the "gizmos" I could feel very minor warmth when pressing firmly against it. I've kept it plugged in all day today and found that with casual use I can't feel a thing.

The very slight voltage drop on the output when plugging in a device is normal and is basically because you're adding more resistance. The 4 digit screen is definitely nice for noticing minor changes like that. The voltage drop on the input is usually more significant, but either are often useful for detecting the dreaded "lost connection."

This has been my experience. For example, if I set it at 11.18 and warm up the HI, I'll come back to 11.13 or 4. In one extreme case, it dropped .09. After that, it stays within .01 or .02, as I've been watching it carefully the past 24 hours or so (except for the 6 hours I was fucking unconscious). I really like the 4-digit display so that I can see this kind of shit. And I'm not even into this kind of shit!

What a fantastic rollout here. I can't find anything even remotely negative in this thread. I know I have had absolutely zero issues with mine and at this point it's just as much of the equation of my ritual as the HI, my glass, my pollen box, and of course my herbs!

And after a wonderful couple of PM exchanges, I dare say I wouldn't think of buying a vvps from anyone else. This guy knows his shit! I felt honored just to be able to pick his brain for a while. And he is constantly trying to improve this design. I imagine great things coming to this thread in the future.

HI + VK + Herbs =

I had to pay extra for the additional two bubble feet.

 

[VoltageKeeper]

Thanks for the kind words, and shh, you're not supposed to tell anyone about those feet! Hahaha, just kidding.

I'm working on templates to make creating these mini VK's a lot easier, and I'm hoping I might be able to mass-produce them at some point soon, since they can't have any extra options, other than case color and screen color. I can get these mini cases in clear blue, and clear red as well, much like the standard case. I'd make the color cases only with the same color screens as the case, and the clear cases in the standard red/green/blue selection.

I've already had some more interest in these, so I'm definitely hoping to do a bulk run of them soon. We'll see!

Speaking of bulk runs, here's an old photo I've never shown from December 30th, just before the official launch of the VK! These are VK's #2 through #6, from the first batch. Of course, I still own VK #1. These have all since found good homes!

 

[MileHighLife]

Thanks for the kind words, and shh, you're not supposed to tell anyone about those feet! Hahaha, just kidding.

I'm working on templates to make creating these mini VK's a lot easier, and I'm hoping I might be able to mass-produce them at some point soon, since they can't have any extra options, other than case color and screen color. I can get these mini cases in clear blue, and clear red as well, much like the standard case. I'd make the color cases only with the same color screens as the case, and the clear cases in the standard red/green/blue selection.

I've already had some more interest in these, so I'm definitely hoping to do a bulk run of them soon. We'll see!

Speaking of bulk runs, here's an old photo I've never shown from December 30th, just before the official launch of the VK! These are VK's #2 through #6, from the first batch. Of course, I still own VK #1. These have all since found good homes!

Think I see my vk in there . I'll be back for a mini as soon as my name comes up on the HI list.

Been wondering ... have you been having many orders outside of the vaporizer market? It seems like this thing would have so many other applications.

 

[Sleepin in CA]

My tattoo guy is sure interested that's for sure. Keeps asking me for pictures and stuff.

Lol

 

[VoltageKeeper]

I'd like to keep the idea open that it could be used for many lower powered DC devices, there's really nothing stopping you from doing so. When people ask me what I'm making, I usually tell them power supplies for any DC devices with those barrel jacks on em, and/or temperature controller. Haha. Though in regards to whether people have bought them for other purposes, so far, not really, but I think that's mostly down to marketing. I get most of my exposure through the vaporizer community right now, but I'm sure if I spread out to some other avenues, there's definitely some potential for non-vapor-related uses.

In other news, I just got in a new batch of verniers today! I think there was only one unit waiting for one, so hopefully I'll have that wrapped up shortly.

 

[Sleepin in CA]

This new voltage keeper is even more bad ass. Now I just need to wait until my custom replacement counting dial from an old electronics board on a nuclear sub gets here.

I love eBay!

Not as much as my VK's though!

Edit...
I misspoke. While this is the dial like the one my dad used, it is not the one from the sub. I did not win that one apparently. My bad.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

This new voltage keeper is even more bad ass. Now I just need to wait until my custom replacement counting dial from an old electronics board on a nuclear sub gets here.

Whoa. Let's not wait here. Post some pics of this dial, please. Sounds bad ass.

 

[Sleepin in CA]

Ok, there are a lot of reproductions of it but hopefully (fingers crossed as I'm buying from a us seller with a great rep) this one is REAL.
My dad said he used one just like it during his naval training. Hence why I bought it. Also buying this other one too

Edit @EveryDayAmnesiac I misspoke. While this is the dial like the one my dad used, it is not the one from the sub. I did not win that one apparently. My bad.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I misspoke. While this is the dial like the one my dad used, it is not the one from the sub. I did not win that one apparently. My bad.

 

[Sleepin in CA]

I seriously loved that.

 

[HoneyAir]

Only DC sources should be used as the input, correct? For example, Jameco adapters (that were used with the Purple Days) run at VAC instead of VDC. They don't work with Centizen's VVPS so I wanted to check if that is also the case here.

 

[VoltageKeeper]

Yes, with the stock VK you need a DC source. Although, I could build you a unit with an AC rectifier in it if you wanted. An AC rectified unit would still probably work on DC power too, but it would be slightly more wasteful as it would be drawing extra power. Not what you'd want if you were planning on using batteries with it as well, as it might lower your battery run time, but if you were only going to run it off that AC supply, it would probably be fine.

It may not be worth it, since you can use nearly any DC power supply laying around your house that's in the 9v-16v range, as long as it has a decent current rating (>900ma should work.) Though I do have the parts to do an AC rectified unit, if you wanted to try it.

I could also make you an inline AC rectifier adapter, that would connect in-between the VK and the power supply, although you'd have to make sure you never forget to use it! That would be the best of both worlds, since you could disconnect it if you wanted to use batteries.

 

[slowandsteady]

Quick shot out to VK for a solid product. So far, I'm really enjoying the Voltage Keeper. It really does allow a log vape to be honed in to the user's preferences. I'm definitely liking the top-mounted dial as opposed side mounted. As VK may have eluded to, if oriented vertically as shown below, a quick brush of the dial with the side of your finger allows you to adjust the voltage. I look forward to seeing where this product will go. Cheers!

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Nice! Sweet dial. I like the look of it top mounted. Might be something I have to consider for the future... Everything sure looks purdy in there, that's for sure. The clear case is definitely my favorite.

That cocobolo is amazing. I think it was the photo you had of it next to a Solo that made me know I'd want an ebony base on my HI! Of the 6 wooden roasting tubes Alan made for me, the cocobolo is my favorite.

 

[VoltageKeeper]

Glad you're enjoying it! That unit came out nicely and looks great next to your HI's!

I'm still wrapping up the next batch of units, I should hopefully have some more updates soon. I've also bought myself an organizer for all the parts it takes to make a VK - little things like this save me time so I'm not digging through a giant bin of parts anymore.

I'm still dying to see how those vintage dials look on a unit! I've been tempted to buy a few of those off ebay now myself, although I'm still trying to find something that's currently made, so that I'd be able to continue to source them in the future.

 

[chrislangley4253]

Ordered one to go with my HI I will eagerly await it's arrival.

 

[Sleepin in CA]

Well sadly we shall have to wait for vintage knobs a bit longer. My latest one is a bit too large. It is finely crafted though!

So far vintage knobs 2 me 0.

The search continues!

Lol.

 

[VoltageKeeper]

Sucks to hear that other knob didn't work either. I'm still awaiting another batch of verniers that are a slightly different style, just to try them out and see if they're any better than my current ones. I still have a handful in stock so we're good to go either way for any new orders.

I've also got some more mini VK cases on the way - I got more clear and clear blue this time as well. Clear blue seems to always sell, and it pretty much means the screens are going to be blue too, so they are units I could potentially assemble ahead-of-time, and I plan on doing just that at some point soon.

There's a few other projects in the works still - the painted unit is about to get it's paint. A few more standard units also in the line. I've also got another interesting project that's still awaiting some parts, I'll hold off on the specifics for now, but let's just say it takes the battery pack idea to the next level.

Finally making some progress on some of my other goals for the VK, in regards to miniaturization. No updates yet - still have some parts in the mail and some other ideas I need to flesh out.

 

[Sleepin in CA]

I have a question for ya, could a VK be used with a modified cable to power an Arizer Solo via its pass through charging feature? Not that I'm eager to try it, I could see a dead solo for sure with an accidental dial bump, but Im curious as the voltage and cables see like they'd work with a simple adapter tip.

=)

 

[VoltageKeeper]

I don't actually own a solo so I can't verify this myself, but from what I am reading, the solo needs either around 7-9v or 12v depending on whether you're charging or just using it for pass-through heating. The VK can definitely provide the 7-9v or 12v, the real question is how much current it needs. From what I'm reading, charging might be OK with 12v @ 1.5A, which the VK should be able to do.

However, the "pass-through" power seems like it requires a lot of amperage. I saw this supply below being recommended as an alternative for the pass-through (requires an adapter for the jack on the solo)
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/st...0001&productId=206529&catalogId=10001&CID=PDF

However, that adapter is over 5 amps @ 7.5v, which is definitely more than the VK could provide. The funny thing is, that adapter looks nearly the same as the one from my arizer extreme-Q. I'm guessing it needs a similar level of power to that in order to do the pass-through function. That said, I don't think I'd try using the VK for the pass-through, but as a charger it'd probably be OK. You'd need about 37.5 watts to be the equivalent of that pass-through adapter above, and the VK peaks at 25w.

I've considered making a higher-powered VK for people with more specialized uses, it would likely require a larger circuit board with higher rated parts, so it definitely wouldn't be fitting into any smaller cases, but, it could potentially power many more higher powered devices. If there's enough interest in that, I can definitely look into ordering some higher powered boards.

Oh yeah, and I'd definitely recommend the vernier if you were using the VK for this, so you can lock the voltage in place and not have to worry about an accidental bump frying your device.

BTW, these are the adapters you would need in either case, you can get it in right angle or straight:
http://www.amazon.com/Super-Power-Supply®-5-5x2-1mm-4-0x1-7mm/dp/B00EA4GL3W/ref=pd_cp_pc_1

http://www.amazon.com/Barrel-Converter-2-1mm-5-5mm-1-7mm/dp/B009AZ84YA

You could use this for charging with a standard VK.

 

[chrislangley4253]

I ordered a 10 turn pot.. Does that mean I'm getting a vernier? Because.. I kinda find those ugly and -might- wanna switch to a regular knob.

 

[VoltageKeeper]

I ordered a 10 turn pot.. Does that mean I'm getting a vernier? Because.. I kinda find those ugly and -might- wanna switch to a regular knob.

Hi Chris, you ordered the 10-turn pot without the vernier, so you get the moog knob, not the vernier. The vernier costs a few dollars more.