Discontinued Thermovape Cera (Original thread, closed because of chaos)

[harmudge]

Hi Kevin,

I believe the lit switch has a mrrp of $50 or $75 with the non lit version 1/2 of that.
TV is saying something like...send them back the non lit switch and upgrade to the lit version for a further $25, or simillar I believe.

I'm unsure as to battery costs etc.

 

[kevin]

Hi Kevin,

I believe the lit switch has a mrrp of $50 or $75 with the non lit version 1/2 of that.
TV is saying something like...send them back the non lit switch and upgrade to the lit version for a further $25, or simillar I believe.

I'm unsure as to battery costs etc.

This is the problem NOwhere does it say upgrade, it says replaces! So if later you want to buy the lit switch, then what it cost more, I have to send in old switch and my Cera is useless for a week or longer?
Just doesn't seem right! Maybe somebody from TV could explain whats happening or did I miss the post?

Kevin

 

[PB88123]

Hey Guys
So what's the deal with the lit switch, why do I have to send it in? What the hell Im I paying for?
I don't see anywhere when ordering that I have to return old switch, thats stupid! So if I get a Cera now and 6 months from now want to get lit switch, TV is going to make me send in my unit to get new switch or even just sending the switch alone, Cera won't work without it! I wanted both types of switches that's why I ordered it anyway, and what would TV do with an old switch anyway? So IMO for $25 we should get to keep the old switch also!
And the batteries what is this BS? Order two @ $50 and we will send you 3 $10 batts? Why don't they just give us batts to use until they get their shit together and send out the 2900's! Sounds like a BS looks like BS must be BS!
Just my
Kevin

Looks like all illuminated switches are on back order. So if a person opted to upgrade to the illuminated switch they will send you a switch with no LED. Once they get the illuminated switch in you will send the switch you have back to TV and they will ship you the illuminated switch you ordered. I'm guessing your Cera will be out of service during that time. If you ordered both I would assume they will send the illuminated switch when in stock and you don't have to send anything back. Remember that if you picked the illuminated switch during the check out you don't get both. If a person wanted both switches you buy the Cera and don't select the illuminated switch. Instead go here for the SS $54.99 or here for the Ti $74.99 and add that to your order to get both.

With the batteries that is correct that if you ordered 2 you get 3. If you ordered 1 you get 2. When the 2900's are in stock you can send them back and get the battery or batteries that you ordered. The replacement batteries they are sending out will offer a quicker warm up time with a shorter run time compared to the 2900's.

As to why they want the switches and batteries sent back to them. Maybe they worked out a deal where they can send the batteries back in for a credit. Maybe they can polish up the switches to make them look brand new and use them for warranty exchanges. This way they are not out loads of money and people will get their Cera's sooner.

A lot of times people find products after they have been released and all issues are worked out. Since this is a new product we get to put up with all the start up issues and the people that find this product in a month will come in buy the product and it'll be a smooth process.

This is the problem NOwhere does it say upgrade, it says replaces! So if later you want to buy the lit switch, then what it cost more, I have to send in old switch and my Cera is useless for a week or longer?
Just doesn't seem right! Maybe somebody from TV could explain whats happening or did I miss the post?

Kevin

They offer to replace your non illuminated switch with an illuminated switch for $25. You can also keep the non illuminated switch and just buy an illuminated switch for $55 so then you have 1 of each.

The only time you are sending in your non illuminated switch is if you want to take advantage of the cheaper option to get the illuminated switch.

 

[kevin]

Thanks for the info and the link, maybe they should list both swicthes with Cera so we know what were buying.
Cool so I can get Ti switch for my SS Cera?
Kevin

 

[PB88123]

Thanks for the info and the link, maybe they should list both swicthes with Cera so we know what were buying.

Yeah, for those who want 1 of each it isn't easy to figure out how to buy both.

Cool so I can get Ti switch for my SS Cera?

Looks like they only sell the illuminated SS and Ti separately. So if you wanted to purchase a non illuminated Ti to go along with the non illuminated SS (or illuminated) you got with the SS Cera you would have to e-mail them. Otherwise you could buy the SS Cera with the non illuminated switch and buy the illuminated switch in Ti for $74.99 from the web site.

So many mix and match options and you can even get engravings. Then the exchanges that will take place with the pre orders. Hopefully ThermoVape has some good book keeping employees to keep this all straight.

 

[Haywood]

Kevin: Probably not BS, and sorry it's made you so angry. PB88123 has explained most of it, but I though I'd give you my idea of the discussion at TET; I imagine it's went like this.

/my_guess
"We want to be able to deliver in time for Christmas".

"Gee, we won't get delivery on all the different parts in time for Christmas".

"Well, we can probably ship most of the pre-orders just before New Years, but we won't have the battery we want in time, and we won't have the illuminated switches in time, and we won't have the titanium Cera in time".

"Maybe we should just tell customers that orders won't ship until sometime in early January".

"Boy, that's gonna piss off everyone, maybe there's some way we can make some of them happy, since we have most of the parts".

"What should we do about the people that ordered an illuminated switch? We could send them a standard switch, and tell them they can send back the standard switch when we take delivery of the illuminated switches, and we'll swap them out. Or they could just keep the standard switch, and we'll credit them the difference. Or they could decide they want both, and then just pay the cost for the standard switch (they've already paid for the illuminated switch, after all). Or they could just tell us to hold the order until the illuminated switches come in".

"What should we do about the batteries? Well, we have these alternative batteries that aren't quite as powerful, but they're still pretty good, and they heat up the Cera faster, even though they don't last quite as long. How 'bout we send out an extra battery, to make up for things. The two batteries we send have more power by far than the one 2900mAh, so that should make everyone happy. Or people could just tell us to hold their order until we get the 2900mAh batteries, or they could remove all the batteries they ordered and buy some 18650s they like from wherever they like. Lots of choices".
/end_my_guess

(btw, the battery deal works out pretty good for the vast majority, who only ordered one battery, but maybe makes less sense financially for those that ordered more than one battery. In those cases, I would just cancel all the batteries except one, make due with the two IMR batteries that came, and wait for the 2900mAh battery to come into stock.)

My point with all of this is that TET will do whatever you want, within limits of what is available and what's important to you. Why don't you figure out exactly what you want, within the limits of what they have right now, and see if they'll accommodate you. From the messages you left after the original one, I think you actually only ordered the illuminated switch, not both. If you really do want both switches, then you would not have to send your switch back, you'd just have to send TET the price of a standard switch and they'd send you the illuminated switch. (You already paid the cost of the illuminated switch in your original order).

And to answer your mix-and-match question, Noah also mentioned that TET would be selling titanium switches for those that ordered a titanium body, but that they (TET) wouldn't be selling/recommending mixing SS parts with Ti parts. I have no idea why, and if this is still ture, and didn't bother to ask...

 

[PB88123]

And to answer your mix-and-match question, Noah also mentioned that TET would be selling titanium switches for those that ordered a titanium body, but that they (TET) wouldn't be selling/recommending mixing SS parts with Ti parts. I have no idea why, and if this is still ture, and didn't bother to ask...

I don't feel like hunting down the post to quote it but I'm pretty sure later on a ThermoVape employee said they would update the ordering site so people could buy a SS loose leaf Cera and can add a Ti oil cartridge. Maybe in the end a SS Cera Loose Leaf will work with a Ti oil cartridge and Ti illuminated switch. We'll find out eventually I'm sure.

 

[Haywood]

You know, I think you're right, and the "don't mix and match" I remembered was for the cores, not the switches. I plan on ordering a full Ti oil rig, and a SS botanical core. But I'm gonna wait until things settle down, so I'm not going through the insanity of waiting. I've been having too much fun with my Ultra and PG to care anyway.

 

[Dreamerr]

Haywood IMO has it right. You can do what you want. As I posted yesterday you can just put your order on hold and wait if your patience allows. I think TET wanted to get the units to the people who don't want to wait.

I remember them writing that you can get a ss ll and a ti oil as well. I don't remember anyone asking about the bottom switch but I don't see why it can't be mixed and matched as well.

 

[OF]

I wanted both types of switches that's why I ordered it anyway, and what would TV do with an old switch anyway? So IMO for $25 we should get to keep the old switch also!
And the batteries what is this BS? Order two @ $50 and we will send you 3 $10 batts? Why don't they just give us batts to use until they get their shit together and send out the 2900's! Sounds like a BS looks like BS must be BS!

I think you're looking at this a bit differently than I understand it. The switch and end cap assembly costs $50. $75 if it's lighted. If you want to order it that way (with a light) that's an additional $25.....but you don't get both. If you want both you have two options, buy the upgraded unit ($325) and get the switch with a light, then order a second switch without for $50 more. Or buy the normal unit ($300) then an extra lighted one ($75). Either way is $375, and you get both, as TV has said their model tries to be as fair as possible with costs.

Having not seen the battery being used as a replacement, I've no idea how you know it's a ten dollar battery. I assume it's not, could be wrong but I doubt it. So my advice would be to buy them for ten dollars and cancel your order with TV.

Or maybe just cancel the whole order if you think you're being cheated somehow? After all you buy such gear to enjoy not stress over. You could then buy something else instead or just wait until everything you want is in stock, but I doubt you'll be getting lighted switches for $25.

OF

 

[Krazzykid]

I do just want to jump in here and say something to kevin and everyone else that has been complaining about this and that lately.

THIS IS A PRE ORDER!! If you don't like it then you should have waited until after the first round so all issues would have been identified and fixed before you ever ordered!

People keep jumping up ThermoVape's ass about things that are out of their control. They are a great company that cares about each and every one of us, so give them some slack and let them sort everything out! I am sure that they are probably just as, or more so upset about everything going on than you are.

I guess what I'm saying is there are ways to vent your frustration while staying calm and collected, so please let's try doing more of that.

 

[iamn3ko]

Soo off topic, but they should have SS CEO Cores in stock right???

I'm thinking about adding one to my order but I don't want to take the chance ordering something else that they don't have yet and possibly pushing my delivery date even farther...

All SS CEO cores should be good to go right? No ones heard otherwise?

 

[darkrom]

Fell off this thread for a while.

What are my REALISTIC odds of ordering a Cera and having it in hand before new years eve? Slim to none? I'd of course be paying for some more expensive shipping.

Just found out I'll be getting dragged into Boston (ugh grumble) to sit at a bar (more grumble) during the new years. I'm more of a relax at home with close friends/gf and some nice movie kinda guy. A cera might make it more enjoyable/tolerable.

 

[VaporEyes]

Hello Fellow FCer's! I've lurked long enough and have finally become a member.

The cera has become the latest vape to catch my eye. while I have slogged through a large portion of this thread I can't seem to find(or have over-looked) some information. My question is: will the cores be user replaceable or does it have to be sent off to be refitted? Say, for instance, I purchase the "loose-leaf" type but would like to have the option of using oil. Can I buy the cera loose and later buy the oil cartridge to swap in myself?

 

[kevin]

O

I do just want to jump in here and say something to kevin and everyone else that has been complaining about this and that lately.

THIS IS A PRE ORDER!! If you don't like it then you should have waited until after the first round so all issues would have been identified and fixed before you ever ordered!

People keep jumping up ThermoVape's ass about things that are out of their control. They are a great company that cares about each and every one of us, so give them some slack and let them sort everything out! I am sure that they are probably just as, or more so upset about everything going on than you are.

I guess what I'm saying is there are ways to vent your frustration while staying calm and collected, so please let's try doing more of that.

Okay I don't just come here and complain about this and that, If you look though my post I know you will find this is about the only thing I've ever bitched about, anyway I totally misunderstood about the switch, I ordered mine over the phone using a store cerdit from Oct., and when all I saw on the website was the $25 replacement not the $54 WHOLE switch, SO I misunderstood SORRY! Thats why I was asking what's up?
Now for the batteies I saw the IMR 2500's (don't know if it's the same one ) For $9.99, and by the way I 'm not trying to jump up anybodies ass,thought I was asking questions and giving opions of what I read not what they have told me which is nothing. As for pre-oredrs I allways buy early and know the waiting game I don't think you heard me ask where the hell is my Cera? It's a X-mass gift and now my day is screwed! NO. Just wanted some answers. Sorry if you thought different.
So anyway HAPPY HOILDAYS TO ALL!!
Kevin

 

[Puffers]

Hello Fellow FCer's! I've lurked long enough and have finally become a member.

The cera has become the latest vape to catch my eye. while I have slogged through a large portion of this thread I can't seem to find(or have over-looked) some information. My question is: will the cores be user replaceable or does it have to be sent off to be refitted? Say, for instance, I purchase the "loose-leaf" type but would like to have the option of using oil. Can I buy the cera loose and later buy the oil cartridge to swap in myself?

Yes the cera is a modular platform accepting all three different carts that TET offers

Thanks for the clarification. That has been my main concern with this vape.

No problem man. Glad to help

 

[VaporEyes]

Yes the cera is a modular platform accepting all three different carts that TET offers

Thanks for the clarification. That has been my main concern with this vape.

 

[jambandphan03]

Hello Fellow FCer's! I've lurked long enough and have finally become a member.

The cera has become the latest vape to catch my eye. while I have slogged through a large portion of this thread I can't seem to find(or have over-looked) some information. My question is: will the cores be user replaceable or does it have to be sent off to be refitted? Say, for instance, I purchase the "loose-leaf" type but would like to have the option of using oil. Can I buy the cera loose and later buy the oil cartridge to swap in myself?

The Cera will have user-removable carts (LL, EO, Ejuice etc...) you will not need to send it in for replacements. They will be threaded and you simply screw/unscrew them and replace with another, so you can easily go from vaping herb, to oil, or ecig by swapping out the cartridge.

sorry, a bit slow this a.m.... just now getting my coffee on.

 

[VaporEyes]

The Cera will have user-removable carts (LL, EO, Ejuice etc...) you will not need to send it in for replacements. They will be threaded and you simply screw/unscrew them and replace with another, so you can easily go from vaping herb, to oil, or ecig by swapping out the cartridge.

sorry, a bit slow this a.m.... just now getting my coffee on.

Reading over the warranty I see that the unit is "built to identify tampering". If the cores are user replaceable and the end cap/batteries/mouthpiece removable... I have to wonder what could be tampered with? The switch or heater chamber perhaps? How this vape looks though, I don't see why anyone would have to try and alter it.

 

[PB88123]

Reading over the warranty I see that the unit is "built to identify tampering". If the cores are user replaceable and the end cap/batteries/mouthpiece removable... I have to wonder what could be tampered with? The switch or heater chamber perhaps? How this vape looks though, I don't see why anyone would have to try and alter it.

I believe that is referring to the cartridges. Say the loose leaf coil goes out so you grab some tools and pry it open to see why it stopped working. Now when TV gets the part it is damaged because it was not open correctly and no longer covered under the 1 year warranty.

 

[darkrom]

Haha looks like the odds of getting one before new years are 0% now that I've done a bit more reading. Bummer but I guess it just means more time to work out the odds and ends since that would be my only reason to rush it would be to have it then.

 

[J.D.420]

Haha looks like the odds of getting one before new years are 0% now that I've done a bit more reading. Bummer but I guess it just means more time to work out the odds and ends since that would be my only reason to rush it would be to have it then.

No I'd say you've got a pretty good chance of getting it by new years... of 2014

 

[OF]

Now for the batteies I saw the IMR 2500's (don't know if it's the same one ) For $9.99, and by the way I 'm not trying to jump up anybodies ass, thought I was asking questions and giving opions of what I read not what they have told me which is nothing.

Glad to hear there was a misunderstanding in play on the first point. Such things can and do happen (all too often some would say). Asking what's going on is reasonable IMO.

I think we may have another misunderstanding going on WRT batteries. Not all XXXX mAh batteries are the same. In fact, the most important characteristic to us, internal resistance, is usually not even listed. This is what determines available power at the high current levels we demand. The battery on E-Bay may have lower price, and more attractive numbers (sometimes even honest....) and may be just fine for a flashlight or other widget but that doesn't guarantee anything for us.

TV tested a bunch of types (I saw a pile one day) looking for longest life consistent with maximum performance (heat wise). The replacements (actually 2250 mAh I believe??) are tested to that standard. No way are they 'run of the mill ten dollar 18650s'.

TV is not looking to make money by substituting for the battery they'd rather ship I'm sure. My advice would be to reduce your order to one (getting two of the 2250s which should be excellent). You can get others later if you want, I'm sure Forum Members will find good ones and tell us all (like they have done for MFLB), I suspect in a few months you'll have several attractive proven performers to choose from, until then you'll have solid units for immediate use.

Please trust me on this, being one of the few to have actually tried Cera I'm confident you'll be quite pleased with it when you finally get it. Sorry about the wait and confusion, but soon that will be history.

Reading over the warranty I see that the unit is "built to identify tampering". If the cores are user replaceable and the end cap/batteries/mouthpiece removable... I have to wonder what could be tampered with? The switch or heater chamber perhaps? How this vape looks though, I don't see why anyone would have to try and alter it.

Yes, that's my understanding. The four tiny little screws that hold the switch in the tube and the four (same size it turns out) ones that hold the socket for the heater into the core body will be 'tamper proof' screws in production units. The Beta units I have use the tiniest allen wrench in the book (.035 inches) but I'm told the production ones will be different. There's nothing you can do inside but goof it up anyway. Users would not be able to repair or replace the heater elements and I can't see a way to hurt the switch plate (again except to goof up the connection to it). It's worth noting that you couldn't open the switch or cart assemblies on the original versions (T1, Evolution, Revolution/DART and so on) either.

OF

 

[bopper]

...
Having not seen the battery being used as a replacement, I've no idea how you know it's a ten dollar battery. I assume it's not, could be wrong but I doubt it. So my advice would be to buy them for ten dollars and cancel your order with TV.
...
OF

If one searches for 2250mAh IMR battery, many references to the Panasonic CGR18650CH 2250mAh Hybrid IMR appear and a few to an Efest battery of similar attributes, which contains a cell made in Japan. It appears that one of the batteries shown in one of the TET videos is the Panasonic version as well.

We all know, OF, that you believe that companies have no obligation to release full information about their devices. Can you suggest why TET would withhold the size of the battery compartment from purchasers, current and prospective? I inquired as to the size of the compartment (maximum size battery that could be employed), whether it is button top or not, whether the 2250mAh IMR battery employed is Hybrid IMR or not and, if it is Hybrid IMR, whether a protection circuit is needed or not. To this point, no reply (of which I am aware) has been forthcoming.

The Panasonic battery is available in flat top, button top (protected or not) for a modest amount ($7.99 - $10.99), so the previous poster had some reason to state a $10 price point.

While we share your belief that the good folks at TET are conscientious, honest people, they are not perfect, perhaps even in their view of the available range of batteries. For instance, had they contemplated an LV use of their T1 power supply, would it not have been preferable to make the battery compartment a mm or two wider to accommodate the range of 18650 batteries available, instead of the limited variety of available 17670 batteries? That choice was certainly not the result of the best planning.

It is certainly important for Cera purchasers to be able to determine whether their current 18650 batteries will work or not, before the Cera arrives. Alternatively a purchaser might have no viable battery options upon receipt, which would entail an additional unnecessary delay.

Best,

bopper

 

[JoeKickass]

If one searches for 2250mAh IMR battery, many references to the Panasonic CGR18650CH 2250mAh Hybrid IMR appear and a few to an Efest battery of similar attributes, which contains a cell made in Japan. It appears that one of the batteries shown in one of the TET videos is the Panasonic version as well.

We all know, OF, that you believe that companies have no obligation to release full information about their devices. Can you suggest why TET would withhold the size of the battery compartment from purchasers, current and prospective? I inquired as to the size of the compartment (maximum size battery that could be employed), whether it is button top or not, whether the 2250mAh IMR battery employed is Hybrid IMR or not and, if it is Hybrid IMR, whether a protection circuit is needed or not. To this point, no reply (of which I am aware) has been forthcoming.

The Panasonic battery is available in flat top, button top (protected or not) for a modest amount ($7.99 - $10.99), so the previous poster had some reason to state a $10 price point.

While we share your belief that the good folks at TET are conscientious, honest people, they are not perfect, perhaps even in their view of the available range of batteries. For instance, had they contemplated an LV use of their T1 power supply, would it not have been preferable to make the battery compartment a mm or two wider to accommodate the range of 18650 batteries available, instead of the limited variety of available 17670 batteries? That choice was certainly not the result of the best planning.

It is certainly important for Cera purchasers to be able to determine whether their current 18650 batteries will work or not, before the Cera arrives. Alternatively a purchaser might have no viable battery options upon receipt, which would entail an additional unnecessary delay.

Best,

bopper

That's a good point but protected batteries (which are recommended) usually are a bit bigger so I would guess it can fit about a 670mm battery. I also rember them saying that the slide switch/safety switch requires button top cells but if you remove it (giving the cera a sleeker look too) then you can use flat top batteries as well.