Discontinued Thermovape Cera

[Custom Flower Hardware]

I just got a brand new EO core and holy moly! I had my previous core from last February and it worked great up until recently. This one seems different though. No vapor comes out the air holes anymore it seems. is this correct or just my imagination?

 

[Czechyourhead]

Will we be able to install the switch ourselves? Or will it require a trip to the shop?

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Seems to me like it's as easy as just screwing it on?

 

[OF]

I'm glad you're pleased, BOG. I think I speak for all of us when I say we think that's really really important to us all.

Very good 'non verbal communication..........

Will we be able to install the switch ourselves? Or will it require a trip to the shop?

Seems to me like it's as easy as just screwing it on?

I think that remains to be tried. As part of the upgrade design process, yet to come.

While simple in concept, it's a fiddly job, not everyone will be up to it. I don't think there's much downside, however. That is if you're reasonably careful it's going to be hard to kill the Cera in the process.

Think of the switch as a stack of say four dimes. With bitty tapped holes on opposite sides. Each takes a tiny screw through plastic bushings, one short (flush with the outside) that holds the body in place and the other with a longer bushing (longer screw too of course). The second screw threads into the switch contact, not the switch body itself. To make Lunas this is fairly easy since it's exposed more or less, but with Cera you'd have to work up the tube unless they somehow change that parr of the design (and I don't see how right off).

I had to do a similar but much easier thing to install and remove the original sliding switch and it was a PITA to hold a much bigger part with better access you can see better in the right spot to screw into it one time. I think it will take and assembly tool although the hope is to avoid that so guys don't have to send it in.

We shall see. It will be possible I think, I just don't know how practical a kitchen table project it will be for most?

OF

 

[BLAZING OG]

I'm glad you're pleased, BOG. I think I speak for all of us when I say we think that's really really important to us all.

Very good 'non verbal communication..........

Thanks OF!!
Iam very pleased, Thank You!!!!, & thank's to you the cera was one of the best investments I have ever made.
The Luna sounds like my new baby, and I can pass the torch (the cera) to my wife, as long as she still pays attention to me!!!

No words needed, just this universal vape language we speak.
Those little guys still cant show you the excitement, when I read your announcement.

First this was my reaction.
"Did he say Luna?"

Then..........

Ended like this .........

 

[Mynameismud]

Wow, so can keep my cera and use it like the Luna?!? Or basically how it was originally supposed to be? No more stretching out the spring! Sign me up...

Is it a big difference in the weight if the bodies? Because ill probably opt for the new switch if its not a huge differences...

And you mentioned new mouthpiece for EO? Is that like the standard drip tip? What about the ceramic top cap and mouthpiece is that still what will come with LL or will Luna have something different? Will it becompatible with the cera body?

Thanks @OF

 

[OF]

Wow, so can keep my cera and use it like the Luna?!? Or basically how it was originally supposed to be?

And you mentioned new mouthpiece for EO? Is that like the standard drip tip? What about the ceramic top cap and mouthpiece is that still what will come with LL or will Luna have something different? Will it becompatible with the cera body?

No, the original never had a momentary switch in that position. This a momentary switch, it's just on the side not the bottom. And it's made by TV in full.

The new MP is like a drip tip, but longer (I'm not sure where else it might work). It's to address the falling out in your pocket issue as well as the 'it broke right off when it hit the floor'. As a guess I'd say the o-ring is twice as far down the EO bore?

AFAIK there are no plans to change the Cera top. For those that insist on running LL tops on Luna (which will of course heat faster than Cera) will use the Cera cover and MP. Nate said he'd tried it a time or two, but the push was on EL and EO cart use.

I, of course, intend to try it out extensively when I get my greedy little mitts on one. I'm hoping for a month or so out and wasn't the least bit shy reminding them I'd be happy to pick it up......even as parts if they'll help me put it together. Nate built a switch assembly (the only real hard part in Luna) in a few minutes as we chatted and he showed me the details on the parts. IIRC four small screws holding the assembly together then two mounting screws (one the button). It's just really really bitty. I'm betting having seen it done I could build one now. No special tools, adhesives, spot welds or other such issues with this model. A huge difference in design from Cera in that respect. This is a much more traditional product IMO, very straightforward. It should perform like the tanks of old like T1 reliability wise.

Unlike T1 and Ultra, this switch is open so can be boiled and/or ISO soaked to your heart's content. So the list will now include 'everything but the battery'.

OF

 

[Custom Flower Hardware]

Guys, I love my Cera EO, but cleaning with iso alcohol and boiling water doesn't fully clean all the baked on carbon that reduces the capacity and loading ability of the ceramic core, and also decreases performance (vapor production) and flavor. I have opted to open up my EO core to refurbish the ceramic myself. Using a .035" allen wrench that I found at a flea market, I opened it up. Basically unscrew the 4 base screws in the core. This allows you to pull the stack of ceramics outward from the bottom side. After pulling it apart carefully, I find this. (Note: This is the condition of my core after fully cleaning with many rounds of isopropyl alcohol, boiling water, and 20/20/20 burn. Also, no oil has been added yet.)

Wow! Lots of buildup crap on there!
Using my new torch lighter, I hit the ceramic donut stack till it was glowing white. Repeated for the top ceramic wafer. I tried to avoid the steel parts. I noticed that there is another ceramic donut under the top two. I wasn't able to get this perfectly white as I didn't disassemble the stack, perhaps another time. Anybody know how to safely disconnect the heating wire?
This is what it looks like after torching. Nice and clean! You can see the pores in the ceramic that were once filled with black carbon are now empty.

Disclaimer: Please don't attempt this yourself unless you know all the risks involved. I stripped one hex screw and managed to get it out, but this leaves me with three now. Be very careful with the screws as they strip easily and need very LITTLE threading to secure everything together. Remember, the ceramics are brittle too. I believe this will void your core warranty.

EDIT: Got to try it out in the refurbished status. WOW! Just like new! Big EASY clouds that taste phenomenal. I will be refurbishing the ceramic periodically with a torch now that I see how big of a difference it is. Love this product!

dude I just got as new core so I tried this with my old one. I held it with a pair of vice grips (gently) over the gas burner on my stove. worked like a charm! Thanks for the tip!

 

[Mynameismud]

Well thats great. Im fine with the weight and feel of the cera body, so the fact that i can convert it and get rid of the old switch is perfect!

No the only negative i see is having to wait and/or having to send it back in for the new switch...

 

[OF]

Well thats great. Im fine with the weight and feel of the cera body, so the fact that i can convert it and get rid of the old switch is perfect!

No the only negative i see is having to wait and/or having to send it back in for the new switch...

Not much can be done about the wait. My preference is that they take all the time necessary......we have enough examples of half baked designs already I think?

I too really like Cera, it's going to take something really special to get me to put it down. Perhaps Luna will do that, time will tell.

As to the 'send it in if you need it installed' I hope to be able to promote the option of owners at least trying it. IMO they can't hurt the Cera and if they fail they can send all the bits back with their Cera for 'the treatment'. The rub I see is that floating contact on the end of the screw down the button. It's easy enough to hold the little rascal in the right spot when the switch is out (at least Nate made it look easy) but down that 3 inch tube is another case. I've been 'spitballing' about maybe gluing the contact in place with water soluble gunk of some sort so it's in the right spot for the screw, then you give the whole Cera a good boil out and you're good to go?

Fun stuff, just around the next bend........

OF

 

[darkrom]

What is luna? I'm way behind the times.

I think its time to finally replace my cera batteries. Never have yet. Same 5 for a LONG time now.


Who currently has the best deal, and which battery is best for maximum power? I'm ok with 1 battery per bowl if it means more power and more heat capability.


EDIT: read the info OF posted. HOLY SHIT. I gotta see this when it comes out!

 

[OF]

EDIT: read the info OF posted. HOLY SHIT. I gotta see this when it comes out!

Line forms to the rear.....chump!

Looks to me like once again they considered (and acted on) our requests. While a guy might gripe about the time frame (when is it ever soon enough?), IMO full points for accuracy.

This time next month we should know a lot more, and before all this 'Global Warming' thaws out come spring I bet we have guys bragging big time?

OF

 

[jpdnkstr]

I knew we could count on TET!

 

[darkrom]

Now I'm impatient for something I didn't know was even coming haha. Thanks of!

 

[Nimrod]

OF, don`t know about trying it at home, but a foolproof switch on the cera plus the aesthetic improvement of losing the bulbous bottom end could make CLL the new Zippo for the 21st century. Non smokers after a `walk on the wild side`, I find are very impressed by the smooth delivery and lack of smell with this device !

 

[Busta]

Was there any news of a power supply OF?

 

[OF]

Was there any news of a power supply OF?

What power supply is that?????

OF

 

[Busta]

What power supply is that?????

OF

I was under the impression, but probably am wrong, that an external power supply was being developed for the Cera. I'm thinking I was over medicated when reading and misunderstood or just hopeful thinking :-)

 

[OF]

I was under the impression, but probably am wrong, that an external power supply was being developed for the Cera. I'm thinking I was over medicated when reading and misunderstood or just hopeful thinking :-)

I've made a few, and posted about them here. Like the PA they made for T1 (and very few folks bought.....) it seems very few guys find it an advantage here. Battery life is quite long, really. Several LL bowls and enough power for half a gram or so of oil, and then it takes less than a minute to change batteries.....who wants a leash under those conditions? It's not like say MFLB burning through battery after battery.

I'm sorry if I led you to think there was one planned, but try as I have I can't interest them in the idea. Seems they have a pile of the custom wall warts for the T1 that they can do nothing with........

OF

 

[Busta]

I've made a few, and posted about them here. Like the PA they made for T1 (and very few folks bought.....) it seems very few guys find it an advantage here. Battery life is quite long, really. Several LL bowls and enough power for half a gram or so of oil, and then it takes less than a minute to change batteries.....who wants a leash under those conditions? It's not like say MFLB burning through battery after battery.

I'm sorry if I led you to think there was one planned, but try as I have I can't interest them in the idea. Seems they have a pile of the custom wall warts for the T1 that they can do nothing with........

OF

No need for apologies OF, It wasn't you that led me to believe that a power supply was being developed. Just my wild imagination

Understood that the battery life is greatly improved when compared to the T1 for sure. I used to be able to finish one bowl on the T1 with the battery charge. Now with the Cera I could do much more than one for sure. I haven't tested it myself.

Thanks for the info!

 

[darkrom]

I've been using batteries 1 per bowl lately. Its time to replace them. Is there one battery vs another that runs hotter than others perhaps? I think I like the black orbtronic better than the gray batteries I got. I wish I had them in front of me to give more useful info.

What are some peoples favorites? I see a lot of recommendations a few pages back, but they are all just batteries that work. How are they different from each other?


EDIT: Looking back I have one of these, and 4 gray ones I can't remember off the top of my head. I like this one more.

http://www.fluidvaper.com/orbtronicPD2900


Now I can just buy more of those, but if there is possibly a better battery I'd like to give it a shot.

 

[BLAZING OG]

The grey ones that were 2250 heated up the LL cera a bit faster but dont last as long as the 2900, the 2900 last a bit longer but also takes the LL a slight bit longer (not sure if its that noticeable) to heat up, on the EO I couldnt really notice it to much but vapor started a few seconds faster with the 2250 grey batt's!!!

Might want to ask a battery guru if the new sony 30 amp v.4 will work well, and if it it will make a difference.
Effest claims a 35 amps battery , but I think Id stick with japanese battery Tech.
Hope this helps a bit!!!!!

The older batts were chosen for optimal performance, the higher mah is great for longer battery duration in between charges, but the higher the mah usually the internal resistance is lower Thats my take and what I have gathered from the the batt guru's like @OF and haywood and some other really knowledgable people.

I've been using batteries 1 per bowl lately. Its time to replace them. Is there one battery vs another that runs hotter than others perhaps? I think I like the black orbtronic better than the gray batteries I got. I wish I had them in front of me to give more useful info.

What are some peoples favorites? I see a lot of recommendations a few pages back, but they are all just batteries that work. How are they different from each other?


EDIT: Looking back I have one of these, and 4 gray ones I can't remember off the top of my head. I like this one more.

http://www.fluidvaper.com/orbtronicPD2900


Now I can just buy more of those, but if there is possibly a better battery I'd like to give it a shot.

I'am no expert, but please correct me if iam wrong !!
Thank You!!!

 

[mvapes]

I just got my ss back from repair. I swear this thing had to be broken when I first got because I was impressed by it's vapor then, now this thing is a fucking fog machine. If I could just figure out how to load it I'll be good to go. i'm gonna try hot loading through a funnel like a Cinnabon next!

 

[BLAZING OG]

I just got my ss back from repair. I swear this thing had to be broken when I first got because I was impressed by it's vapor then, now this thing is a fucking fog machine. If I could just figure out how to load it I'll be good to go. i'm gonna try hot loading through a funnel like a Cinnabon next!

Sweeet!!!!
Thats what I keep telling everyone, its a pocket lung fogger lol lol
Try adding a little at a time , holding the power down for a few seconds to heat but not vaporize your oil , the thicker the oil the longer it will take to fill her up, but it should still be fairly quick.

Some times I use a paper clip, I put the oil above the tip or end Iam dripping from up on the paper clip ( not to high) so that I can heat the paper clip from a far (Flame not touching hand or oil,just flame above paper clip slightly above the oil) and let the oil start to liquify as its dripping in the cera cart, makes it even easier to power her up once loaded that way with most of the oil passing the top wafer.

 

[hoptimum]

My technique is to hold the button for around 20 seconds or so with the mouthpiece off. When I see a small cloud forming in the chamber I drop in some concentrate and she's ready to go.