Underdog Log Vapes

[CanikUser19]

Minor point but when I went and looked the shell was $35 and the modules were $36. Still, 2 shells, 2 modules - @$35/$30 that's $130, plus cables. Its a lotta money.

Actually I take that back. Went back and looked again and that is a dual module already @$35 on sale (reg $40, also out of stock atm) so you only need one shell. So that makes it about $100 plus cables for your dual setup. $35 for the shell, $36x2 for the power modules, that's $107 plus whatever the cables cost.

TL;DR - Your setup will support up to 8 UDs, not just 2.

The power supply is limited by the current draw of the devices you plug into it, not the required voltage. Given your VVPS will go up to at least 12, and given that UDs are a 1a load, what you need is a device capable of putting out 2a or 3a to give you some head room (hence I would look for 3a to run 2 devices without ever maxing it out).

Those modules go up to 5a - that is plenty to run 4 devices and still not max it out. With ONE module, and one shell. And a splitter cable. You can get a 4 way splitter (I only need a 2 way splitter).

Think of the voltage as if it is a water tank (this is not really all that apropos but I think its a good enough analogy for now). Then the cables are water pipes. The water is current. The device you plug in is a pump. The pump pulls the water (the device pulls current) up to the max it can use, which for our purposes is 1a for the heaters in Underdog log vapes.

The power supply in your case can provide 5a per module.

So the pumps (our UDs) will only pull 1a of current max NO MATTER how much amperage is available. (No matter how full the tank is, the pumps only pump at 1g per minute so that's all the water that will be pulled through the pipes). We're going to assume that the tank refills exactly in pace with the outflow - like I said, not a perfect analogy, since voltage doesn't really get "used up" like water would (ignoring little details like voltage drop due to resistance which is basically how the heaters work, heat is created by the current running through the wires).

Now if you plug SIX UDs into a 5a power source, nobody will get their full 1a of current because there is only 5a available and you are trying to pull 6a.

Obviously there is a lot of stuff involving resistance, atoms, electrons, and a lot of other details of electrical engineering but basically that's what you need to know for these purposes. Get a VVPS that provides one more amp than you need to run your device(s) so you never max out the power supply (which would shorten its life and also NOT provide you with the full 1a that you need in a stable reliable fashion - it's likely to drop out from time to time at the edges of what it can provide and what you are trying to draw from it).

When you adjust the voltage you are changing the current delivered - if the voltage is reduced, less current will flow and will create less heat in the resistance heater inside the UD. If you increase voltage it (should) increase current flow. With our plumbing analogy, changing the voltage setting is like changing the water faucet - open for more water flow, close it down for less.

So your VVPS needs to go up to 12v, but as long as it can provide the amperage for each device, that's all you need no matter how many devices you plug in. 1 device, 12v max. 2 devices, 12v max. 100 devices - 12v max assuming your power supply is capable of delivering 101 amps (plus one to avoid hitting the max although if this 100a power supply was for real you'd probably need more than 1 extra amp depending on how much fluctuation there is per device on average).

So you don't really need a double power supply to run two devices. You just need something that hits your voltage target (usually 10-12 a for most people with UDs) and can provide enough current for each device (1amp per UD log vape). With this setup and leaving headroom to not stress the power supply, you can run FOUR devices per bay, or a total of 8 UDs. (Oh yeah and the appropriate splitter cables).

Could be useful in a party situation?

Is all this information in response to a suggested vvps? I’ve owned a REFC single bay for years, a double bay custom wood from Timberhead for years too. I use my vvps to plug my logs in and vape. Thanks though, maybe all this extra info will be helpful to others.

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

Is all this information in response to a suggested vvps? I’ve owned a REFC single bay for years, a double bay custom wood from Timberhead for years too. I use my vvps to plug my logs in and vape. Thanks though, maybe all this extra info will be helpful to others.

Dude I don't know what to tell you. Undoubtedly it WILL be helpful to others.

You don't need more than one power supply to run your UDs, as long as it provides the proper voltage and amperage. Nobody has to read the explanation unless they want to. That's what TL;DNR is for.

Frankly I can't imagine a reason I would want to have more power supplies than I need, if for no other reason than the fact that they take up space. I guess they could be toys or collectibles, but that's not me. And yes. This IS in response to the suggestion, because it is not appropriate for me, no other reason. I'm not saying that its a bad device. Just that it doesn't fit my criteria, which is under $50 total for all parts including cables, 2 to 3 amps, and up to 12 v adjustable power supply. And simple, the only variable to change should be voltage. Otherwise I'll be constantly fouling up my settings by punching the wrong button or twisting the wrong knob.

That power supply is no good for my use plus it cost about 3 times the cost of other bench power supplies that fit my criteria. But as for my long explanation of the capabilities of that power supply and how to select a power supply for use with a UD, your suggestion will UNDOUBTEDLY be useful to someone down the line.

I just don't know what (affordable) brands to look for.

BUT THEN as I said, it turns out that I probably don't need another VVPS at all given that it is working with my standard UDs. Until I get some more info about how to trouble shoot this, for me at this point in time, the issue of what brand of VVPS to look for is moot.

 

[Texus]

It's weird to me that folks are trying to use DV tips with logs. In my experience the vapcap bowls aren't very good especially compared to almost every other stem I have

Yeah, that's my experience as well. For UDs my preference is for stem is that metal stem. But that does effectively keep it more of a microdosing device.

 

[Gdash]

The reason DV tips came up is because we were specifically talking about the ACXL. I have almost every version UD sells and the ACXL is the only one that I would consider using a DV tip on. Otherwise, I'm going for some sort of wpa to use through water. My main log is an Alpha with a gong. I do wish the gongs weren't so long though. If anyone has an alternative for an ACXL that is readily available then please share.

 

[coolbreeze]

The reason DV tips came up is because we were specifically talking about the ACXL. I have almost every version UD sells and the ACXL is the only one that I would consider using a DV tip on. Otherwise, I'm going for some sort of wpa to use through water. My main log is an Alpha with a gong. I do wish the gongs weren't so long though.

The short Alpha Gong and the Nong are both excellent. But the Simrell/Woodscents chamber allows for a 10mm or 14mm WPA or glass cooling stem with minimal restriction added. I prefer the Alpha steel chambers but being able to use it on a small rig without a dropdown is much less clunky.

 

[Texus]

The reason DV tips came up is because we were specifically talking about the ACXL. I have almost every version UD sells and the ACXL is the only one that I would consider using a DV tip on. Otherwise, I'm going for some sort of wpa to use through water. My main log is an Alpha with a gong. I do wish the gongs weren't so long though. If anyone has an alternative for an ACXL that is readily available then please share.

Yeah I have an ACXL, and a pretty sweet DV stem collection. But I find that I prefer that metal stem or the metal tip with softer mouthpiece (forget the material). It is a microdoser. But a fucking fantastic microdoser.

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

The reason DV tips came up is because we were specifically talking about the ACXL. I have almost every version UD sells and the ACXL is the only one that I would consider using a DV tip on. Otherwise, I'm going for some sort of wpa to use through water. My main log is an Alpha with a gong. I do wish the gongs weren't so long though. If anyone has an alternative for an ACXL that is readily available then please share.

The Bonger bong adapter from Dynavap is only 1.75" long, and it has a metal airway so you get a clean path. Would that not work for you?

I have found the Dynavap tips to work extremely well with the ACXL. It works FAIRLY well with the Alpha or the SC3 if you use some silicon tubing to "seal" the stem to the heater. I don't prefer that method because I have to remove the tubing to change out the ABV for more herb, but it does work, just not as well as the ACXL. Its actually a little easier now that the silicon tubing is sort of "broken in" and its easier to remove and replace.

I love the UDs but typically have not much liked the stems it comes with (I have ALL glass stems, the metal stems got stupid hot and the nylon ones don't clean up easily or well). I don't like having to fiddle with basket screens, I don't like how hot the vape gets with the shorter straight glass stems. I found some glass straws I could use with flat screens in a klugy sort of a way but .. not convenient. A pain. Don't like. You have to find the depth to put the screens. You have to pull them out to clean too frequently and its annoying to wiggle them back in and find the "correct" depth again.

With the Dynavap tips, the herb is ALWAYS in the same position, and you can drop flat normal (not the DV provided screens, they suck boulders) screens in with no trouble. Cleaning a flat screen is a lot easier too - just drop your screens in some isopropyl (91% works best), shake it up a little, let it soak, then dump and rinse.

There are also the dosing caps, which do not pick up NEARLY the ABV boogers that the DV provided screens do (not sure about normal screens, they're on their way but not here yet). I've been using the dosing caps for a couple weeks now and have yet to have to clean one, whereas I have to clean the DV provided screens frequently - partly because scraping the ABV out actually pushes a lot of it down into the stem through the gaps in the DV screens. Which also means I not only have to clean the stem more often, it also ruins the resin for reclaim.

Until I get the ACXL straightened out, I am using the silicon-tubing seal on the BB9 stems with my Alpha. Sometimes directly, sometimes I'll stick the BB9 into the top of my Sneaky Peat bubbler (its the round blue one). I don't get why people think the stems are too long with a bong or bubbler. I'm sure there's a point of diminishing returns, but the BB9 is 5.5" long and it works just as well as the much shorter Bonger bong adapter.

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

OK so its not the ACXL either LOL!

Apparently this was a special batch of ACXL's that needs to run at 13 to 15v.

However my Tekpower variable voltage power supply appears to be running it fine at 12.7v. On my display at least.

I guess I crept up on that during the burn in but once I got it that high and then read on UD's website that you should never run a UD at over 12v, I got worried and quit pushing it.

So it is currently running OK at 12.7v on my VVPS.

Very happy with my ACXL and using my Dynavap tips with all the various stems.

 

[pomogirl]

ALL THE TALK of STEMS IS A RICH RESERVOIR of KNOWLEDGE. THX! I HAD TO get THE olive WITH cake layers--so BEAUTIFUL, and BETTER in person. It has chatoyance everywhere, and it's hefty which I like a lot. Love seeing what you all are getting--wood is so gorgeous.

 

[coolbreeze]

THE olive WITH cake layers

This one? Hadn't checked the other view til now--wow! : )

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

Yo dogs! Been a minute, lots of gorgeous pieces here lately.
Smashing some nugs Dyna-style native tonight.

So you're the one who got that! I've been using your vape as an example of what I like, LOL!

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

The reason DV tips came up is because we were specifically talking about the ACXL. I have almost every version UD sells and the ACXL is the only one that I would consider using a DV tip on. Otherwise, I'm going for some sort of wpa to use through water. My main log is an Alpha with a gong. I do wish the gongs weren't so long though. If anyone has an alternative for an ACXL that is readily available then please share.

Smoke6.com has several GONGs for the Dynavap. They take forever to ship, are difficult to reach, and sometimes things arrive broken - but there are plenty of examples on there if nothing else. I do plan on giving them a try. Stuff is just uber cheap on there and people do (eventually) get their stuff. Usually.

There are also a lot of glass sellers on Ebay who may have what you are looking for.

Also, if anyone is interested in that Thermal Expansion Tip from Ed's TNT, he is having a sale:

Feb 7th through the 16th -- 18%OFF -- code EDS18

It is supposed to fit in the Alpha. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

 

[hillbill]

I had mine in for maintenance several years ago that I ran with a Buck/boost as it was not satisfying with wall wart alone. After rebuilding it is perfect with the standard wart alone. They thought or it might have been a “cool” dog originally.
Highly recommend heavy duty cord also.
Said Underdog in use as I write.

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

OK Its been a bit over a month now with Ed's Thermal Expansion Tip and I am here to say ... it is working pretty well.

It fits into my Alpha just a wee bit tight because the heater core crimp has a more pronounced bulge (inwards) than either of the other 2 UDs I have (SC3 and the ACXL). So when its cool it fits down in there neatly but it expands JUST ENOUGH to get stuck. Several times I've accidentally pulled the tip out of the stem trying to remove it from the UD. Now I keep a pair of mini pliers at hand to pull the tip out if that happens, though over time I'm getting a bit better at avoiding the stickage.

I've given up on grinding with this, largely because I made the mistake of buying a Brilliant Cut Grinder a few months ago. I got all 3 plates. And guess what. All 3 plates give you virtually the same. Dang. Grind.

What I see happening is that it just crushes and tears the bud and by the time its through the holes (whether coarse, medium, or fine) its pretty much torn apart, but still hanging together by little terpy threads. Shake it up, or just stir it around with your finger, and those clumps fall apart and what you end up with is virtually the same regardless of the plate you chose. So I was ending up with a semi-fine grind which then promptly fell through the holes even on my 100mesh screens.

I likes my stem milk as free of ABV as possible. This wasn't getting it.

Now I just snap off a nubbin and stick it in the Dynavap tip. I don't grind any more. I'm also using the Dynavap provided "screens" (flat metal semi-perforated disks) to back the regular screens and that has helped keep the ABV out of my stems as well. Also cuts down on "screen flip" when you're debowling or stirring a bit. Or trying to refill it. AND it helps the "regular" screens last longer.

You know I was so disappointed by the Brilliant Cut Grinder that I actually dug into my history from way way back to figure out why I was so enamored of it. That's not normally my way.

So turns out what I REALLY had wanted - and had forgotten about over the past 10 years LOL! - was a plate they called "Chunky". Extra coarse. THAT is what I had wanted. However they only ever made the one run as far as I can tell. It certainly isn't on the site now at any rate. Anyway.

I've gotten enough better at using the combination of UD plus Dynavap that I can now use the regular Dynavap tips, which fit best in the ACXL, in the slightly larger Alpha WITHOUT having to use the silicone tubing "air lock". That may be because of the extra hump in my Alpha's heater core - if I make sure to seat the Dynavap tip ALL the way down into the heater core, past that lump (which is what Ed's Thermal Expansion Tip catches on as it heats up), then I get a pretty good air seal. I think the ACXL is still a better fit, but its not as MUCH difference as it was before I got the hang of it.

So I'm really really happy with this melding of UD and Dynavap technology. Using the Dynavap tips and any stem with an 8mm ID or that you can fit the Bonger into has solved all the issues I was having with wanting to get away from baskets and trying to find the right depth. Its kind of a pain now, and back then I was really really really not very functional at all.

Hopefully now that I've stopped grinding at all I can start getting some relatively clean stem milk.

 

[CurryLeafTreehugger]

BTW I should have said, I don't know one way or the other if ALL Alphas have that crimp-hump - I know they use different heater cores from time to time. So ... another Alpha may not handle the standard Dynavap tips that well, and lacking the hump (as all my other UD heater cores do) Ed's Thermal Expansion Cap wouldn't be so likely to stick. I'm just going to sand the tip a tiny bit right at the end where it sticks. Should help, may eliminate the problem, we'll see.

I also want to mention the Dynavap magnet block I got from UD. The magnets UD used are smaller than the ones on the cases Dynavap sells (which I think are made by Futo, they look like it). But they are at least twice as powerful. So ... better! Stuff sticks way better (but not too much).

NONE of the following will work with the case I got from Dynavap. The magnet is not strong enough to hold the cup at all, let alone grab onto anything you set inside it. It barely holds the cap - if you set the cap on there and flip it over too fast, the cap comes flying off. Set your whole stem/tip/cap on there - it barely holds it. The slightest bump and the stem and all just falls over.

So KUDOS once again, UD and UDette!

How I kluged together a debowler/stem stand combo:

With my last order, UD and UDette sent me a little stainless container about the size of 1/4c measure. -ish. I stuck it on the center magnet (its a 5 magnet bar), then I have 2 of these scrapey tools from Sneaky Pete :

setting on their fat ends with the pointy ends sticking up crowded right next to each other inside that metal cup and centered over the center magnet and eh, voila! They are the perfect distance apart for debowling a dynavap tip. A double pronged debowler LOL!

The cup is a little short for this, because I do get ABV dust drift with this. I just took an empty toilet paper roll - I'm sure a cut down paper towel roll would work as well or better as I think they are thicker - and jammed it into the top of the cup to make it "taller". That brings the top up just above where the Dynavap tip meets the stem. In the longer term I'm thinking I should be able to find some PVC pipe or similar tubing that'll do the same job, if I can get close enough on the diameter.

Now all the ABV and its dust is contained when I scrape it out.

So my debowler is in the middle and I can line up 4 caps on either side. Had I INTENDED to use it this way, I'd have asked for a bit more room in the middle where my DIY debowler is sitting but it works anyway. I rarely use the caps for the purpose for which they were intended. Even when I do, I don't like setting it tip down because crumbs fall into the cap and it can make a mess.

But I can set my BB9 stems lip side down into a cap stuck on one of these magnets and it holds it fine. Not straight but surprisingly stable, enough to pick the stand up that way! I do occasionally bump into it during use and it moves an inch or so and I've never had a stem fall out or even wobble.

I can also drop any of my stems down over one of the scrapers in my "debowler" and that is PERFECTLY stable.

So it now serves as both my debowler stand and a stand for stems.

So 2 caps, the debowler, 2 more caps. I have one of the original caps which is very lightweight, it is a center cap and I keep a cotton swab in it for swiping any fines out of my tips after I debowl them - the cotton tip gets fuzzy at the end and tends to pull fines OUT of the screen more than it pushes them through. Keeps my screens really really clean and they hardly clog at all now that I don't grind anymore and keep them wiped out like this. Plus the lightweight cap, while it will hold a stem, I feel is not sturdy enough on the magnet due to low mass, but more than fine for the q-tip LOL!

In the other center cap I keep one of these:

I use the outer magnets to hold a BB9 stem when I'm using one. I also use my defunct econo-dog from 10 years ago as a cup/holder for my other scrapers and occasionally a stem I'm using. (Heater core pulled out of course LOL!)

I'm all about surrounding myself with junk that makes it so I barely have to move. At least while I'm vaping.

The next thing I'm going to do is try to find a way to use my SC3+ with the Dynavap tips. Probably have to kluge it with some silicone tubing.

Aaaand it just now occurred to me that the reason I have found the SC3+ so hot to hold IS that "+" LOL! Never occurred to me. I just thought the body was a bit thin LOL!