Hey all, I have some long-awaited news to convey.
First off, as you now know, I've discontinued the PSM. It’s had a fantastic run with it and has earned a very good reputation out there and will be long remembered. However, I’ve been working on a replacement for a couple of years and have finally settled on a design that meets the criteria. The main features that were most repeatedly requested were a smaller form factor and being able to charge via a standard USB. To accomplish this design, there were trade-offs but I think they are worth it.
Introducing
The Hotshot Pocketable Induction Heater
The size is 57mm x27mm x90mm, which is the size of a pack of cigarettes, but takes the same battery and lasts about the same if not more bowls as the PSM. The HS uses the same common driver board as the PSM but it is cut down to about 2/3 size with only 1 capacitor and the big coils replaced with physically smaller ones. It also uses the same BMS board as before with the addition of a Buck upconverter on the input. This upconverter has been tuned to convert 5.2V to 12.6V and takes a USB charger’s output at 2 amps. It charges at approx 400 mAs on the 12.6 V side and takes about 2 hours to charge from empty. The charger will be responsible for the owner to supply. Required a charger capable of at least 2 amps.
There are two colours to choose from, silver on black or black on black.
I’m using a 3D printer to make up the internal framework. Consisting 5 parts, a top cover/panel, main section, lower lid, connecting posts, and a pulling tool. This tool is for removing the inner lid for disassembly and is stored under the battery.
I’m also including a very cool carrying case that can attach to your belt. It will also hold the included USB charge cable and has room for a VC or two as well as a little pouch of goodness.
The HS has no bells or whistles but hopefully will just continue to work. No battery meter and no buttons with the exception of the activation button. You simply charge and use. Since it only takes a USB connection to charge, you can throw on a charger any chance you get so it should never leave you empty.
Since there is only one capacitor, the current flow is under 5 amps which is low enough to get away with only using the charge connector for the load as well as charging. It also permits a smaller gauge wire to be used for the power cables to the driver board.
The Good:
Portability
USB charging
Simplicity
Vaping Results are excellent
Pricing
All parts are accessible by the user to maintain/replace
Zero current draw when not in use. (no AI monitoring)
50% Thicker Countersunk Magnet 9x3mm previously 9x2mm
The Bad:
The enclosure is just plastic with Aluminum side panels
Charge time is double that of the previous PSM (2 hours from empty to full)
Can still only ship to the USA and Canada due to the battery.
The user will be responsible for the USB charger which must be capable of 2 amps. Manufacturers term these units as “quick chargers” and are generally rated 2 amp or more.
Cannot be charged via a PC as it can overload the PC.
It has been a bumpy ride getting this concept off the ground. The design has changed many times and originally was of an AI variety scheme but ran into some battery problems as well as other troubles that didn’t work out. I decided to stay with old school techniques and simplify back to the basics which is why the PSM is so reliable.
Pricing:
Overall parts cost less but the assembly is a fair bit more time-intensive. Basically a wash.
The pricing for the HS is $115 + shipping.
I’m going to offer some 1st run/B grade units a bit cheaper as they have some differences as I streamlined the assembly process. They may also have some minor imperfections cosmetically. I’m going to sell these at $85 each, first come first serve. To get one of these imperfect, but 100% functional, units please request when you confirm your spot on the waitlist via PM here. Do not ask for details on specific units etc. as they are all packed, and to be fair, I do not cherry-pick.
Let the fun begin!