VapCap Induction Heater for Desktop and in Car Use

ClearBlueLou

unbearably light in the being....
Hey, y’all!

Been off lovin’ my Skeltor, but I have two things:
- my batteries are LG HG2 3000mAh, 20A, but ALL three are showing ‘ERR’ on my Nitecore. So, what’s the current hot setup? Needs stat!

- has anyone found any 3dprinter files for a box that will fit a skeletor? I’ve finally hooked my SO on the ‘Caps, but I hate keep waltzing my naked IH all over (I should name it ‘Matilda’)...
 
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ClearBlueLou

unbearably light in the being....
ClearBlueLou,

Pipes

Addicted DIY Enthusiast
Accessory Maker
Hey guys. A quick note regarding the new Skellys. The last couple batches have had the BMS changed over the the smaller 10 amp version. Unfortunately, these new BMSs do NOT have reverse polarity protection. If batteries are installed wrong the BMS board will burn up quickly. I advise to use the supplied charger, once batteries are installed, to avoid any problems. Can happen very easily so please be careful upon the initial battery insertion.
The good news is that I cabled the battery pack to the same harness as the Lipo batteries I use in the PSM, so opens up more options for those making their enclosures. Almost all the RC 3S type batteries will work. Just ensure the correct JST connector.

Here is the new style battery pack.



And the rear of it. Notice the copper tape? I found it was needed as some heating was happening with the side of the end battery causing the BMS to cut out. This would be the solution to using tin enclosures as well.



This is the new BMS with wiring harness.



As for back orders for the PSM, pretty much on predicted schedule. Currently starting into February orders. :D
 

thatoneguy445

Well-Known Member
You may be kept in suspense, if the delivery happens like mine did. Once it hit USPS, the updates to the system were non-existent. After thinking the post office had lost it, it magically appeared in my mailbox.

Same thing happened here, no updates at all after the acceptance but a week later was just waiting in my mailbox!

Only used it one night so far but I can tell me and this thing are gonna be buds
 

ClearBlueLou

unbearably light in the being....
So I ended getting six of the IMREN 3000mHa 20/40s, like Freewheelin’ Franklin (stressed). They seem like a good choice.

Curious about why my batts went belly-up so quickly...the Skelly saw heavy use for a month, largely sat idle for a coupe months, then completely idle for a like period. THEN in went back into heavy rotation, and quit after 2-3 days. First one cell reported an error, then they all did.

Could that use pattern have broken something?

On the Skelly box, there are no internal dimensions given with any of the 3D print files I’ve found - no dimensions at all, in fact. I’m not informed about this stuff, but a friend has offered to print me whatever I’d like, so I’m looking for images of examples people like, and comments from those who’ve gone this route.

And pointers to places, where applicable.

Summer, I appreciate the link to the Pix vis xlr8ion...looks like I’d have to perform surgery on Skelly...but they’re nice-looking!
 

Megaton

Well-Known Member
Lurking this thread hard, but not being technically minded it all makes my head spin a bit!

Will be attempting to put something together next month maybe, but loving seeing how everyone else is doing it!
 
I finally received my power supply and was working on this last night.

It seems to be working great with nothing more than the IH board and a momentary 6amp toggle switch.

I'll post more as I test it more but unless I am going to add batteries and a charger and all that, I don't see where this setup needs any more than what it has.... the board and a switch.
 
Hackerman,
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Edgedamage

Well-Known Member
I finally received my power supply and was working on this last night.

It seems to be working great with nothing more than the IH board and a momentary 6amp toggle switch.

I'll post more as I test it more but unless I am going to add batteries and a charger and all that, I don't see where this setup needs any more than what it has.... the board and a switch.
I used a push button rated for automotive use, its 10 amps. Please try to use a 10 amp switch for a safe overhead.
 
Edgedamage,

thatoneguy445

Well-Known Member
On that note... is there a “user guide” out there somewhere.

I know this thing is dang simple, but after having my portside mini for a few days have a couple questions on best practices.

The “on/off” switch. If accidentally left in the “on” position, is it still drawing power even if not actually being used?

What is the average battery life people are getting? Do you charge midway down or wait until battery fully depletes? Or does it not matter?

How many seconds (ballpark) past the click are people doing? From a cold start I’ve found about 4ish seconds gets me a good hit and any longer starts to taste burnt (but not combusted)

Saw a tip a few pages back about making sure the load isn’t touching the tip of the cap... that is definitely helpful to avoid scorching that part of the herb, cause a couple of hits were getting too dark until I realized why.


Apologies if this has all been discussed before, I admittedly have not read each page of the thread!
 
thatoneguy445,
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Edgedamage

Well-Known Member
I find the 2018 M produces more darker ABV than the 2017 M. Using the same amount of material, and heating times. With the 2017 I find I need to heat two seconds after the click always. If I do that with the 2018 I get huge hits but very close to combustion .
 

polykoma

Active Member
Quick question on the Portside Mini

I ordered all parts execpt the BMS since I thought its included already in this premade lithium battery pack.

Is this correct?
 
polykoma,

Squiby

Well-Known Member
What is the average battery life people are getting? Do you charge midway down or wait until battery fully depletes? Or does it not matter?
I get a couple of weeks from a charge but I only use my Skelator in the evening for a load of two. I find that the performance wanes before actually going dead and I recharge at that point.

How many seconds (ballpark) past the click are people doing? From a cold start I’ve found about 4ish seconds gets me a good hit and any longer starts to taste burnt (but not combusted)
From cold I count, one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand, four. I don't wait for the cooling click to proceed. I finish my toke and place my Vapcap back into the Skelator for a, one one thousand two, to boost the heat for another toke. I carry on like this till no more vapor is produced. I only wait for the cooling click when my load is finished.
 

Pipes

Addicted DIY Enthusiast
Accessory Maker
Quick question on the Portside Mini

I ordered all parts execpt the BMS since I thought its included already in this premade lithium battery pack.

Is this correct?
If the battery pack has a harness with multiple wires, then no, it does not. Even some that only have the two wire only may be questionable unless it states it.
It is an important layer of protection.
 

polykoma

Active Member
If the battery pack has a harness with multiple wires, then no, it does not. Even some that only have the two wire only may be questionable unless it states it.
It is an important layer of protection.

I ordered the battery pack you stated on the FAQ.

So i should order a BMS for this pack also?
I was sure it is not needed since the disassembly video
shows no BMS to me....

Thanks for clarifying this point :) :luv:

P.S.: Can you may link me the latest version of the wiring diagramm of the PSmini ?
It feels like there are some changes made which arent well documented yet.
Thank you so much from Berlin!
 
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polykoma

Active Member
The BMS is in the wire harness where two wire split into the multipin connectors. It is a small board. (HX-3S-01)

ahhhhhh its just another version of this BMS - thank you so much for the fast response.
I checked my orderlist and its already ordered. Yay.
---


The reason I asked for the updated wiring diagramm is because you added the LEDs to the glass chamber. Of course I dont wanna miss this feature.
It would be so kind of you if you could update the diagramm and the parts list in the next weeks :)

Thank you
Keep up the good work
 

dodgy_b

Well-Known Member
I'm having a hard time choosing which model as, well, I just don't completely understand the differences. (I put the "high" in high school back in the 80's.)

So the Jarhead and Skully plug in? PS Mini is portable with batteries?

I use 100% at home. That said it's nice to be mobile in the house too. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Edit: have read the Google doc
 
dodgy_b,

Summer

Long Island, NY
Jarhead plug in, Skelly & PS minis portable w/ batteries.

DV is coming out with an portable induction heater sometime this summer that's gonna look like a beverage cup so you could wait on that as a portable or choose a PS mini then. For me, I say ditch the electric & go with the PS mini as it's a good size for portability for use around the house (inside & out) & for taking on the go. Just throw it in a fanny/gunny pack & go.
 

ThatBoringBitch

Well-Known Member
I’m thinking about getting an omnivong and wondering if it will fit fine in my Portside original. I’ve got a VonG from Ed’s TnT that doesn’t fit so figured I should make sure before getting one. Anyone know?
 
ThatBoringBitch,
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