MKB-TS Mechanical Mod (GGTS Clone)

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upsetter21

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So can we buy the iSeason switch stand-alone anywhere??

***
Just a quick perspective here (please move on if you don't want my OPINION):

We are forced to be our own support group in this case because the folks who make these aren't really the up-front types. I'm sure they know this is an imitation, and how can you ever develop complete pride over that? I'm having fun playing with this and meeting some other great, like-minded vapers, but this experience is drastically changing how I feel about world markets, mass production, value and pricing. I have to admit the human rights issues in China are also on my mind, and just who am I supporting when I buy from there. I think I will be overlooking the clones from here on out.

I intentionally decided to get into the MKB and Greek vapes at the same time so I could compare my experience. We all notice the price difference, but I now know what that extra $$ is for. The Greek items, usually come with a hand written note of gratitude; often in a felt pouch enclosing the goods. Just the way they tape the boxes are different - more loving. If I have a question about my new device, I can e-mail and usually have a response in 24 hours, kindly helping me. It's just a good vibe - like many US manufacturers. The US vendors are just as nice, but they usually can't get straight answers from the overseas producers so their service level gets undermined.

I know I've mentioned my MKB is more versatile than my Nemesis, but I should add the workmanship is far better on the Nemesis. The Greek devices each represent a set of innovations and firsts & they have the pride to only sell %100 functional equipment. The only troubleshooting has been to become familiar, not to actually repair.

I just received a 69 Mod yesterday, which I'll compare with the MKB just because they both telescope, have AF control, and a side switch for 18xxx batteries. I paid roughly twice what I paid for the MKB, (a large chunk was shipping cost). But the beauty of the MOD is 5 times greater. My unique serial number is now registered with a list of other 69 owners. If I need advice or help, I can find the creators hanging out in the forums where they post regular updates about their work in a totally up-front way. When a mistake is made, they drop what they're doing to correct it.

I know we are all liking our MKB. But for me in the end it's made me appreciate the alternative more. Certainly I had to put a little more effort and money into going Greek, but to anyone on the fence about going for broke I'm going to have to say it's worth it.

I still acknowledge the workers of China, and Rainbow, and wish to express gratitude to them for working hard. I just wish the philosophy was little more on the good-guy level.

The deep-water question for me is... Did Ghost Modder license the GG replicas?
 

dwcraig1

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I guess now I'll have to add a switch to my GG parts list as I coundn't resist putting the GM switch on the MKB
954774_603514636339431_1266277712_n.jpg

I can't say if it works any better than the original shimmed switch because that trick worked real good but it looks good (electrically wise)
 
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dmall

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got a gold spring numbered MK in a co-op paid 64 bucks for it...and I now have high hopes for a descent mech...the review in vapesquad gave it a 4 out of 5 stars with a 93% voltage retention...thats the same as my Poldiac...looks like china is getting a clue.

i should get it in about 2 weeks

I bet I got mine in the same co-op! Can't wait to get it!
 

dmall

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Dec 13, 2012
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So can we buy the iSeason switch stand-alone anywhere??

***
Just a quick perspective here (please move on if you don't want my OPINION):

We are forced to be our own support group in this case because the folks who make these aren't really the up-front types. I'm sure they know this is an imitation, and how can you ever develop complete pride over that? I'm having fun playing with this and meeting some other great, like-minded vapers, but this experience is drastically changing how I feel about world markets, mass production, value and pricing. I have to admit the human rights issues in China are also on my mind, and just who am I supporting when I buy from there. I think I will be overlooking the clones from here on out.

I intentionally decided to get into the MKB and Greek vapes at the same time so I could compare my experience. We all notice the price difference, but I now know what that extra $$ is for. The Greek items, usually come with a hand written note of gratitude; often in a felt pouch enclosing the goods. Just the way they tape the boxes are different - more loving. If I have a question about my new device, I can e-mail and usually have a response in 24 hours, kindly helping me. It's just a good vibe - like many US manufacturers. The US vendors are just as nice, but they usually can't get straight answers from the overseas producers so their service level gets undermined.

I know I've mentioned my MKB is more versatile than my Nemesis, but I should add the workmanship is far better on the Nemesis. The Greek devices each represent a set of innovations and firsts & they have the pride to only sell %100 functional equipment. The only troubleshooting has been to become familiar, not to actually repair.

I just received a 69 Mod yesterday, which I'll compare with the MKB just because they both telescope, have AF control, and a side switch for 18xxx batteries. I paid roughly twice what I paid for the MKB, (a large chunk was shipping cost). But the beauty of the MOD is 5 times greater. My unique serial number is now registered with a list of other 69 owners. If I need advice or help, I can find the creators hanging out in the forums where they post regular updates about their work in a totally up-front way. When a mistake is made, they drop what they're doing to correct it.

I know we are all liking our MKB. But for me in the end it's made me appreciate the alternative more. Certainly I had to put a little more effort and money into going Greek, but to anyone on the fence about going for broke I'm going to have to say it's worth it.

I still acknowledge the workers of China, and Rainbow, and wish to express gratitude to them for working hard. I just wish the philosophy was little more on the good-guy level.

The deep-water question for me is... Did Ghost Modder license the GG replicas?

This is a deep, heartfelt observation that has touched me. I too, have ordered the MKB, but have also ordered from GG and seen the exact same thing as you. Anytime I have a problem, there is always help given and pride in development and production. Everyone is trying to stretch a dollar these days and sometimes these quality points get displaced. Thanks for you post.
 

dwcraig1

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dwcraig1: nice! so did you re-tap the existing threads? I need to know more. Was it painstaking or easy?
I re-tapped the existing threads, not really enough meat there for a real good job but I think it's solid enough. It was too easy. No drilling was done.
If it fails I'll then drill another hole.

Factory switch is 8 x .50 mm and would require a 7.2 mm tap drill.
GM switch is 8 x .75 mm and requires a 7 mm tap drill.
So my existing hole was a little larger than I would have liked but I expect it to be fine even though.
 
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Slartibartfast

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nope is fix ...

Man, this makes me glad I got an early edition then. Does it look like you could put a different post in the fixture? How is it fixed? Is it threaded?
So they gold platted the spring...why not replace with brass?...sigh. I know gold is very conductive but platted on a moving steel part? I don't think it will last. Meh, I'm fine with just using the battery post I think. The only thing I would like to change is the switch but even if I got a tap I don't have a proper drill and I don't think my $8 cheap-... dremel is going to cut it...

BTW if gold platting is something that appeals to anybody (no judgments), Gold Electroplating kits are not that expensive. I saw one on Amazon for about 50 bucks.
 

dwcraig1

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Mar 17, 2012
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Slartibartfast

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Slartibartfast

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upsetter21

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I cannot wait to see a 100% brass plated MKB if someone goes there.

One of the funnest days in school was making brass pennies. I don't entirely remember how we did it. I do remember a go-getter coming the next day with a gold-electroplated penny. Everyone was jealous; figured he had the smartest Dad in the world because he knew how to make gold pennies. My mother had to convince me up and down it was trick!

One of the beauties of owning this MOD is the sense that it's OK to mess with it. If I was getting this gritty with a genuine TS, at full-cost, I think I'd have apprehensions about trying out new things.

I'm thinking about torching the gold-colored bottom cap and quenching it in linseed oil.
 
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upsetter21

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You can always "upgrade" it.
Found out that tattoo gun fanatics aren't too different than mod-heads. Apparently brass is class in that trade. Turns out the M4 x 0.7pitch is a common size for them. I've been finding all kinds of brass HW since I started searching under some tattoo lingo.
Eventually, I think I'll cut my own delrin insulators and try to get a knurled/threaded adjustable post set up in my stealth cap & collector tank. Ideas just keep flowing, as I'm appreciating more and more every day the moddability of this MKB.
 
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