SXmini M Class (TEMP CONTROL)

[druckle]

Since Evolv does not support Macs (nor plans to anytime soon) and the DNA200 ain't all that grand without escribe, I had set up a virtualbox running Windows XP and then set that up to work with the DNA200. A substantial amount of work just to change a misguided default preheat setting I'd say, but at least it is set up now. Might not be the fastest setup, but unless a free PC comes with the dna 200, it is what I have to use.

OK, now I understand your slow download/processing. The current Mac solution is clunky at best. I think Evolv has said that they will be supporting Mac's before the end of the year.

Duane

 

[jazzvaper]

Since Evolv does not support Macs (nor plans to anytime soon) and the DNA200 ain't all that grand without escribe, I had set up a virtualbox running Windows XP and then set that up to work with the DNA200. A substantial amount of work just to change a misguided default preheat setting I'd say, but at least it is set up now. Might not be the fastest setup, but unless a free PC comes with the dna 200, it is what I have to use.

The slowness of update may also be Win XP in a VM.

I have both XP and 8.1 on a MBP (and 8.1 on an Air). The 8.1 updates fast enough that I forget eScribe is not running native. When I have time I will compare to my native Windows box.

In summary I have no issue with updating time.

 

[Yozhik]

OK, now I understand your slow download/processing. The current Mac solution is clunky at best. I think Evolv has said that they will be supporting Mac's before the end of the year.

Given what the wrote on the dna Forum, "maybe a native Mac version in q4 or 2016, but it isn't on our firm development schedule yet", I'd say end of the year is rather optimistic.

The slowness of update may also be Win XP in a VM.

I have both XP and 8.1 on a MBP (and 8.1 on an Air). The 8.1 updates fast enough that I forget eScribe is not running native. When I have time I will compare to my native Windows box.

In summary I have no issue with updating time.

Windows XP is the only license I have. Spending $$$ on a newer Windows license, just to use it for one application, isn't a reasonable expense.

 

[druckle]

Given what the wrote on the DNA Forum, "maybe a native Mac version in q4 or 2016, but it isn't on our firm development schedule yet", I'd say end of the year is rather optimistic.



Windows XP is the only license I have. Spending $$$ on a newer Windows license, just to use it for one application, isn't a reasonable expense.

I understand your frustration. The DNA 200 needs Mac support but I can understand why a small organization like Evolv chose to initially apply their limited resources to the bigger portion of the computer market. It's unfortunate that you happen to be suffering because of that.

Duane

 

[Haylon357]

I guess it's just me. I can't get into the temp control scene. It just doesn't have enough warmth for my taste. It might be my builds or a lack of understanding. I have several temp control devices. 3 X DNA 40' 3 X SX mini m class, and a Snow Wolf. The SX mini reigns supreme imo. The way I see it. Evolv dropped the ball. Yihi picked it up and ran with it like they stole it. Dna 200 or not. I don't think Evol has what it takes to regain the market. If by some miracle they do, you can bet Yihi will have an answer.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[Yozhik]

I understand your frustration. The DNA 200 needs Mac support but I can understand why a small organization like Evolv chose to initially apply their limited resources to the bigger portion of the computer market. It's unfortunate that you happen to be suffering because of that.

Yep agreed, but also goes back to my initial criticism regarding the lack of being able to control preheats or presets from the menu system on a DNA200. Rather than force users to install and use escribe to control important functions, it should be accessible without escribe. That way, if you don't have access to a computer, the important functions are still available.

 

[Flyer]

^^ditto^^

 

[druckle]

Yep agreed, but also goes back to my initial criticism regarding the lack of being able to control preheats or presets from the menu system on a DNA200. Rather than force users to install and use escribe to control important functions, it should be accessible without escribe. That way, if you don't have access to a computer, the important functions are still available.

I understand your point but that would take a complicated menu system and one of the major criticisms of the SXM and the Dicodes is that the menus are too complicated. The Dicodes is a LOT worse than the SXM...and if all the DNA 200 functions were put in a menu it would be Dicodes squared worse and who could possibly remember the menu system? It would take an hour (probably exaggerating here) to change them with the onboard screen and buttons.

With 8 presets it's one click to change everything. Sure setting up all 8 presets in Escribe takes 5 minutes or so but after that's done, things are instantaneous. I have a friend who has a dicodes....believe me you don't want to go there and the dicodes doesn't come close to what the DNA 200 can do or what would be required to cover it's functions with buttons.

Duane

 

[Yozhik]

I understand your point but that would take a complicated menu system and one of the major criticisms of the SXM and the Dicodes is that the menus are too complicated. The Dicodes is a LOT worse than the SXM...and if all the DNA 200 functions were put in a menu it would be Dicodes squared worse and who could possibly remember the menu system? It would take an hour (probably exaggerating here) to change them with the onboard screen and buttons.

With 8 presets it's one click to change everything. Sure setting up all 8 presets in Escribe takes 5 minutes or so but after that's done, things are instantaneous. I have a friend who has a dicodes....believe me you don't want to go there and the dicodes doesn't come close to what the DNA 200 can do or what would be required to cover it's functions with buttons.

Menu systems can be fairly easy to use (e.g., select preset, then scroll through preheat power, punch and time limit - make changes and done - probably all of 15 seconds). The Dicodes is an exception because everything has to be controlled by one button.

 

[jazzvaper]

Given what the wrote on the DNA Forum, "maybe a native Mac version in q4 or 2016, but it isn't on our firm development schedule yet", I'd say end of the year is rather optimistic.



Windows XP is the only license I have. Spending $$$ on a newer Windows license, just to use it for one application, isn't a reasonable expense.

Now I can truly commiserate.

Just installed eScribe on my WinXP box. Truly awful. That box runs dual MultiSync NEC 1920 NX (only one attached). The screen updates are ridiculously slow and out of sync.

I have run best of the breed A/V applications on this box. (It is the last REAL OS MS made.) These apps are solid, even bullet proof on XP, so I must conclude that either the development cycle did not include XP testing or the .NET is improperly configured for XP. Shame!

 

[druckle]

Menu systems can be fairly easy to use (e.g., select preset, then scroll through preheat power, punch and time limit - make changes and done - probably all of 15 seconds). The Dicodes is an exception because everything has to be controlled by one button.

OK I understand.

It appears that you purchased something I assume you knew you didn't have the equipment to support properly right now and so you are angry that the device wasn't designed to specifically fit your individual needs. Or maybe you didn't read about the device before you purchased it?

Everyone I know who has the proper equipement loves the design, convenience and flexibility of the device.

I'm sorry you are in the situation you are in. I'm sure it's frustrating.

Duane

 

[Yozhik]

OK I understand.

It appears that you purchased something I assume you knew you didn't have the equipment to support properly right now and so you are angry that the device wasn't designed to specifically fit your individual needs. Or maybe you didn't read about the device before you purchased it?

Everyone I know who has the proper equipement loves the design, convenience and flexibility of the device.

I'm sorry you are in the situation you are in. I'm sure it's frustrating.

Yes, I'm bizarre, in that I purchased a device not expecting that I'd need to install software right away just to make it useful. Just like every other mod I've purchased. I'm not angry about it, just noting the reality of what deficiencies the DNA200 has in that regard, which in part could be resolved by a menu system. Sorry if that bothers you.

 

[druckle]

Yes, I'm bizarre, in that I purchased a device not expecting that I'd need to install software right away just to make it useful. Just like every other mod I've purchased. I'm not angry about it, just noting the reality of what deficiencies the DNA200 has in that regard, which in part could be resolved by a menu system. Sorry if that bothers you.

@Yozhik
It doesn't bother me personally. I am though sorry that you aren't in a position to benefit fully from your expenditure.

I didn't trust Evolv very much because of my experience with the DNA 40 so I did a lot of homework because I didn't want to repeat that experience. I was also concerned about what I had judged to be marginal customer support for the DNA 40 however I quickly learned that Evolv had learned a lot in that area and have given personal attention to each of the issues of their customers in a way that I have not seen from any other manufacturer. I got lucky in acquiring a DNA 200 and because of spending time understanding the device ahead of time I had a great experience right from the start that has only gotten better as folks like Balazsk have shared ideas that hadn't occurred to me.

There have been multiple firmware upgrades that have added convenient features in a little over a month and I don't think any of those upgrades were related to a problem. Because I prefer titanium coils I was happy when YiHi added that feature to the SXM however it is still a beta firmware and doesn't function properly for lots of people. I don't know why a final version hasn't been issued because I know YiHi to have excellent engineering capability but I'm left with my SXM's under performing for the coil material I like so much.

None of this is YiHi vs Evolv stuff. It's a step by step or jump by jump improvement in the devices we use. I too am interested in seeing what YiHi will do in their next new product. My guess is that they will add many of the features that the DNA 200 has and will probably have real computer support too. They may also add bluetooth control capability and I think that would be interesting.

In any case, I'm not a fanboy for anyone and I am truly sorry that you can't yet experience the vaping pleasure that I can from the DNA 200. You spent your money on it , maybe prematurely for you since you don't have a PC but nevertheless I would be frustrated too if I were in your position.

The only thing we disagree about and that's a mater of personal preference is whether it would be better for the DNA 200 to have a menu system or whether the one click profiles are better. You prefer a menu. I prefer the one click approach. That's our individual personal preferences and not an issue of the quality of the device in my opinion.

Duane

 

[Technonut]

Good seeing you back @Technonut , your presence was missed around here. Hope all is well with you. On the SXmini m, sounds like you've had your fair share of problems unfortunately. Only real problem I can complain about to date is the paint on the first one I bought Grey/Silver that's been resolved. If your still having problems I suggest you get with Perry @ Varitube.com as he's gone above and beyond in working with me.

Thanks Vlad.. I've missed being around I've been down with a back injury for quite a few months now. I'm slowly making a recovery, and have been trying to ease back into my forum duties.

Yes, Perry provides fantastic customer service, and has been very helpful to me regarding my M Class issues. Since he replaced the entire board and fixed my rattling buttons issue, I've been trying to live with the chipping / flaking paint by installing one of the new WÜD skins, and doing my best to overlook the atty lean due to the top cap / 510 being off. I'm sure he would take care of it if I asked, but the mod is performing well, and while the atty lean is noticeable to me, it isn't enough to warrant another exchange.

Lately, I've been really enjoying the Goliath 2 with my M Class. It's been the best tank for Ni200 builds that offers a single coil option I've used to date.

 

[tony7432]

anyone use the extension tube? will it automatically give you 120w just by screwing it on or will a update need to be done? i do know that a update must be done to reach the 150w with the tube but not sure on the 120w

 

[Technonut]

anyone use the extension tube? will it automatically give you 120w just by screwing it on or will a update need to be done? i do know that a update must be done to reach the 150w with the tube but not sure on the 120w

Yep, just installing the extension will allow up to 120 watts in power mode with no update required.

 

[ThunderDan]

Thanks Vlad.. I've missed being around I've been down with a back injury for quite a few months now. I'm slowly making a recovery, and have been trying to ease back into my forum duties.

Yes, Perry provides fantastic customer service, and has been very helpful to me regarding my M Class issues. Since he replaced the entire board and fixed my rattling buttons issue, I've been trying to live with the chipping / flaking paint by installing one of the new WÜD skins, and doing my best to overlook the atty lean due to the top cap / 510 being off. I'm sure he would take care of it if I asked, but the mod is performing well, and while the atty lean is noticeable to me, it isn't enough to warrant another exchange.

Lately, I've been really enjoying the Goliath 2 with my M Class. It's been the best tank for Ni200 builds that offers a single coil option I've used to date.

I hope you make a full recovery soon, back injuries suck.

I too have been enjoying the Goliath 2 on my M class, but with a dual Ti build instead, haven't tried the single coil option yet. Maybe I will next time I rebuild. It really is a rather well done tank IMO, so far I like it leaps and bounds better than the first one, which I owed, but rarely used.

anyone use the extension tube? will it automatically give you 120w just by screwing it on or will a update need to be done? i do know that a update must be done to reach the 150w with the tube but not sure on the 120w

Yep, as @Technonut pointed out, just install the extension tube, and you're good to go. I've been using mine all weekend. 120W on the SXM is a good bit more powerful than 120W on the sigelei 150W, just a warning, you may want to start low, and work your way up.

Now I can truly commiserate.

Just installed eScribe on my WinXP box. Truly awful. That box runs dual MultiSync NEC 1920 NX (only one attached). The screen updates are ridiculously slow and out of sync.

I have run best of the breed A/V applications on this box. (It is the last REAL OS MS made.) These apps are solid, even bullet proof on XP, so I must conclude that either the development cycle did not include XP testing or the .NET is improperly configured for XP. Shame!

Its perfectly understandable for them not to include any support for end of life Operating Systems in my opinion. The fact that it even works on XP could be considered a blessing, although I guess some people may still want XP support, why stop there? Why not ask for 98SE support, OS/2 Warp support, MSDOS 3.1 support while we're at it?

 

[TheotherSteveS]

Its perfectly understandable for them not to include any support for end of life Operating Systems in my opinion. The fact that it even works on XP could be considered a blessing, although I guess some people may still want XP support, why stop there? Why not ask for 98SE support, OS/2 Warp support, MSDOS 3.1 support while we're at it?

How about VAX VMS support?? Now Im showing my age...

 

[Lorenzo Morchio]

Yep, just installing the extension will allow up to 120 watts in power mode with no update required.

With the tube the USB charging port is still working?

 

[ThunderDan]

With the tube the USB charging port is still working?

No. It doesn't have a balance board to charge two batteries in series, so it just disables charging.

--

As I mentioned I've been using the extension tube over the weekend, from a pair of used and abused 25Rs (been married and used in my sig150W for the last 8 months) at 40J and 450F with a dual Ti build I got 46K joules before the batteries were dead. Normally on a single 25R I get around 22-24k joules before they are dead. So while in series doesn't double the mah rating like it would in parallel, in real use, it still effectively doubles the battery life. Actually if you do the math, two 25Rs in series is 18.5 Watt-hours vs two 25Rs in parallel at 18 Watt-hours, so little surprise to see my real world findings mimic that.