ORCHID MODIFICATION THREAD

[TheWestPole]

@TheWestPole, I did not even know I could order just the base specifically, would you be able to provide a link for me? I cannot seem to navigate fasttech very well.

I'm still new into RDA/RTA's and am extremely discouraged from a few bad experiences. I really wanted a reliable RTA.

Would you guys suggest I pickup a kayfun clone or just try to make this atomizer work? I've clogged the bottom fill hole with an isulator from my protank but have yet to master the top fill as I get much leaking.


Lastly, has anyone purchased an authentic Orchid - or rather, is the orchid even a cloned product or just a clone variant of the Kayfun.

Thanks for all of your help guys

This is what @fq06 was referring to earlier:



http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10009751/1943600-replacement-base-for-orchid-v3-v4-rebuildable

I've been retiring my Kayfuns. Just can't get the airflow I want, and I have been spoiled by Orchid. Orchid's my standard RTA now. I have a half dozen or so. Few compare on airflow and juice feed. The things that make it great--airflow, juice flow and efficient wicking--make it a more susceptible to leaky filling. The bottom fill port solves this IMO. I can refill from the bottom without wasting a drop. Once it's up and running right it's as leak free as a Kayfun, free of burnt hits and a superior vape. And it is the least fussy RBA I have experienced, period.

For these reasons I would suggest you try working your way through the learning curve. Use any help sources you can find, particularly video so you can see for yourself. That's what I did, all online. You will have a learning curve with any RBA. Might as well stick with one known to be worth the effort.

That said, replaceable is getting better all the time. I understand from good sources that Aspire Atlantis is fantastic!

 

[CaFF]

OK, brain hurts...can someone sanity check if this would work with my Orchid v4?

From this thread: http://www.fasttech.com/forums/1787301/t/1435228/big-orchid-do-these-parts-fit-together

This tank
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1787301

With the new two-part chimney
http://www.avidvaper.com/orchid-two-piece-chimney/

What I'm after, is a two part chimney and a larger tank.
Adjustable airflow would be nice, but meh...I've been "adjusting" airflow with different diameter DTs.

(Either PPMA or Glass on the tank - that isn't very important as I drip anything that might crack stuff)

 

[TheWestPole]

OK, brain hurts...can someone sanity check if this would work with my Orchid v4?

From this thread: http://www.fasttech.com/forums/1787301/t/1435228/big-orchid-do-these-parts-fit-together

This tank
http://www.fasttech.com/products/1787301

With the new two-part chimney
http://www.avidvaper.com/orchid-two-piece-chimney/

What I'm after, is a two part chimney and a larger tank.
Adjustable airflow would be nice, but meh...I've been "adjusting" airflow with different diameter DTs.

(Either PPMA or Glass on the tank - that isn't very important as I drip anything that might crack stuff)

Yes. We got into "Confun" type tanks a page or two ago. You end up with a regular Kayfun and V4 Orchid height.

What's not clear to me is whether Avid Vaper includes the regular Kayfun chimney with the chamber or that you supply your own. Do you have a regular Kayfun chimney? If not, this is the way I get mine:



http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10009156/1797302-kayfun-quartz-tank-kit

Or:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271642520513?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=570477823616&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[fq06]

I will will know on friday but I take it as a standard orchid chimney height included but you can swap out to a standard kayfun chimney pipe (got a couple out of use) and go full size kayfun tank.

 

[TheWestPole]

I will will know on friday but i take it as a standard orchid chimney height but you can swap out to a standard kayfun chimney pipe and go full size kayfun tank.

Makes sense re the photo and description. I have a tendency to see ambiguity in other people's writing.

 

[CaFF]

Yes. We got into "Confun" type tanks a page or two ago. You end up with a regular Kayfun and V4 Orchid height.

What's not clear to me is whether Avid Vaper includes the regular Kayfun chimney with the chamber or that you supply your own. Do you have a regular Kayfun chimney? If not, this is the way I get mine:

View attachment 9360

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10009156/1797302-kayfun-quartz-tank-kit

Or:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271642520513?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=570477823616&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Ah, cool, thanks!
Sorry for not reading back, but after reading lots of FT forums...brain iz ded...


OH BTW..FC now has the same Orchid v4 I bought for $14 for $11.10.

http://focalecig.com/Product/Orchid-V4-0-Style-AtomizerSilver-18412

Well, hopefully the same quality, but I think so...looks the same. And, it has the Phillips screws.

Jeez..by the time I get paid on the 1st and actually shop, they will have entirely new devices out it seems.

Starting to wonder if modding stuff piece-meal is even worth it. China will have it ready-built as a new product by the time new parts would arrive...lol

Or, I could just buy this: http://focalecig.com/Product/Amod-Erlkonigin-Style8mlRebuildable-Tank-AtomizerGrey-22628

 

[TheWestPole]

Ah, cool, thanks!
Sorry for not reading back, but after reading lots of FT forums...brain iz ded...


OH BTW..FC now has the same Orchid v4 I bought for $14 for $11.10.

http://focalecig.com/Product/Orchid-V4-0-Style-AtomizerSilver-18412

Well, hopefully the same quality, but I think so...looks the same. And, it has the Phillips screws.

Jeez..by the time I get paid on the 1st and actually shop, they will have entirely new devices out it seems.

Starting to wonder if modding stuff piece-meal is even worth it. China will have it ready-built as a new product by the time new parts would arrive...lol

Or, I could just buy this: http://focalecig.com/Product/Amod-Erlkonigin-Style8mlRebuildable-Tank-AtomizerGrey-22628

Yeah. A lot of blind spots though. Have no idea why they never fixed this obvious mistake. Thinking of doing it myself. Would be great for what you want.

 

[CaFF]

Hmmm. This Kayfun glass tank section also ships from the USA with a spare glass tank and o-rings for $16

http://focalecig.com/Product/-Ship-from-USAGlass-Tank-Kits-for-Kayfun-14053

FWIW, that $10 Orchid I posted it ships from CHINA, not the USA as my $14 did.
Me, I'd rather spend the extra $4 and get it in 3 days.

 

[TheWestPole]

Hmmm. This Kayfun glass tank section also ships from the USA with a spare glass tank and o-rings for $16

http://focalecig.com/Product/-Ship-from-USAGlass-Tank-Kits-for-Kayfun-14053

FWIW, that $10 Orchid I posted it ships from CHINA, not the USA as my $14 did.
Me, I'd rather spend the extra $4 and get it in 3 days.

Check out the $ in post #353.

BTW I'm having a few issues with the Erlkonigin clone I got a few days ago. Same model w/o the SS tank. Looks like shorting issues and needs a little work (as usual). Drilled it out though and the draw is very good.

 

[CaFF]

Yeah. A lot of blind spots though. Have no idea why they never fixed this obvious mistake. Thinking of doing it myself. Would be great for what you want.

View attachment 9366

That's a 28mm V1 Orchid isn't it? Is it compatible with my 22mm v4 deck?

Kinda fugly too compared to mine....hmm. So many options. (no, I've never had any kayfun/taifun types or any 28mm mods)

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

This is sort of ridiculous. I love the vape, but even when top-filling this thing leaks like a beast. I covered both intake airholes and blocked the chimney with a q-tip, first thing that happens when I screw the top on and letgo is that juice flies out of the airholes.

From riptrippers review of the plumeveil 1.5, you won't get any quality machining from aethertech (the ones who made the orchid) either.

I know the frustration, but stick with it. just remember that an authentic orchid is well over $100. If you buy 8 complete v4's to make one good one, you are still coming out ahead.

Aethertech is authentic or clone manufacturer? I will indeed stick with it because this thing vapes beautifully. I do agree that the cost of the additional parts to create a fully functional unit is marginal but I just hate waiting 3 weeks for an atomizer and then having to wait another 3 to be able to use it properly.

With all that being said, the two bases and drippable topcap I ordered should solve my problems.

 

[pwnby]

Aethertech is the authentic. Most clones are tobeco.

 

[CaFF]

This is sort of ridiculous. I love the vape, but even when top-filling this thing leaks like a beast. I covered both intake airholes and blocked the chimney with a q-tip, first thing that happens when I screw the top on and letgo is that juice flies out of the airholes.


Aethertech is authentic or clone manufacturer? I will indeed stick with it because this thing vapes beautifully. I do agree that the cost of the additional parts to create a fully functional unit is marginal but I just hate waiting 3 weeks for an atomizer and then having to wait another 3 to be able to use it properly.

With all that being said, the two bases and drippable topcap I ordered should solve my problems.

I do like the Fogger v4 and leave it turned upside-down after filling, let the juice come "down", let go of the airholes while blowing up through the DT and re-establish the pressure. Seems to work here with minimal juice loss and no leaking..

 

[TheWestPole]

That's a 28mm V1 Orchid isn't it? Is it compatible with my 22mm v4 deck?

Kinda fugly too compared to mine....hmm. So many options. (no, I've never had any kayfun/taifun types or any 28mm mods)

Ain't gonna be pretty with that girth!

I scaled the build deck photo a while ago and concluded it was a couple mm bigger.

Still, you got a lotta options for Orchid capacity. Suck on, bro!

 

[CaFF]

Ain't gonna be pretty with that girth!

I scaled the build deck photo a while ago and concluded it was a couple mm bigger.

Still, you got a lotta options for Orchid capacity. Suck on, bro!

Wow....more girth, bigger and with more sucking....how could I resist?

 

[fq06]

This is sort of ridiculous. I love the vape, but even when top-filling this thing leaks like a beast. I covered both intake airholes and blocked the chimney with a q-tip, first thing that happens when I screw the top on and letgo is that juice flies out of the airholes.


Aethertech is authentic or clone manufacturer? I will indeed stick with it because this thing vapes beautifully. I do agree that the cost of the additional parts to create a fully functional unit is marginal but I just hate waiting 3 weeks for an atomizer and then having to wait another 3 to be able to use it properly.

With all that being said, the two bases and drippable topcap I ordered should solve my problems.

Twist the top cap on 1 ~ 1.5 turns and flip it over while still holding the holes closed.
While upside down twist the top cap on the rest of the way.
Right side up you are pushing fluid through the juice channels as the top cap tightens down.
Upside down it pushes air up through the channels.

It is much easier once you get a functional bottom fill base.

 

[CaFF]

Here's a graphic example of how the pressure works:

With a right-side up, partially full v4 Orchid atty.

Hold both airholes closed and blow down the DT. See what happens...now imagine that in reverse.

*Note*
If for any reason this wrecks shit, turns your mod gay, or otherwise causes havoc...it ain't my problem. ;-)

 

[TheWestPole]

This is sort of ridiculous. I love the vape, but even when top-filling this thing leaks like a beast. I covered both intake airholes and blocked the chimney with a q-tip, first thing that happens when I screw the top on and letgo is that juice flies out of the airholes.

After the first bit comes out when you screw on the cap does the leaking then stop? Or does it continue to flow out?

If it soon stops, follow @fq06's advise about improving you filling technique.

If it continues your problem is likely an air leak through the upper tank or chimney seals. Unscrew your chimney gently without disturbing your wicks and post your build.

I have had whole tanks leak out. That's a seal problem.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Stupid Bad Seals...

 

[TheWestPole]

Wow....more girth, bigger and with more sucking....how could I resist?

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. The top-fill is still giving me issues when I flip it, I get leaking through the top cap and then through the airholes.

Also, I'm not sure whatsup with the connections on this device either. I built a 0.8 ohm dual coil setup yesterday and it was vaping like a dream. Today it's suddenly reading in around 1.8 ohms and fluctuates from 1.7-2 ohms. I'll randomly get an insanely high reading like 3 ohms when I try to fire. It doesn't taste nearly as good as yesterday and I'm getting dry hits. I'm assuming all of this filling / refilling, unscrewing etc has tarnished my build in some way?

Are my coils shorting or something? Have never experienced this before

 

[fq06]

Could be shorting, make sure the outside edge of the coil is just short of the edge of the deck or it will contact the chimney.
One or more of the screws could be loose. If you have a 0.8 dual coil and remove a coil you have a 1.6 single coil left.
after I build and fire the coils to remove hot spots I check the screws to make sure everything is still tight.

If it is leaking out of the drip tip area when you flip it, it sounds like your chimney pipe oring in the top cap is not thick enough to seal. If its leaking past the tanks threads try give it one more turn before you flip it.

Once all tightened up does it continue to leak? Like westpole said if its leaking after you fill it and the excess that got pushed into the chimney has run out... and it continues to leak you are not getting a good seal and losing vacuum... the only thing that holds juice in the tank.
If your top cap doesn't have an oring in it and the only oring to seal is one slipped over the chimney pipe... add a second oring to the pipe.

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

There is no leaking once it's assembled, just during the fill process. I will re-build and try to be quicker on tightening the top-cap when I flip it upside down. I'm currently using two 2.5mm macro coils so perhaps they are hitting the chimney. I will try micro's

 

[fq06]

2.5mm is a tight squeeze. That's what I run but there is very little room, I have been building on this since the clone first came out so I have the build figured out. Try a 2mm coil.

If its just the initial fill that gets the leak that's good. You have vacuum. Just need to fill slowly to not force juice under the chimney and flip while holding holes closed. Don't fill 100% either, leave a little room... like just short of the top of the tank.

The #1 fix for you will be when you get your bottom fill base replacement part

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

2.5mm is a tight squeeze. That's what I run but there is very little room, I have been building on this since the clone first came out so I have the build figured out. Try a 2mm coil.

If its just the initial fill that gets the leak that's good. You have vacuum. Just need to fill slowly to not force juice under the chimney and flip while holding holes closed. Don't fill 100% either, leave a little room... like just short of the top of the tank.

The #1 fix for you will be when you get your bottom fill base replacement part

Yes absolutely, I am quite excited. I will also have the top-cap fill option with that custom kayfun topcap from ft.

Thanks a ton guys for all of your help and insight.

 

[fq06]

IMO the orchid top cap with the oring in the top cap is a better seal. I have the FT top cap on my V1 orchid. It was an improvement for the V1 but not as good as V2 and up. I put the spare chimney pipe oring from my V2 in the FT top cap and it is a tighter fit.
You probably wont use top fill once you have bottom fill. Just takes an extra 3 seconds to remove the atty and you don't lose a drop of juice.

 

[CaFF]

After the first bit comes out when you screw on the cap does the leaking then stop? Or does it continue to flow out?

If it soon stops, follow @fq06's advise about improving you filling technique.

If it continues your problem is likely an air leak through the upper tank or chimney seals. Unscrew your chimney gently without disturbing your wicks and post your build.

I have had whole tanks leak out. That's a seal problem.

Yeah, I had one tank that just wouldn't stop leaking out..
It turns out, that somehow (ha!) one of my lovely kitty's hairs was stuck right in the tank o-ring after a rebuild and sitting out overnight to dry...argh.

 

[fq06]

Cats!!! They get into EVERYTHING!!!

 

[Reckful]

I know the orchid v5 has been brought up earlier in this thread and I wanted to make it clear that the only difference between v4 and v5 is the contact pins

Orchid v4 uses a brass 510 connection and the Orchid v5 uses a fully copper 510 connection. Other than that, I really do not see any other differences between the two unless I am completely blind.

/Kind of off topic

 

[fq06]

Some places also seem to order their stock a little different too. Some have deeper juice channels than others or slightly bigger air holes same version number.
It's kind of a run away train now, one vendors V2.5 is another's V5... same atty.

You can also add silver plated pin from vox vapes to the changes list now... V8?

 

[TheWestPole]

I know the orchid v5 has been brought up earlier in this thread and I wanted to make it clear that the only difference between v4 and v5 is the contact pins

Orchid v4 uses a brass 510 connection and the Orchid v5 uses a fully copper 510 connection. Other than that, I really do not see any other differences between the two unless I am completely blind.

/Kind of off topic

V5 is a phony version IMO. Show me the conductivity gain of the 2mm thick copper contact. It's a sales pitch. So, no, I wouldn't buy it, let alone pay up for it. It's much more important to make sure you get phillips head post screws, for example. I have seen BS V5 photos with allen heads.

 

[TheWestPole]

You can also add silver plated pin from vox vapes to the changes list now... V8?

For real?

 

[fq06]

Blue colored tank... V9

 

[TheWestPole]

New! Cheaper sans chimney, which you probably don't need.

 

[fq06]

Vape mail showed up earlier than expected. Woo hoo!
Pipe is a little shorter which is nice, doesn't poke up into the DT like the stock one does.
Now I'll have to throw a stock kayfun pmma tank on it with the kayfun pipe.

Same build, left the wicks in and just swapped the chimney. The chimney tapers inside at the top to meet the smaller threads of the kayfun pipe. A little better flavor out of it now, nothing drastic but it did improve it a little. Not quite a dome like a rda but more dome than the board flat top of the orchid chimney.

After threading the cylinder down the wick kind of crept up on the trailing side and some/most was up off the deck. Pushed it back down to the deck, always wanted to know what was going on in there

All in all, nice machining, well worth the $12.

 

[TheWestPole]

New! A la carte regular Kayfun chimney from FT.

The title is misleading. This length is for regular Kayfun tanks, not nano.




http://www.fasttech.com/products/1/10009156/1977304-kayfun-nano-rta-replacement-stainless-steel-long


By far the cheapest way to get the Avid Vaper part up to V4 tank size.

http://www.avidvaper.com/orchid-two-piece-chimney/#


Again, thanks to @Dorian924 for the two piece chimney find!

 

[TheWestPole]

Vape mail showed up earlier than expected. Woo hoo!
Pipe is a little shorter which is nice, doesn't poke up into the DT like the stock one does.
Now I'll have to throw a stock kayfun pmma tank on it with the kayfun pipe.

Same build, left the wicks in and just swapped the chimney. The chimney tapers inside at the top to meet the smaller threads of the kayfun pipe. A little better flavor out of it now, nothing drastic but it did improve it a little. Not quite a dome like a rda but more dome than the board flat top of the orchid chimney.

After threading the cylinder down the wick kind of crept up on the trailing side and some/most was up off the deck. Pushed it back down to the deck, always wanted to know what was going on in there

All in all, nice machining, well worth the $12.

View attachment 9395

Finally got your wish, @fq06! Patience rewarded.

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

Some questions here. I've recently got my orchid up and running at 0.8. It tastes great but I'm getting a lot of dry hits with a micro-coil. I've unscrewed the chimney one and a half turns but nothing has changed. I use just a tiny bit of cotton outside the coil.

When I first built the orchid I used a 2.5mm macro coil, unfortunately it was shorting though and I had to rebuild.

Should I simply step down to 2mm maybe?

Does anyone have experience with dry hits and a fix for such an issue.

Thanks!

 

[pwnby]

If you can, get a pic of your wicking so we can see it. That's most likely the problem.

 

[CurlyxCracker]

I agree probably too much cotton or cotton in channels.

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

Thats the wierd part, I feel as though I put the minimum amount of cotton required. I will try to take a picture and upload but I just filled her up and would hate to waste 4ml

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

So I rewicked. There is no cotton in the channels, just a small amount sitting on the deck.

It is fine for a while, but when I begin to chain vape I continuously get dry burnt hits. Is this thing not meant to be chain vaped?

 

[dre]

So I rewicked. There is no cotton in the channels, just a small amount sitting on the deck.

It is fine for a while, but when I begin to chain vape I continuously get dry burnt hits. Is this thing not meant to be chain vaped?

I usually have a 3mm dia coil with the wick just barely in the channel and can Chain vape at 50 watts. Maybe your coil is just a small diameter? So its not keeping up? I'm using max VG also.

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

I usually have a 3mm dia coil with the wick just barely in the channel and can Chain vape at 50 watts. Maybe your coil is just a small diameter? So its not keeping up? I'm using max VG also.

Yes I am currently using a 1.5mm micro coil. My first build was a 2.5mm macro coil but It was shorting or something because the resistance would constantly change.

Should I not expect to be able to chainvape with a microcoil like I would in my magma?

I really don't get it, I'll just randomly get dry/burnt hits, even on a full tank. If I then take some primer puffs and wait a while I can see the bubbles rising - assuming that means juice is wicking.

This so so frustrating I really want to be able to leave the house with this thing and not have to worry.

 

[dre]

Yes I am currently using a 1.5mm micro coil. My first build was a 2.5mm macro coil but It was shorting or something because the resistance would constantly change.

Should I not expect to be able to chainvape with a microcoil like I would in my magma?

I really don't get it, I'll just randomly get dry/burnt hits, even on a full tank. If I then take some primer puffs and wait a while I can see the bubbles rising - assuming that means juice is wicking.

This so so frustrating I really want to be able to leave the house with this thing and not have to worry.

Honestly I've never attempted anything below a 2.4mm at 2.4 I had some drying out but nothing to bad.

 

[Sean Di Rienzo]

So I strapped in what I beleive to be 2mm diameter coils (I dont actually know the measurements).

So far so good, no dry or burnt hints. I do experience some leaking from the air-holes after a bottom fill though. I will try to vape it quickly before that can happen next time, if that is even a viable solution.

Will post again if anything changes.

Thanks dre1982

 

[fq06]

Finally got your wish, @fq06! Patience rewarded.

Ha ha! Yep
Pipe's id is slightly bigger, 4mm. Slight chamfer at the top to help it slip past the oring too, really liking this part.

 

[TheWestPole]

For the kind of vape we like around here, this looks very interesting and versatile.



http://www.fasttech.com/products/1/10007195/1980801-aqua-v2-style-rda-rebuildable-dripping-atomizer

 

[TheWestPole]

So I strapped in what I beleive to be 2mm diameter coils (I dont actually know the measurements).

So far so good, no dry or burnt hints. I do experience some leaking from the air-holes after a bottom fill though. I will try to vape it quickly before that can happen next time, if that is even a viable solution.

Will post again if anything changes.

Thanks dre1982

Glad to hear it. Sounds like your are starting to find the right amount of wick. Chain vaping is not a problem with the design. But because the Orchid rips through the juice you have to have an efficient wick. Short tails just down to the deck/channels is right. Getting just the right thickness per your coil size can take a bit of trial and error. I have made wicks too thin before, resulting in burnt hits.

BTW I've pretty much standardized on 2.4mm (3/32") coils for Orchid, for what it's worth.

 

[alex31804]

Some questions here. I've recently got my orchid up and running at 0.8. It tastes great but I'm getting a lot of dry hits with a micro-coil. I've unscrewed the chimney one and a half turns but nothing has changed. I use just a tiny bit of cotton outside the coil.

When I first built the orchid I used a 2.5mm macro coil, unfortunately it was shorting though and I had to rebuild.

Should I simply step down to 2mm maybe?

Does anyone have experience with dry hits and a fix for such an issue.

Thanks!

How thick is the juice your running? I've noticed (and this is in my experience) that when I run higher VG, like the 90% range it'll stick wick efficiently, just at a very slow pace. Its a v4 so the reduced clearance between the tank and chimney doesn't help either.