So I've been experimenting with a DT V5 for about a year now... And I say experimenting because every time I think I have it figured out I come back for the next session, do the exact same thing, and something else doesn't work. Got into some really deep frustrations, feeling like I was chasing my own tail, like, this really shouldn't be this hard to figure out. Especially given that others have made good use of the device , Including people I have shared it with. I now think I have figured out why (hint- the box mod) but that's for another thread.
All this to say I had almost decided DMT desn't want to talk to me, after several experiences "successfully" inhaling full doses (25-45 mg) and not getting much more than some pleasant warm body sensations. I've litteraly been in tears over this. It's not just frustration with DMT, but because it mirrors other issues in my life that have recently come to the fore- projects I had invested heart and soul into, including lots of time and money, and had to abandon because they were becoming a drain on my mental and financial resources without producing any results. In a way I believe that DMT is teaching me an important life lesson here, on how to focus my efforts in order to accomplish things that are important to me.
Before giving up I decided to try an
e-mesh setup. I still am not in love with the idea of inhaling hot metal, which we are surely doing with these devices, but I wanted a known good baseline to comparey my xperience to, as the whole endeavor was really becoming an ordeal and a significant drain ony time and energy. I was even concerned that I had blown out the "DMT centre" in my brain, with all my experimenting, even though by standards of this community I wasn't really taking in huge amounts.
I bought a Wotofo Profile II and some vandy vape ss 150 mesh from AliExpress. I'm Glad I did. Took some experimentation to find the setup that works but I think I got it now. Will try again tonight...
Anyways, here is the setup:
The mesh is 2 cm long and reads 0.22ohm. I had to notch the corners to fit into the clamps on the deck, and I bent it into this M shape using a mini screwdriver, the handle for the center dip and the blade for the recurves. Then I was able to bend the sides upwards with flat tweezers to give it a bit of a cup shape.
Makes it a bit easier to load .
Then I found out that that the tops from my V5 fit the base perfectly .
Stock V5 cover:
And 14mm vortex glass top:
It's a water pipe attachment but makes a good tip on its own, and doesn't soak up heat as much as a metal cover.
So I never actually tried the top that comes with the Profile.... Wasn't crazy at all about how close my mouth was going to be to the hot mesh. I noticed most people use an extended drip tip. Haven't used the stock V5 cover either, as I really prefer to be able to see what's going on with the vapor, and the glass top gives a fully unobstructed view.
Long story short, this setup works. I was experimenting with settings, trying to get TCR mode to work, and it would just behave iratically, sometimes declaring "temperature reached" as soon as I fired the button despite clearly being too cold regardless of how high I had set the target temp, sometimes glowing cherry red even on the lowest setting. I kept tweaking the TCR number but every time I had it dialed in, next time I went to use it it would act differently. Sometimes removing and reinstalling the deck reset it, some times it made it go bananas.
I finally realized it wasn't about finding the right settings, it just wasn't behaving consistently. I'm not sure if there is a heat soak issue throwing off the mod but I actually suspect the mod I have - an iStick Pico+ doesn't manage the low resistance (~0.22ohm) very well, or maybe I have a faulty unit. Who knows. I now think that's the reason for the trouble Iv'e been having with the V5. I never suspected it, because it's the mod recommended by the V5's manufacturer, but after seeing how erratic the TCR was with the e mesh, I really suspect that's what was going on with the V5 where it's harder to detect as the ceramic crucible doesn't glow red... I would still like to be able to use TCR mode, and the V5 reliably, so I ordered an Aegis L200 today to see if it performs any better.
For the time being, I tried it in wattage mode- and BINGO. Settled on 16W.
I tried lower settings, and it seemed to work- vaporized cleanly, but just didn't hit. Some people are more sensitive, it seems, ive seen people using the same device and same spice I've been using, and they just inhale and "go" ...for me, it's been really picky. It really seems to be the case the case that cold vapor doesn't absorb. Also had terrible bitter taste and numb tounge, really uncomfortable way to enter a trip. Burnt spice is no better
...
16w for this setup is the point where the vapor starts getting a little harsh but manageable and doesn't seem to be burning spice.
Loaded and melted 35 mg, a few deep breaths, "here goes nothing..." Started inhaling slow and steady and then hit the button. Keep going at a steady rate till all the vapor is gone. .. lay down... Wondering why I am not feeling much, pondering whether I should give up my relationship with DMT... And then, I'm not sure how many seconds later, WOOSH- withoout much warning I was just ...THERE, on the other side of something. No geometry, no build up, no "oh reality is melting around me / fracturing into fractals"... I was just suddenly there. Another world opened up. I was so shocked I wasn't able to do much with it, but hopefully this is now a reliable method for me and I can finally start working on handling myself in the experience and exploring the DMT realms instead of f***ing around with changing settings and heaters.
Study of the V5 will continue, because I believe it has the potential to be an excellent device -it HAS worked in the past, just not consistently. Perhaps on wattage mode with the Pico, perhaps with the Aegis. But for now, it's the e-mesh to the rescue to start repairing my relationship with DMT and myself.
We're back baby, we're back.