Updating Your Humidifier - In Pictures -

[RGD.]

As you have read the threads about "Viper's Beads" (or just plain ole beads) which can be bought from Heartfelt Industries (http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/). But maybe you still have questions about using them or maybe you just want to update your humidifier to the best it can be. Well in the old adage that a picture is worth a 1000 words - here is a "how-to" on the subject.
I am not going to explain how they work - there are posts on that already - I'm just going to show you some examples of how they can be used. And of course I have no vested interest in Viper's beads - just a user of them.

So - let's say that you have a nice little humidor like the one pictured below.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0013_std.jpg

Now you can see that there is not a whole lot of room in there - added to that there is a plate in the lid so that the humidifier can be attached to the lid - no space lost below. Yours may have velcro of some sort. In any case - you get the idea

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0015_std.jpg

Here you can see the bag of beads, a cloth mesh bag, humidifier and a tool to open the case.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0016_std.jpg

Inside we find the standard foam that would use either straight distilled water or a PG solution.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0017_std.jpg

Notice that on the back side of the lid - we see more vent holes that are covered up by the label. Let's pop that off -

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0018_std.jpg


Continued in the next post:

[RGD.]

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0020_std.jpg


Here we have installed the beads in mesh bag. Now you could do several things here. I’m using the mesh bag as an example – this is what the bag looks like when you order it from Viper. You could use pantyhose; place a screen across the front, etc etc.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0021_std.jpg


The bag is fitted back into the case with the maximum amount of beads that will fit.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0022_std.jpg


The spray bottle is filled with distilled water – and that is used to charge the beads.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0023_std.jpg


Humidifier is now updated to the best it can be and reinstalled in the humidor.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0024_std.jpg



Continued in next post -

[RGD.]

Here is an example of using a tube. This is actually a worn out Drymistat tube. So another note on the Viper beads – they don’t wear out!

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0025_std.jpg


Now this same process will work for just about any humidifier that you can get apart. Here is just some el cheapo that came with something.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0026_std.jpg


It actually had two lids – so that you can rotate it to get more of less humidity. But you can see the same ole floral foam in it.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0028_std.jpg


Foam removed. Now this is important – I know it’s hard to see – but notice the white on the foam and the inside of the lid. Yep – that’s mold. This humidifier was not in a box – I just dug it out of a bag.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0029_std.jpg


Cleaned out the base real good and filled her up with the beads. From here this assembly could be put back together and is ready to go.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0030_std.jpg



Continued in nest post:

[RGD.]

Common question – How do I know when to re-charge the beads. As it states in the instructions – you can’t miss it. Here I have sprayed the right side and you can see they turn clear. The left is white – dried out. NOTE: While reading this over I need to make this note - just because the beads turn white, does not mean that they are not working and/or totally dried out. Always check your RH before adding more water - they may not need it.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0031_std.jpg


Got a cooler? No problem – just fill your bag up and toss them in.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/beads/dscf0032_std.jpg



Well I hope this has taken a little of the mystery away and given you some ideas on how to use this great product. There really is no sense in fooling around with PG solutions, etc - the beads can be ordered in different levels depending on your taste.

Good luck with it,

Ron

[Coz77]

Great post...Great reference :tu

[Starscream]

Awesome job! Nice pics too.:tu

[RocketMike]

Nice!

I did the same thing with my rectangular humidifiers as well. Works great!

[BlackDog]

Super post! Thanks for sharing!

[GWags]

Thankyou! I just did my rectangulars tonight in about 5 min. thanks to you! I love a nice easy project!

[groogs]

Nice!

I did the same thing with my rectangular humidifiers as well. Works great!

:tpd:
I switched mine over about four months ago and it was the best move I ever made.