How does the Launch Box work?

It’s easy! Magic-Flight has provided a nice User Guide, see the tab on the left. But simply put, grind your clean blend material to a fine consistency using a regular grinder. Slide the lid to one side and sprinkle your material into the trench. Close the lid, firmly press a freshly charged battery into the Box, and start enjoying your vapor. After each draw, withdraw the battery, and shake the Box to stir the material inside — this ensures that the Box is always fresh and ready when you need it. Repeat as needed. The stored electrical energy in the battery is carried to a heating element in the trench of the Box which gently warms your blends. The Box provides just enough heat to release the active ingredients as a vapor without causing over-heating to occur. how-the-mflb-works

What is the recommended technique for using the Launch Box?

Start by looking into the draw hole or draw tube just after you put in the battery. When you press the battery into the Box, you should see a light. Wait until you can also see vapor appear, usually within a few seconds. At this point begin your draw, using the temperature/taste of the vapor itself as a guide how fast to draw. Faster drawing means cooler temperatures and slower drawing means hotter temperatures; however, please be aware that under normal operating conditions, it is unlikely that you will be able to draw so slowly as to cause the taste to resemble that of traditional methods. (this is by design) Note that if you begin your draw too soon, you can easily cool down the screen too quickly and you will get little or no vapor. If you wait too long, however, you will overheat and probably wind up with an unevenly cooked trench. Whatever rate of draw you choose, continue until you can hold no more and then while holding your breath, shake the Box so as to tumble the loaded materials. You only need to shake or tap the Box enough to ensure that the trench comes free and there is an even mixing of the loaded materials in the bottom of the groove (or “trench”). Breathe out while settling the materials in the trench again. (A gentle side to side motion is usually enough for this, but the Box construction is robust so you can shake it as hard as you like.) Look into down the draw hole to check for vapor again, and begin your next slow draw. Repeat this cycle until the taste has changed significantly and/or the color of the blend has changed significantly. When you are finished, remove the battery. Again, if the blend has noticeably changed color, then it is certain that vapor has been produced. Otherwise, please check that the battery is charged and that the Box is heating sufficiently. You should have no trouble completely cooking a single trench with a single battery. Micro-hitting is taking a series of quick short puffs with pauses between them but without exhaling, all on a single battery connection. This method is capable of producing a thicker cloud, which is sought after by many users. Keep in mind that thicker clouds are hotter and harsher, and could cause coughing.

Do I need to grind my dry herb before loading the Magic Flight Launch Box?

YES! It is important to have the material finely ground for best results. Not grinding finely enough is a classic LB rookie mistake. Your ground material should at least pass without pressure/force through the mesh of a common window screen. If it is this fine or finer, then that is a good start. Magic-Flight’s standard “calibration test load” has an average “grain size” of 30 thousandths of an inch — it’s fairly fine, but not powder. That would be a 200 Mesh filter, or approximately 75 microns particulate. Perhaps similar to an average grain of table salt and a little more. Clean picked material is processed using a conventional grinder and then reprocessed using an electric grinder before grading — this provides a consistent standard to test with. Most users would not need to go through this much effort. Start with dry clean blend (no stems or seeds) and use a good grinder. There are as many opinions about grinders as there are about vaporizers. In general, however, it’s agreed that a two-piece yields finer grind than a four-piece. This is because the blend stays in the grinding area in a two-piece but falls through to a collecting chamber in a four-piece. The suggested method to get finer grind from a four-piece is to invert it for a few turns. This can be messy if you’re using the powder catcher. Electric ones work especially well, particularly on dry material; however, it is easy to overgrind and some electrics can be difficult to keep clean — or more importantly to some, it can be hard to get back everything that went into one. If your blend isn’t ground finely enough, it won’t heat evenly and your vapor yield is reduced. Many users remove the blend after a couple of draws, when the material is thoroughly dry, and crumble it with their fingers before re-loading. This exposes more area to vaporization and helps ensure even heating. If in doubt, or concerned especially with efficiency, using smaller amounts can be helpful in some situations.

How much material goes in the trench in one load?

Each filling will take between 50 to 100 milligrams of material (depending on the blend, appx. 1/4 of a teaspoon). We recommend that you add ground, loosely loaded material until it is level with the groove (but do not fill the chamber), even if this may be more than you would normally need. Because the Box is able to heat up nearly instantly (no waiting), it is convenient to use. Because the Box is also able to cool off again nearly instantly, it does not waste any material either. The Box only requires battery power when you are actually drawing on it. Instant on and instant off heating means you can control exactly when doses are delivered with the Box. Vapor is dispensed only when you want it — which means no wasted vapors (more efficient). By removing the battery when you are done taking a draw, the rest of the un-vaped material can simply wait to be cooked later (even hours later). When not in use, the Box simply stores your loaded material unchanged. This is very different than most other vape units which must cook the entire amount to completion once they have been started. By filling to level, you will be getting more overall vapor per charged battery. Each charged battery will provide the same heating in the Box whether it is fully loaded or empty. Therefore, any part of the unit which is hot but not loaded wastes heat and battery charge. You may as well load it fully and get the full benefit of the battery energy. Also, under filling the Box can result in lower vapor density (the ratio of vapor to air).

How long does it take for the Launch Box to pre-heat?

Roughly four seconds.

Do I need to set the MFLB's temperature every time I turn it on?

The temperature of the Launch-Box is fixed. There is no adjustment necessary.

What determines the vapor quality in the Launch Box?

The grind level and consistency is very important to the Launch-Box. A finer grind will be utilized far more efficiently.

Is the Launch Box compatible with liquids and concentrates?

The Launch-Box was created for aromatic blends, but Magic-Flight has created some concentrate trays that sit inside the Launch-Box and allow for the use of liquids and concentrates.

If I put less than a full trench will it sill work well?

Yes — it should work fine; however, Magic-Flight recommends that people load it with unloaded material (finely ground but not powder) until it is level with the shoulder (i.e. do not fill the entire chamber) even though this might be more than you would normally need. The instant-on and instant-off heating means that you can control the dosage via the heat and draw time. Remove the battery when you are done taking a draw and the rest of the un-vaped material can simply wait to be cooked later (even hours later). Vapor is only produced when you want it — no heat latency means no wasted vapors. This is very different than most other vape units which must cook the entire trough to completion once they have been started.

What is the Launch Box made from?

The Launch-Box uses stainless steel for its trough, quality hardwoods for the box, and borosilicate glass for the stem.

What is the Magic Flight heating element made from?

Stainless Steel

Will Launch Box over heat my blends?

With proper use, the Launch-Box should never overheat anything. Proper use means shaking the trough between draws, not overloading, and taking repetitive small sips.

How thick/airy are the draws from the Magic Flight Launch Box?

Done properly, you get a constant vapor supply. The draw rate needs to be slow for this — think of sipping from a teacup. If you pull too fast, it will get more airy. The taste is an immediate feedback and a good guide.

What's the smallest amount of material that will work in the MFLB?

The Box will vape any amount less than a full trench without any problem. You could put 1/100 of a trench in if that is what you wanted — and you would get at least 3/100ths vapor from it (and probably a lot more, compared to traditional methods). If you wanted to vaporize only/exactly one tiny speck — a single grain — of material, the Box is one of a very few vapes on the market (short of lab gear) that has any hope of doing this. The only disadvantage is that nearly the same amount of battery power is consumed regardless of the trough size.

What is "Native Mode" and why would I use it?

Native mode means drawing from the Box without using an attachment such as a whip or tube. This is the intended usage mode for which the Box was originally designed/optimized. Anything that is provided as an attachment is due to user choice, not because it is necessary. In fact, using the Box in its native mode has the specific advantages of 1) increased efficiency (since there is no condensation effect, there is no wasted/lost vapor), and 2) greater accuracy/sensitivity (since the temp/taste feedback is not muted by distance). Magic-Flight strongly suggests that people at least try to use the Box native as this will provide a much more satisfying experience overall. A minor design point with the Box is that it can be used in native mode while lying down flat on your back. The draw hole is positioned near the bottom edge of the Box allowing for one to hold the Box overhand (if you are right handed) and still be able to draw from the Box while keeping it level to the floor. Your lower lip would be on the bottom face of the Box and the upper lip is just above the draw hole. This makes using the Box accessible to people who are in a bed and cannot raise their head up.

Hows does the Magic Flight Launch Box control heat?

The user manages the temperature with breath control. This tends to be a far more practical, responsive, and reliable “feedback circuit” than anything that could be built digitally — especially when different users have different needs. It tends to get around the parallel problems of “is it set right?” and “one setting for everyone” somewhat automatically. Our recommendation is to ensure that the lips are placed a little above and below the draw hole and to receive the vapor in whole form into the open cavity of the mouth. If the temp/taste seems high, draw a little faster (has a cooling effect), or alternately, stop the heating and start over. It is best to leave a little bit of lung capacity to draw the remaining vapor fully into the lungs before releasing. A long steady draw is optimal. The steady state method is more vapor efficient and more accurately reflects the design method-of-usage intentions of the Box. The battery is left in for the duration of the draw, or if taking multiple draws, for as long as the trough lasts. You must remember to retract, remove, or invert the battery when you are finished taking draws off the Box. Like with the wind, faster tends to mean cooler. To get higher temperatures in the load, you need to draw very slowly. If drawing directly from the Box (ie, using the Box in the “native mode”), you will also be able to sense the temperature of the vapor stream as well as the taste (this is the recommended practice). For best taste, it is important to tap or shake (stir) the Box frequently.

What temp is the Launch Box screen?

The Box is usually calibrated to be at 380 Fahrenheit four seconds after the moment the Box is started, assuming a fairly slow constant draw rate and average environmental conditions

How do you control the temperature of the MFLB?

The temperature in the device is controlled by the draw rate (ie, breath control). Like with the wind, faster tends to mean cooler. To get higher temperatures in the load, you need to draw very slowly. By drawing directly from the Box (ie, using the Box in the ‘native’ mode), you will also be able to sense the temperature of the vapor stream as well as the taste (this is the recommended practice). Also, the battery is left in only for the duration of the draw, (or if taking multiple draws in quick succession, for as long as the blend lasts). The Box user MUST remember to retract or remove the battery when you are finished taking a draw, otherwise the blend will get too hot.

How do I ensure even vaporization when using the Launch Box?

The most common complaint from a new user is that it does not cook evenly. The degree of evenness is primarily a result of these factors: The fineness of the grind. The degree of blend mixing, via stirring, tumbling, or shaking. The volume of the load. the average length of time in any given heating cycle (or draw). the average length of time in any given heating cycle (or draw). The importance of grinding finely cannot be overstressed. To achieve optimal evenness: grind fine, load less, heat longer (but don’t wait for the battery!), and mix/shake often and thoroughly. Under these conditions the Box can deliver very even and complete extractions. Almost every user who reports uneven heating learns to correct the problem with proper grinding and technique.

Are batteries included with the Launch Box?

The Magic-Flight Launch Box is shipped with two peeled AA rechargeable NiMh battery (2000mAh or higher) and a compact battery charger. Additional stock batteries compatible with the Launch Box may be purchased from the Online Store. We recommend that frequent users purchase extra stock batteries. Warning: alkaline or any other battery chemistry will not work with the Box. You MUST use NiMH type rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries must be fully charged before use (about 4 hours of charge time with our bundled charger), and may be left in the provided charger between sessions. A single fully charged battery can be expected to provide enough power for 5 minutes of drawable vapor.

Can I use other batteries with my Magic Flight Launch Box?

The Launch-Box will work with other batteries besides the ones included with the original Launch-Box Complete Kit, however they must still be NIMH rechargeable batteries, and have their labels peeled off.

Do I need the Launch-Box battery caps?

The Launch-Box battery caps are an important item to keep with your batteries. These caps should be placed on the nippled end of your batteries when they are not on the charger or in use. This will prevent the batteries from coming in contact with coins, keys, or other items that may cause the battery to heat.

How many loads will a fully charged Launch Box battery last for?

The simplest and easiest way is to figure that one battery will support (roughly) one trough. One trough will provide between 4 to 8 draws, depending on your usage/taste preferences. Some people will be able to get more than this (2 or 3 loads) or more draws per trough (up to 12), but we recommend keeping more charged batteries on hand than you think you may need. For example, let’s say you are calculating how many batteries you will need on a camping trip. A conservative estimate would be to figure that one Box filling will be sufficient for one person and will require one charged battery. Therefore, if you had two people who wanted to use the same Box twice a day for two days, that would be 8 Box loads and therefore 8 charged batteries.

How many times will the Launch Box's batteries recharge?

The provided batteries, if treated well (not overheated) can be expected to support 500 recharge cycles. Therefore, even a heavy user who works the Box several times a day can expect the rechargeable batteries to last quite a long time (think months, if not years). Although we do not make the batteries, we have found them to be very reliable over the long term.

How well does the Launch Box perform in the cold?

The biggest potential problem in cold (below freezing) temperatures is loss of battery power. All batteries perform less effectively when they get cold. If the batteries are kept reasonably warm, e.g. in an inside pocket next to your body, the Box will work just fine.

Is there an auto-shutoff on the Launch Box?

Inside the battery slot should be a foam ‘pushback ring‘ that slightly ejects your battery when you stop squeezing.

How should I clean my Launch Box and parts?

Always unplug the vaporizer from the electrical outlet if using the AC adapter and allow to cool COMPLETELY before cleaning, 30 minutes should be sufficient. Do not attempt any internal or external repairs to your unit as doing so may cause fatal injury – or worse – void your warranty! (Please contact us if you feel something is wrong with your vaporizer.) The Box shouldn’t require much maintenance or cleaning if you brush it out after each load. This technique has been proven to work well: 1 With the cover open, turn the Box over and dump whatever residue is left after your last vaping session (the ‘ABV’). 2 Make sure the screen is cool, then brush gently. 3 Blow against the screen to remove any remaining dust. Remember to do this after every load. It is okay to use isopropyl alcohol to clean the draw tube accessory, as long as you do not leave it in the alcohol for too long (minutes are fine; hours are not good). One good method is to use a regular pipe cleaner soaked in ISO to clean the acrylic draw tube, and then allow it to dry. It’s also okay to wipe down the outside of the Box with a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner (perhaps a drop of dishwashing liquid) but remember how you use it. If you do use a soap make sure you don’t get it inside the heating chamber, and of course don’t leave residue on the areas that you put in your mouth. Always make sure your vaporizer is COMPLETELY dry before plugging it back in.

How often should I clean my Launch Box?

Inspect your Launch-Box often, specifically the screen and glass stem. Use the included brush on the screen, or heat an empty chamber on high for deeper cleaning if necessary.

Is it okay to use isopropyl alcohol on my Launch Box?

Yes, but only on the glass stem. See the ‘Cleaning’ tab for full cleaning instructions.

What is replaceable on my Launch Box?

The Launch-Box is a very indestructible vaporizer. Very few things could break on it, but if they do, Magic-Flight has a lifetime warranty.

How durable is the Launch Box vaporizer? Is the screen replaceable?

Overall, the Box is very durable (can be dropped without harm, etc). Occasionally people break the lid off when the Box is open (don’t hold the box by the lid), or by dropping it on an especially hard surface. The Box is designed to withstand side to side shaking as part of the normal technique of usage. The only part which is delicate is the internal screen which is very thin — use only the provided brush as a tool in direct contact with the screen. The screen itself is not replaceable. If the screen becomes damaged (whatever the reason) we send a replacement Box unit for free (it’s part of the warranty).

Does the MFLB screen get dirty?

No, generally not. By acting as an emission surface, it rarely collects any sort of residue, even after long term usage. It is normal, however, for the color of the screen to darken with time. This does not affect the functionality of the Box.

Is it okay to run the Launch Box with an empty trench to cook off any residual particles that the brush misses to keep it clean?

Yes that is fine. Just be sure that the battery does not get too hot — do not leave it in too long (ie, not more than 60 seconds).

Is it okay to blow back into the Launch Box vaporizer to clear all the spent material?

Yes. The screen is not that fragile — you can use the brush too. Opening the Box lid and blowing directly into it sharply is usually enough to clear everything. Magic-Flight emphasizes the screen in the instructions as there are some purchasers who are less than mechanically adept and need to be told — else they will likely damage the screen.

The Plexiglas cover is starting to get grungy on the inside just over the trench, how can I clean it?

Open the Box and turn it over. Place the cover on a sturdy flat surface. Apply a light coating of toothpaste, just enough to cover the dirty area. Use an old toothbrush or even a paper towel to rub gently in a circular motion until the cover is clean. Be careful not to apply pressure in a way that could snap the cover. Rinse with a little water. (Most people aren’t aware that toothpaste contains a fine abrasive that is excellent for cleaning Plexiglas. It will even remove fine scratches.)

My Launch Box screen started to come loose, can I fix it?

Go ahead and try to tuck it back. (A flat wooden toothpick is a good tool for this). If you have any troubles and/or are unable to close the gap (ie, if material ends up below the screen), just send Magic-Flight a private note with your address and Box number and they will send you a functional warranty replacement unit.

Will the Magic Flight screen get clogged?

The screen tends to not clog because it does not act as a condensation surface — in fact, it is a significant aspect of the Box design to avoid the possibility of condensation to the largest extent possible. Due to the inherent distribution of heat, the screen is unlikely to clog as in other devices because it is never colder than the loaded material, even after months of usage. Naturally, this makes maintaining the Box easier.

What is the Magic Flight Launch Box made out of? Is it safe?

The following materials are used in the construction of the Box: Select maple hardwoods Stainless steel screen (the same material used in high-end cookware) There is no solder(lead) used in screen bonding. Acrylic (Plexi-glass) cover Steel pins and a stainless steel spring clip (for the cover) The added/optional draw pipe accessory (not necessary to use the Box) are now made of glass (they were previously made of Acrylic). There are no hazardous materials used anywhere in the Box, so yes, the Box is safe. None of these components or materials ever get hot enough to be of any concern.

How long is the warranty on the Launch Box?

Lifetime!

Is the MFLB warranty extendable?

Lifetime warranties won’t require extension.

I purchased my Launch Box at vapor, and I think I have a warranty issue. Who do I contact, vapor or Magic Flight?

Magic-Flight handles all warranty requests for the Launch-Box. See the ‘Warranty’ tab on the left for more information.

How do I register the Warranty for the Launch Box?

Your warranty begins on your purchase date. When you contact Magic-Flight, all you need is the serial number on your Launch-Box.

I just received my Launch Box and was wondering why it did not come with the little velvet carrying bag that has been advertised for years with this unit?

Magic-Flights are no longer shipping the kits with velvet pouches. Please note that the velvet bag’s purpose was to protect and create padding inside the kit in transit. Through research it was found that the bags were not well received in use. To create greater protection in the kits during transit they have introduced the upgraded felt-lined tins, all tins are now being shipped with felt lining.

Why didn't my Magic Flight Launch Box come with any elastic bands?

The Magic-Flight has been updated with a new lid that clicks in place without needing the bands to stay closed.

Can you replace the screen on the Launch Box?

The screen is soldered into the unit and can be easily cleaned with the included brush. If the screen tears or becomes loose, this will be covered under the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

Is the Launch Box warranty transferable?

Yes. The warranty applies to whomever is the current owner/user of the Box. Each Launch Box has a unique serial number. The warranty is transferable as long as that particular serial number has not been previously warrantied. Each warranty replacement box that is issued contains a new unique serial number. As a company we track the history of each serial number that is issued and will know if someone is attempting to warranty the same serial number twice. Once a warranty claim has been approved it is our policy to send out the replacement box along with directions on sending the old box back. We do this as a convenience to our Launch Box owners so that they will be without their box the least amount of time possible. It is a courtesy to them, it is also a matter of good faith and trust that they will return the used box back to us. If a Launch Box owner submitted a warranty claim with us, but instead of sending their old Box back, they elected to sell it to you instead, they are in violation of their lifetime functional warranty. If you purchase a used box, and it has already been warrantied before, this renders the warranty invalid for both boxes. We do not recommend purchasing used units, buy used units at your own risk. If you must buy used, only buy used units from people you trust or personally know. If you are purchasing a used unit but aren’t sure about it’s warranty status, you may email us with the serial number and we will verify it’s validity for you.

Will Magic Flight honor the warranty even if I break the Box through my own mistake?

Yes they will. They will even warranty units that have been modified for reasons of artistry or improved functionality. They do make an exception for units which in their opinion were deliberately damaged (ie, for the purpose of making a warranty claim) will be charged at full retail price.

So with this warranty, if my Launch Box vaporizer breaks a year from now, the warranty will still cover it? What if it breaks 20 years from now?

From Magic-Flight: Yes, we really do mean it — if you contact us in 20 years with a broken Box, we will issue a replacement. The standard assumptions apply — that we still exist, etc. Contacting us by email is probably the most reliable means of communication. We do try to answer everything within one business day, but allow us at least 2 in case it gets really busy.

Instead of warranty replacement, can Magic Flight repair my customized/exotic wood box?

Not all problems are repairable, however Magic-Flight will work to issue as near an equivalent a replacement as is available in such cases. To repair a unit that has had artistic embellishments or for special woods, you will have to send an email with a description of the problem (pictures recommended), the box serial number, and the postal return address, indicating clearly that this is to be a unit repair, rather than a warranty replacement. If Magic-Flight accepts that repair, rather than replacement, is the best option, they will provide instructions for packaging and returning the unit to the factory. Typically, for all returned units the screen must be completely removed, the wood cleaned as best as possible, and then the Box must be securely and completely wrapped in foil and sealed in a zip lock bag. It is important that the email correspondence with the return address be included in the return package so that Magic-Flight’s staff can track it more easily. Depending on the nature of the repair, it could take up to 4 weeks to process it and send it back.