The Sublimator (http://sublimator.ca/) is a great device, but the analog adjustment on it leaves much to be desired. In this guide, I'm going to show you how to replace the stock electronics with an LCD touch screen for a simpler temperature adjustment experience. This model increases the voltage in 5% increments, so the fine tuning won't be quite as accurate as the analog dial, but I find that I can easily get a good setting that will produce a nice vapor cloud every time. Please see the end of the guide for temperature testing info.

Please note that this modification bypasses one of the safety features of the device, which is the automatic shutoff after 30 minutes. If you are like me, you would rather keep your Sublimator in an always on state anyway, so just remember to turn the device off using the power button below the LCD when you are done using it. I originally did this mod because my electronics had failed, and my Sublimator was no longer under warranty, so I had nothing to lose. This modification will void your warranty, and I'm not responsible for any damage to your Sublimator or yourself that may arise from not correctly following the instructions. I am not associated with the developers of the Sublimator in any way, I just found a way to improve upon the already great design and wanted to share my experience.

Step 1: Opening It Up

Of course the first thing to do it to make sure the Sublimator is not plugged in to any power source, then we will begin by removing the 4 screws from the bottom of the box and lift off the bottom cover. Next, you are going to want to pull the wires out of the hot glue that is holding them in place.

Step 2: Pulling Out All of the Junk; Hot Glue and Plexiglass Chunks Everywhere

Now we need to pry these electronics out of the mess of hot glue and chunks of plexiglass that hold it all together. Slide a utility or putty knife along the edge of the plastic case to separate and pull the whole assembly out.

Step 3: Taking Apart the Dimmer

Next, take the 4 screws out of the light dimmer box which acted as the previous temperature control dial, and lift off it’s cover.

Now we need to pull out the circuit board and remove the wires coming in and out of this board, you can de-solder them from the board like I did, or simply cut them and strip the insulation back about the width of a thumb.

Step 4: Wiring It Up

Now we are ready to connect these wires to our new LCD touchscreen model, you can pick up one of these in the lighting aisle at Rona.

Now we will wire up the new switch as shown below, you can solder the leads like me or just use the marettes from the previous switch, but I recommend soldering if you can. Take the neutral line from the 2 prong plug, the neutral line leading to the Apollo heating element, and the neutral (white) line from the LCD dimmer. The neutral lines on the cord are the ones that are pure black without any text printed on them. Once these 3 wires are connected to each other, connect the hot wire (the side that does have the white text printed on it) from the 2 prong plug and attach it to the black wire on the LCD dimmer. Finally, attach the hot wire (again, with text) going to the Apollo to the blue wire from your LCD dimmer. Optionally, you could use a 3 prong cord for added safety, and attach the green wire from the LCD dimmer to the ground of the cord, if not, just leave the green wire alone. Once you have soldered and/or put on marettes, we are ready to re-assemble.

Step 5: Finishing It Up

I put some electrical tape over the marettes because I distrust them, this is optional. The LCD Dimmer should fit perfectly into the opening from the previous Leviton timer switch, I used some 2-part 5 minute epoxy on each of the corners as circled below to hold it firmly in place. Tuck the wires in, put your cover back on, and put the 4 screws back in.

Step 6: How to Use Your Digital Sublimator

Plug it in, push the power button on the base of the LCD, and the display should light up, set your desired percentage (it goes in 5% increments) and enjoy your digital Sublimator! I find that for bud, 35% works quite well. A 5% adjustment up or down seems to change the temp by around 20°C. My temp readings are as follows:

30%: 150°C with a +/- 5°C variation

35%: 167°C with a +/- 5°C variation

40%: 190°C with a +/- 5°C variation

For concentrates, I crank it up to 85%