is Apilus Senior less painful?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#21

Arlene, thank you for asking about that. The best opinions always seem to come from people who used several machines. I think with that feedback it’s a worthy upgrade. I see the results my pro gets with her Apilus, far less fine regrowth, and I just don’t think the Sequentium has that ‘absolute killing power’ the Apilus Senior has. Now that I have some perspective, the slower 1/100 speed of the Sequentium is getting tedius to work around. There’s a Senior that’s been made available to me so I’m mulling over this and that. Thanks.

Mantaray

#22

I would surely take an Apilus Senior (Senior One) over a Silhouet Tone Sequentium 328 any day, and I would take an Apilus SM-500 (the machine that came before the SX-500) over an Apilus Senior II (Senior 2) And it goes without saying that everyone who had the tooth fairy delivering the electrolysis machine of their choice would love a free Apilus Platinum (as long as free training came along with the deal;) )

The thing is, you can have the machine upgraded if you send it to Dr. Heimlich in Texas, or to one of the Apilus HQ’s either in California or Quebec. In that way, your Senior can get some new bells and whistles, and even an SM-500 can get new software to run IMPACC programs, and so on.

#23

Well, I bit. That is, I sent the owner the requested balance, and they have acknowledged receiving. Whether they send it to me from Winnipeg is something I’ll have to wait and see happen. To tell you the truth, I really did want an SX-500. But, used units like that just don’t come around that often and I’m not quite justifying getting one new. I’ve only seen two SX-500’s on ebay, and I could still kick myself for not getting that SM-500 when I had the chance. This deal came along and for the price I couldn’t refuse. She says it’s immacculate with the attachments. We’ll have to wait and see. I didn’t bother to ask if it was 110 or 220 current, if 220 then I guess I’ll drive it up to Santa Ana for getting it converted. -Of course I’ll pass through L.A…

Mantaray

ps: By the way, there’s a slight chance I could be on the receiving end of a Platinum in the not so distant future. But that’s all I know for now.

#24

I do so hope that you get to go under the tender mercies of a Platinum used by a practitioner well trained in its use. You will be able to lend your voice to the experience of the “hot drop of water” sensation that it delievers for the majority of hairs.

#25

BTW, I received the machine on the 26th two days ago. Perfect shape, only used with one client then put in a box. Most attachments were still unwrapped, unused, all complete, and some other stuff I’ll never use, like a glass-bead sterilizer. It’s set up on my cart, works great, but I’m still using the Silhouet-Tone until I have more time to monkey with it. Actually, in reading the Apilus manual about a certain function, I learned about a function that my S-T does that I didn’t know it was capable of, so I’m quite happy now (graduated/percentage pulse with variable interim delay (YEAH!). The S-T manual just uses such choppy english that I didn’t know that was what they were saying. The Apilus, can do multiple pulses, instead of just two, but with a preset interim interval timing. The S-T lets you set the interim interval in terms of seconds, but can only do two pulses.

I thought the S-T manual was skimpy and written in poor english, …the Apilus wasn’t too much better -if that! hah!

Mantaray

#26

I just want to say at this time I’ve now monkeyed with the Apilus and have one thing to say.

The Apilus Senior is way better than the Silhouet Tone Seq-328.

This machine is really together. At first I was thinking that the S-T was more customizeable in terms of programming, but once the Apilus custom programming is learned, it is way better and easier. Dectro just really has their act together. And in-follicle moisture testing, as well as surface skin testing, isn’t bad either. At 80 watts it can put out some power though!

After getting it down, it’s just such a well thought out machine and delivers such tight power pulses. Programs can be quickly changed on the fly, multiple custom programs are storeable with names, and those powers can be pulsed too. I really, really like it.

Mantaray

#27

I have always liked the Apilus systems best for both their simplicity and versitility. I am aware, however that women seem to find Silhouet-Tones to be easier to understand, and they also like the way the current feels on the VMC over the Apilus SX-500, although a well used Platinum makes everyone feel better.

Having said that, I hope the New Instantron is ready for a Debut at the American Electrology Association Convention in November. It would be nice to see that come to fruition, as it has been a long time in the works.

#28

It’s hard to believe Instantron is still in the game. They have some high expectations to live up to.

I wonder if the new machine will have the familiar Tronco woodgrain sides. (That comment is something of a joke.)

Mantaray

#29

Is Instatron “bringing it up” to the Silhouet-Tone VMC or Apilus SX-500 or even Platinum level?? Great news indeed if they are. I believe Clareblend has a model that is computerized and digital as well. Haven’t heard how well that is going.

Dee

#30

I am not privy to what the street version will be, but what has been said was that the new Instantron would meet the Sil-Tones and Apilus head on with not only digital settings, improved auto-sensor delays, and programs, but would also allow the electrologist a the choice to emulate everything from a Kree to a Platinum.

I hope that the realities of bringing this product to market don’t reduce the goals for want of making the unit come in at a lower price point, but in any event, it would be nice to find Instantron back on the top of the heap in the Electrolysis Arms Race. I really have a fondness for that company, and the people involved.

#31

It seems like now that the the idea of a computer governed machine has been realized, plus all the unemployed dot-com’ers, plus with all the competition, plus with cheap hardware and chips, now maybe some nifty machines are going to get built. I’m excited. I imagine any company still manufacturing has blueprints for a 27 Mhz machine now in the works, nothing else will suffice to grab market attention. Nobody’s really going to pay the bills by introducing another $3,000 Dollar 13.56 MHz machine. It’ll be a really great show up there if there’s more than one 27 MHz.

I’d be in glee if Marthajoy were to have a small corner in the back of the Convention Exhibit Hall, and sitting on her table; a modified CB radio that removed hair as good as the best. …The funny thing is, I know she could probably do it.

Mantaray

#32

Maybe MarthaJoy and I will get a booth together and be like the two old guys on The Muppet Show, and heckle the convention. :grin:

#33

James and Mantaray;
I absolutely could do it. But I have NO idea what would be required to get FDA certification to use the medical device.
First start with a programmable function generator, with computer interface. CB Radio with the frequency modified to correct frequency, and then a 10 meter RF power amplifier. Computer controlled RF power attenuators would provide the means of controlling output level.
While working in electronics, I actually ran and repaired radar test stations that could provide pulses down to .2 nanaseconds, which works out to about 2 inches at the speed of light. So when companies say thousandths of a second, that is really slow compared to items I have worked with in the past.
It would be fun to meet others at the convention. Things are up in the air on whether we will be able to attend or not. I really need more business. Starting out with just word of mouth takes time to get things going. But the clients I do have really are wonderful clients.

#34

Actually, MarthaJoy, you don’t have to worry about FDA clearance. As the Tweezer manufacturers have proven, anyone can piggyback on the existing clearance for the current machines. As long as the machine does essentially the same thing as what is already out there, and is not a departure from those, you are ok. The folks who introduced Thermolysis had a harder time than you would with this device rig.

I really would like to meet more friends at the convention. Heaven knows we could get together and have more productive sessions with each other than what will be on the official program.

#35

James,
I would be very interested in learning maybe a bit more about this clearance thing. It a CB alone, and not changing power level output, it is going to take probably a half second for hair removal to take place with 3-4 watts output and the keying would have to be via the mic jack.
The frequency is not a major deal, as Channel 14 is just a very tiny ways off of the desired freq. 27.125 mhz verses 27.12 mhz.
If one were to build a amplifier to get more power, than the timing will go down. The keying could change from the mic jack to the power amp, and just leave the CB as a power oscillator. With it being in transmit mode anytime turned on.
Lots of amplifiers at least used to be around for 10 meter Amateur Radio operators. That is how illegal CB power got its start. With a programmable Function Generator, one could program any waveform that they want the unit to use. It would enable the electrologist to make even minute changes in any part of the waveform. It could duplicate anything out there. The safety thing would be the electrologist needs to know exactly what they are doing. Granted, defaults could be programed into a computer for recall, but any waveform could generated within the capabilities of the function generator. Power could actually be changed by changing the amplitude of the pulse, rather than needing a attenuator to change power levels even. So basically one could take a CB and add this addition box, and have an epilator, that would attach to a laptop or desktop computer.
Interesting concept huh.
Question however also arises as far as medical malpractice insurance, if you are using a home built epilator. Do the current insurance companies that insure now, remain viable for using such a device.
It is all very interesting. Are there any difficulties as far as possibly violating someones patient? This is all so possible it is almost a shock. $50 cb radio, Maybe $200 for a amp and another $200-300 a function generator and you have a $500-600 27 mhz epilator, providing you already have some form of pc.
Gee, the markup could be tremendous for such a thing.

#36

Martha, you just have to get involved in the electrolysis design field somehow. Maybe you could work at home from a distance. You are just such a rare breed of electrician/esthetician. Draw up a form letter just generally stating that you need backing to produce a 27 MHz machine, and would be happy to work under a small budget or allowance. Include just enough terminology to let them be aware that you know your stuff. Get the letter to all the machine makers. You could get a big bite.

Hey James, I should find a way to run you into my electrologist. She’s really a smart lady. She’ll be their too, around the Apilus display. I think you two have the same electrology-political pundit-big business distrust-AMA-wants-to-take-over-the-world mindset.

Mantaray

#37

Manaray;
Thank You so much for your comments. I am considering it.
There is also a frequency at 54 mhz that could also be used for electrolysis. It would again double the frequency of the 27 mhz machines. I have not seen anyone marketing an epilator in this band yet though.
With each increase in frequency you do get more and more of an effect where electrons only flow on the outside surface. Which might be beneficial for epilation. This is known as skin effect.
Anyone know of any epilators in this frequency range?

#38

At the moment, no one is making anything @ 54mhz.

Apilus said that the thing that took them so long to work out with the Platinum was all the regulation of the power supply and output at the probe issues. I imagine that bumping up to 54mhz might involve some issues that 27mhz doesn’t have.

One other note, since patent infringment is about money, one would not really have to worry about infingment as long as one was purchasing these already made products and re-working them. One has not cut out the original product makers in that equation. It is when one reverse engineers and makes one’s own product from the info one has culled and therefore cuts out the original patent holder and manufacturer that one usually gets a quick phone call from the lawyers.

Oh, and Mantary, if your Electrologist has a french accent then I think we are already great friends. :grin:

#39

James;
Hmmm, No one making anything for 54 mhz. This is amateur radio 6 meter band territory. This CB thing is really beginning to interest me. Actually a means of getting the voltage to where it needs to be for epilation is very easy with a 4:1 or 9:1 or 16:1 step up RF impedance transformer. Very easy to make even. For keying the circuit one could just use a simple function generator feeding a one shot electronics circuit and use that output to key the mic. The reset would be the foot switch, so that the very next cycle would again key the CB epilator. I means we are talking probably $20 to $30 dollars besides the function generator and the CB which I am finding one for $50 real quick online. Even if one made all three transformers, depending on how fast short they wanted to be able to go flash wise. 4:1 would enable Tenths of a second epilations. 9:1 would allow Hundredths of a second epilations and 16:1 would have to be extremely quick bursts to be certain. I am starting to think that maybe I do really want to purchase a cheap cb… giggle.
I have a 2 mhz function generator, so timing could easily go down to half a millisecond. That should handle anything I would want to use. To very Power Level, one could separate the power connection to the output transistor and supply a variable voltage instead. Many possibilities exist.
One thing is certain however, you want to use the very best coax cable available for the probe. Preferable even double shielded, as the standard probes used on 13 mhz will be way to much lossy at 27mhz. For connecting and disconnecting, SMA connectors are the only way to go. Type N could be used, but they are huge, that is the type the antenna connects to.