The first thing I must say is that KF8GR Mini Photon Stove is not an original idea. In fact, I would be surprised if someone hasn't already done this. The KF8GR Photon stove is simply a scaled down Photon Stove with some simple modifications of my own. The instructions (with the exceptions noted) from the original Photon stove (link below) are all that is needed to build the KF8GR Mini Photon Stove.
The Photon Stove
The Photon Stove that this project was created from, was the brain child of Don Johnston, and his idea was based on the work of others. The Photon Stove has been a staple in my kit since I first heard of it a couple years ago. I have a love for alcohol stoves, and I will explain more below about the various types. But, the Photon Stove has proven to be the best for ME, your milage may vary. It has a simple design, works well with no pressure to cause explosion danger, and is very efficient on fuel.
KF8GR's Mini Photon Stove
As I said earlier, I would be surprised if someone else hasn't done this with the Photon Stove already. I know that the Pepsi Stove already has a version.
The KF8GR Mini Photon Stove is a downsized version of the Photon Stove. I used two 8.3 oz. drink cans, cut to 1 1/4 in height instead of 1 1/2, and the burner only has sixteen equally spaced holes around the rise on the bottom of the can. I left off all the other holes, and it has worked so fine I left it the way it was.
Other than that, it is a Photon Stove, only smaller. I have kept "Photon" in the name so that people will understand that this project was the illegitimate step-son of the photon stove.
The Windscreen or Chimney
So far, my tests have been negative. The traditional windscreens I have been trying so far have been a failure. The fuel burns out twice as fast, while the windscreen acts like a simmer ring. So far I have not found a suitable replacement. I believe the limited expansion space in the fuel chamber builds up pressure too quickly. I am looking for a suitable replacement. But, if I don't find one, I am sure someone else will.
The basic problem is this. The windscreen will let the KF8GR Mini Photon Stove boil a quart of water in just over 5 minutes. Yes, a quart. Yes, 5 minutes. The problem is, the stove is in "rocket ignition mode" all the way through the burning process sometimes. The stove fueled with 2 Tablespoons of fuel will only last a little over 5 minutes. And it's a scary roar! I have had no difficulty with the stove, but I do NOT recommend that anyone attempt this. I cannot be sure, but, it just does not sound or feel safe.
Simmer Ring
I haven't found a can to make a suitable simmer ring with yet, but, using aluminum foil and paper clips to form a simmer ring, the results have been average. I will post more results when I can find a suitable simmer ring.
KF8GR Mini Photon Stove performance
The stove weighs in at approximately 0.3 oz with filler screw. The (full sized) Photon Stove that I originally built was about 0.5 oz. without the filler screw.
The stove height is a little over 1 1/4 in. and the diameter is approx. 2 1/16 in. A significant size improvement.
On One Tablespoon of fuel, the stove burn time averages 5.50 minutes. Yes, one Tablespoon.
The average time to boil for 8 oz. of room temperature water is 2 minutes to a roiling boil, with no windscreen.
The Max Test.
I topped off the KF8GR Mini Photon Stove with it's max fuel, just under three Tablespoons.
Threw 2 quarts of water into my cheap 2 quart camp pot.
And lit her up.
I was more afraid of the screen collapsing than a stove failure!
Total average burn time 12 minutes and 20 to 30 seconds.
And it brought 2 quarts of water to a slow boil.
With no lid on the pot, and no windscreen. I am very happy, needless to say.
Advantages of the KF8GR Mini Photon Stove
Size (It packs into a smaller space and is lighter)
Fuel Efficiency (I think the smaller fuel cavity size makes the fuel pressure more even)
It burns HOT!
Heats meals very quckly.
Cools fast.
Quieter than pressurized can fuel stoves. Most times you can hear the pan clicking as it heats.
Disadvantages of the KF8GR Mini Photon Stove
It burns HOT! (It is often necessary to use a simmer ring to avoid scorching)
Temperature control is much harder than a pressure fuel stove.
The smaller diameter can directs MOST of it's heat into the center of the pan (scorching potential)
The small diameter makes heating larger diameter pans more difficult.
As with all Photon Stoves, it needs a base plate to ignite the stove.
Just a tiny bit too much ignition fuel causes "rocket ignition".
It only feeds one or two people for most meals.
Summing it up
All in all, I am very happy with the stove's performance. I am a little concerned that the increase in pressure by igniting too much fuel in the splash pan does cause a "rocket ignition" condition, and on at least one occasion, small burning drops of alcohol were flung a couple inches from the stove. I thereby reccommend that no more than a Tablespoon of fuel should be used, as five and a half minutes of cooking time should be more than adequate for almost any camp meal.
A Sample Meal for Efficiency
Using 1 teaspoon (yes teaspoon) of fuel, heat 4 oz. of water to a boil, stove should run out of fuel after water boils, then put in 4oz. of Minute Rice (tm), and one beef or chicken boullion cube, cover and let steep for five minutes, which is about the amount of time you need to set up your bivy bag for a good nights sleep, then stir the cube into the rice and enjoy. Need a little more after a hard day? O.K. Add 3 or 4 Ritz crackers, and a couple of small beef jerky strips. A feast fit for a king, and all cooked using 4 oz. of rice, 4 oz. of water and one teaspoon of fuel. Total cook time approx 2 minutes plus 5 minutes to steep rice, another minute or so to stir in the cube. Eight minutes for a meal, in the field, with a teaspoon of fuel. Now that my friend is efficient. And that is why I love alcohol stoves.
Using the KF8GR Mini Photon Stove for Ham Radio
When I go out to the wild to play Ham Radio, I like to do so quietly. Using Morse Code, and ear-buds, and a tuned antenna made of fine wire, I can keep the radio equipment under 8 pounds. With my KF8GR Mini Photon Stove, and a small bottle of alcohol, with some dried rice, potato flakes, cup a soups, etc., I can make a very light trip, that could last several days. That would make this stove a decent addition to my public service equipment. Imagine being out on a search and rescue mission, and being able to make a hot meal when you come out of the field in less than ten minutes. I do add the caveat that you should keep the burner away from any electonics equipment. I remember when kerosene heaters were the rage, and burned kerosene would corrode metals such as the copper on a printed circuit board.
Other Alcohol Stoves and Modifications
There are many alcohol burning stoves made from a variety of cans in different construction concepts available, here are some of the most popular.
The Original Photon Stove by Don Johnston
The PepsiG and mini Stoves by Scott Henderson
Shane Grabers Alcohol Burning Backpacking Stove
Fuzzy's Li'l Alcohol Stove (says it will work with Isopropyl Alcohol of only 70%)
Alcohol Stove by the Unknown Scouter in Lehi, Utah
Cat Food Can Alcohol Stove by Roy Robinson
Disclaimer
Since I have no control over your construction techniques, and do not know how much of a klutz you may be, I assume no liability or responsibility for the way you may use any information about this project. Alcohol stoves are among the safest ways for backpackers to cook, but anytime fire is in use, things can go wrong. If you burn down the forest, or injure yourself, you do so at your own risk. Be safe, and enjoy nature. NEVER use any fuel other than Alcohol, as an explosion and/or severe injury could result.
This page last updated by KF8GR on Apr 12, 1004