I turn to you Experienced Modders for newbie help

[vereybowring]

I am very new to vaping and I have happily modded my CE2r4 XL's into 4ml tanks, but my next idea is a biggie.
I apologise for this rambling post but really need help.

I am very happy with my Riva XL 510 but realise that batteries have a finite life and are quite expensive in relation to performance but that big batteries, especially 18650's, can be bought quite cheaply in comparison.
I have looked, and been tempted, by the current crop of tubes like the Icon V3, GG etc. but do not have nearly the amounts of cash to buy one.
I do have lots of free time though being long term ill, but still capable of building stuff at home.

So I want to build my own tube mod but haven't done any electrical/physics stuff in a couple of decades so need a fair bit of guidance/help so I don't blow batteries or atomizers to hell.

In a quirkiness outbreak I am going to base the unit around two 18650 batteries but wired in parallel not series, if this is possible, giving enormous usage potential away from home if it can be done.
Here is a very basic wiring diagram (not standard notation I'm sure).



Now from the diagram we see the two batteries cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160498935487&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT (great deal), wired in series with a push to make switch cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120572464831&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT.
This then runs to the 510 connector and separately to an led cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130454323946&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT in series with a resistor.
Then the atomizer and led/resistor are connected to the negative terminals.

Will this work ? I am unsure of the layout of led and resistor and the size of resistor needed for such an led.

I am going to put the batteries into holders cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220762426924&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT to make a removable battery pack but didn't put this on the diagram for simplicity - going to use good old 9V push connectors for that.
I have also found a place on ebay that sells stainless steel tubing to precision sizes so a casing should be relatively easy too.
I have all the tools I need apart from a multimeter (last one broke) but have one coming and otherwise just need some guidance from you lovely experienced modders with excellent electrical skills.

Thanks In Advance !

[tiburonfirst]

hi, verey, can't help much with modding and since i'm almost as new here as you i don't know about this modding thread.
i do know though that ecf has lots of experienced modders who seem friendly and approachable. so, if you want to venture across the pond try here
www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/
btw this was started by a british bloke. but then again you might get all the help you need right here
good luck

[vereybowring]

Already posted this on there, going to post on UKVapers too !

[tiburonfirst]

you go, verey - somebody is bound to know!!!

[Scylla]

Verey - never fear! Hang in here!



We have lovely modders here who will come to your aid in the morning

and...



Unfortunately I am chocolate teapot regarding modding and lots of other things too

scylla

[vereybowring]

Already I find it really difficult to find decent metal tubing with end caps that is not copper. ???

Also realise the tube probably needs to be 30mm diameter at least.

Two parallel batteries in a tube might be too heavy unless I can find lightweight cheap materials that are durable.
However alloys tend to be expensive and plastics are tacky.

Might have to go with just one battery but would still run wires for the connections for better circuit and still use battery holder which could slip out for battery change.

Sounds more complex but I don't think so and I'm fussy.

[vereybowring]

Might have found something to use for a single battery mod.
cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250371312100&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

What are peoples thoughts ?

[Pinhead]

Your diagram will work as it shows two batteries wired in parallel, giving the same voltage as one battery but twice the mAh. However, in the text just below it, you say the diagram shows batteries wired in series. It's also important to use only matched pairs of batteries.

Wiring in series will blow the atty unless you use a VHV atty. Also, go higher than needed in the LED resistor to eliminate the chance of a voltage spike that will blow the bulb. LED's aren't usually that fussy when it comes to voltage, providing you have an appropriate resistor fitted.

As for the atty, it isn't polarity specific so it doesn't really matter whether you wire the + to the inside or the outside sleeve. However, the generally accepted way is + to the inside.

Have a look here at my Goliath... 2 x 18650 wired in parallel. IMHO, two 18650 wired in parallel, end on end, will be way too long.
allaboute-cigarettes.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=modding&action=display&thread=1663

Sean

[vereybowring]

Ahah !

Don't suppose you could send me the details of parts and suppliers ?
I would really like to have a go at building something similar since that is much better than the normal box type mods I've seen all over the place.
Failing that do you have any left, I may have an interest after all.

The mistake in my text is a bugger as they say and wasn't meant - I was possibly thinking about the battery holder being in line like they were in series when I typed that bit.
I have come to realise inline would be far too long and started looking initially at single battery mods with a casing based on a cree torch since they have 18650 based models.

[Pinhead]

PM inbound...

Sean

[tiburonfirst]

all's well that ends well .....

[Scylla]

Thank you Sean

scylla

[vereybowring]

Thanks you for all the support with this especially Pinhead of course !

Now we get to 1.1 the next iteration where I have hopefully corrected some of the issues and probably created even more.

There is a newer diagram too -



Going to use a project box with 18650 battery compartment already fitted - this one I ordered 2 of them in case I screw one up.
Batteries will be Ultrafire red protected 18650 3.7V 3000mAH, of which I am ordering 4.
The push to make switch is 3A 250V capable.
The LED is a red 3mm diffused type 25mA 2.0 to 2.4 V.
The resistor will be 100Ohm 1/4W.
The 510 connector of course.
The new addition of a PCB carrying a premade USB Charging circuit which charges at 4.2V 400mA, it is protected and sports an indicator led.

Due to these additions and after some other concerns I thought I would add fuses in the circuit too for each of the batteries to protect the equipment further since there can be issues if one of the two batteries fails and I have added the charger part as well.

My calculations lead me to a 1.5 - 1.6 amp fuse and I found some polyswitch surface mount ones that are in this ball park.
Have I calculated right with the amperage ?
Do I even need these fuses ?
Are polyswitches a suitable choice ?
I don't know for definite hence more posting.

Bits will start arriving over the next couple of weeks - can't wait.
Once I have parts I can start working on the internal layout and where to fit 510 connector, USB and LED.

Please feel free to comment - especially if you have spotted an error !

[vereybowring]

Another update.
Atomisers range from about 1.7 Ohms upwards so protect stuff without blowing them the fuses need to be 3A.
Should have noticed much sooner since I made sure the switch was 3A capable.

[vereybowring]

After much advice and soul searching I have decided not to go with the extra fuses for each battery since most electrical people I have talked to think it would be a bit of overkill considering the batteries and usb circuit are both protected.

Once I get the build going I will post a new topic outlining what I did and pictures of the finished beast.

Just wish the parts were not globe-trotting their way to me as I get all ansy waiting.