Case for a box mod?

[clockworks]

I've got all the bits I need to make a box mod, but I'm still looking for a case. Needs to be fairly large to fit all the bits - 2s 800mAH LiPo, step-down regulator, voltage display, low battery alarm, switches and internal tank. Needs to be around 90x50x30, and I'd prefer rounded corners. It doesn't need a battery compartment.

Any ideas?

[Lee]

Nothing in Maplins to fit your specs?

[Pinhead]

Search ebay for project boxes and/or battery boxes. There's tons!

90x50x32 = cgi.ebay.co.uk/ABS-Project-Box-Removable-End-90-x-50-x-32-mm-/290552684057?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item43a64a1e19

Sean

[clockworks]

Thanks for the hints.
Had a look at the project boxes on eBay yesterday - found some the right size, but they aren't very stylish. I'll try searching for "battery boxes".
Not tried Maplins.

It's a shame that people who post about their one-offs don't say where they got their boxes from. I can see why a vendor would keep quiet about their sources, but not hobby-modders.

[Pinhead]

I can see your point but most mod 'vendors' started as hobby-modders.

For example, I'd tell you what's in my touch sensors switches but I won't tell you how to wire it or what the exact specs of the components are... that would be for you to research and work out.

Besides, if you found a stunning and unique mod case that people wanted to pay you for, would you let everyone who could copy it and compete know where it came from?

Sean

[clockworks]

In the past, I've frequented RC crawling and watch collecting fora. I've always shared my mods/customising tips/repair methods. I built a couple of 6ch transmitters, converting RC plane stick sets to steering wheel, with special features for crawling. I taught myself to refinish watch cases and bracelets, and re-lume watch hands, as well as repair movements. I've posted everything about these, and answered many PMs.
A couple of things, I've gone on to make a few quid from, after forum members have asked to buy them. No matter how much info you post, 90%+ of people will rather you did it for them, as they lack the time or skills.
All I ever asked is that I was credited with helping/providing the inspiration if someone went on to use my ideas. I saw a mod idea on the other UK vaping forum a few weeks ago, which turned up here, posted by a different person. Granted, he'd changed it a bit, but the original poster who provided the inspiration (and who first used it in a different application a long time ago) wasn't credited.

I suppose that if I invented something that was a sure-fire money spinner, I'd want to hold something back. If I found a unique product, like the perfect mod case, I'd probably buy a load in and sell them on to the hobby-modder.

I've got an idea for a case, but it's a little bit too big. It'll do for my first VV mod, to prove that the electronics and layout work. I suppose if I can't find the perfect case, I can always make one - I'm pretty handy with sheet styrene. Very time consuming, though!

[vereybowring]

I'll say upfront that your post irks me clockworks but will leave that to the end and be positive first.

I agree with giving a nod to those who came up with ideas.
I nodded to Pinhead for knowing where to get the case for my first mod.
I also have freely mentioned where my button inspiration came from.
I am already assuming at some point I will also forget to give a mention.

I will always be happy to help people out as I already know there are those who would always buy not build because they lack time or don't think they can do it themselves.
If asked (sometimes unasked) I give links freely to places on ebay where I have bought stuff and know deliver reasonable price - but as Pinhead says I would be daft to say where I was buying in bulk or 'unique' items when I've negotiated a good price or had something made for me.

Ebay is the resource I use most often and you just have to try different combinations of keywords and spend time sifting through results.
Similarly google itself can be great for finding what you need but again it takes time.
Here's a quick list of places I keep an eye on -
www.hammondmfg.com/index.htm
uk.farnell.com/
www.tigal.com/category/143
www.mikroe.com/eng/home/index/
www.okw.co.uk/index.htm

All those should keep you occupied for a while as some have some very nice, if pricey, enclosures I am no doubt going to buy at some point.

Another option for you is to make your own custom case using epoxy resin and a clay or latex mould, but that takes longer.

Now the irked bit.

I have no idea what/who you are on about not giving credit and to be honest you either come out and say what's up or just ignore it rather than trying to be holier than thou and gossiping like a fishwife (gossip is a poisonous evil that should never be tolerated).
For all you know the person has genuinely forgotten to give a mention and could be gently reminded instead of insinuations.

[clockworks]

Thanks for the links, verey.

Not sure why my post irks you, though. I won't name names, in case I've got the wrong end of the stick, or missed something. I wouldn't "call someone out" on a forum, or on their posts. Since I won't name names, or even make a hint at the mod in question, I really don't see how that's gossiping.
I merely stated that all I ask is that I'm mentioned if someone uses my ideas, which I have always shared freely. That has always happened on other forums that I frequent, but it appeared to not always be the case on vaping forums. Maybe I'm wrong, and I missed the credit. Maybe the poster forgot. I have no idea.

If I am out of line, I apologise. It's not my intention to put anyone's nose out of joint. I'm here to learn and share.

[vereybowring]

Jun 11, 2011 19:56:02 GMT clockworks said:

Thanks for the links, verey.

Not sure why my post irks you, though. I won't name names, in case I've got the wrong end of the stick, or missed something. I wouldn't "call someone out" on a forum, or on their posts. Since I won't name names, or even make a hint at the mod in question, I really don't see how that's gossiping.
I merely stated that all I ask is that I'm mentioned if someone uses my ideas, which I have always shared freely. That has always happened on other forums that I frequent, but it appeared to not always be the case on vaping forums. Maybe I'm wrong, and I missed the credit. Maybe the poster forgot. I have no idea.

If I am out of line, I apologise. It's not my intention to put anyone's nose out of joint. I'm here to learn and share.

Fair enough, but if you're not sure and can't be certain then just don't mention it - spreading information that is vague, and hasn't been verified is gossip. I have seen comments like that breed mistrust and destruction faster than a cheetah after an antelope - it isn't pretty and seldom has it been deliberate.
People are not perfect and unless you can be definite about someone claiming credit for something that isn't and are prepared to be open and name names then just don't bother giving out the story or even hinting at it.
That is why it irks me, I detest hinted at information with no apparent basis - which is why I avoid quite a lot of the media.

As I said I agree with sharing of knowledge and ideas. I hope we can all share information freely and give inspiration to each other and to other potential modders to be.

[Pinhead]

it also has to be remembered that there are only so many ways to make a PV mod. Once those are exhausted, then it comes down to pure aesthetics.

My 109 is basically a torch conversion... as is the LG by Gary Dibley and the Magnum that you'll find instructions for on YouTube. They are essentially the same thing but with minor differences.

My box mods are just that... box mods. The differences I've put in are my touch sensors and different options such as two batteries, spare battery holder, spare juice holder etc. etc. But in essence, they are straight forward box mods.

The Goliath was my creation but I'd very much doubt that it hasn't been done before. It's just that I'm not aware of it or it didn't catch on and isn't well known.

Other things I've modded have been products of the modders curse (which I know V suffers from) in that you're out and about and everything you're looking at is subject to the following question... hmmm, I wonder if I could mod that?

I have shared ideas and even sent out sets of parts to 'new' modders (I still fit into that group too) but these have mainly been stock parts that anyone with a little google-fu could find and buy. But my personal suppliers are pretty much my little secret, even though I'd bet that you will use the same one if you shop on ebay, it's just that I know said supplier face-to-face and therefore have a little more leverage on prices.

Anyway, that's where my mods have come from so far, in addition to exchanging ideas with vapers who want something made for them. I'm not that fussed where everyone else gets their ideas, after all, it can only be done so many ways.

Sean

[johnnyjames]

Jun 11, 2011 14:17:34 GMT clockworks said:

I've got all the bits I need to make a box mod, but I'm still looking for a case. Needs to be fairly large to fit all the bits - 2s 800mAH LiPo,

I don't know what you mean by LiPo, but you should a pair of 3.7V cells.

[clockworks]

Jun 12, 2011 21:07:11 GMT johnnyjames said:

Jun 11, 2011 14:17:34 GMT clockworks said:

I've got all the bits I need to make a box mod, but I'm still looking for a case. Needs to be fairly large to fit all the bits - 2s 800mAH LiPo,

I don't know what you mean by LiPo, but you should a pair of 3.7V cells.

"LiPo" is short for lithium polymer, one of several types of 3.7v (nominal) cells. Most modders use one or two single 3.7v cells, like you say. I've got quite a few twin cell (2s, or two cells in series) packs that I bought for small RC planes. They are surplus to requirements for flying, so I'll try them in a PV mod. Should do the job nicely, and take up a bit less space than a pair of AA-sized cells. An added benefit is I'll be able to fast charge them - they can take a lot more abuse than tube cells. Up to 4C charge and 20C discharge for the latest type. Cheap, too.

[tynesider]

Some interesting points of view in this thread and it made good reading.
I would like to say that if it wasn't for Pinhead, Varey etc this forum would get pretty boring and its only because their knowledge is shared with the rest of us that makes it interesting. I wouldn't expect anyone to give their modding secrets away but just knowing that all you have to do is ask and an answer is given. There are some really basic questions about box mods I want to know and all I have to do is ask, surely thats what its all about isnt it?

[clockworks]

Here's what I built in the end (thanks to Lee for giving me the idea of using this case - he said "Nothing in Maplins to fit your specs?" - I took his comment literally!):







Plastic spectacle case, with internal home-made carto tank and custom mouthpiece. The various case fittings and bulkheads are made from 2mm styrene sheet, "glued" in place with Plastic Weld solvent. The tank lifts out for carto replacement, but can be filled in situ via the small screw.
Two 800mAH 2-cell LiPos in parallel, voltage regulator, LiPo low-voltage warning LEDs and voltmeter. It all works, but I need to charge the battery and fill the tank. Should get time to try it later.


I've got some balance/charge connectors on their way from China, which will let me tidy up the power wiring, and make charging a lot easier. I've also got a mini rocker switch, which I'll add at the same time, as well as a pico fuse.

If I get on with this mod, I'll build another. I'll use a nicer case colour next time, and fix the parts permanently, rather than use hot glue.

[Lee]

Very original! Looks really good and you certainly packed a lot in there.