DNA200 - Making a custom charging port

[NickIcon]

It's been while but it seems I've come to the end of a vaping plateau and I'm starting to get back into the swing of trying new things. I've recently made a DNA40 box mod (I'll pop a quick pic into a new thread in a mo) and am starting on a DNA200 build.

For the new build I'd like to try and make a charging stand for it as well - without compromising the USB port.

My intuition says this shouldn't be too difficult - find the positive and ground that the USB connector connects to on the board and solder on the leads to a connector on the mod that fits to the stand.

On the other hand my understanding of electronics is limited... Other than not having the mod connected via the USB port and the to the charging stand at the same time, can anyone enlighten me as to whether this would work?

The follow-up question is where to solder on my leads to the mod's stand connector.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[VapingBad]

I don't see why not in principle, you could ask on the Evolv Early Adapters forum and probably get an answer from Evolv. I know that you can even hook up a balance charger while the board is connected although it will confuse the battery metre.

It would be the outer 2 USB contacts that you want to pick up, but that may be tricky I just had a look at a board and would guess they are some of these tracks, but you would need to test which ones. I think all the USB connections go it to the chip at 45 degrees that handles charging and USB comms.

[NickIcon]

Thanks VapingBad - I'll go post my question there too.

That looks intimidatingly tiny though, may have to source a load of disused PCBs to practice on if I go down that route!

[VapingBad]

I don't think I would do it as you say those tracks are tiny NickIcon, IIRC there is a thread on there where someone moved or extended the USB.

[phatfil]

why not use the existing port? if strain is the issue a guide should let you engage with the male usb Or mount the male on a lever u only engage when the mod is in position.. that way u can pass thru to a lappy with escribe loaded without draining the lappy battery to charge.. and perhaps even further enhancements like adding a bluetooth broadcast chip hehe...

[NickIcon]

Oct 17, 2015 13:21:47 GMT VapingBad said:

I don't think I would do it as you say those tracks are tiny NickIcon, IIRC there is a thread on there where someone moved or extended the USB.

Agreed - I'll do a little more research.

[NickIcon]

Oct 17, 2015 13:48:44 GMT phatfil said:

why not use the existing port? if strain is the issue a guide should let you engage with the male usb Or mount the male on a lever u only engage when the mod is in position.. that way u can pass thru to a lappy with escribe loaded without draining the lappy battery to charge.. and perhaps even further enhancements like adding a bluetooth broadcast chip hehe...

I vape at my desk all day so the idea is to be able to pick it up and put it back on its stand as easily as possible. With that in mind I had kind of given up on the idea of connecting the USB via the stand.

Here's what my concept looks like so far:

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The mod has matching female contacts on the bottom: two grounds on the outside and live in the centre so that the mod can be put down on the stand either way around.

[VapingBad]

How about running a mains powered DNA200 off a 12 V 25 A supply, this is a 5 hand set one off a 125 A supply by DogMods who now works for Evolv and is on there forum as Nick

[phatfil]

how about a usb plug in base plate? a base plate with the Mod connections to mate with the stand using a 90 degree usb male plug to attach to the usb port, and perhaps a tie/locking screw to secure the base to the mod. or perhaps embedded in a silicone skin? attach the base plate when at work, and perhaps add base plates for other mods.. add usb data connection terminals too perhaps

[NickIcon]

Oct 17, 2015 14:36:33 GMT VapingBad said:

How about running a mains powered DNA200 off a 12 V 25 A supply, this is a 5 hand set one off a 125 A supply by DogMods who now works for Evolv and is on there forum as Nick

Vaping kit isn't getting any less similar to Dr Who props.