3-2-5 Mod

[TomCatt]

Here's my latest, calling it the 3-2-5 . Uses 1 18350 batt and an eBay boost module that claims 3V to 5V w/ 3A - DC-DC Step-up Converter Boost Module 3A 3V to 5V | eBay in a RS 3x2x1 project box.

Oh, yeah, it has a blue led on the bottom, just to the left of the "OSKJ".

Unloaded voltage on output is 5.18V; loaded voltage using my usual 3.2ohm clearo is 5.12V. Just put it together this morning, so no info on batt life. But this thing is hitting nice, much better than the boost module I used in First Li-Ion Battery Mod. Just as a first impression, this seems to be a good option for those who like 5V vaping.

So, some pics:


Top view of the boost module (from eBay):



Bottom View:




Mod Pics:








...and VAPOR!!

[asdaq]

Great little mod. This could explain why it is hitting harder than the 4050:

Output current: rated 3A (input voltage higher than 3V), short time 5A (less than 10 seconds)

I bet you aren't hitting this for longer than 10 seconds

[breaktru]

Nice TC, looks like you found your ideal setup.
You can even go smaller with the box.

[TomCatt]

Great little mod. This could explain why it is hitting harder than the 4050:



I bet you aren't hitting this for longer than 10 seconds

Nice TC, looks like you found your ideal setup.
You can even go smaller with the box.

@asdaq: Haven't put either of my 4050s in a mod yet - got all the pieces, just haven't done it yet. The module I put in the Altoids can was another eBay buy.

@break: Actually I prefer to vape at ~4.8V; got this module cheap on eBay and thought I'd give it a test run.


UPDATE:
After ~4 hrs and ~1 - 1.5mLs of juice, the module started to whine with each hit . It wasn't real loud; but not something I'd wanna vape with in bed while wifey was sleeping. "What the hell is that noise??"
After about 6 hours, the module started cutting out after each ~2-3 seconds hit. I was still getting a decent amount of vapor. I checked the battery - Trustfire 18350 1200mAh - it read 3.6V. While the module was on, it was still putting out 5.1V under load.

I'm going to put a cap on the input to see if this helps. I'm sure a high drain battery would, as usual, work much better with this (or any) booster.

So far, this module still seems to be a viable option.

[BJ43]

I like that. I too vape 4.6 to 4.8v, ordered one from ebay, need a small discreet mod for restaurants and bars. lol
Thanks

[TomCatt]

Put a 100uF cap on the input of the module. Still developed a whine, I'd say if you're going to use this module, would be best to try it with an 18650 IMR high drain battery.

It's still a workable module for ecigs, IMO; but not something I'll be pursuing much further at the moment.

Next up: eBay LM2596 buck modules...now which size battery to go for

Anyone know of a batt holder with a spring loaded sliding contact like on a charger?

[asdaq]

That whine means the module is starved for current and can be taken as in indication to charge the battery. 4 hours isn't so bad. With a little work you could probably get a a second battery in there run in parallel and that would take care of it, or switch to an AW IMR 18350. One of my current favorites is a 18350 IMR and the 4050 with a fixed 82K resistor to output 4.57v unloaded with a 2.7~2.8 Ω coil. What resistance are you running with this?

[TomCatt]

That whine means the module is starved for current and can be taken as in indication to charge the battery. 4 hours isn't so bad. With a little work you could probably get a a second battery in there run in parallel and that would take care of it, or switch to an AW IMR 18350. One of my current favorites is a 18350 IMR and the 4050 with a fixed 82K resistor to output 4.57v unloaded with a 2.7~2.8 Ω coil. What resistance are you running with this?

Thanks, asdaq! I knew I had read some post(s) here about 'regulator whine' but couldn't find the post(s) nor remember the details.
So, this module does have merit; even whining it was boosting to 5V. The eBay descriptions I've read for it have also claimed that it won't operate under 3V, which would be a plus for batt protection if true.

I'm using my usual 3.2 ohm clearo, in a Cheapo Gummy Tank of course


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[kcofohio]

Looks very interesting, TomCatt. And free shipping. I like the idea of boosting, as I have many 18650s and prefer 5v vaping. My biggest 5v mod takes 2 18350s, and its size is the limit for me. I'll be plotting another mod now.
Thanks for sharing that.

[asdaq]

I'd say with merit indeed, but I'm curious what the max wattage is on this too.