USB Mod v2 is DONE!

[Bastage]

Thanks for the quick reply Bastage I was thinking that my be the only way.What type of solder do you use when doing this part.Thanks again.

Any standard solder will work.

[bilkido]

Any standard solder will work.

Thanks Bastage

[Bastage]

No probllem. I'm glad everyone is getting some good use out of this idea. The battery mod is working great also. One thing I would advise, is that the mini USB is a little sensitive to constant plugging/unplugging and being picked up and used. If you want something that will take a beating, the original mod is more durable in the long run. I'm going to try a mix between the two - taking one of the skinny retractable cables and using that hardwired into the ecig. Still extandable, but no connector issues

[Soot]

I can't edit my original post but need to update you on the battery - do not use the Tekkeon portable USB device, it does not work properly for powering an eCig. After the Tekkeon failed to work, I made my own battery source and it's working fine. The best way to do it is to take 4 AA rechargeable batteries (I'm using Sony 2650Mah and hook them together in series, with a USB host side connector for the eCig, and a Mini USB host side connector for charging. It's very small and should last a very long time on one charge. Once it dies, just plug it into the USB port for 5-6 hours and it's good to go again. If anyone has any questions on how to set up the portable battery pack let me know and I'll post up a drawing.

Bastage

I just ordered this battery pack (DealExtreme: Privacy Statement) in the hope of it powering my USB mod. Are you advising that these packs don't work?

[Dr. Russell Fell]

No probllem. I'm glad everyone is getting some good use out of this idea. The battery mod is working great also. One thing I would advise, is that the mini USB is a little sensitive to constant plugging/unplugging and being picked up and used. If you want something that will take a beating, the original mod is more durable in the long run. I'm going to try a mix between the two - taking one of the skinny retractable cables and using that hardwired into the ecig. Still extandable, but no connector issues

Fantastic work, Bastage. Looking forward to your next mod! If I ever get a soldering iron, I'm definitely trying this out.

[Soot]

Sorry - link doesn't work. What I was pointing to was this:

sku_3942_1.jpgry.dx/sku.3942[/IMG]

[Bastage]

Sorry - link doesn't work. What I was pointing to was this:

Attachment 248ry.dx/sku.3942[/IMG]

I didn't try that one. let me know if it works.

[Soot]

Will do Bastage. It should arrive in a few days and I'll be soldering a direct connection to a USB retractable cable (as you've suggested). Apart from anything else - finding a mini host connector was difficult (only found 1 site and that only had a bare assembly).

I THINK part of the problem with battery packs is that they're designed to deliver a trickle charge for re-charging phone/camera/mp3 batteries rather than delivering power on demand. If I knew more about amps, watts, volts etc I might be able to avoid making a wasted purchase but sites selling this stuff don't even provide enough info for what little I do know. I often find myself trying to read the small print on the pictures!

[Bastage]

(not being able to edit posts after 20 minutes is a bad rule, mods)!

Ok... we're obviously learning as we go here. As I use these USB and try new things/new ways to make them better - sometimes the first and most simple approach is the right one. (K.I.S.S.)! Here is what I've learned so far that will save you some grief later...


Mini USB connectors are not durable enough to be plugged in and out of an eCig all day. Constant picking up, setting down, unplugging, and plugging in makes the connection flaky after about a week.

Retractable cables have very very thin internal wires. Once you cut into an extendable cable it's nearly impossible to get a firm solid connection to the ecig. I made it work, but was unhappy with the thickness of the power wires and disconnected it.

The best, most reliable way to make this mod is to use a standard USB cable the length and color of your choice, directly soldered and fastened to the end of the battery casing with no connector.

There are enough hassles to deal with when e-smoking. Adding another potentially weak point (mini USB connector) is not worth the benefit of being able to unplug it.

USB MOD Version 1 was the best idea overall. I've wasted a ton of time fiddling with these things. Figuring out what doesn't work is all part of the game, and I look at it like this.... You'll never know if you never try! I've got 2 regular USB version 1's now, and a super kick-ass battery pack. I think I'm set for a while.

[Mommyshann]

(not being able to edit posts after 20 minutes is a bad rule, mods)!

Ok... we're obviously learning as we go here. As I use these USB and try new things/new ways to make them better - sometimes the first and most simple approach is the right one. (K.I.S.S.)! Here is what I've learned so far that will save you some grief later...


Mini USB connectors are not durable enough to be plugged in and out of an eCig all day. Constant picking up, setting down, unplugging, and plugging in makes the connection flaky after about a week.

Retractable cables have very very thin internal wires. Once you cut into an extendable cable it's nearly impossible to get a firm solid connection to the ecig. I made it work, but was unhappy with the thickness of the power wires and disconnected it.

The best, most reliable way to make this mod is to use a standard USB cable the length and color of your choice, directly soldered and fastened to the end of the battery casing with no connector.

There are enough hassles to deal with when e-smoking. Adding another potentially weak point (mini USB connector) is not worth the benefit of being able to unplug it.

USB MOD Version 1 was the best idea overall. I've wasted a ton of time fiddling with these things. Figuring out what doesn't work is all part of the game, and I look at it like this.... You'll never know if you never try! I've got 2 regular USB version 1's now, and a super kick-ass battery pack. I think I'm set for a while.

And this is why Bastage is my hero! He's one smart somanumbatch!