Help - DIY Regulated VV Desktop Vape Station - subohm

[avpx1]

Hi Modders,
I want to build a mod that I can plug into my wall outlet.
I hope you will offer your insight and help as this is new territory for me and I'm in need of your assistance.

Charging my regulated mods while vaping just isn’t cutting it for me anymore, so I’m ready to remove batteries from the equation, at least while vaping at home.
I plan to build an unregulated mod and power it with a regulated DC power supply.
I've built a few unregulated series and parallel mods but have never attempted to power them from anything other than 18650s.

I searched and found some ingenious older posts about making vape stations but they look to be geared for less power hungry setups.

I’m looking to vape at approximately 80 watts, but would enjoy the flexibility of being able to reduce or increase power on the fly from 20 to 100 watts.

So I have a few questions for you…

1. Is my design safe?

2. Does the RDA’s coil resistance have a direct impact on the range of voltage I can use with my proposed power supply? I would like to use 0.2 ohm coils.

3. Any concerns with the power supply I’ve chosen?

4. Since the power supply has an integrated fuse, does it make sense to fuse the power wire between the power supply and 510 connector to protect against shorts?

Should be a fun project provided you think it would be a safe vape device.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Parts:

Power Supply:
25 Amp Bench Variable Output Power Supply, 3-15V with Fixed 13.8 Lock Control

The CSI25SW-D is a HIGH POWERED SWITCH MODE DC REGULATED POWER SUPPLY providing high current up to 25 Amp output in a lightweight and compact size. It is suitable for a wide range of uses, such as radio equipment, and it is ideal for high power car stereo equipment. In addition to variable output from 3 to 15VDC, a fixed 13.8VDC can be selected. Overload, Over temperature, and Over voltage protection is standard.
Specifications:

• Input voltage: 110V/60Hz
• Output voltage:13.8VDC fixed or adjustable voltage between 3.0 and 15.0 volts.
• Output voltage regulation: < 2%+/-
• Protection: Over Temperature, Short Circuit, Over Voltage
• Output current:25A max/ 23 Amp continuous
• Ripple & Noise: ≤50mVp-p
• Fuse: 110V:8A
• Dimensions:220x110x220 mm
• Weight:2.7kg

Wire: 16GA for everything (Stranded Copper) - or 14GA if you think it is safer.
MOSFET: MOSFT 40V 343A 1.7mOhm 108nC
Resistor: 15k Ohm Resistors - 1/4 Watt - 5% - 15K - soldered to mosfet
Fuse: 15amp hold- 30amp trip(Resettable)
Master On\Off switch: SWITCH ROCKER SPST 6A 125V
Fire Button: SWITCH PUSH SPST-NO 2A 48V
510: Spring-loaded 510 center pin
Box: Hammond enclosure

Below is the mod diagram and pics of the power supply.

Thanks again, and looking forward to your feedback!

 

[avpx1]

Haven't gotten any hits on this thread but I figured I would write in a reply in case anyone comes across it. I posted in another forum and received some helpful feedback from some great guys.
Basically, do use 14 gauge wire.
Use a single 15 amp fuse between the PS and the 510 rated for DC.
Be safe, and don't build low.

 

[Forgotton99]

This is great idea. I love it and want to build one.

 

[avpx1]

Done!!!
It works great.
Been vaping between 70 and 100 watts and tested with 0.2, and 0.4 coils.
Very quiet power supply, no heat detected from mod or PS, no weird smells from wires. So far everything checks out fine.There is some voltage drop, probably because of the 5 foot power line but it's no big deal because I can just add voltage to get to my desired watts.

Absolutely need to apply Ohms Law when adjusting the voltage... Safety first!
My favorite setup on it is 0.42 ohm coil at 6.2 volts. Should be 91 watts but with the voltage drop the amperage displays at 13.2 amps, so the real wattage is in the low 80s which is just right for me.

I'm very happy with it, and kind of proud of it too. So glad I took a chance and did it.

Internals...
Wet stuff is epoxy used to mount the master switch and seal the power lines.

1590A Enclosure

Added an XT60 connector so I can add an extension line if needed.
The current power line is 5 feet long.

System view...

Firing... Power supply constantly displays voltage and amps display when firing.

 

[LilWhiteClouder]

@avpx1 Awesome idea and implementation!!! A must for all vapers stuck in one place for too long

 

[Verb]

Beautiful build!

I'm so glad I found your post when I did.

After finishing up a battery purchase earlier this week, it came to me that I need to build something for the wife and myself that runs off of mains power. I've built several mechs over the years. So, I figured a power supply and something to control the voltage and I'd be good. I was doing the Amazon thing, putting a list together of what I thought I'd need. I had two different power supplies and voltage controllers and sockets, fuses, ect. I figured I'd try two different builds in case one was significantly better than the other. Late last night I put the order through on the key components. I was going to use found boxes for the cases. Still, figuring out if I wanted to add meters.

I read your post and checked out the build porn. Adding up in my head what it was costing me to cobble something together for my power units, I was guessing the unit you chose was well above what I spent.

I searched it out and to my surprise, damn! Off to Amazon, cancel, cancel, cancel. Luckily, I got to it early enough. Now, I can spend my time on the hand units. I want to build some with 510s and a couple that are hybrid RDAs.

 

[avpx1]

Glad to hear it! You will not be disappointed. I work from home and use my vape station all day long every day and have zero issues. Always gives me the vape I want every time without having to worry about battery sag or any of the other power management headaches. I'm building a second unit for a family member and haven't thought of any enhancements to the design. I can probably exclude the master on\off switch as I haven't used it all.
The weight of the power cord does pull on the unit so when resting on a table it is fine however if you bump the unit it is more prone to then fall over. I like to keep the box right on my keyboard tray which is not level so I superglued 4 super magnets to the bottom of the enclosure. It still stands just fine on a level service but now I can rest it on the keyboard tray without worry as well after supergluing a square piece of metal to the tray.

Good luck and please post pictures of your setup when you get it built as I would love to see it.

Keyboard tray placement:

Magnets:

Metal mounting base. Cut a rectangle piece of steel and glued it to the keyboard tray. I covered the top of the piece of steel with black duct tape to get rid of the metal to metal click sound when setting down the enclosure. Works great.

 

[Forgotton99]

I just ordered that power supply and looking for fuses and wires and 510 etc. I want to build it just like yours. No master switch but could you wire this like a light switch. Like positive wire 14g ,15 amp fuse, to 510. Then negative to fire switch to 510? And what wires and connectors, switches do you recommend and where to get them?

 

[avpx1]

Hi,
Your going to love the power supply. I'm using my vape station right now and have been daily since my last post!
You should follow along with the schematic I provided as it incorporates a Mosfet and fuse. You can't wire directly to the fire switch because it is a very dangerous thing to do unless it is a huge switch designed for mechs. It will most likely melt internally and once melted, short the positive and negative contacts of the switch resulting in a continuous firing situation. You can omit the master switch but you cannot omit the Mosfet. Note that the schematic shows two fuses in parallel however you should only use one fuse.

I will PM you where to get the main parts so I don't violate any ECF rules.

Mostfet:
MOSFET MOSFT 40V 343A 1.7mOhm 108nC

Resistor for Mosfet:
15k Ohm Resistors - 1/4 Watt - 5% - 15K

Fuse:
Manufacturer Part #: MHP-TA15-9-77
Manufacturer: TE Connectivity / Raychem
Description: Resettable Fuses - PPTC 77 ACT TEMP 15A HOLD
Product Category: Resettable Fuses - PPTC
Hold Current: 15 A
Trip Current: 30 A
Maximum Voltage: 9 V
Series: MHP-TA
Operating Temperature Range: - 30 C to + 100 C
Dimensions: 11.4 mm L x 3.85 mm W x 1.15 mm H
Part # Aliases: RF2825-000

Fire button:
Pushbutton Switch SPST-NO Vandal Resistant Panel Mount, Front

Main power line connectors:
XT60 Connectors male and female

Remember to be safe and use ohms law when building your coil.
Please post pics and share when you have it built.

 

[Forgotton99]

Cross your fingers. Hopefully have pics by Monday. Built the same as yours except no master switch and orange box.

 

[avpx1]

Awesome... very excited for you!
I have had zero issues and still use mine all day long just about every day.

 

[Forgotton99]

A month later... burned up 510 on first build. Could not believe anyway check it out. Tomorrow I'll post fire pics. And the load test. Next I'm going to repurpose a retired rx200 to plug in. Avpx1 have you or anyone else tried modifying any regulated mods to run on PS?

 

[avpx1]

Nope, I thought it better to just build an unregulated mod from scratch. I haven't had any issues. What do you mean you burned up your 510? Caught fire? Did you follow ohms law and check for shorts the same way one would build for a battery operated unregulated mod? Please post your build config: voltage, resistance, calculated power (watts).

Did you follow the schematic and include a fuse in your unregulated mod?

Thanks

 

[Forgotton99]

I got it too hott. Was having issues with iron going too hot. Had to get a new iron. So I waited the 510 to come in. But for last few weeks when not at work. Been sitting at my desk vaping away. I love this thing no batteries. finally a photo thanx

 

[Forgotton99]

Yaaaaaaaa pics sorry guys took so long

 

[avpx1]

Awesome! Great job with the build. Gotta love having a ton of room in the mod when building it because you don't have to cram in batteries, sled, or a board, and I'll bet it is nice and light with no batteries in it too. I like your idea of throwing a 510 volt meter on the mod to accurately see what voltage is at the coil.

Happy for you... enjoy!

 

[Forgotton99]

Thanks man I appreciate what you said. If I didn't see this post idk what it would ended up like lmao you can get a inline volt meter lightning vaped 3 bucks

 

[thetrucker]

Done!!!
It works great.
Been vaping between 70 and 100 watts and tested with 0.2, and 0.4 coils.
Very quiet power supply, no heat detected from mod or PS, no weird smells from wires. So far everything checks out fine.There is some voltage drop, probably because of the 5 foot power line but it's no big deal because I can just add voltage to get to my desired watts.

Absolutely need to apply Ohms Law when adjusting the voltage... Safety first!
My favorite setup on it is 0.42 ohm coil at 6.2 volts. Should be 91 watts but with the voltage drop the amperage displays at 13.2 amps, so the real wattage is in the low 80s which is just right for me.

I'm very happy with it, and kind of proud of it too. So glad I took a chance and did it.

Internals...
Wet stuff is epoxy used to mount the master switch and seal the power lines.
View attachment 605975

1590A Enclosure
View attachment 605977

Added an XT60 connector so I can add an extension line if needed.
The current power line is 5 feet long.
View attachment 605979

System view...
View attachment 605981

Firing... Power supply constantly displays voltage and amps display when firing.
View attachment 605983

You did a good job......................nice looking hi tech outfit..........and no need to be changing batteries........I love electronics anyway....the more readouts

and knobs and meters the better................................cool........................

 

[avpx1]

Thanks, comments appreciated.
I built another unit for a family member (the exact same specs) and he is totally thrilled. No issues on the second unit. The 5 foot cord is actually a bit on the short side for it's location so it looks like I'll be making an extension cord. I guess we will find out just how much of a voltage drop we get with a 10 foot cord.

 

[thetrucker]

I have this plugged in next to my recliner while watching tv...............mini cuboid with RSST genesiss style atomizer.....