lm2596 work fine,i made mod with this IC.Anyway lm2596 it`s a step down regulator need 8.4V In (2 series Li-Ion) and lm2577 it`a a step up regulator works with 1 li-ion, but it`s no good for ecigarette. A step-up convertor not work well with 1.25 or 1.5 ohmi atty, it`s need to use 2 ohmi and higher.