1.5A vs 3.0A - Which do you prefer? Which is 'safer'?

[NatureBoy]

I'm trying to determine which 5v regulators to use. I have seen people say they get plenty of vapor from USB power packs that output 1.0-1.5A, so why is 3A necessary? Wouldn't that put unecessary strain on batteries?

I've got a bunch of 3A regulators already, but I'm starting to wish I had waited for the 1.5A ones to be in stock. Trade anyone?

 

[j0ker]

A 510 atomizer at 5 volts will pull around 2 amps. You want your power source to be able to provide a little over 2 amps because the atomizer is going to try to pull that. If it's rated below 2 amps, the battery and circuitry(if there is any) will be over worked and can result in failure of the power source. That being said, this is why most prefer having 3 amp capability, so not to over draw the power source.

If you use a 1.5 amp reg, you stand a chance of burning it out. If not soon, most likely eventually.

 

[highping]

+1 to that

And I will add that if you don't have a very good heat sink on that 1.5A regulator you will blow it with a 510. If you have an excellent heat sink on it you might get away with it longer but like joker said, eventually...

 

[NatureBoy]

Okey doke, good explanation.. thanks! I'll go ahead and use the 3.0A ones that I have.

 

[WillyB]

+1 to that

And I will add that if you don't have a very good heat sink on that 1.5A regulator you will blow it with a 510. If you have an excellent heat sink on it you might get away with it longer but like joker said, eventually...

510 is a rather vague term these days. The clones many folks actually use are 3+ Ω. Seems the reg should be able handle them.

 

[j0ker]

510 is a rather vague term these days. The clones many folks actually use are 3+ Ω. Seems the reg should be able handle them.

True but a clone at 3.2 ohms is just a little over 1.5 amps. The rating on the reg that's 1.5 amp is the max. You would be running it close to the max constantly. It would still be better to use the 3 amp since you may or may not be using a clone otherwise you would have to use only clones. A good rule of thumb is to over compensate tolerances to avoid failures. So if a circuit is rated at 2 amp, always use components that are above that rating. The cost difference between the two regs is minor and worth the extra cost. IMO

 

[WillyB]

True but a clone at 3.2 ohms is just a little over 1.5 amps. The rating on the reg that's 1.5 amp is the max. You would be running it close to the max constantly. It would still be better to use the 3 amp since you may or may not be using a clone otherwise you would have to use only clones. A good rule of thumb is to over compensate tolerances to avoid failures. So if a circuit is rated at 2 amp, always use components that are above that rating. The cost difference between the two regs is minor and worth the extra cost. IMO

But isn't almost everything being pushed past spec? batteries, switches etc? You're right, but those tiny little 1.5A ones are so cute.

 

[SLoWPoKeSE]

Hi,
I'm new and have noobish electrical knowledge. I hope someone can help me here. It didn't take long with my DSE901 to realize I needed a battery upgrade so of course I started making mods. I have one with 4xAAA NiMH's 4.8v and one with 2xCR2's 6.0v and my gf using one with 3xAA NiMH's 3.6v. I've made some boxes for 10440 and 14500's, the batteries are still in the mail, but my DVOM only works on Sundays so I need some help. All of my 901 atty's are a pretty uniform 3.2 ohms. So from the 3 I made I should be pushing currents of:

1.5A (4xAAA)
1.875A (2xCR2)
1.125A (3xAA)

Now, the 4xAAA one runs rock solid but the 2xCR2 has toasted a couple of the atty's (I think from getting them too dry.) My gf's 3xAA runs well but weak for my taste.

Oh yah, my question. The amount of current going to the atty should directly affect how hot it gets and the vapor production right? I've seen lots of talk about using voltage regulators and what-not to hit exactly 5v on here. Now, if I'm hooking up 2 14500's for 7.4v that would push 2.3125A which will fry my 901 atty's for sure. If I add a basic 1 ohm resistor into the circuit shouldn't that cut my current down to about 1.7A (7.4/4.2)and not fry my atty? Is there something really basic here that I don't understand about electricity or the atomizer? If I'm correct then I don't understand all the fuss about having exactly 5v.

Someone please enlighten me. (not meant sarcastically!)

 

[WillyB]

Oh yah, my question. The amount of current going to the atty should directly affect how hot it gets and the vapor production right? I've seen lots of talk about using voltage regulators and what-not to hit exactly 5v on here. Now, if I'm hooking up 2 14500's for 7.4v that would push 2.3125A which will fry my 901 atty's for sure. If I add a basic 1 ohm resistor into the circuit shouldn't that cut my current down to about 1.7A (7.4/4.2)and not fry my atty? Is there something really basic here that I don't understand about electricity or the atomizer? If I'm correct then I don't understand all the fuss about having exactly 5v.

Start thinking in WATTS (power).

In your above example at 4.2Ω you will be at 1.7A according to Ohm's law. But your atty is only part of that load and will not be using the full 1.7A.