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 http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-mods/236779-first-li-ion-battery-mod.html. 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.

 

[TomCatt]

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

I haven't done any LR vaping; but just tried a 2.7ohm carto on this mod and no problems there.

Keep meaning to pick up some DC cartos to try Next supply order will include some DCs and LR to test these mods. Although not sure I would normally vape at LR at 5V


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

[WillyB]

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.

Why is that? At the relative low amps you are running it at a decent 18650 Li-ion will probably provide about 40% more vape time.

Most folks who are TI 04050 users run at under 2A. Once you move into larger cells like 18650s you want high mAh. A decent 18650 can easily provide 3A, which is more than enough to sustain a 2A output.

It may be struggling a bit but the Tenergy2600 Li-Ion seemed to do OK at a sustained 5A load, still hitting over 2000mAh.

There are also a lot of diodes out there, you should be able to find one with a drop of ~.4 - .8V, pick your poison and your sweet spot.

That thing looks small enough to fit in this (with a little rearranging).

Same box as yours. A 4000mAh 26650 should shut that whine right up.

And thanks for providing some real loaded volts.

It would be interesting to see if it could run a DC and simply sag to about ~4.4V, and not shut down (the China step downs just sag to whatever amps they can handle). That would be sweet.

Any identifying markings on the chips?

Nice job, nice find.

 

[asdaq]

Sorry Willy, I can't measure loaded volts. That would cost me another battery connector, and ultimately another mod

I did see it fit to make an adapter for getting deep inside a mod to check voltage, and that cost me just a carto.

 

[TomCatt]

Thanks Willy. I don't have any 26650s (yet? ), but it's nice to know that they fit sooo nicely in that box. I got a few different boost and buck modules from eBay and just trying them out. I've discovered that I don't have the skills you Mod Elite display with your nice clean mods, so I figured I'd try out these modules.
Once I try out what I have; I'll go back and try to re-design for optimum performance - (hey, dat sounded kinda perfessional )

Thanks again for the input!

TC

ETA:

...

Any identifying markings on the chips?
...

I don't have the mod with me now, I'll bring it with me tomorrow and check with some of the magnifiers I have here at work to see if I can get any info off the chips.

 

[TomCatt]

Sorry Willy, I can't measure loaded volts. That would cost me another battery connector, and ultimately another mod

I did see it fit to make an adapter for getting deep inside a mod to check voltage, and that cost me just a carto.

My loaded volts are measured from inside the mods, I don't have one of those fancy connectors either . Although, I did just get in a 5 pack of atty connectors from GP...and if I just connect one....

 

[WillyB]

My loaded volts are measured from inside the mods, I don't have one of those fancy connectors either . Although, I did just get in a 5 pack of atty connectors from GP...and if I just connect one....

Well they don't have to be fancy, made this quite a while ago.

Checking from inside the box is OK, just try to do it after the switch at least. I saw some youTube reviewers checking at the battery terminals, not as accurate.

BTW it takes some scraping/scooping out to get the 26650 in that box.

 

[kcofohio]

Same thing willy, only with atty tube, wires, and alligator clips:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/atomizer-mods/235542-how-measure-ohms.html#post4478401

 

[TomCatt]

That's what I was thinking of WillyB

 

[TomCatt]

I'm a relative newb at eBaying There was a question about how long it takes to get stuff in from China. Hey, ya wanna know sumthin'? eBay has a Purchase History!

Paid on 9/23 Rec'd on 10/6

Tracking number
LK**********3CN
China Post
Delivered, Oct-06-11, 11:27 AM
Arrival at Unit, Oct-06-11, 06:54 AM
Processed through Sort Facility, Oct-04-11, 14:22 PM, BETHPAGE, NY, 11714
Processed Through Sort Facility, Sep-25-11, 01:21 AM, GUANGZHOU
Acceptance, Sep-24-11, 19:05 PM
Origin Post is Preparing Shipment


==========================================

Here's another one, a buck module, should have it within the next day or two, paid for this one on 11/14:

Acceptance, 2011-11-16, 20:04:00
Processed Through Sort Facility, 2011-11-17, 01:33:00, GUANGZHOU
Origin Post is Preparing Shipment
Processed through USPS Sort Facility, 2011-11-18, 21:38:00, JAMAICA, NY, 11430
Processed through USPS Sort Facility, 2011-11-20, 23:50:00, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19176
Processed through USPS Sort Facility, 2011-11-21, 21:43:00, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19176

 

[TomCatt]

.....

Any identifying markings on the chips?

...

LR024N? A power mosfet?