A "Modding for Dummies" series...

[frequentflyer]

Is anyone able to host a beginner mod course or something like it? I know there is tons of interest in the sticky thread but it doesn't seem like anyone is monitoring it or going anywhere. There are a lot of us who would like to build a simple project to get our feet wet and learn. Can anyone help? Please keep in mind many of us will have to go get our first soldering iron so we are starting from no knowledge.

 

[frequentflyer]

No comments? WOW! I did talk to a member who is wanting to work on some basics in a thread so we will see...

 

[thorn]

I'm hoping to post a couple next week that most anyone should be able to do. One uses a 10440 and the other uses a RCR132. I'm working on finalizing the instructions now and want to take pics (although the instructions seem pretty clear, but we all know how that goes).

 

[frequentflyer]

Awesome Thorn. Are you close to Houston? I would be willing to pay for a few hours of instruction.

 

[ejoker]

tough thing to teach on the webs, but for soldering here is a good start:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modders-forum/22122-how-solder-video.html

there's plenty of how to's throughout the modder forum on many different variations and features. and many experienced folks here who can answer just about any question you have on your journey.

 

[frequentflyer]

Yeah - tried there but the answers I got were way over my head. I am just starting and barely understand wiring up my TV - lol. I am totally confused by resistance discussions and part # discussions. I mean what is part PVBJ666? (fictitious part number but just an example)

 

[ejoker]

if it helps, i have built many mods and am a complete ..... (just ask anyone). feel free to ask any questions you have and you'll get no tech-filled answers from me

 

[JustMeAgain]

Yeah - tried there but the answers I got were way over my head. I am just starting and barely understand wiring up my TV - lol. I am totally confused by resistance discussions and part # discussions. I mean what is part PVBJ666? (fictitious part number but just an example

Wiring up your TV? If that means anything more than plugging it in, you're an electrical genius in my book

Seriously, though, I'm interested in learning too, but will have to start with the absolute basics. I'm confused about the resistance discussions and the like, too, flyer.

If someone could point me in the direction of a website that would explain how all those ohms, mAhs and volts correlate to one another and maybe a bit about how not to blow myself up during the learning process would be a big help.

Right now I'm reading online here and there and getting some of the basics ~ making notes that say things like "watts = current X voltage" - stuff that I'm pretty sure almost everybody on earth already understands except me. I know all that I need to know is out there, but if there's a place that gives more comprehensive info that is geared to the right context would be great.

I can't think of anything I know less about than electricity, so it is intimidating to me, but I'm tired of wondering and reading things I don't understand.

I love ways to use stuff in new ways and make something out of nothing - I guess that's trash to treasure? Hubby has a huge shop filled with tons of tools so I'm lucky that I have I all of that stuff at my disposal, not to mention all the junk in there that's free for the taking, some of it that seems to be just the right size and shape for modding and I'm itching to use some of it.

 

[thorn]

I'm not a teacher so it will not be much of a learning details class. My details won't include anything much more technical than "do this, put it here, watch it work". I have been able to eliminate most tools that other mods require to build.

 

[Israfil]

Honestly I'm a newb at electrical stuff as well and have still managed to cobble together a box mod and a passthrough. If you need help or have questions feel free to PM me. I check for PMs pretty much daily. I'd be glad to explain what little I know in terms I understand (very simple ones)

Edit: I'm very fond of FastSteel, hot glue, and as little soldering as possible...owing to my lack of the correct size of soldering gun (mine is wayyy too big for electronics). Just warning ya, I have a rather "yeeeehaw" sort of construction technique.

 

[frequentflyer]

I found out I have an extra charger for a phone that is 5v dc and .7A. That seems about what a 5v mod is if I am correct (maybe??). It is an old blackberry pearl charger. Could this be put to better use than trashing it? I was thinking maybe a passthrough. Any idea what to use for connectors for a 510 atty?

 

[candre23]

.7A is not enough. A 510 atty (2.3ohms) @ 5V requires a bit over 2A.

 

[nephilim]

I found out I have an extra charger for a phone that is 5v dc and .7A. That seems about what a 5v mod is if I am correct (maybe??). It is an old blackberry pearl charger. Could this be put to better use than trashing it? I was thinking maybe a passthrough. Any idea what to use for connectors for a 510 atty?

you could regulate it down to use as a charger though... 14500 charges at 4.2v and I believe somewhere around 500 mA (dont quote me on that) but candre23 is correct to much current drop for that charger..

 

[martianParty]

This may help you to understand circuitry a little better: Ohm's Law - The basics - Ohms Law Formulas Explained

 

[WillyB]

Is anyone able to host a beginner mod course or something like it? I know there is tons of interest in the sticky thread but it doesn't seem like anyone is monitoring it or going anywhere. There are a lot of us who would like to build a simple project to get our feet wet and learn. Can anyone help? Please keep in mind many of us will have to go get our first soldering iron so we are starting from no knowledge.

There are hundreds and hundreds of modding pages on these forums, with many excellent and well documented simple projects of all types and sizes. Many also include videos. Start looking, start searching, start reading and start learning.

 

[frequentflyer]

A but off subject. NYX has agreed to help me learn the first steps (those are the hardest - convince yourself you can build something and not blow yourself up) in person. I am REALLY thankful for that.

For the off subject - have we thought about getting groups together physically to vape & hang out at a local friendly spot (bar?), or to "mentor" one another? Maybe a place where noobs (like myself) can find a "buddy" to call and ask or just see what they use and think. The forum is still central but basic stuff can be answered in person.

I know in the week and a half I have been using my 510 I have had about 3 or 4 people say they were going to try it and liked the "personal" touch where they could ask questions. Maybe this would help to "spread the word" and help get it out there. Most people seem curious (even non smokers) and honestly interested. I think most have heard of e-cigs, just never seen them.

Even just a forum for getting in touch with others in your area would be really helpful.

 

[candre23]

The first VapeFest was held about a month ago in VA. The next one is going to be in St. Louis in August. I believe the people organizing them intend to do them every 6 months or so in different parts of the country. I have no idea if/when they plan to have one in your neck of the woods, but there may well be a local vapers club near you that holds meetings. You might want to ask in the North TX Vapers group to see if they know of any organizations down by you. If one doesn't exist, maybe you could start one up.

As for the original "modding for dummies" suggestion, I now think it might be something worth creating. I'm considering doing a step-by-step video tutorial for how to make a simple box mod, and explaining the basic electronic circuit concepts as I go. I doubt I can find the time/money to put it together in time to help you out, but I could see it being a good resource for beginners in the future. If it works out, I might even expand it to include things like a MOSFET/tact switch and regulator for a 5V vaping.

 

[Rocketman]

candre,
I watched a video series (over an hours worth) from another modder and found focus and lighting to be issues.
Keeping unimportant things out of the video,like fingers, is also a problem.
Sure hope you find the time, because it will be work.

I put up a photo how to in another forum, just text and photos, but outside posts kept coming in which made it hard to follow.

I wonder if a series using still pictures and audio would be a way to do it?
Can a youtube video have still frames and an audio background?

Best of luck, it's a job, but somebody's got to do it.

Rocket

 

[candre23]

I've done a bit of semi-pro video editing (it was over 10 years ago, but it still counts, right?), so I'm pretty sure I can make it watchable. I'm well aware of the focus, lighting and sound issues that plague youtube videos, and I'll do my best to avoid them. I intend to use a tripod to keep the camera steady at a fixed distance and to record voiceover audio separately so I can edit out all the "umms and ahs". If I can't get it to look and sound decent with the meager equipment I have available, I won't post it at all.

I've ordered the parts I need from Madvapes, so perhaps I can get started some time this week.

 

[thorn]

Took a while to touch up the documentation better and to get the pics online. Just put the two mods up:

PVC Mod (16340/RCR123, solderless)

Minimal Mod (5 parts, 10440)