Altoids tin build idea and questions [New user looking for advice where I can get it]

[James Agia Reed]

I been tossing around the thought of doing an Altoids tin mod but as I am currently dripping on a hcigar Nemesis clone with a Trident clone I am pretty set in my ways about the amount of smoke I want and the consistency of it. Tonight I found a project from another source [Completely unrelated to E-cigs] and I am being drawn back to the concept.

This is the parts list I have drawn thus far but I am in need of advice on the 1 crucial part to bring the build together on a decent budget.

1 Sony Vtc4 18650 battery
1 18650 single battery holder
1 10amp button
1 pre-soldered 510 connector
and last but not least a charging board/port

I saw someone build a rechargeable circuit using a battery holder and a TP4056 board on a bicycle forum and now my curiosity is how difficult would it be to find a board capable of charging/passthrough safely on that Sony battery.

The most expensive piece thus far on this build is the battery so I am trying to avoid dropping $40 on the dna Charger.

Ideas?
Suggestions?
Non aggressive input?

P.s. Upon watching a Youtube video someone mentioned that without the addition of a LED that when pressing the button the battery will not drain at all as long as there is not a cartomizer, atomizer, or anything else attached to the 510 connector. Would this still hold true if you were to add a Charging circuit into the equation?

 

[Tugg n chase]

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...18-my-vv-altoids-tin-lm2596-improved-mod.html

This is not mine but its a good place to start

 

[porkchop_express]

You can get a DNA usb charge board from Evolv directly for about $9 shipped. It wires direct to the battery and the solder points are clearly labeled.

Not a true passthrough but you can vape while charging. It still pulls off of the battery, not the usb supply.

 

[James Agia Reed]

Porkchop would the DNA usb be able to safely charge a Sony VTC4?
For some reason I had it in my head that it was about a $40 charging chip. Guess I was thinking of the DNA VW board lol

 

[James Agia Reed]

This is not mine but its a good place to start

I have seen lots of mods for the Altoids tin but none that had a built in charger which is the main thing I am looking for. Im in my truck alot so would help to be able to charge on the go instead of taking my big charger and swapping batteries.

 

[k3vin]

I may try my hand at one if these great info

 

[James Agia Reed]

Soon as I find out if the DNA charger is a go or get a suitable alternative I am ready to go. I just need to figure out which beautiful box to use =P Wintergreen and Peppermint already sitting on the desk for 2

 

[PaulBHC]

I looked at a website today that sells a kit with the DNA20 board, usb charger board, and the little stuff for $89. You can buy a mod for that much or an MVP for less.

DIY PARTS / KITS - A to Z Vapor World

 

[PaulBHC]

You can get a ZMax board for $17 at madvapes but no charger.

 

[James Agia Reed]

Im not looking for variable voltage at all but thanks for the info PaulBHC

 

[Tugg n chase]

The evolv charger board is only 500ma. You can find 1amp charger board for a buck
5V Mini USB 1A 1000mA Lithium Battery Charging Board Charger Module TE | eBay

 

[James Agia Reed]

Its a Sony VTC4 2100mah battery that I am planning to build with. Is that board going to be able to safely charge one?

 

[Tugg n chase]

I plan on using one to charge two in parallel.

 

[James Agia Reed]

Mechanical style build or variable?

 

[Tugg n chase]

Just waiting on my dna30.
What your building is not mechanical due to the wires.

 

[James Agia Reed]

True but didnt know what else it would be called considering the lack of any circuits or protection.

 

[Tugg n chase]

Unregulated I guess. You could still put a fuse in there for a little added protection. I would be cautious putting anything too low resistance on it either way

 

[James Agia Reed]

Not a terrible idea but all I am used to running is Nemesis clone with a filed pin on the button and low ohm coils so I didnt see the point in changing anything outside of the container I was sticking it all in. =)

 

[porkchop_express]

James,

Yes it will charge the VTC4's just fine, and any other 18650 I have seen. It has an output (charge going into battery) of 500mah and every 18650 I have seen accepts at least that much input. Most are 1Ah and I would think the Sony's are as well.

 

[porkchop_express]

I plan on using one to charge two in parallel.

Yes this will charge them fine also. And faster than the DNA since it is a 1Ah charger. But there are two things about this board I do not like. First, it is miniusb and not microusb. Second, it is twice the size of the DNA.

Either will work just fine, it's personal preference which one you pick.