big brother variable voltage circuit

[Nepherael]

Hey guys I was checking out some PV's recently and came across the big brother. Here is a link to the page Big Brother I was wondering about his VV circuit. I can only see what looks to be something like a spin wheel like a volume wheel that controls it with no visible circuit, almost like a potentiometer without any type of regulator. Now since I've only been able to look at that picture on there I could very well be missing something so I hope someone with a BB chimes in here.

Which leads me to my actual question. However that circuit is made looks very small and clean and I'm wondering if its been replicated by any of us and if anyone knows how. So far the only VV circuit I've used is the evercool which takes a whole AA slot and wouldn't it be wonderful to fit the entire VV part of your mod down where the switch wiring normally goes? I know I would love to cut an entire AA slot out of the required space. I'd even use that for extra carto/atty storage or for an extra battery or 3ml bottle of juice. Anyway you get what I'm saying.

So any insight on this would be great. Also I've been around checking out all kinds of pots and stuff because VV is a big part of any box mod I would ever build and I have never found any pots (and trust me I'm not the best at finding anything like that) that looked anything different than a blue box with a gold screw for adjustment so even if I still have to build the whole VV circuit and can't shrink it into that small space like he did does anyone know where to find a pot like that?

Thank you very much ahead of time,
Neph

Sorry if this is wrong place to put this and/or if It's already been answered somewhere else (though I didn't see it in my search)

 

[theECB]

Bump for this thread. Would love to find out what is used on this mod as well. Thanks.

 

[NuMoNiC]

Curious design. I hate to dog anyones mods but I highly doubt that switch will handle more than half an amp. Looks like it would be rough changing those switches out. Would be nice to 5V in a 2 AA box mod though.

 

[theECB]

I'm not as worried about the switch. For my design I would replace the switch with a better one but it's the variable voltage in a simple and small package that appeals most to me.

 

[Nepherael]

I'm not as worried about the switch. For my design I would replace the switch with a better one but it's the variable voltage in a simple and small package that appeals most to me.

Me too. I happened to see it and it blew my mind and got me very excited. I would love to incorporate that small deal or at least get that turn wheel instead of keeping a screwdriver on me to change voltage.

Still hoping someone has some insight into this mod

 

[WillyB]

I've been around checking out all kinds of pots and stuff because VV is a big part of any box mod I would ever build and I have never found any pots (and trust me I'm not the best at finding anything like that) that looked anything different than a blue box with a gold

C'mon Neph.

This one looks cool.

You want to search for trimmer resistors, trimpots, thumbwheel potentiometers, 1 turn pots etc.

Do note these one turn pots are quite twitchy (actually not a turn, more like 270 degrees), and most aren't made to be constantly turned.

And as far as small circuits, how good are your soldering skills? Do you have a good soldering iron with a very small and well maintained tip?

 

[Nepherael]

No not at all. But I have been trying to find a station for a decent price, and as far as soldering skills I would classify myself as mid level. Ha its nice to know I still look like an idiot. Anyway it seems you know a bit about the type of circuit used in that considering you asked about soldering skills and iron size. Care to elaborate?

 

[theECB]

I know there are regulators that can be set simply my placing a resistor across the right pins, and is that resistor is adjustable....then you can have an adjustable output as well. Going by the space available in those I can't imagine there is any more then a regulator and a trim pot in there. So, the question now is....which ones?

 

[Nepherael]

I know there are regulators that can be set simply my placing a resistor across the right pins, and is that resistor is adjustable....then you can have an adjustable output as well. Going by the space available in those I can't imagine there is any more then a regulator and a trim pot in there. So, the question now is....which ones?

Yeah I was thinking something like that. The only one I can think of is the lm317(a 3 pin adj regulator that I'm sure isn't even rated right for this type of application) which from my experience is horrible. I set it up on a breadboard once and it created enough heat to really almost burn me after just a few test vapes. Though it is very possible I hooked the pot up wrong as that was the first time I used my breadboard in years.

Ahh I gotta stop rambling. Anyway your logic is sound so to repeat your question does anyone know of a voltage regulator that could fit in an area that small and be reliable?

 

[Para]

But I have been trying to find a station for a decent price

12 bucks at Amazon....extra 5 bucks gets a set of tips including a really sharp fine tip

It's no professional soldering station, but you can't beat the price and it works great

 

[theECB]

Parallex2, nice find.

Just wanted to keep this post moving along. I know we can catch the attention of someone that knows the answer to this.

 

[Yellowman1972]

I owned a BB. And was amazed at kens skills everything is tucked Into a tiny space. He works for the railroad and is really a nice Guy. Did you ever think to ask him? Probably tell ya

 

[Nepherael]

Ha see I'm type of guy that would probably tell anyone how I did something but that's also why I don't own a business where I can make any decent money. I think ill send him a msg, normally I wouldn't expect someone to give me any clues to anything that could mess with his cashflow but ya never know.

 

[WillyB]

I know there are regulators that can be set simply my placing a resistor across the right pins, and is that resistor is adjustable....then you can have an adjustable output as well. Going by the space available in those I can't imagine there is any more then a regulator and a trim pot in there. So, the question now is....which ones?

I'm sure there is. But based on your assumption I drew up a quicky for you to try (by butchering Mamu's pic) based on bigblue's original design.

The height does not include the pot, but I assume you want to use the thumbwheel type that will poke through a hole. The heat sink should be longer than the pic shows. A thin piece of aluminum or copper along with some heatsink paste should work.

The chip is a TI UCC 283 or 383 ADJ good for a solid 3A and a low drop-out voltage of 0.5V.

Should work and would probably fit in the same space as on the BB.

Here's a nice and efficient chip with nice specs, you'll probably need a couple of components though (an inductor for one). It's about 1/4 the size of the TI and about 2mm in height.

http://www.cypex.com.cn/upload/20097910115148900.pdf

 

[theECB]

Willy B, this looks awesome! Just snagged a few samples of the 383 ADJ from TI. Now to get a few thumb pots and I should be good to be! Woo Hoo!

 

[Nepherael]

I was at work last night so I'm gonna msg ken today. If you get it built ECB and make a post go ahead and post a link to it in here.

 

[theECB]

Nepherael...will do. The parts are back ordered until Dec 29th though so it might take a while. Let me know what Ken says...post here also if you get any good news.

 

[theECB]

WillyB, I finally got the back ordered UCC383 ADJ chips. I was hoping you could repost your wiring diagram as it seems to have disappeared.

Anyone else around that could shed some light? I am looking for ideas and suggestions on what resistor values and good pots/trimmers to use. I don't mind something larger for the pot I just want one that will work well and last.

 

[theECB]

Bump for the repost on the diagram. Would like to get this going.

 

[WillyB]

Well this was in response to someone who wanted a small foot print, minimal design, based on Biggie's.

I just butchered Mamu's pic.

A Vout cap isn't needed, a Vin cap can be added.

Always best to always have a little air space around these chips.