Bombshell Stinger Tact Switch. Is this thing safe?

[iPoosk]

Ok, so I'm definitely not a modder but I wanted to fix the horribly high battery post on the Stinger. I take the derlin cap off the switch housing to find a tactile switch soldered between 2 brass pins (see pic below) . Now, from my limited understanding about electronics, most tact switches of this size are rated around 50mA and I was pushing 4A with a 1ohm genesis coil . So I fixed the 510 connection and soldered the switch back on but I'm wondering if this thing is really safe to use. Sorry if I'm missing something super obvious but like I said, I have very limited experience with electronics

 

[Java_Az]

It is relatively safe if your using protected batteries. The highest rated tact switch i have ever come across was 400mA. So i think it is pretty safe to say it is getting pushed way passed it's rated specs. But without those specs cant say 100% for sure. More then likely it will just quit working but there is a slight chance the contacts could weld together and it stays on , that's where protected batteries would come in handy. This is nothing new quite a few mod makers run just a tact switch at high amps. Reason there are tons of posts with people having switch problems. In my opinion any time a tact switch is used it should be accompanied by a mosfet to handle the amps that vaping requires.

 

[iPoosk]

Thanks for your reply Java! That's interesting to know it's not very uncommon to run into a setup like this, it was the last thing I was expecting to see. Well, at least the switch will be easy to replace if it goes out. I may start running this strictly with a kick, at least it will auto-shutoff after 15 seconds

 

[WillyB]

That's actually pathetic, those are the kind of switches that can be had for <20¢ in bulk.

so I'm definitely not a modder

And it's quite obvious that the makers of that PV aren't either.

It's funny as the BombShell was often compared to the Silver bullet, which BTW uses a high quality, branded DC switch.

That's interesting to know it's not very uncommon to run into a setup like this

LOL, it's very uncommon.

 

[iPoosk]

T
And it's quite obvious that the makers of that PV aren't either.

It's funny as the BombShell was often compared to the Silver bullet, which BTW uses a high quality, branded DC switch.

Yeah, if I would have known what the switch was like, I probably wouldn't have picked one up. Pretty weak. Although, it's been going strong for about 2 months with some high amps running though that poor switch

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

5 ampers here check it out.

 

[meatsneakers]

5 ampers here check it out.

That switch is 10x10mm, looks way bigger than the one posted. Very nice though, not expensive either.

As for the Stinger, are you sure there isn't a MOSFET anywhere in that plastic shell? I don't see how a tact would last more than a day on 3a, I've had them pop on less.

 

[asdaq]

That 5A looks pretty nice, I recently got a 5A AC rated switch to replace a 3A Omron for my Mini Hybrid. The thickness is close to the same, but it is about twice the size. Altering the switch housing and removing the NC contact will make it fit.

Case opened:

Space requirements:

Terminal removed:

Now it fits:

I superglued the NC contact plate back in place so the action remains the same, and I do have a hole in the side of the housing now that needs to be addressed, but it should be a suitable substition.

A similar switch (especially the 3A Omron) should be able to fit into that stinger with some changes to the plastic part pretty easily.

 

[Roccov]

I take the derlin cap off the switch housing to find a tactile switch soldered between 2 brass pins (see pic below) .

How did you even get it out of the mod?

 

[iPoosk]

That 5A looks pretty nice, I recently got a 5A AC rated switch to replace a 3A Omron for my Mini Hybrid. The thickness is close to the same, but it is about twice the size. Altering the switch housing and removing the NC contact will make it fit.

I superglued the NC contact plate back in place so the action remains the same, and I do have a hole in the side of the housing now that needs to be addressed, but it should be a suitable substition.

A similar switch (especially the 3A Omron) should be able to fit into that stinger with some changes to the plastic part pretty easily.

Very cool, thank you. I'll definitely look into that. I ordered some of the 50mA tact switches from madvapes just to see if they're the same (they look awfully similar, but then again, most these switches do).

How did you even get it out of the mod?

The Derlin cap is glued to the brass post (which is soldered to the tact switch). I was expecting it to be similar to the Bolt so I just pulled on the post lol. Luckily, the soldier point broke off instead of the lead from the switch. Heating the derlin cap will loosen the glue and you can probably finagle the cap out without any potential damage to the switch

 

[iPoosk]

That switch is 10x10mm, looks way bigger than the one posted. Very nice though, not expensive either.

As for the Stinger, are you sure there isn't a MOSFET anywhere in that plastic shell? I don't see how a tact would last more than a day on 3a, I've had them pop on less.

Woops, didn't see your post there. Yeah, that switch would be nice but it's too big to fit. Nope, there's definitely no mosfit hiding in there. The more I've been thinking about it, a mosfet is definitely the way to go (unless I go with that switch asdaq suggested). Guess it's time to do some researching!

 

[JahJahLoO]

Hey, I'm having a similar problem with my regular Bombshell cap but had put off fixing it since obtaining a new PV.
I contacted Tim before and received 2-3 different/repaired caps and even replaced the unit which resulted in the same problem again (stuck/repressed button); opted for self repairing of caps.

I was wondering if these switches from Amazon would work?

I've also never done any soldering of any sort, and would appreciate any tips on what kind of soldering irons to purchase (am seeing all different kinds operating at different Watts?).

Thanks!!

 

[Roccov]

Having the same issue. Size wise they look fine, just can't seem to find any specs. I think that the low mA rating might be causing the problem. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will share some knowledge.

 

[JahJahLoO]

I contacted the dude from above on reddit and he kindly replied that instead of repairing it with a tactile switch replacement, he opted for a mechanical switch, link here.

Problem is, I don't know how to make it LOL. Hopefully, someone can see this thread and offer some helpful insight.

 

[Roccov]

I took the head apart and I don't think that switch from Amazon will work. I measured the tact switch and it came out at 6x6x4.2 with the collapsed button. I ordered some of the 4.3 and 5 mm ones to try it out. With the brass button there seems to be just enough room for the 5 mm. I still think the low amp limit is the problem but they were cheap enough to keep me going until I can figure out a better solution. I checked out the link and I do not have the skill or tools to pull that off. LOL

 

[JahJahLoO]

Yeah me neither, Lol.

Let us know how it goes whenever you get your switches delivered!
and where did you order them from?

 

[JahJahLoO]

I've been meaning to ask, where did you order the 4.3s and 5mm ones?

I've found one that's 3mm, but unsure if it would work.

Did you ever manage to fix it?

 

[Roccov]

JahJahLoO, I found them on Amazon but they're not here yet. Must be coming from overseas because they said they won't be here till the 10th.
Send me a PM if you want me to send you a couple since I'm getting 10 of each. Just curious what finish is yours? Sorry I missed the earlier post on the 17th.

 

[JahJahLoO]

JahJahLoO, I found them on Amazon but they're not here yet. Must be coming from overseas because they said they won't be here till the 10th.
Send me a PM if you want me to send you a couple since I'm getting 10 of each. Just curious what finish is yours? Sorry I missed the earlier post on the 17th.

It's fine, I missed it til now LOL; well it's almost the 9th so you should be getting it soon, can't wait to hear the results.

Lol, wow.. you'd send some? That's mighty generous of you.
And I believe mine is the standard brushed finish.

 

[Roccov]

Wondering how you made out Jahjah?