Built in volt meter

[Para]

I really love the Hammond Box 3.2 x 1.6 x .80 as a VV mod, but have always wanted a volt meter built in instead of using the ones I make.

Modding the box and meter worked....really well; no doubt it's gonna be my new favorite and is especially useful in building a ohm/volt database for the Iatty.

Flip the switch and check the voltage (I really hate the hard wired meters that come on every time the button/switch is activated)

I used the same chip I always use for this box: Dimension Engineering DE-SWADJ3 and the same 'ol volt meter

Here's a few pics

There's nothing really challenging about the build; easy to assemble...but the fit is VERY TIGHT. Everything has to be exactly in the right spot.

The volt meter box is pretty compact....but it is a bit bulky to carry around all day...

 

[breaktru]

Looking real nice Para, another good one. Nice and compact too

 

[mj64]

Very nice. The pot is on the bottom?

 

[Para]

Very nice. The pot is on the bottom?

Yeah....the light blue box

The adjustment is a wheel from a model airplane's landing gear.

 

[sfkid]

Looks awesome.

If you ever get tired of it, let me know, I will buy it from you

 

[VpnDrgn]

Very clean Para, what did you use for the switch on the VM?

 

[Para]

Very clean Para, what did you use for the switch on the VM?

I'm not sure of the official name for it. 8mm x 2mm with two rows of 3 posts. I soldered the 2 leads from the meter and then the 2 leads to the +/- of the atomizer connector. Simple on/off that activates the 2 leads.

Maybe someone knows what it's called; I just know it's the kind that works. lol

 

[studio52]

Ecigs are giving those with some electrical and mechanical sense the ability to create some cool mods. One of the few arenas that arent tied to just the big company's who swamp the market with assembly line mods. I cant wait till the really innovative dude shows up and creates that next generation atty that doesent burn out for 2 years or so, and a juice filling system that doesent require dripping or pushing a bottle in a hole or burning materials to make vapor production, and it works perfectly every toke......Oh heck....Im having a daydream again...sorry.

 

[surfsuphere]

Very nice work

 

[xLowEndx]

So is that blue box a VV addition for any pv with a voltage display?

 

[mj64]

Yeah....the light blue box

The adjustment is a wheel from a model airplane's landing gear.

I thought it was that product. That's the one that is really designed for breadboard work. I've contemplated using it before but have always gotten hung up on the pot orientation.

 

[Para]

So is that blue box a VV addition for any pv with a voltage display?

The blue box is the location of the potentiometer (voltage adjustment). The regulator next to the blue box controls how much voltage is sent to the atomizer. The meter reads the voltage and displays it.

Regulator controls volts
Potentiometer changes volts
Display shows volts

 

[sierra22]

I think he was talking about this blue box Para

 

[Para]

I think he was talking about this blue box Para

....My bad

To answer him: That's a volt meter I make that can be attached to any PV which gives a volt reading with or w/o an atomizer attached.

 

[Dudeman]

I like it!

I used that box as well but I removed the screw posts and put a pair of 16340's side by side with the meter above them. I used the mad vapes VV kit though so while it was easier to fit, it's not as good.

 

[Para]

I tried the Madvapes chip but didn't have any luck with the 2 I got.....both ran hot; even with heatsinks so I tossed them. Have you had better luck? I didn't know if it was my bad luck or their "bad" regulator. What switch do you use to turn off the meter when you aren't using it? The one I have came from an assortment of switches so I have no idea what it's called. Also, what momentary switch did you choose? I want to try the small tactile one from Madvapes but I'm afraid it would fry at 2a.

It's a perfect box to use, is it not?....and the meter is a handy bonus to have anytime it's needed.

 

[xLowEndx]

....My bad

To answer him: That's a volt meter I make that can be attached to any PV which gives a volt reading with or w/o an atomizer attached.

Very cool para, did you wire that in parallel from the bottom connector, one to the meter and one to the top connector?

and, where'd you get those awesome boxes?!

 

[Para]

Very cool para, did you wire that in parallel from the bottom connector, one to the meter and one to the top connector?

and, where'd you get those awesome boxes?!

It's a Hammond Box as well; Digi-Key carries them. I don't remember the dimensions, but it's around 30-35mm square. The translucent blue is brittle so be careful if you work with that one. Black is more forgiving. I've done both with and without the rubberized cover on the meter and since I haven't had any issues with the face being uncovered, I like the clean look w/o it.

You can get everything else at Madvapes.

Wiring: You're just inserting the meter between the two connectors so positive to positive to positive and same with the negative.

They aren't difficult to make but do take a good deal of time because everything is a tight fit.....that's what appeals to me; I like to see how small I can made stuff. lol

 

[xLowEndx]

Awesome, very nice! Thanks for the info, I get it...

 

[wwturner]

DAAAANG! $25 a pop for that regulator is ridiculous when you can put together a TR/3 for around $10.

Yeah....the light blue box

The adjustment is a wheel from a model airplane's landing gear.