Dot Graph Variable Voltage Mod

[asnider123]

Well, it's been a few days since my last mod and tonite I found myself back in the shop (my wife was watching 48 Hours). Here is what I came up with ...

It's just another 801 (my fav) LM350T Poorvari-based VV mod (thanks, Donptal) as you can easily see here. Wiring diagram available elsewhere on this forum.



But with a twist: I installed a Hextronik dual-range dot graph voltage meter on the face



It is variable from 1.2v to 6.3v approx by using a multi-turn trim pot adjustable with a tiny screwdriver as shown here (tiny screw under the button)



The meter itself is dual range, low range indicating 4.3v - 5.3v, and high range indicating 5.3v - 6.3v. I find myself tuning it to the middle of the low range, about 4.9v, which is my fav.

4.3v (red light)


4.9v


5.3v


When you want to go higher than 5.3, just flip the switch (on left of display) and keep screwing it in

6.0v


Vape on vapers!!!!!!

 

[asnider123]

Forgot parts list:

3-AAA box (madvapes) $2
LM350T (Ebay) $1
801 connector (goodprophets) $1
Dot Graph (hobbyking) $2
2 resistors (220 ohm, 420 ohm, 1K pot) $1 (really a lot less)

Total cost: $7

Not too bad, eh????

 

[hisfattness]

that is a really cool mod man. and for that little. sweet to bad i'm not great with electronics

 

[AaronY]

wow. Great mod. How is it holding up?

 

[asnider123]

wow. Great mod. How is it holding up?

Holding up? Gee, she's only 2 hours old, she's still a baby Haven't even given her a name yet.

Honestly, I really like this, very convenient! Handy to adjust with the built-in dot graph, way easier to change voltage, though I will probably use it 99% of the time on the same setting.

It should be very solid, I used the same circuit I have used in two other mods with no probs whatsoever. I used a 5A button from GP, so it ain't gonna burn out for years.

 

[hisfattness]

how much actual soldering involved. is it hard to do if i wanted to try i have basic knowledge and can solder pretty well. Love the pick. it must put out some serious vapor.

 

[Dalton63841]

Very beautiful man...just, you never cease to amaze.

 

[asnider123]

how much actual soldering involved. is it hard to do if i wanted to try i have basic knowledge and can solder pretty well. Love the pick. it must put out some serious vapor.

Read this article:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-mods/189320-my-poorvari-mod.html

This will give you the wiring basics. For this mod, I merely removed the LED and it's resistor and put my dot graph across the atty connector. Heck, gather up the parts and give it a shot.

Incidently, I had to sub a couple of resistors with ones I had in stock: replaced 200 ohm with 220, replaced 390 ohm wish 420 .. used screw-type multi-turn variable resistor (pot), like it better, much more accurate than a 1-turn pot.

Bob's your uncle!

 

[unloaded]

Another nice job! I like how the atty connector is recessed. I'd like to do a box mod with the drip only above the surface.
Are those LED's as bright in person as they look in the pics? Any way to dim them a bit?

 

[asnider123]

Another nice job! I like how the atty connector is recessed. I'd like to do a box mod with the drip only above the surface.
Are those LED's as bright in person as they look in the pics? Any way to dim them a bit?

The red LEDs (the lowest 2 levels) are bright indeed, the green ones are tolerable. The reason for the brightness is that it was designed to be mounted on the fairing of a remote control helicopter or plane, to check battery levels by "fly-over", so the red ones are bright enough to be seen in daylight. Idea is to tell you to recharge before you crash.

I am a SMT virgin, but I assume that any of you surface-mount gurus here could replace the resistors to the LEDs which you would wish to dim, putting a resistor on the unit input may do it but would also screw up the ranges which it would measure.

Hope that makes sense

 

[unloaded]

I didn't realize it's intended purpose. If those have some kind of light pipe you can scuff up one or both ends to diffuse the light a bit. Forgot to mention in the other post I like your car! LOL

 

[asnider123]

I didn't realize it's intended purpose. If those have some kind of light pipe you can scuff up one or both ends to diffuse the light a bit. Forgot to mention in the other post I like your car! LOL

No light pipes, they are those surface-mount LEDs .. thanks

 

[Warlordxxx]

Love the dot graph - it looks like it's flush to the box - is it extremely thin or have you cutaway part of the box and recessed it ?

Nice work by the way

 

[asnider123]

It is a very thin surface-mounted device. It comes with double-stick foam tape to mount on the bottom of an RC plane, but the foam makes it stand away from the surface. I removed the foam tape and adhered directly to outside of box. Yes, it does look good!! Thanks

 

[Warlordxxx]

Thanks Alan. My dad is a model plane enthusiast so i'll have to see if i can raid his parts next time i pay a visit

 

[donptal]

Hello asnider! I think you've used lm350 more than I have. I sometimes forgot the purpose of using lm350 and keep looking for higher price more efficient chip, but I know that lm350 alone can make one vaper/modder satisfied both in performance and in value. Thanks for appreciating and promoting my schematic asnider! May I ask, how many more lm350 chip you have?

 

[asnider123]

Hello asnider! I think you've used lm350 more than I have. I sometimes forgot the purpose of using lm350 and keep looking for higher price more efficient chip, but I know that lm350 alone can make one vaper/modder satisfied both in performance and in value. Thanks for appreciating and promoting my schematic asnider! May I ask, how many more lm350 chip you have?

I don't know, probably 10-15 ... will have to check .. I really like the 350T, it's economical and works good. Even thinking of using fixed components to make 5V mods using the LM350 .. why buy 5v regs when the 350 will do just fine.

My only prob is that my heatsinks are STILL NOT IN!! Ordered them 2 months ago, first order lost in the mail, they shipped a second order. Luckily have had no probs with 350 overheating, guess I am not a chain vaper

You're a wizard, I really intend to continue using the 350 as long as it's available, it's really hard to beat. I did order, however, 10 of thos 1084s we had discussed, 5a output, may work just as good and about the same price (maybe even cheaper, can't remember) .. however it's pin-for-pin compat with the 350 so no learning curve !!

 

[donptal]

@ Asnider about "Luckily have had no probs with 350 overheating, guess I am not a chain vaper."

Heres my test about chain vaping using lm350 using only this heatsink.

Don't be afraid to chainvape it asnider, LM can handle it lol.

 

[breaktru]

Very impressive donptal, What atty and voltage is it set at in the video?

 

[donptal]

This is an old video and I don't have that atty anymore. I think it is 510 Lr and my voltage is about 4 -4.5 volts.