First mod: The Dupblow

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shortyjacobs

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So I wanted to call it The Detonator, but a quick search showed that name was already taken. Instead, it's The Dupblow!

This was my first mod, (only been vaping 8 days), so go easy on me ;).

I liked using 4 AA NIMH batteries, especially because my lithium ion batts are being shipped via arthritic snail from China, but didn't like the standard 4AA battery boxes. Too wide, not a good hand fit. This was my solution. A $2.19 4AA battery holder from Radio Shack, a duplo block stolen from my daughter, a 510 connector, slide switch for safety, and momentary switch. The duplo is held on with 3M structural epoxy, (SUPER strong stuff, sets up in 3 minutes, fully cures to hard as sin in 8 hrs). I won't be able to disassemble it, but hell, it was fun to build. I'm considering putting a wrap around the batteries, but kind of like how minimalist it looks "naked".

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It fits really nicely in my hand, and hits great. I built a 5V passthru USB mod a few days ago, (plugs into a 2.1A cigarette lighter USB port), but it was giving me a burned taste, even with 3.2 ohm Boge cartos fully juiced up. This thing puts out 5.6V unloaded, (not sure how to measure it when it's running the carto), and vapes the 3.2 ohm Boge perfectly. 2500 mAh of power, (although most likely closer to 2000 mAh due to high NiMh internal resistance). Also, no LED, because I don't need one, (don't really see the point...if it's working, I'll hear and taste it), and because it complicated things, meant more crap to buy at radio shack, (this was an impulse build last night), and made it even more cramped inside the duplo block.

What do you think?
 
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shortyjacobs

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thehangdude: Yeah, I've seen some 3AA holders similar to the 4AA holder I used, (where the 3 batteries are in a triangle)...be nice to try if you have one. This thing is nominally 4.8 volts, since each batt is rated at 1.2 volts. On my multimeter though, it read out 5.6V. I'm sure it's a lot lower when loaded, probably in the 4-5 volt range. Not sure how to measure when loaded without one of those fancy meters that screws into the 510 connector...I plan on cannibalizing a carto for it's connector once one dies on me. I think I read in The Puck thread that they are somewhere in the 4-4.5 volt range under load, but that's with AAA NiMh batts, and mine are AA, not sure if that makes a difference.
 

TomCatt

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Very cool! I wonder how a three battery set up (4.4 volts is my sweet spot) would be. I have flashlights with the three batteries, so basically the same.

Nice work!

Not sure with the AA NiMH batts; but with 4 AAA NiMHs, I typically had a loaded voltage of 4.7 - 4.8V on freshly charged batts (5.6V unloaded) with a 3.2 ohm clearo. There is a much more pronounced 'voltage sag' with the NiMH batts; but 4 AAAs (1000 mAh) would last me 10 - 12 hours before the loaded voltage dropped to 4 - 4.2V.

Just my :2c:

Nice 1st mod there shorty! :thumbs:
 

shortyjacobs

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I really like this thing. Vaped all the way into work on it, and now over my lunch. Much nicer hit and vapor level than my 3.7V mega 510 manual batt, and much better flavor than my 5V USB passthrough "mod", (just a usb wire going to a switch, then to the connector...run off a 2.1A car charger). No burnt flavor, consistent vapor production, and a nice fit in my hand. I'm hooked on modding now!
 

WillyB

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thehangdude: ... I'm sure it's a lot lower when loaded, probably in the 4-5 volt range. Not sure how to measure when loaded without one of those fancy meters that screws into the 510 connector..
You don't need fancy.

This is what I've using for years.

Load_test_.jpg


I just clamp my meter leads onto the bare wire.



BTW here's what 4 AA NiMHs do with a 2.5Ω load. (5.5V no load)

4AA_2.5_ohm.jpg
 

shortyjacobs

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Good show! I love the form factor; I've been looking for a batt holder like that. Looks like I'm off to the 'shack.
:vapor:

The footprint of it looks very similar to the size of this regulator board, of which I am the proud owner of two. Hmmm...

Thanks! The batt holder is about 1.25" square, and about 2.1" tall.

We're thinking along the same lines....I'm already planning a VV version with the 14500s I've got on the way. Just made my digikey order today for another set of supplies, (btw, Digikey has the batt holder for like $1.12, or $1.21 if you want wire leads already on it). My only problem with this that has popped up over the last two days of use is that the carto kind of sticks up a lot, and I'm afraid of snapping it off. My next one will have the two 14500s on one side, and on the other side, in one freed up battery bay will be the step down regulator, pot, caps, etc....and the other battery bay will house a 3/4 recessed carto and a switch. Still have no idea what to do for a "case" around it...

I spent all day looking for a LM2596 presoldered module like you linked that would fit into a single AA sized spot, (somewhere around 14.5mm wide x 51mm long), but no joy, so I guess I have to make my own...
 

shortyjacobs

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If you put the whole thing in a case, then the module I linked could sit underneath the batts or something similar. I've seen smaller boards; take a look at this thread. And this one.

Very true. I've been lurking through many of those threads. I decided on the TI switching reg...since I was able to get an, ahem, free sample...and ordered the caps, resistor, pot, pushbutton switch, and another battery case from digikey, (5 bucks +3 shipping, ugh), then a mini circuit board and another 510 connector from Madvapes today, (along with some 1.6ohm DC cartos). I have a feeling I'll have this thing built long before my batts arrive from the slow boat from china.

I'm basing the circuit off of this horrendously huge thread, except I might nix the output cap from his design, not sure why it's necessary...
 

shortyjacobs

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You don't need fancy.

This is what I've using for years.

(pix removed)

I just clamp my meter leads onto the bare wire.



BTW here's what 4 AA NiMHs do with a 2.5Ω load. (5.5V no load)

(pix removed)

Hey willy, I forgot to thank you for this. Good idea for the under load metering method, I'll have to rig one up once I have some spare parts lying around. Also, ouch at the the load voltage for the 4 AA NIMHs. I'm running mine with 3.2ohm cartos....now I really can't wait to build a LiIon VV version.
 

GERGOZ

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Still have no idea what to do for a "case" around it...



hey shorty, love the mod !

been playing around with those holders for a while myself

i currently use 5-aa nimhs and love it (with the 8-batt holder)

was gonna let you know, i searched everywhere for something to use as a
casing and finally got lucky...

not sure of your price range but for about $40 you can get a lifetime supply
of square plastic tubing at homedepot/lowes, cant remember which one, both
probably have it...its the fence sections that come in 8 or 10 foot pieces...the
pieces that run vertical are the ones that work with the 4-batt holders...with batts
in the holder, they fit almost perfect...there are also 2 horizontal runners holding
all of them together that are about twice the size...all are glued together, just
give a real strong twist and they pop off, then trim to fit

you can use caps for chair and table legs to close the ends...not sure if they carry
them there but didnt see any...i got some at a hardware store and got some
different ones online

also that material loves to be glued and holds very strongly
sticky back vinyl can be used to change appearance (it is naturally white)

i have a couple of mods using that stuff...will post them when i get some time

just throwing some info out there, maybe help someone thats searching

hey, keep those mods coming !

"brother of the nimhs"

gervis
 

shortyjacobs

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Thanks Gervis. I'll definitely check it out. I have tons of 2" vinyl tape in every color imaginable, (I work for 3M, so I get it for super cheap). I actually really like this Dupblow mod naked, with batts exposed...nice rounded feel in my hand, and it looks industrial. For my next attempt, with VV circuitry in there, I'll need a case though.
 
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