I need DIY passthrough advice, STAT

[bstedh]

A transformer needs a fluctuating current to create inductance. You can not get that with strait DC current, you have to do a couple of tricks with it to get any inductance to happen. The items you listed do not use transformers the way you are thinking. They are used as filters and chokes in most DC applications.

Transformer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now a Transistor would be a different story. These are what are used in amplifiers. Usb adapters use regulators like we do for our mods.

 

[Stosh]

NiCaD should work fine if they still hold a charge. They should actually be 1.5v per cell so 3 AA would be ~4.5v but would drop with a load. I've done my Pucks with 4AAA or 4AA NiMH which is ~4.8v (more fresh off the charger) and they vape great, last all day (for a heavy vaper).

 

[interestingfellow]

I only know enough to get in trouble, so, sorry, wasn't trying to be a dbag.

Nicad's ok to use? I don't recall the "battery warning" on ecf addressing nicads. i'll go check again.

 

[Stosh]

NiCad's are a safe chemistry, it doesn't vent, flame, used in cameras and radios everywhere.

 

[interestingfellow]

I just wanted to hear someone say that....

I just looked, and see references to NiCads having memory, but nothing about them not being safe to use.

Thanks guys! I'm off to build this thing. I'll report back when it's done!

 

[WillyB]

Moved it.......

 

[Java_Az]

Why the difference between the two PTs?.

IF you press the power button the the PT's with the atomizers on then test for ohms at the USB end of the PT i think you will find the difference in the PT's. Smaller wires start adding resistance to the circuit pretty quick. Running the numbers the pt with the mouse wire and a 1.6ohm atomizer will have a total resistance at the USB port of around 2.17 Ohms The one with 22 gauge wire and the 1.6 ohm will have a total resistance of somewhere around 1.85 ohms. Size of the wire factors into PT's a lot more then one would think. 22gauge wire will add 0.0164 ohms per a foot . The one mouse cord i went to use had really small wires in it. Was thinking it had 30 gauge wires, 30 awg has a resistance of 0.1052 ohms per a foot. So 30 gauge has about 5 times more resistance in it them 22 gauge per a foot. My money is on, that's whats causing the big difference between the two PT's

 

[AttyPops]

Well, anyway, I decided to build a puckish device. 1 4AA holder, with 3 cells at 3.6v total, and 1 AA worth of space for other guts; that way I can also take it on the boat with me too,and not worry as much. I went and got the 3amp switch and box this morning. I was going to go to harbor freight or AA NiMh, but found two 9.6v 1000mah battery packs in my "bin" (collection of random shizzle). They are the 14500/AA size, so it should be ok physically. Would NiCad be ok to use (instead of NiMh)?
If so, then I have 16 rechargable 1000mah batteries!

HehHehHeh... The 3.6 solution....I nailed it .... wooo hooo (really hope that works for you....)

Anyway.... the NiCads have a memory, but that won't bother you on your journey. It builds up over time. Don't forget the proper charger just in case!!!! The NiMH batterys don't suffer from the memory issue.

EDIT: Just read your post #25 again. lol. Yup. memory.

P.S. Assuming true niCad they are 1.2 volt I think.....should say on em. Some may be 1.5v as above, IDK.

Oh, and the transformer question is a good one. It's good for people to see it. Good answer bstedh. You know it's cool to ask questions, that's why the forum is here.

Yes, please check back as I am thinking of building a 3.6/4.8 selectable NiMH and was wondering how the 3.6 performance is.

 

[Java_Az]

Thanks for the like AttyPops. Oh yeah Happy Veterans Day ,Hows it feel to be one year old. You know this means your buying the beer tonight

 

[Stosh]

Quick note on battery memory, read it (no, I don't have a link, my brain is NiMH no memory) and the memory problems showed up on NiCad when they were charged and discharged EXACTLY on a set schedule. First found when used on spacecraft orbiting, discharges on the dark side, charge when in the sunshine. Exactly the same on each orbit. If you discharge and charge batteries randomly, (including Li-ion) no memory effect would ever be realized.

Have to search the reference up

@ Atty - had to try, jumpered out one battery on my puck, 3.6 works, lighter vapor, cooler. Same difference as any ~3.7 and a ~5v, the tenths of a volt aren't that different.

 

[WillyB]

Cool. Guys...For future reference, what about the 3 NiMHs for mini-puck idea? Does that work? That's 3.6 volts. I think NiMH's have plenty of amps....

You think? Not even close to what we need. Let's dump all the anecdotal stories and do a real test.

Here's a fully charged 4 pack (2500mAh) that was 5.5V unloaded, pushing a 2Ω load.

That's a clean naked cell test, in a mod at the atty you could expect .2V less. If they had "plenty of amps" you would not see such an extreme (33%) voltage drop, especially with all that mAh. Maybe there are slighter better NiMHs out there, but for the first 'blast' that we are looking at I can;t imagine much of a difference,

NiCDs though can handle higher discharge rates. I don't have any to actually test but the loaded voltage should be significantly better, but because of their lower capacity vapetimes would be shorter.

The Ni-Cd battery is very useful in applications requiring very high discharge rates because the Ni-Cd can endure such discharge with no damage or loss of capacity,

The capacity of a nickel cadmium battery is not significantly affected by very high discharge currents. Even with discharge rates as high as 50C, a nickel cadmium will provide very nearly its rated capacity.

... a similarly sized NiCd battery has a slightly lower internal resistance, and thus can achieve a higher maximum discharge rate (which can be important for applications such as power tools).

Quick note on battery memory, read it (no, I don't have a link, my brain is NiMH no memory) and the memory problems showed up on NiCad when they were charged and discharged EXACTLY on a set schedule. First found when used on spacecraft orbiting, discharges on the dark side, charge when in the sunshine. Exactly the same on each orbit. If you discharge and charge batteries randomly, (including Li-ion) no memory effect would ever be realized.


@ Atty - had to try, jumpered out one battery on my puck, 3.6 works, lighter vapor, cooler. Same difference as any ~3.7 and a ~5v, the tenths of a volt aren't that different.

Yea, sure.

 

[interestingfellow]

Tell ya what:
Proof is in the pudding. Here is my 1/2 PUCK
3 1000mah nicads
3.6v
1 3amp button
and an LED I ripped out of God knows what (from "the bin")

Here is comparison clip of my freshly charged (but slowly dying) Riva vs my 1/2 Puck. same carto, same juice, same big ace mouth.
If you are offended from top naked fugly men who need to shave but like to vape, then don't click here
Riva first, then 1/2 PUCK, then the riva again, for comparison.
(My kid was asking me questions while shooting the vid)

Not as good, but good enough to help carry me through till I can get a proper mod built to replace my riva. I wouldn't put it at the top of the list of mods to try, buy hey, for $5 in parts and some old other crap, it works! AND, I have 2-1/2 sets of batteries!

I'll report back how it does on the trip tomorrow.

 

[AttyPops]

Good Catch WillyB,

OK, He's using NiCD so he should be cool.

@Interesting - they have higher discharge NiMH's (hybrids/platinum/etc) too. Glad to hear it works OK.

 

[interestingfellow]

Off in the mountains, so I have no cellular service (Tmobile), but i'm out in the car right now (don't worry, wife is driving)

My riva's are holding up pretty well, but I've used my 1/2Puck 2-3 hours per day since we got here. Same batteries, same charge, cooler vape, but good enough to get by with. I can't wait to see how long 1 charge lasts me on these things!

L8R