Just Did A Side by Side ... 20G vs. 28G USB Wiring

[CaSHMeRe]

So,

We were originally going to use 20G 3' USB cables, however, we decided to check sources and the real life application ....

So ...
We wired up the same USBpass 3 hot wires intertwined, 3 ground wires intertwined. In other words, plug in 1 (20g) USB and use, then unplug, and simply plug in the 28g USB cord. You can use pretty much side by side or one after the other.

With a mulitmeter ... We determined, at 3 ft., you are getting the same mA and Volts from the 28G and the 20G. Exact was roughly .515A ... Voltage was 5.1xV.

So, with that said, we will be using 28G wire instead of 20G. Both pull the same amount of power across the board ... however, the 28g seems to be more versatile ...

Just a quick note for ya'll.

 

[balldope]

Thanks Cash... Looking forward to them!!!

 

[StratOvation]

Gotta say I am disappointed to here that Steve.

The simple comparison you mentioned does not eliminate all variables.

Is the max load of .5 amps restricted by the supply or the load?

If the supply has a max output of .5 amps then all circuits will only be able to carry .5 amps.

If the load (atomizer) has a max load of .5 amps, the same results will be found on all 3 circuits.

Why do you state that 28g is more versatile?

Just my opinion here, but all the data I can find indicates that 20g is not only many times more durable than 28g, it is also capable of carrying >4X the amp load of 28g.

I've had 2 Janty KB and 2 standard 901 USB PT's fail in the past 6 weeks with no apparent shorts or hardware failure. I attribute all the failures to the ultra fine, brittle 26-28g wire used in the manufacture of the devices.

In my mind, using 28g wire for this application is like trying to tow a truck with bailing twine tied to your hitch. Your incorporating a weak link into your design.

Your post indicating the use of 20g wire reassured me that I had made the right decision when I ordered them, However, now I have to wonder if I'll be retuning my new PureSmoker PT's for the same reason.

Hope you reconsider this decision.

Mike

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Hey Mike ...

I was thinking of you as the tests were being performed

We did in fact test the USB cables on a USB Battery Pack, capable of roughly 2-2.5a and saw no ill signs of slowing down on the 28g wire. At this point, the only limitation is on the power supply itself ... not the Atomizer/Wire. When using a true 2.0 USB power source rated at 500mA, that is exactly what you will be getting. When using a 2000+mA battery pack, again, 28G is large enough to carry it at 3ft, and you will also be fine with little to no degradation.

Now, as far as durability is concerned ... The USB cables we are running are rated up to 30V ... we aren't even coming close to touching that...

This Calculator May Help ... Wire Gauges Stay between 26G and 30G (To Determine Watts: Watts = Amps x Volts) As you can see, I just fiddled with it and put in .3 watts [roughly .6a (600mA)] and I had a recommended wire gauge of 30G. Bump the wattage to 10 watts [2a (2000mA)] and wire gauge recommendation is 26G.
Vihon Wire Gage Calculator

At this point, I just think 20G is overkill and unnecessary ...

 

[CaSHMeRe]

now, as far as construction: (as i see you edited your post)

1) Not worried about pullouts as we now use a heavy duty grommet to hopefully alleviate such issues. You can never been 100% sure ...

2) Soldering a 20G wire vs. a 28G wire to a tact switch will really not make much of a difference. You can use the same amount of Solder for each, and beef it up if you feel the solder joint may come loose (which I have yet to see

3) I have yet to see an actual USB Failure due to the USB cable itself ... It more or less has to do with the *device* (The piece the Atomizer screws on to) Both old PT's, and Janty's Passthrough have wayyyyy more parts that can fail .... We have all of 1 thing that can fail ... the switch itself, that has a rated duty cycle of roughly 1,000,000 million uses minimum.

 

[StratOvation]

Steve,

Quote me a price for a PS PT Custom built with 20g and 5 foot long.

I really want a dependable device that I can feel confident in.

At 3 foot I'll be forced to use an extension cable everywhere or purchase additional power packs to carry around.

Seriously, Give me a price please

Mike

 

[gryffandor]

Steve, I agree with your choice of 28ga. It is more than heavy enough for the intended load & 3 ft. will keep it from catching on everything in sight. I think the flexibility of 28ga vs 20ga will make it a better product.

 

[StratOvation]

Ok, been playing with the calculator (sweet little tool! thanks)...

heres what I ran.... 1.5a X 5V = 7.5W

@ 5 ft. and amplitude At 5VAC = 24awg recomended

If ya drop the allowable voltage loss to 5% = 20awg recomended

Would ya consider a Custom order for a PS PT @ 24awg and 5 foot?

C'mon Steve....Hook a Brother up!

 

[CaSHMeRe]

oi vey ... ur killin me strato!!! haha

I may offer 3' and 6' versions. The 3' will use a 28AWG and the 6' will use a 20AWG ... Grommets have already started being produced for the 28AWG version, so I will see if I can get one made for you Either way, the option for 6' will likely be on the 2nd round of production starting in about 2-3 weeks.

 

[StratOvation]

Steve, I agree with your choice of 28ga. It is more than heavy enough for the intended load & 3 ft. will keep it from catching on everything in sight. I think the flexibility of 28ga vs 20ga will make it a better product.

Because your face is 3 foot from the outlet!! 8-o

The Janty KB PT is 4 foot and the Cheapo chinese standards are 4 foot plus.

 

[StratOvation]

oi vey ... ur killin me strato!!! haha

I may offer 3' and 6' versions. The 3' will use a 28AWG and the 6' will use a 20AWG .. Grommets have already started being produced for the 28AWG version, so I will see if I can get one made for you Either way, the option for 6' will likely be on the 2nd round of production starting in about 2-3 weeks.

You Da Man!!!! So ya want me to email Casey to change my ordered PT's to 2nd round?
As I'm sure the added length, heavier gauge wire, etc will be somewhat more expensive.

Thanks again Steve!!! Your a True Blue Bud 'til da end!!! (sniff sniff, wipin' away little moisture from corner of my eyeball) BTW, next Beers on me!!!!

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Yeah, go ahead and shoot her an email.

I doubt a price increase, because as more and more are made in production, pricing comes down a whole lot! Hoping for under $100 for the Prodigy within the next 3 months (including batts and everything) and under $25 for the USB units! Only time will tell Either way, pricing will stay the same for the one(s) you have ordered Mike

 

[StratOvation]

Wow! Hope that ain't just yer eternal optimism shinin through. But that would be sweet!

Email sent to Casey.

BTW, Iffin ya change yer mind bout the price(ie. ya sober up), just shoot me an invoice for the difference.

Thanks again Steve! (Now I am startin to understand why so many of yer customers instantly jump to yer defense and are constantly walkin 'round Chantin' "PureSmoker Rocks::::Ohmmm:::ureSmoker Rocks::::Ohmmm:::ureSmoker Rocks")

Mike

 

[mgrimes]

Since I sit in front of my MacBook Pro vaping on my pass-through most of the day, thanks for producing one with a shorter cable. The Prodigy will do the job just fine for when I'm not on the laptop, but I've always wanted a kick ... PT for late night coding

 

[Nicfits]

Just my thoughts on the length of the cable being 3 feet.
I am using a manual 510 passthrough with a 4 1/2 foot cable, and even it seems too short. I am always having to lean over to use my passthrough. I cannot lean back in my chair and take a relaxing vape while plugged in to my computer simply because of the location of the USB 2.0 port.
This one however has an inline 10440 battery which makes it nice to unplug, stick the battery end of the cable in my pocket and vape on the go. Plus I like the inline battery for the protection it gives me from possible voltage spikes and drops.
I think at least 5 foot cable would be much better for the PS PT.
This 510 passthrough also has the small 28 ga. wire in its cable and it is my only complaint about it. The cable makes it look cheap and rincky dink, but it does work.
Note: The cable on this 510 manual passthrough is not the typical thick round multi wire usb cable that is found on high end usb cables. It is a flat ribbon design, which also attributes to the appearance of being rincky dink. I am tempted to replace this cable with that of a heavier, better quality 6 foot cable.
Perhaps I will sabotage one of my wife's Ipod usb cables, which are of great quality.

Go ahead, she won't mind! Nooo! don't do it, Think of your wife!

 

[gryffandor]

Because your face is 3 foot from the outlet!! 8-o

The Janty KB PT is 4 foot and the Cheapo chinese standards are 4 foot plus.

No Strat, because I use a USB power pack so I don't have to sit 3ft, 5ft, 10ft from anywhere. 3ft is long enough to make it from my belt or pocket. The pack lasts a full day of heavy vapin & charges in 3 hrs.

 

[StratOvation]

No Strat, because I use a USB power pack so I don't have to sit 3ft, 5ft, 10ft from anywhere. 3ft is long enough to make it from my belt or pocket. The pack lasts a full day of heavy vapin & charges in 3 hrs.

As do I Gryff (The Kensington, which do you use?) but I don't want to carry my USB pack around constantly. It's so much more convienient to plug in a few 120vac/USB adaptors in key locations throughout the house and just plug in my USBPT wherever I'm kickin back for a relaxin Vape. I prefer to only use my USBPack while I'm on the go.

I can get about 1 1/2 days outta my Pack, but I'm also only cookin my 801's @ ~3.0V due to the inline 3.6V battery. I expect I'll be lucky to get 1 full day of Sincere Vapin' outta my pack when I get my 6' 20awg PS PT Cookin' @ a full unregulated 5V, But I'm gonna be enjoyin' the sastisfaction of the added vapor production so it's a no-brainer for me.
When I first got my USBPack, I was carrying it around constantly, then I stumbled onto the 120vac adaptors on a website. Since I've had the adaptors I use the pack alot less, but it is still the cats meow for being out-n-about.

Mike

Hey Steve if ya happen accrossed this post....check yer PM's dude

 

[Merus]

oi vey ... ur killin me strato!!! haha

I may offer 3' and 6' versions. The 3' will use a 28AWG and the 6' will use a 20AWG ... Grommets have already started being produced for the 28AWG version, so I will see if I can get one made for you Either way, the option for 6' will likely be on the 2nd round of production starting in about 2-3 weeks.

I'll be waiting for the 6 ft myself. The USB ports on the front of my computer are at arms length to my right, and it will need to reach the left side of my keyboard with a few feet remaining. 3 ft is just not long enough, for me.

Will the 6 ft version be a standard option, or will it require a special order?

 

[wegster]

Just my thoughts on the length of the cable being 3 feet.
I am using a manual 510 passthrough with a 4 1/2 foot cable, and even it seems too short. I am always having to lean over to use my passthrough. I cannot lean back in my chair and take a relaxing vape while plugged in to my computer simply because of the location of the USB 2.0 port.
This one however has an inline 10440 battery which makes it nice to unplug, stick the battery end of the cable in my pocket and vape on the go. Plus I like the inline battery for the protection it gives me from possible voltage spikes and drops.
I think at least 5 foot cable would be much better for the PS PT.
This 510 passthrough also has the small 28 ga. wire in its cable and it is my only complaint about it. The cable makes it look cheap and rincky dink, but it does work.
Note: The cable on this 510 manual passthrough is not the typical thick round multi wire usb cable that is found on high end usb cables. It is a flat ribbon design, which also attributes to the appearance of being rincky dink. I am tempted to replace this cable with that of a heavier, better quality 6 foot cable.
Perhaps I will sabotage one of my wife's Ipod usb cables, which are of great quality.

Go ahead, she won't mind! Nooo! don't do it, Think of your wife!

Agree 100% on the 510 passthrough. With it plugged into my macbook, it's fine when I'm at the keyboard, but when I need to stretch, or rock back in my chair..it's slightly too short.

Additionally, as you said, with the flat side by side style thin gauge wiring, it's thin enough to catch on nearly *anything*, even in the 'slots' of my glass topped desk. I expect sooner or later it to get caught on something, then fall apart from the momentary strain.

I'd 'vote' for a 5' cable, thicker gauge preferable (even if not necessary due to foreseeable load), and please, a round/shielded style of cable.

 

[firhill]

I'm holding off for the remote control version of the passthrough.