Just For LM2596 Users

Quigsworth · May 2, 2013

Momentary Metal Push Button Switch 16mm | eBay

They aren't cheap and even though they're only rated to 2A DC I've yet to have an issue (over a year) firing 1 to 1.5 ohm coils on batt voltage...

Cavediver · May 2, 2013

Ouch!
I think I'll stick with something a little less expensive for my first build...
Thanks for the info. I'm going to keep that one on file for the next-ish one.

Quigsworth · May 2, 2013

I thought and did the same...but when you get the bug (and you will) of mod building a nice solid switch makes all the difference...luck and post pics when you're done

Cavediver · May 2, 2013

Quigsworth said:
I thought and did the same...but when you get the bug (and you will) of mod building a nice solid switch makes all the difference...luck and post pics when you're done

Yeah, I know.
:laugh:

Another facepalm moment this morning: last night I looked at your ebay link, not realizing it wasn't the US ebay site. The same seller offers those switches for about $7 shipped. That's much more reasonable than the $16ish from your link :laugh:

Using the key words from the item description, I was able to find the same(?) switch on Amazon and at a few other stores; the cheapest of which I found here:
SPST-N.O. Push Button Switch, Polished Metal-Marlin P. Jones & Assoc. Inc.
Their shipping runs at $10 for the first half dozen switches, and that's a reasonable deal given your prediction....

Thanks again for the heads up! Now it's off to find some eGo style connectors.

BryanM · May 6, 2013

So... Here's my first pass-through. Found an "old" mac mouse and a used Dell Laptop adapter I snagged ($1.25 !!) from a thift store..

I think I went a bit overboard with the epoxy this time. Live and learn.

I would've made this a regular mod, if I could find space to put a couple 14500s.. No room.
At least now I can get off of charging two 14500s every day..

I have a few other plastic boxes I've found from around electronics junkyards... but I'm thinking about going all wood for the next one (hides the epoxy pretty good).

xMackx · May 9, 2013

BryanM said:
So... Here's my first pass-through. Found an "old" mac mouse and a used Dell Laptop adapter I snagged ($1.25 !!) from a thift store..

I think I went a bit overboard with the epoxy this time. Live and learn.

View attachment 206767 View attachment 206768

I would've made this a regular mod, if I could find space to put a couple 14500s.. No room.
At least now I can get off of charging two 14500s every day..

I have a few other plastic boxes I've found from around electronics junkyards... but I'm thinking about going all wood for the next one (hides the epoxy pretty good).

Nice clear construction. I know what you mean with space, it's really tricky to pack 2 batteries in with the lm without making a monster box and still being able to get to the pot and read the voltmeter.

I have an extra LM with volt meter I have been thinking about making a passthrough (technically direct power supply) but haven't found a cheap power source I want to use yet. I might have to keep an eye open for a laptop power supply.

Badical9 · May 9, 2013

xMackx said:
Nice clear construction. I know what you mean with space, it's really tricky to pack 2 batteries in with the lm without making a monster box and still being able to get to the pot and read the voltmeter.

I have an extra LM with volt meter I have been thinking about making a passthrough (technically direct power supply) but haven't found a cheap power source I want to use yet. I might have to keep an eye open for a laptop power supply.

Check ebay, you can get a good one cheap.

AC 100 240V to DC 12V 6A Power Supply Converter Adapter for LED Lights Strips US | eBay

That link was the first buy it now after searching "12v 6a power supply"

Cavediver · May 14, 2013

Well, bummer.
I thought I had a couple of the boards on order; turns out I only bought one. Dunno what I was thinking...
DC to DC Buck Step Down Converter LM2596 Voltage Regulator with Blue LED Display | eBay

Anyhow, it arrived today. Damaged. One corner of the display was pressed all the way down to the board, and the entire display was shifted to the left and down (all of the pins at the top of the board are bent). The first digit doesn't light up.

Sigh.

Oh well. I've contacted the seller and will see if they'll make it right. In the meantime, I'm gonna hurry up and wait. I was really hoping to play with VV this weekend.

Pity party on the count of three...

BryanM · May 20, 2013

Maybe this'll be the last time I post a mod in here... feel like I'm spamming.

This time, no epoxy. Drilled some small holes using a small bit in my Dremmel for screws to support the PCB. The PCB is elevated (isolated) from the inside of the tin using nylon nuts. Connectors (510 and Size N DC connector) are isolated from the tin using some old gaskets from my old reliable Baby Notta tank. Instead of soldering to these connectors, used Insulated Quick Disconnects (overheated my last momentary switch connector... resulting in flaky performance).

There's a left over wire off the momentary switch just in case I decide to pop in a fire-LED.

I like the button placement on this guy... Maybe I was just trying to preview what it's like to hold a Reo.

I really like using these PCBs because they take all of the brainwork out of the circuit.. but these ones I got are relatively large. I'm gonna have to find smaller versions of these guys (or move to another type of regulator PCB... maybe dna20).

Alexis Damianidis · Jun 9, 2013

I am still waiting for plastic enclosures but I could not resist.lm2596 in a thick box mod.

Quigsworth · Jun 9, 2013

I get the "can't wait to build" thing alex but seriously dude, think about what you've done...a reg that requires a heat sink if pushed, lion batts, 2-3 amps of current...in a cardboard box...that's a special level of ...?...sure your wiring looks good with the heat shrink and connectors and all but we want to see you around for future builds bud

Alexis Damianidis · Jun 10, 2013

yes you are right the box made from paper is not the safest solution,I just wanted to build.
the battery is 4-shell lifepo4 2000mah,20c.
As I've read in this thread there is not need for an extra heatsink because vaping usually don't last more than 7-10 sec.is this a fact?
where I can find heatsinks and what type/model you think is the most appropriate?

Visus · Jun 12, 2013

BryanM · Jun 12, 2013

alex33 said:
the battery is 4-shell lifepo4 2000mah,20c.

What is the voltage out on this battery? The ones I've seen are 3.7V... are they in series to up the voltage? Any danger in this? I've does this for IMRs, but haven't tried it for LiPOs.

BJ43 · Jun 12, 2013

BryanM said:
What is the voltage out on this battery? The ones I've seen are 3.7V... are they in series to up the voltage? Any danger in this? I've does this for IMRs, but haven't tried it for LiPOs.

A 4 shell (cell) lipo is 14.8V
A 3 shell (cell) lipo is 11.1V

each cell is 3.7v and they are in series.

BryanM · Jun 12, 2013

BJ43 said:
A 4 shell (cell) lipo is 14.8V
A 3 shell (cell) lipo is 11.1V

each cell is 3.7v and they are in series.

Awesome. This is great news to me... the caps on these PCBs are so large that they take up most of the space in the boxes I've wanted to use... leaving very little room for batteries. Are there easy in mod charging solutions for these?

BJ43 · Jun 12, 2013

BryanM said:
Awesome. This is great news to me... the caps on these PCBs are so large that they take up most of the space in the boxes I've wanted to use... leaving very little room for batteries. Are there easy in mod charging solutions for these?

No easy in mod charger, you need a balancing charger.

Be very careful using these unprotected. They can be dangerous if used improperly.

Visus · Jun 12, 2013

You guys have been uber helps, thanks, trying to put a little back

A link to a test done with overloading protected cells,
surprising

Test of overload trip current in 18650 batteries | BudgetLightForum.com

BJ43 · Jun 13, 2013

Visus said:
You guys have been uber helps, thanks, trying to put a little back

A link to a test done with overloading protected cells,
surprising

Test of overload trip current in 18650 batteries | BudgetLightForum.com

On the LM2596, I have been using this newer model that has the holes for the trigger switch. You can use any switch and not restricted to high amps.

New LM2596HV LM2596S DC DC Step Down CC CV Adjustable Power Supply Module | eBay

Just wire the switch to the off/on holes.

BJ43 · Jun 13, 2013

This one is almost plug and play.

DC to DC Buck Step Down Converter LM2596 Voltage Regulator with Blue LED Display | eBay

Also has the holes for the switch.

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