So I decided to try building a box mod with a dna 30 clone chip. This is the first time I've soldered anything and I didn't want to kill an authentic chip with my non-existent skills. So after hitting up fasttech I started my mod! I apologize in advance for the image heavy post.
I used Padauk because I liked the color. It's actually pretty easy to work with! Progress pics:
Chip labeled and wired:
Things were going well until I cracked the screen. Good thing I got 2!
The wiring is a mess. Not enough space to work with, so the wires are longer than I'd hoped. The fuses (huge) kept the battery from fitting so I've taken them out for now. As soon as I figure out how to solder 2 SMT fuses together without burning them out I will replace them.
The screw for the 510 is uncomfortably close to the battery so I'll be running to the store to buy some liquid electrical tape to paint the screw. Don't want any shorts!
So here is the finished product! Made the window too small so it completely cuts off the battery indicator and part of the W. I got glue everywhere and the finish hadn't cured as much as I'd hoped.
Doing this has already given me ideas for improvement so hopefully the next one will be much better. I need to learn how to make my own pcb to mount the DNA chip to so that I can reduce the amount of wire in the box. I'm also feeling pretty confident about soldering so my next one will definitely be an Evolv. Maybe a DNA40 even!

I used Padauk because I liked the color. It's actually pretty easy to work with! Progress pics:





Chip labeled and wired:

Things were going well until I cracked the screen. Good thing I got 2!

The wiring is a mess. Not enough space to work with, so the wires are longer than I'd hoped. The fuses (huge) kept the battery from fitting so I've taken them out for now. As soon as I figure out how to solder 2 SMT fuses together without burning them out I will replace them.

The screw for the 510 is uncomfortably close to the battery so I'll be running to the store to buy some liquid electrical tape to paint the screw. Don't want any shorts!

So here is the finished product! Made the window too small so it completely cuts off the battery indicator and part of the W. I got glue everywhere and the finish hadn't cured as much as I'd hoped.
Doing this has already given me ideas for improvement so hopefully the next one will be much better. I need to learn how to make my own pcb to mount the DNA chip to so that I can reduce the amount of wire in the box. I'm also feeling pretty confident about soldering so my next one will definitely be an Evolv. Maybe a DNA40 even!