My first box mod with pressure sensitive tactile switch?

[gixer]

Hi,
I have recently made my first box mod. I started to notice when using it that when I press the button harder, I get a better drag. It looks like I accidentally made a box mod with a pressure sensitive switch. I'm using the Tactile Switch with Round actuator.
I think this is a pretty cool feature, but I would rather not have to press the switch hard to get a full drag. I don't know anything about electronics. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could tell me how to fix this. I really like this switch. I have 7 of them, and I plan to use it on other future mods.
Here's a video. I don't have a multimeter, so I just put an old atomizer on there.
YouTube - pv box mod pressure switch

Here's what the inside looks like. I have no idea if I did it correctly.

Any help would be swell.
Regards,

 

[BadState]

I don't know what to say about the pressure sensitive switch. It's very weird. But I would like to compliment your very tidy wiring job.

Oh, I suppose you could fix the switch issue by using one of the 5v regulators with the control pin. That switch isn't rated for that much current anyway.

 

[hoogie76]

My take is the harder you push the more contact area being created and the more current able to churn up to your atty..

 

[wolflrv]

I got one of those switches in my nicostick AA mod. I really really liked the idea of it and it looks great in the box, but I found that after a day's use I've got a little dimple in my finger from pressing the tiny thing and I also think that it's just not getting enough current to the atty. I didn't use the mosfet..just a direct wire job to see if it would work at all. I don't know enough about current, but it just feels that way. Nice little bugger of a switch though.

 

[candre23]

My take is the harder you push the more contact area being created and the more current able to churn up to your atty..

That's it. You're using a tact switch that is intended to pass about 50ma, and instead you're sending several amps through it. The contact points are tiny, and the harder you press, the more conductive area makes contact. A MOSFET would solve the problem, as well as prevent your switch from burning up.

 

[dreams n chains]

Ooo! That's my little switch! Love that switch!

Unfortunately though, it does need a MOSFET or some kind of voltage regulator to protect it. Wish I had more time right now to post some explanations for you but unfortunately I don't tonight.

I can direct you to a link where I touched on it a bit:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...6-my-madvapes-nico-drip-v2-3.html#post1226074

I have not had the chance to put that together and use it for a while as I had hoped. I will be posting a thread on it when I do. In the meantime.... I would suggest you buy a MOSFET. I have a schematic I've made to show how to hook it up but it needs fixed a bit..... I'll post it when I get it done.

MadVapes is sold out of the LDO I mentioned in that link but DigiKey has the MOSFET I have in that picture. I have made picture diagrams of both.


What happens is the little round disk inside the switch becomes warped and the switch does not function properly. Also, the switch became stuck on one persons mod.


Where I used the switch in my Nico-Drip and Manipu Mod was great.... but I agree with you..... it's not the most comfortable switch to use elsewhere... which I've just discovered recently.

Where it is in the one pictured above is angled so that the side of the thumb presses the switch.

BTW.... beautiful little mod you made there and excellent, clean work! Congrats to you!

 

[JamBandPhan]

Where it is in the one pictured above is angled so that the side of the thumb presses the switch.

If you don't mind telling me, how do you get your box mods so smooth and slick? Are you using some kind of epoxy putty then painting over it? That is one slick looking mod you got there. I love the sparkly purple finish. What kind of paint is that?

 

[dreams n chains]

If you don't mind telling me, how do you get your box mods so smooth and slick? Are you using some kind of epoxy putty then painting over it? That is one slick looking mod you got there. I love the sparkly purple finish. What kind of paint is that?

I just started putting up a how-to on it. Here is where it gets into the sculpting part:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...6-my-madvapes-nico-drip-v2-7.html#post1269954

Go back a few pages there and it is where it starts but there is the picture.... I use files and wet or dry sandpaper. Sometimes a dremel or melt it with a stencil burner if necessary.

The paint I am using is creatix air brush paint.... waterbased but the gloss is what protects it. My brother and I are trying 3 types of glosses.... but the Rustoleum Chrystal Clear Enamel found nearly everywhere works great. I want to get some automotive clear coat though.

 

[gixer]

Thanks for the replys guys, and thanks dreams n chains for all the information. I know what you mean about the switch. I love it too, not the most comfortable switch, but the positive clickyness is great. Looks like I'm going to have to learn some basic electronics and more about using mosfets. This seems like a really fun hobby though. I suspect I'll eventually be more addicted to modding than e liquid. haha.

 

[JamBandPhan]

Thanks for the fast reply. I have been working with some of that stick on (sign) vinyl, the holographic type is my favorite (I love the color changing stuff and all the different patterns)

I have been thinking of how to clear coat it so it does not start to peel up. I was thinking of trying that Rustoleum clear coat, thanks for verifying that it does work well.

 

[gixer]

I went to a local electronics store today, and the guy working there said one of these will work on what I'm trying to do.

He told me how to hook it up as well, but I totally forgot what he said. Aaarrrgghh.
Does anyone know how to use one of these?
Cheers,

 

[dreams n chains]

Hi gixer!

You can do a Google search for any number on a MOSFET or transistor, etc.

In your case: 2N 3904

 

[nicotime]

http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/2N/2N3904.pdf

 

[gixer]

Thanks guys,
I ended up just changing the switch to a bigger one.

Then I finally figured out how the transistor works.

Unfortunately, I found out after from guys in the other forum that this one will probably get fried.