need circuit board wiring help

[Silent Soldier]

Ok so I have a noob question. I've been looking into modding as I'm an avid DIY'er and I noticed this wiring diagram on madvapes for the 5v box mod. I can read the diagram and could follow it easily but I'm admittedly a noob when it comes to circuitry so here's my question: How do you know where to solder the components on the circuit board? I would like to make my own variations and add other components but I have no idea where or how I would place them on the board as I do not know why these were placed where they are.

 

[Capt' Brian]

Not sure what your asking, but the 'Perf Board' represents the small circuit board. If you mount the components as indicated on the circuit board like you were looking at a top view it should all work fine with this schematic. There will be more holes in the circuit board than you need, and if you look close at the board you will see the rows are connected by fine lines, these are the same as the above picture running horizontally.

Good luck, have fun

 

[Silent Soldier]

I understand all that, I'm just wondering where/how I would add other stuff on the perf board. For example, if i wanted to add a USB breakout board like this one, where would I solder it on the board showed in the other diagram I posted? And would that allow for usb recharging while the batteries are still in the box with the proper voltage recharger? That's what I'm asking, how do you know where on the board to solder the components to make everything work?

 

[interestingfellow]

No, you cannot just feed in 5v and charge the batteries, they are not 5v (individually or combined), they will overcharge, fry, and possibly explode, and will get ruined. Charging most PV batteries require a charging circuit. Also, even though this diagram is for a 5v mod, it is actually 7.2ish volts, and the regulator drops it down to 5v so you don't toast the atty (the charging circuit would need to be for 7.2v and would be very specialized, and even then, it depends on what type of battery chemistry they are using).
Charging PTs exist and they work because the atty will be pulling most of the current from the batteries and not the usb 5v, but there are also PTs that run right off the power supply (use a USB power adapter, not a computer/tv/expensive electronic).

What you are asking requires an intimate knowledge of electrical engineering to accomplish (which, I do not posses, but am working on).

Good luck!

 

[retird]

Not for sure but batteries in series will be the issue...

 

[Al Bundy]

Without a proper charging circuit the batteries could easily catch fire and/or explode attempting what you're suggesting. The circuit posted is at best a bare bones box mod. I'd suggest charging the batteries on an actual battery charger and swap them out of the box mod as needed. Charging circuits are not an area people without the proper background should attempt on the fly.

 

[Al Bundy]

Not for sure but batteries in series will be the issue...

There is no issue, the voltages will add, capacity will remain the same in terms of amp hours.

 

[VpnDrgn]

Batteries in series is part of the issue because the simple chargers we are used to, are for 1 cell. Once the first batt in series is charged the pcb should cut in to keep it from overcharging and this will cut off the power to the second batt. On-board charging of multiple cells will require a purpose built pcb with circuitry for multi cells.

There is a plug-and-play option though. Battery Junction has pre-wired batt packs for series and parallel.
They have the proper pcb's for multi-cell charging in conjunction with their univ multi cell charger. Put a power jack ( usb, dc, whatever ) in the box, and you can plug the charger in and charge
batts without having to take them out.

You can see an example here. View attachment VV DESIGN.pdf
or here View attachment VV BOX MOD V2.pdf

Or, for single cell you can do this. View attachment 3.7V BOX.pdf

edit - all this is in regards to your example of wanting on-board charging. Where you would apply other options to the circuit board, depends on what you want.

 

[Al Bundy]

Oh he meant attempting to charge the batteries in series, I misread the reply. Yes that would be an issue. However the circuit could be designed to switch the batteries into a parallel configuration using a dpdt switch to charge as well.

Still in terms of use, easier to swap the batteries so you can use the box while another set/sets are charging.

 

[Silent Soldier]

Yea I've been doing alot more research and now have a better understanding of all of this. My initial question was due to a lack of understanding of how all of the electronic components work together, I'm still not sure what purpose the capacitor in the diagram from my original post is serving since the mod would still work without it but I know why the resisters are where they are and things like that.

 

[twgbonehead]

Yea I've been doing alot more research and now have a better understanding of all of this. My initial question was due to a lack of understanding of how all of the electronic components work together, I'm still not sure what purpose the capacitor in the diagram from my original post is serving since the mod would still work without it but I know why the resisters are where they are and things like that.

In the simplest sense, the cap is like a shock absorber on your car. It should drive fine without it, but it drives a lot smoother with it.

In practice, you probably don't need it for this circuit (where the load is just a resistance) but some types of regulators absolutely do need an output cap. If it fits, put it in!