BuzzKill credits my 5V RIT with inspiring his latest project, the Terminator. In appreciation, he was kind enough to send me a prototype for testing.
The Terminator is a simple device that only does one thing, but it does it well. It's basically a variable-voltage regulator stuffed into a 901 atty tube, with connectors at both ends. Though it uses a 901 tube, it will be available with either 901 or 510 connectors when it goes on sale. Its intended usage is to go between any large mod and atty, and give you all the benefits of variable-voltage vaping without having to purchase a whole new mod. If you have a SB or Chuck or any other 18650 mod, you can use this device with two 15240, 16340, or 18350 batteries (depending on what will fit your mod) and set the voltage to whatever you like. Two 3.7V batteries work best, but two 3V batteries will also work with a slightly lower max voltage.
I've only had the device for a day, but so far it is performing exactly as designed. The voltage adjustment screw protrudes slightly (less than 1mm), but not enough to get caught on anything. It turns easily, but is almost impossible to be accidentally knocked out of adjustment. I should point out that mine is a hand-made prototype, so the final device may look slightly different. For example, you might notice some tool marks around the adjustment screw hole. I have been assured that the final production tubes are being drilled by a machine shop and will be blemish-free.
Here's the results of of my voltage measurements using two freshly charged 18350 batteries in my Indulgence:
Battery voltage: 8.38v unloaded & unregulated
Battery voltage: 6.62v unregulated with 3ohm load
Regulated voltage with 3ohm load:
Turns - Voltage
0 - - - 2.43
1 - - - 2.59
2 - - - 3.11
3 - - - 3.65
4 - - - 4.25
5 - - - 4.83
6 - - - 5.40
7 - - - 5.78
8 - - - 5.81
As expected, going past the min and max points on the pot doesn't change the voltage. However, the pot does "remember" how many turns past you've gone. So if you're turning it down to get to minimum and overshoot by two turns, you'll have to go back up two turns before the voltage starts to rise.
I also did a simple heat test by running it at 5.1V into my 3ohm dummy load for a solid minute. The regulator got warm, but not nearly as hot as an atty would have. It didn't shut down, and the voltage only dropped by 0.04V. Based on this, I'd say this would hold up to even the most fiendish chain-vaper.
So there you have it. The Terminator is a great little device that has the potential to breathe new life into some of the older big battery mods. Heck, you could even use it with two 14250 batteries in a 14500 mod if you want. And I assure you, once you have the ability to set the exact voltage you like, you won't want to go back.
The Terminator is a simple device that only does one thing, but it does it well. It's basically a variable-voltage regulator stuffed into a 901 atty tube, with connectors at both ends. Though it uses a 901 tube, it will be available with either 901 or 510 connectors when it goes on sale. Its intended usage is to go between any large mod and atty, and give you all the benefits of variable-voltage vaping without having to purchase a whole new mod. If you have a SB or Chuck or any other 18650 mod, you can use this device with two 15240, 16340, or 18350 batteries (depending on what will fit your mod) and set the voltage to whatever you like. Two 3.7V batteries work best, but two 3V batteries will also work with a slightly lower max voltage.
I've only had the device for a day, but so far it is performing exactly as designed. The voltage adjustment screw protrudes slightly (less than 1mm), but not enough to get caught on anything. It turns easily, but is almost impossible to be accidentally knocked out of adjustment. I should point out that mine is a hand-made prototype, so the final device may look slightly different. For example, you might notice some tool marks around the adjustment screw hole. I have been assured that the final production tubes are being drilled by a machine shop and will be blemish-free.
Here's the results of of my voltage measurements using two freshly charged 18350 batteries in my Indulgence:
Battery voltage: 8.38v unloaded & unregulated
Battery voltage: 6.62v unregulated with 3ohm load
Regulated voltage with 3ohm load:
Turns - Voltage
0 - - - 2.43
1 - - - 2.59
2 - - - 3.11
3 - - - 3.65
4 - - - 4.25
5 - - - 4.83
6 - - - 5.40
7 - - - 5.78
8 - - - 5.81
As expected, going past the min and max points on the pot doesn't change the voltage. However, the pot does "remember" how many turns past you've gone. So if you're turning it down to get to minimum and overshoot by two turns, you'll have to go back up two turns before the voltage starts to rise.
I also did a simple heat test by running it at 5.1V into my 3ohm dummy load for a solid minute. The regulator got warm, but not nearly as hot as an atty would have. It didn't shut down, and the voltage only dropped by 0.04V. Based on this, I'd say this would hold up to even the most fiendish chain-vaper.
So there you have it. The Terminator is a great little device that has the potential to breathe new life into some of the older big battery mods. Heck, you could even use it with two 14250 batteries in a 14500 mod if you want. And I assure you, once you have the ability to set the exact voltage you like, you won't want to go back.
Attachments
Last edited:
