(Pen) USB Passthrough from scratch

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I have this problem with snagging my passthroughs on stuff that I walk by. So I would use the usb plug and make a new atomizer connection via Radio Shack AA box/micro switch.

Then after I snag that and ruin the cable, I bought a usb cable at the dollar store, but it had 4 wires, I found the 2 that created the 5+ volts needed and hooked those 2 up to the battery case mod mentioned above and showed 5+ volts coming out but could not get more than a half of vape to come out.

Keep in mind that the only thing changed was the cable that had previously produced good vape and now not. Same atomizer, same atomizer connection.

Soooooooooooooo, I was wondering if it there is something special with the passthrough cables that I am missing.

Thanks in advance for any help.

-Paul
 

Cellmeister

Ultra Member
ECF Veteran
Jan 3, 2009
1,012
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Beantown, USA
Some of The Cheaper USB Cables Use Aluminum instead of copper, also another factor is the gauge of the wire (thinner) and if it is stranded or solid wire (solid is stiffer & breaks easier inside when bent too much and can cause an iffy connection on / off), Also the USB Connectors contacts are not as good, u should see if you can tweak them for a better connection.

Also check your switch (could be too low a rating) developed hot spots causing poor contact) and double check all your other connections in case they got stressed. You can still get 5 volts but that does not mean its their, if u have a crappy connection when u go to vape (it moved or loss contact somewhere partially) and it can cause your issue.

If u think none of the above, I assume u already tried an other known working atomizer?

Don't Forget You Can Also Mod A Big Battery & Have Wireless With Extra Long Power!

Hope That Helps.

Keep Vapin!
 
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opusMorian

Senior Member
ECF Veteran
Feb 14, 2009
84
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Houston, TX
If you can, connect the ground on the pass through to the negative to the atomizer. Then select the mode on the multimeter to measure current. Black on the multimeter goes to the positive side of the pass through and red goes to the positive side on the atomizer. See how much amp you can pull while the pass through is activated. That should at least tell you if you have a low amp problem
 
If you can, connect the ground on the pass through to the negative to the atomizer. Then select the mode on the multimeter to measure current. Black on the multimeter goes to the positive side of the pass through and red goes to the positive side on the atomizer. See how much amp you can pull while the pass through is activated. That should at least tell you if you have a low amp problem

Thanks Opus, but I can barely test continuity and dc volts with this multimeter gizmo that I got from Harbor Freight for $3.99. I'm new to this electronic stuff and am reluctantly learning so I can build reliable vaping hardware.

-Paul
 

KeithPatrick

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Apr 18, 2009
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Try using different ports. I made one and it would not work well with one of my "usb 5v to 120 ac" adapters, so I used it with another and got great vaping.
 

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Try using different ports. I made one and it would not work well with one of my "usb 5v to 120 ac" adapters, so I used it with another and got great vaping.

Yeh, I tried my battery pack, car usb adapter and 4 separate ports on to computers.

I think I will try some other types of usb cables.
 
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