Question for modders and electronic wizards

[MickeyRat]

Guys I need some pointers. I just built one of highping's $8 juice boxes and I really like it. I have some relatives and friends that I'd like to share it with. Also I pretty much threw that together because I wasn't sure it would work and I didn't know whether I'd like it. I really need to make it a little nicer and I'd like it to last.

For modders in general

I read one post that indicated that over time the box will develop stress cracks. Given the way this mod is built, I'm pretty sure that will happen in a matter of months. The way you get in appears to be the biggest weakness. So, if I don't want to have to solder one of these up every few months for me and my friends, there are three solutions that I can think of.

Reinforce the box by sculpting something with epoxy putty or something around the outside. First, I'm no sculptor. Second, I'm not sure it would work especially on those little tabs that hold the back on.

Use a different material for the box. It looks like the guys that build these things professionally do it with either wood or aluminum and fabricate it themselves. Very cool but, I have neither the equipment nor the skills.

The only other solution I can think of is to try to make everything in the box either removable or cheap enough that I can replace it easily. That'll work for me but, I'd really prefer not be stuck doing that for my friends. No way some of them will touch it.

Any suggestions on a box that will hold up? Any suggestions on making this box hold up?

For the electronic wizards

I'm considering using a tactile switch for this. That means using a mosfet. I'd also like to use stripboard to make things neater and more compact. To save shipping, it would be nice to buy everything in one place. Digi-key and Mouser have really terrible prices on stripboard in small quantities. Futurlec has decent prices on stripboard but, they don't have the only mosfet I know will work in this application. So, two questions.

First, what specifications (Rds, etc.) should I be looking for?

Second, on the sites I've looked at, you have a list of mosfets and you usually have to click something else to see the specs. I'm certain there are many mosfets that will work on for this but, just randomly going down a list of hundreds of them and clicking to look at specs is pretty inefficient. Is there a better way?

I'm not asking for an education. A web page that provide a few pointers would be very helpful though.

Thanks for any help.

 

[asdaq]

The black ABS is probably the more durable of the boxes, and you can get thicker project boxes too. You could put some armor on the outside, but that doesn't necessarily keep the parts inside from cracking. Planning to replace the box itself is probably the best bet and likely the least work in the end. Filling with epoxy or hot glue will make harder to get the parts out later.

For a mosfet, searching a bit around here and seeing what gets used helps. For example the http://search.digikey.com /scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?WT.z_header=search_go&lang=en&site=ca&keywords=IRLU3114ZPBF-ND&x=14&y=16

 

[Dougiestyle]

This is the MOSFET I was suggested to use Digi-Key - IRL3103PBF-ND (Manufacturer - IRL3103PBF). I am no electronics-guru, tho. I just ordered 3 of those last night. I was told by my girlfriend's son, who's an electronic engineer, that would work for the application of a switch that's rated .5A-max on a circuit that draws ~1.5A. A resistor will need soldered between the gate and source, as well. I'll pick those up at the Shack, when the package arrives.

As for the box and reinforcing it, shopping around will help you find what you're looking for, but you can coat the unit with Plasticoat. It's sold at autoparts stores for giving a rubberized grip to hand tools. The surface you're coating needs to be sanded and prepped for good adhesion, tho.

I hope this helps. Good luck, and congrats on building your working mod!

 

[WillyB]

I read one post that indicated that over time the box will develop stress cracks.

The clear/translucent boxes are made of a more brittle plastic.

 

[MickeyRat]

The clear/translucent boxes are made of a more brittle plastic.

Yeah but they look cool!!! I'm looking at one of these right now.

Thanks very much to others that have replied.

 

[WillyB]

Yeah but they look cool!!

Well then maybe you'll find this 'way cool'.

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And ergonomic.

 

[MickeyRat]

Well I've been digging into mosfet info. I'm pretty sure any mosfet that will handle the current and has a low Rds will work. So, I went ahead and ordered some IRL3705s. If that's going to fry, someone please tell me. I'll be out $5.00 or so but, I'll thank you for saving me the trouble of soldering it in.

Oh I forgot to mention that does look cool WillyB!!!