Questions Regarding My First Mod - Battery Placement

[rickylford]

Hey all,

I am about to jump into the world of creating custom mods and hopefully getting to the point of selling some here at ECF. In the meantime, I'm doing some mockup drafts of a device I'd like to make, and I have a question regarding battery placement. This is going to be a box mod (I think a box would be a great starting point) and this is how I envision setting up the batteries in the mod:



Now, what I'm thinking is using two RCR123A batteries in my first test. But, that draws up another question or so.

With this box mod, I'm looking to add a potentiometer so that the box mod can go from 3.7v all the way up to the battery max that's put in. So, my first question is, would RCR123A batteries be able to be placed side by side like this? I know people talk about "stacking" batteries being bad, but would this be considered stacking if they are placed side by side in fashion where they are locked into place? (Think the AA battery pack that comes in those Radio Shack DIY kits).

Now, something else that came to mind is the ability to go over 6v for anyone that would want to go over. Would a potentiometer allow the user to go over 6v? I've only seen potentiometers that topped out at like 5.X volts, but I could have been mistaken. And if a potentiometer CAN go above 6v, would it be possible to make the added space so that the two battery slots can fit two Tenergy Li-ion 2600mah 3.7v 18650 batteries? I've got a TON of 123A batteries and I have two 18650s that I would be able to test in my mod, but I'm curious as to how it would all come together.

So, there we go. To sum it up:

1. Would two RCR123A batteries be "stackable" if they are placed side-by-side like shown above?
2. If I want to create a box mod that goes from 3.7 volts all the way up to 7.0+ volts, would a potentiometer allow me to go that high? Or do potentiometers "top out" at certain voltages?
3. Would I be able to use two 18650 batteries to achieve the higher voltage range, and would those two 18650s be able to be limited all the way down to 3.7 volts by using the potentiometer?
4. EDIT: Another question: if I were to put an LCD display in this so that potential users are able to see what voltage they are at (I would assume that's a MUST in a VV device), do those LCD displays also stop counting after a certain "max" is reached? Or would it display 7.0+ volts just fine?
5. EDIT: What about using just ONE rechargeable 9v battery? Would a potentiometer and LCD be able to adjust and display those voltages correctly? That would also help cut down the size of the box mod a LOT!

I think that's basically all of the questions that I have for the time being. I'm going to go and speak with a machine shop tomorrow morning to get some quotes on how much it would cost to machine this mod out of metal parts so that it's insanely durable. But, all of that will come with time. For right now, I need to get the "basics" figured out and get all the part placements down first.

Thanks!
Ricky

ANOTHER EDIT: I was looking at Mad Vapes for a potentiometer, and for some reason, I couldn't find one on their website anywhere. I found the LCD screen to display the voltage, but no potentiometer. So, I did a little Google search, and found these:

http://www............com/product-f...-3362P-503-50K-POTENTIOMETER-wholesalers.html

Not sure why the URL isn't showing above, but the spot between www. and .com is:
a l i e x p r e s s

Why does that URL not show up right? Are they banned from discussion here or something?

Are those the right kinds of potentiometers to choose to put into these suckers? If not, what should I be looking for specifically? Thanks a lot!

 

[Dougiestyle]

You'll need a regulator for use with a potentiometer. Unfortunately, a potentiometer isn't going to do what you want. Yes, installing batteries in series, like you're describing is a good set-up, as each battery is mounted with a spring that will most likely collapse if heated too much in a thermal run-away.

Check out madvapes vv circuit. It's easy to solder and does a fine job of providing voltage from 3.4-7.4v, depending on the setting.

 

[rickylford]

You'll need a regulator for use with a potentiometer. Unfortunately, a potentiometer isn't going to do what you want. Yes, installing batteries in series, like you're describing is a good set-up, as each battery is mounted with a spring that will most likely collapse if heated too much in a thermal run-away.

Check out madvapes vv circuit. It's easy to solder and does a fine job of providing voltage from 3.4-7.4v, depending on the setting.

I thought I read somewhere that you should NOT install batteries in a series? What exactly is a "series" anyway? I thought it meant stacking them one on top of each other, but I guess judging by your response that's wrong haha.

And is this the part you're talking about: http://www.madvapes.com/Variable-Voltage-Regulator-Board-Kit-Rev-2_p_2994.html

 

[Rader2146]

Serial and Parallel Battery Configurations and Information

The term "stacking", while technically the wrong term, has become a pseudonym for a series configuration in the vaping world. Series configurations become dangerous when the used without adequate outgas ventilation, which usually is combined with some type of abuse to the batteries; over current, undervoltage, heat, .... When used correctly, within acceptable limits, series configurations are no more dangerous than a single cell. Quality batteries are a must though, or else your just starting from a disadvantage.

 

[rickylford]

Thanks for the info guys! Anyone else have a recommendation on the other questions I have up there?

 

[johnpencraig]

I recommend that you gain a lot more knowledge and experience of batteries and circuitry before thinking of selling anything. I'm sorry to be harsh, but if you're confused about what 'series' is, it's a bit worrying.

 

[rickylford]

I recommend that you gain a lot more knowledge and experience of batteries and circuitry before thinking of selling anything. I'm sorry to be harsh, but if you're confused about what 'series' is, it's a bit worrying.

I'm not doing it for the sole reason of "selling something" and making a quick buck. That's a looooong way down the road. I want to make a very solid VVPV device that I love to use myself before presenting something to the public for purchase. I have a lot to learn when it comes to soldering electronics and getting this kind of thing started, but then again, everyone started from somewhere right?

I don't understand why you should feel "worried." I'm not asking you to personally test my devices, nor am I asking you to purchase anything. I'm sorry to be harsh, but for someone to respond to a thread where I'm openly asking for help in getting started with modding in a way that you did is a bit worrying.

 

[johnpencraig]

If your post hadn't included the word 'selling', I'd have been impressed with your obvious enthusiasm, and offered what limited advice I have.( I really didn't think you were after a quick buck at all though). I used the word worrying in relation to the thought of you selling another series rcr123 mod that might end up in meltdown.
I realise now from your last post that your thoughts about selling are loooooonger down the road than I first gathered.

If I can give you some advice after upsetting you, it would just be to immerse yourself in this modding forum, until you can understand the language, if not speak it! (well, that's my experience anyway)
Apart from the Madvapes, you can use more efficient but more complicated regulating circuits. If you want a challenging introduction and learning aid, here are the standard threads for a series configuration like you proposed -
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/191607-easy-okr-t-vv-mod.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-mods/114901-evercool-variable-voltage-mod.html
This one covers the use of a single battery-
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/178144-44-mini-booster-box-mod.html

 

[rickylford]

If your post hadn't included the word 'selling', I'd have been impressed with your obvious enthusiasm, and offered what limited advice I have.( I really didn't think you were after a quick buck at all though). I used the word worrying in relation to the thought of you selling another series rcr123 mod that might end up in meltdown.
I realise now from your last post that your thoughts about selling are loooooonger down the road than I first gathered.

If I can give you some advice after upsetting you, it would just be to immerse yourself in this modding forum, until you can understand the language, if not speak it! (well, that's my experience anyway)
Apart from the Madvapes, you can use more efficient but more complicated regulating circuits. If you want a challenging introduction and learning aid, here are the standard threads for a series configuration like you proposed -
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/191607-easy-okr-t-vv-mod.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-mods/114901-evercool-variable-voltage-mod.html
This one covers the use of a single battery-
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/178144-44-mini-booster-box-mod.html

Thank you. I really do appreciate your input with this response. I recognize that my post earlier was probably a little too snarky and uncalled for, so I apologize. What I meant by selling my devices is turning modding into a full time business. I'd love nothing more than to offer cheap vaping solutions to a community that has shown to help me tremendously. I'm into this, first and foremost, as an excited vaper. I'm in it second to support the community. If I can combine those two into my own business, then I'll be in vaping heaven.

So, with the information you provided, I'll definitely check it out. I'm definitely not stuck on RCR123 batteries at all. In fact, I'm starting to lean more towards a dual 18650 device so that I can run two of those batteries at the same time and get up to 7v going. But, I guess I should probably set my sights a little lower for the time being.

I made my first step and bought a soldering iron and a multimeter this evening to help jumpstart my tinkering. A soldering iron isn't anything I would use except for building these custom mods, so it's a huge first step for me haha. I plan to get a dremel tool next and then see about purchasing some small parts to begin building my first mod with just a single battery setup until I can get more acquainted with how everything will go together. Once I get that knowledge down, I'll work on adding another battery.

 

[Dougiestyle]

You're on the right path. Acquisition of tools is a priority. Definitely have some nice, heavy-duty paperclips on-hand. You'll understand when you get to needing them lol.

Another handy gadget is a set of "helping hands". It's basically two alligator clips on adjustable "arms" with a handy magnifying glass. This helps secure two parts that you want to mate with the soldering iron, without burning your fingers or effin-up your connection.

Good luck with your adventure/hobby/endeavor!

 

[Rader2146]

While we're talking tools....a pair of flush cut wire nippers. They will save a lot of headaches over standard side cutters when working with short runs and tight space.

Similar to this, but I got mine from RadioShack for less.

Xuron 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter:Amazon:Industrial & Scientific

 

[Eagle Talon]

Thanks for the info guys! Anyone else have a recommendation on the other questions I have up there?

kuuco | eBay

look at this one!

 

[bstedh]

Starting at a plain jane 3.7v mod like a flashlight mod is a good starting point to get your skills going. I jumped in with an okr mod as one of my first but I have an electronics background. Having said that the okr is not a huge skill jump. Also I had to re-learn a lot as I haven't done component level work in almost 20 years because of the pluck and chuck nature of todays electronics.

At this point I have a million ideas and no time to experiment...

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