Soft Touch Micro Swithc

[Erwin]

I hope I am posting this in the right place:

I am looking to try and build my first mod and will be using a 2 AA box from madvapes. I am wondering if I will have success using the Soft touch micro switch. for use in a 3.7v box mod. Is there anything special that I need to do with this switch that wouldn't apply to the horn style switch listed in the tek? Thanks again in advance, this community rocks!

 

[basementcat]

You would need a MOSFET to keep from blowing that switch since it's only rated at 50ma. For a standard 3.7v you want at least a 3a switch unless you wanna be replacing it all the time.

 

[Erwin]

That was what I was worried about. Wasn't sure sure since there was talk of being able to use that switch with a 5v box mod. I am terribly sorry that I am new to this and hope I am not asking a repetitive question on here. I will look into a 3a rated switch instead to K.I.S.S. Thanks for the quick reply SmokinLabbit

 

[basementcat]

Np. You can use that switch with a 5v reg with a control pin because the reg then acts like a mosfet. Otherwise a normal 5v reg without a control pin would break it just the same.

 

[Erwin]

So I could install the 5v control pin and be able to use it? Might save that move for the second box then and see how things go with the first one. Using this to get my feet wet. I swear I have read that 3.7v tek on the MadVapes forum a hundred times already!

 

[basementcat]

Yeah you could use there 5v reg to make that small witch work with 3.7 but I am unsure how you would wire it to do so.

 

[Pox]

I've used that switch in a couple 3.7 mods. Works just fine wired normally. 50ma is at 12v.

Just be sure you get used to using a master on/off switch with it. Had a friend almost burn his leg by sticking it in his pocket while masters on.

 

[oldgoat]

Ive used that exact switch in my box mods and it is in the wetbox that I put in the mod forum ... at 3.7v I havnt lost a switch yet and I use mine all the time.

 

[Java_Az]

A 2.8 ohm atomizer @ 3.7 volts will pull 1.3 amps. Running 1.3 amps threw a switch that is rated @ 50mA 12volts might work for awhile but there is no way your going to get the full rated electrical operations out of it. There are countless posts about Tactile switches having to be replaced quite often when wired up directly. Using a mosfet is the ideal way to run these type of switches if you want to get the full rated life out of them. Converting the switch down in voltage using the wattage. 12volts @ 50mA = .6 watts , .6 watts @ 3.7 volts = 162 mA ....You get a switch rated @ 3.7 volts 162mA . So still very underrated considering the amps that are going threw it. So i for one would have to agree with Smorkinlabbit's recommendation

 

[basementcat]

Yeah I've learned through modding that just because something works doesn't mean it works correctly or is truly functional for daily use. Always stick with data sheet specs and correct amperage recommendations and you'll be golden. If you don't that's entirely up to you but don't ever expect an electronic component to do anything more than it's stated and rated to do. Just my 2 cents.

 

[oldgoat]

A 2.8 ohm atomizer @ 3.7 volts will pull 1.3 amps. Running 1.3 amps threw a switch that is rated @ 50mA 12volts might work for awhile but there is no way your going to get the full rated electrical operations out of it. There are countless posts about Tactile switches having to be replaced quite often when wired up directly. Using a mosfet is the ideal way to run these type of switches if you want to get the full rated life out of them. Converting the switch down in voltage using the wattage. 12volts @ 50mA = .6 watts , .6 watts @ 3.7 volts = 162 mA ....You get a switch rated @ 3.7 volts 162mA . So still very underrated considering the amps that are going threw it. So i for one would have to agree with Smorkinlabbit's recommendation

I don't want to sound like im arguing about it ... but it is a .59 switch that is very easy to change...I have used mine for over 2 month of heavy everyday vaping with out a hitch...and a lot of switches r under rated...but I don't have the equipment to check this out. I have been making box mods for a long time..started by wattching taslehawk on You-tube and he uses smaller tactile switches than this one. Still hav'nt lost a switch in any of my mods...but im sur the odd's r I will.

 

[Java_Az]

I think it would be interesting to get one of these switches on my next madvapes order and hook it up and pump a continuous 1.3 amps threw it. Then monitor it with a lazer thermometer. If it generates heat it would indicate a bottle neck in the circuit meaning the atomizer would not be getting all the amps it could use. My thinking on this is that such a underrated switch could be hampering performance along with the longevity issue.

 

[oldgoat]

How much heat would be generated? I use mine all day and have never noticed any heat and I've been get great vapor...but yes I would like to know the test result myself.

 

[Java_Az]

I don't want to sound like im arguing about it ... but it is a .59 switch that is very easy to change...I have used mine for over 2 month of heavy everyday vaping with out a hitch...and a lot of switches r under rated...but I don't have the equipment to check this out. I have been making box mods for a long time..started by wattching taslehawk on You-tube and he uses smaller tactile switches than this one. Still hav'nt lost a switch in any of my mods...but im sur the odd's r I will.

I dont take it as arguing. This is modding so basicly you can build the thing how ever you want to. One of the nice things about making you own, you get to build it your way. I was just pointing out the problems i see with using a switch like that. Might be worth it someone to just solder in a new one every so often because they dont have the space to add a mosfet or maybe they just dont want to use one. Personally i think Direct Switch is the best way to go because they are more efficient. But ones rated @ 2 or 3 amps are quite a bit bigger which wont work for everyone. So i really wasnt saying using one of the 50mA tactiles is wrong just pointed out they wont last as long also think it will be interesting to see if one heats up under a constant load as far as performance.

 

[Java_Az]

How much heat would be generated? I use mine all day and have never noticed any heat and I've been get great vapor...but yes I would like to know the test result myself.

well you use it in a momentary fashion. If it is heating up it wont be very noticable. Pumping a constant 1.3 amps threw it might be more revealing. I did say this would be a test i dont know what the result would be just would be interesting to find out.

 

[Erwin]

So with all the information that you guys have put in here for me let me see if I am getting this right. Since this is a first time mod for me and I want to make sure I get it to operate using the basic way of wiring I should use no less than a 3a rated switch? Or am I missing something? I have reserved myself to getting the button horn style for this box but if I could use a switch that I could mount on the side of the box instead of the front without additional step that would be great. Thanks again guys for all your replies.

 

[5cardstud]

You can find the wiring schematic for the 4 pin regulator on Mad Vapes how to section.

 

[basementcat]

To be 100% safe I would say yes. Use a 3a switch. There's a lot of folks here who will do otherwise and I'm sure their mods work fine, but to be within spec it is recommended to use a 3a switch.

 

[Erwin]

So this is the switch I found C&K Components 3A Black Pushbutton switch . Only one I saw there that was 3a rated. Ironically this is the same switch I have in my roughstack.

 

[Java_Az]

2 or 3 amp switch should be more then enough. A 2 amp switch rated @ 2amps 48 volts is going to be more then enough at 5 volts. You need to look at the voltage rating too along with the amps. Trying not to complicate this but there are some really nice 2amp 48 volt switches out there that would work fine. You can take the amps and voltage to calculate watts. once you have watts you can plug in your working voltage and get a amps rating for your working voltage. I am not sure how precise this is , i am sure willyB will chime in and point out where i am wrong, But thats how i personally calculate about how many amps a switch can handle at my working voltage.