The EZ-5V box mod

[Emris]

After scouring the forums the past couple days I decided it was time for me to make a battery powered 5V mod. So I ordered everything to make a couple of them. Not having the ability to wait for anything, I decided to go to my local RS and see what they had. They had almost everything I needed minus the 510 socket. I couldnt sleep last night so I went to the basement and started the build.

As I was building this box, I remembered that I had a spare Castle Creations 10amp BEC. Basicly this is a adjustable voltage modual that is good up to 10 amps. If you was to buy one from Castle they will set it to the voltage you want free of charge if you ask. At least they have before in the past. This way you wont have to buy the castle link modual to program it. Link> Castle Creations | CC BEC and CC BEC Pro

To make a long story short, This thing is sweet! Vapes like a smoke stack, no heat build up from the BEC, and so far my batteries are still kickin! I have been vaping on it for 5 or so hours!


Its not my best work and I know that the cost of the BEC is a bit high, but for those who dont want to or do not have the ability to solder well, this is an easy way to get a 5V mod that you can make on your own!

Later tonight I am going to make an adapter that I can screw into the 510 socket, and add a port to the box so I can connect the signal wire so I can plug it in to my computer and adjust the voltage!

Let me know what you think or any questions you may have!

 

[Emris]

I added the programing port. Didnt feel like cutting the box, so I have to remove the back to program it! But thats not a big deal to me. Voltage range for this is 4.8V - 9.0V.
Here are a few more pics.

 

[WillyB]

As it makes things simple the price is fine. But it would be nice if you could program the minimum output starting at about 4V.

If someone didn't have one laying around, this similar item for the same money would be more versatile and easier to adjust.

3A Adjustable step down switching voltage regulator

Adjustable from 3 to 13V output using screw

 

[Emris]

Yeah, I could'nt remember what the voltage went down to before I did this. I was wanting 4.2V on the min side. So far 4.8V is vaping really nice! I dont see me changing it any time soon! The unit you posted looks good. This BEC from Castle creations can be bought at any local Hobby Shop. Just makes it a bit easyer to get your hands on one! And you dont have to solder any wires to it. Something that some people might not be comfortable doing if they are just starting out. But I do agree, I would like to see the min voltage a bit lower!

 

[WillyB]

The solution is quite easy though, one of these (last in the chain right at the battery connector) would put your minimum at about 4V. Then can go go up from there.

3-Amp Barrel Diodes - RadioShack.com

That's how the Fistpack does it.

 

[Emris]

The solution is quite easy though, one of these (last in the chain right at the battery connector) would put your minimum at about 4V. Then can go go up from there.

3-Amp Barrel Diodes - RadioShack.com

That's how the Fistpack does it.

I think I understand what you are saying, not 100% though. If I can wrap my head around this I will go to RS and give it a try!

 

[WillyB]

If you have enough slack you can simply cut the main positive wire going to the atty connector and simply solder in the diode inline.

Note they are directional, they only work to drop voltage (~0.7V) in one direction.

 

[5cardstud]

As it makes things simple the price is fine. But it would be nice if you could program the minimum output starting at about 4V.

If someone didn't have one laying around, this similar item for the same money would be more versatile and easier to adjust.

3A Adjustable step down switching voltage regulator

Adjustable from 3 to 13V output using screw

Here is another one too Willie :
Zeus Mini 3A Switching Regulator
I picked this one up off Ebay for $6.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280557359957

 

[Emris]

If you have enough slack you can simply cut the main positive wire going to the atty connector and simply solder in the diode inline.

Note they are directional, they only work to drop voltage (~0.7V) in one direction.

Ok I was on the right page. In you other post you had (last in the chain right at the battery connector)
that was making me think I was not thinking clearly!

I will give it a try! Thanks WillyB

 

[WillyB]

Here is another one too Willie :
Zeus Mini 3A Switching Regulator
I picked this one up off Ebay for $6.00 High Efficiency Step Down DC/DC Adjustable Regulator 4A - eBay (item 280557359957 end time Oct-07-10 10:39:08 PDT)

Nice find.

On the one you got for $6. I got the the 'tops'.

Gotta add a cap and trimpot to mine.


@ prophetz

It's an easy job. Good luck.