I'm just gonna post this in general modding, because there is no sub-forum for charger mods.
Here Goes:
I have created:
An automatic charger and digital battery analyzer that works on all brands and models of e-cig batteries.
Here are the pictures:
Here's how it came about:
I was recently commissioned by a local vape-shop owner to build a device that would allow him to test the mAh ratings of his batteries, and confirm defects in products that were returned to the store.
This posed a challenge for me, as the only way to test(not estimate) the real capacity of these batteries was to fully charge or fully discharge a cell at a constant current with a timer ticking and calculate for mAh based on that resulting info.
There might have been an easier way, but if there is, I don't know it.
First, I considered using a Li-Ion charging circuit to charge the battery, and a clock movement to time the charge.....a mosfet would be connected to the "charge" LED and that would allow the clock movement power to run while the cell was charging, and stop it when it had finished.
A step in the right direction, but not a solution because this would only allow me to estimate and compare ratings, not accurately test them. After explaining the idea to him he agreed to fund it anyway so I set about building it.
When doing my homework online the next night and composing a parts list, I came across this!:
Amazon.com: "Watt's Up" RC Watt Meter & Power Analyzer WU100 Version 2 --- SALE!: Toys & Games
This was the answer! This is the brain of the SUPERCHARGER! A fully featured, wide range, DC power analyzer that requires almost no current to operate!
( can you sense my excitement?)
I added a high-amp, and a low-amp charging board and a switch to go between them depending on cell size.
I then collected carto connectors for every make and model of e-cig sold in his store(he was happy to donate the ones I didn't have). I made these into a parallel array to be used as the charging output.
I dug a 2Amp 5Volt power supply board out of my parts bin, and stole a 110VAC power cord and matching female connector from a little CD radio I got at a thrift store.
He ordered the "Watt's Up", and a sexy blue project enclosure, and I picked them up at the shop a few days after that.
A few late nights and early mornings later, It was finished and has performed beyond expectations in every test.
It was more than either of us had hoped for.
questions and comments welcome,
CG
Here Goes:
I have created:
An automatic charger and digital battery analyzer that works on all brands and models of e-cig batteries.
Here are the pictures:
Here's how it came about:
I was recently commissioned by a local vape-shop owner to build a device that would allow him to test the mAh ratings of his batteries, and confirm defects in products that were returned to the store.
This posed a challenge for me, as the only way to test(not estimate) the real capacity of these batteries was to fully charge or fully discharge a cell at a constant current with a timer ticking and calculate for mAh based on that resulting info.
There might have been an easier way, but if there is, I don't know it.
First, I considered using a Li-Ion charging circuit to charge the battery, and a clock movement to time the charge.....a mosfet would be connected to the "charge" LED and that would allow the clock movement power to run while the cell was charging, and stop it when it had finished.
A step in the right direction, but not a solution because this would only allow me to estimate and compare ratings, not accurately test them. After explaining the idea to him he agreed to fund it anyway so I set about building it.
When doing my homework online the next night and composing a parts list, I came across this!:
Amazon.com: "Watt's Up" RC Watt Meter & Power Analyzer WU100 Version 2 --- SALE!: Toys & Games
This was the answer! This is the brain of the SUPERCHARGER! A fully featured, wide range, DC power analyzer that requires almost no current to operate!
( can you sense my excitement?)
I added a high-amp, and a low-amp charging board and a switch to go between them depending on cell size.
I then collected carto connectors for every make and model of e-cig sold in his store(he was happy to donate the ones I didn't have). I made these into a parallel array to be used as the charging output.
I dug a 2Amp 5Volt power supply board out of my parts bin, and stole a 110VAC power cord and matching female connector from a little CD radio I got at a thrift store.
He ordered the "Watt's Up", and a sexy blue project enclosure, and I picked them up at the shop a few days after that.
A few late nights and early mornings later, It was finished and has performed beyond expectations in every test.
It was more than either of us had hoped for.
questions and comments welcome,
CG
