USB Mod v2 is DONE!

[Bastage]

Well I just finished the first USB v2 cable, and it works just as well as the first one but with much better portability. The Mini-USB plug and switch is now integrated into the battery casing! No more electrical tape, this time I used heat shrink tubing and it worked out quite nicely. I can pick whatever length, color, or type of cable I need and replacing it only takes 2 seconds. The thin retractable cable can easily be unplugged and seperated from the battery for putting in a case, making it much easier to take with you. This USB mod and cable, matched with the portable USB battery completely eliminate the need for regular ecig batteries. I have the portable USB battery ordered but it hasn't arrived yet. Any time I'm not around a PC USB port I'll just use the battery box (size comparable to an iPhone but shorter). I'm expecting the battery to power the device for several days without a recharge, and recharging is as simple as plugging the battery box into a USB port (with the same mini cable you use to power the ecig with). I will update this thread as soon as it comes in.

I will not be making these for people, however I will post a simple schematic and can provide help to anyone wanting to do this mod themselves. I mowed over several ideas over the past few weeks, and I feel like this is the best option. It's durable, portable, performs really well, and the battery capacity is very high if you need to use it on the go.

 

[madog]

VERY COOOOOOL!
I see the need to get out the solding iron - Again
OH - thats right it is Always out -

Good Job Bastage!

 

[madog]

Hey Bastage
How bout using a coaxial power fitting - Case mount
in the end of the e-cig and and change out the mini usb for a male coaxial fitting. Fit the switch in the power line like a push to answer button on a nokia wired hands free cord.
Just think'n - I think I have all these in my junk box.

 

[Bastage]

VERY COOOOOOL!
I see the need to get out the solding iron - Again
OH - thats right it is Always out -

Good Job Bastage!

Thanks man, glad you like it. Make sure you use a HOST side USB connector and not the one off of a cable, since it's what the cable needs to plug into. Those are very hard to find unless you get them at an electronics store online. I pulled mine off of a portable USB hard drive circuit board. Pin 1 is +5, Pin 5 is GND. It's tricky to get everything wired up and stuffed in there without it breaking or bending but once it's in there, you're good to go.

 

[Bastage]

Hey Bastage
How bout using a coaxial power fitting - Case mount
in the end of the e-cig and and change out the mini usb for a male coaxial fitting. Fit the switch in the power line like a push to answer button on a nokia wired hands free cord.
Just think'n - I think I have all these in my junk box.

Can you describe this in more detail? Not quite sure what you are referring to. I made it this way so you can just use any standard mini USB cable. The fact that you use the same cable to smoke and charge is very handy as well.

 

[GreyHawk]

Very VERY nice Bastage! I'd be interested in that schematic if u ever get around to it.

 

[vafvaf]

good and useful ! great!
just checking what is available on the DX from external USB charger -they have quite a choice-for example:
DealExtreme: $18.96 10000mAh Rechargeable External Power Pack for NDS/PSP/Cell Phone/MP3
DealExtreme: $13.98 1000mAh USB Rechargeable Emergency Power Battery Pack for iPhone/iPod
DealExtreme: $15.59 2000mAh Rechargeable USB Battery Emergency Charger (with Cell Phone Adatpers)
DealExtreme: $14.43 Rechargeable USB Emergency Power Backup Pack 2400mAh
for the last one is written that it limited on output up to 450mah, is it too little for atomizer?
do you have any idea which is better for use ;-)
thanks

 

[Soot]

I've been looking at the same items vafvaf and wondered if one our electrical boffins here might have some advice.

I've also found this 901 to USB adapter E-CIG.com - USB for E-MiniCig at e-cig.com (I know - it's e-cig.com - not a company I'll do any more business with right now) but RatInTheHat seemed to think the adapter wasn't up to much. The adapter SHOULD just be a connection - just like that done by Bastage - but perhaps there's more to it.

Advice would be much appreciated.

 

[vafvaf]

I've been looking at the same items vafvaf and wondered if one our electrical boffins here might have some advice.

I've also found this 901 to USB adapter E-CIG.com - USB for E-MiniCig at e-cig.com (I know - it's e-cig.com - not a company I'll do any more business with right now) but RatInTheHat seemed to think the adapter wasn't up to much. The adapter SHOULD just be a connection - just like that done by Bastage - but perhaps there's more to it.

Advice would be much appreciated.

hi soot, i use to have USB for penstile ecig from e-cig.com...its work, but its not just a connection, first its include the automatic air switch as a regular bat, second they low down the voltage for safety reason; so it is a main different with direct usb power which bastage use.

 

[Soot]

Thanks vafvaf. I was thinking "what a daft thing to do" but then checked my 901 to see if the switch is contained in the battery or atomiser. It's in the battery :-(.

I think I'm starting to understand that I'm spoiled with my Janty KB - though it too would benefit from Bastage's mod. (without a need for a switch).

Wouldn't it be a easier (and tidier) route to modify the 901 USB rig supplied by e-cig.com (assuming they must supply some of their products) to replace the air switch with a manual one?

 

[Bastage]

 

[Bastage]

I can't edit my original post but need to update you on the battery - do not use the Tekkeon portable USB device, it does not work properly for powering an eCig. After the Tekkeon failed to work, I made my own battery source and it's working fine. The best way to do it is to take 4 AA rechargeable batteries (I'm using Sony 2650Mah and hook them together in series, with a USB host side connector for the eCig, and a Mini USB host side connector for charging. It's very small and should last a very long time on one charge. Once it dies, just plug it into the USB port for 5-6 hours and it's good to go again. If anyone has any questions on how to set up the portable battery pack let me know and I'll post up a drawing.

 

[PeteMcArthur]

Thanks vafvaf. I was thinking "what a daft thing to do" but then checked my 901 to see if the switch is contained in the battery or atomiser. It's in the battery :-(.

I think I'm starting to understand that I'm spoiled with my Janty KB - though it too would benefit from Bastage's mod. (without a need for a switch).

Wouldn't it be a easier (and tidier) route to modify the 901 USB rig supplied by e-cig.com (assuming they must supply some of their products) to replace the air switch with a manual one?

Beware of the mini from e-cig.com I assumed it was a 901, it isn't, threads are different and atomiser is smaller. I ended up with two useless atomisers. Make sure anything you buy from e-cig.com is exactly what you think it is, make no assumptions

 

[yo han]

Once it dies, just plug it into the USB port for 5-6 hours and it's good to go again. If anyone has any questions on how to set up the portable battery pack let me know and I'll post up a drawing.

Hold on, you're plugging 4 rechargeables straight into a USB port without any controller whatsoever? That's not a very neat solution. You have no idea what current you're charging with and if you forget you've plugged them in they could easily be damaged by overcharging.

 

[Bastage]

You can charge Ni-MH batteries up to 1 time their total capacity (1C). That's 2.6A, which I know the USB isn't putting out - so charging too quickly and damaging the batteries are not likely. The USB charger I bought was directly connected to the USB power for charging, and I'm going off their timing recommendations which suggested 5 hours (They used 500ma as their expected USB current). The first time I charge I'll keep a close eye on the temp but I'm expecting 5 hours to be ok. If you're not comfortable doing it this way, just use a DC regulated power brick. You could use a 5v 500Ma charger for 5-6 hours, then you know exactly what your charge current is. These are just ideas to help other people, you can build on them if you want to make something that suits you better. I'll post an update and let you know if there are any issues recharging. It's true that if you leave them on too long they could be damaged, but that is the case with any charger that doesn't have an automatic shutoff.

 

[jdrancor]

I did a USB mod. It's pretty great. easy too, with a dremel and a couple of poking tools. Nice. Thanks for the push.

 

[leaford]

What would be perfect is something like that, but with the battery still in it, so it can recharge off the USB. Then you could use the same battery tethered or untethered, and recharge nearly anywhere with a PC. That was what I hoped the KISSbox USB would be, before I recieved it. A regular battery with a mini or micro USB plug in the tip for recharging.

 

[bilkido]

Hi guys I am trying to do this mod but am having a hell of a time trying to solder onto the casing.How did you guys do it?

 

[Bastage]

Hi guys I am trying to do this mod but am having a hell of a time trying to solder onto the casing.How did you guys do it?

That can be tough. the easiest way to do it, is take a small drill bit (small as you can fit a wire through) and carefully drill a hole thru the battery casing pretty close to the end. Sand the paint off the area you will be soldering. Wrap the wire through the hole, and it will solder up easily.

 

[bilkido]

Thanks for the quick reply Bastage I was thinking that my be the only way.What type of solder do you use when doing this part.Thanks again.