V.V. Top-Fed Mod in a 3x2x1 Enclosure Using LM2596 Adjustable Regulator

[keitht253]

Well, it is done and it is a success! Doesn't look extremely pretty but boy does it work! This is a 3x2x1 project box from radio shack with 2 14500s in series wired up to a vv regulator with space for a top-fed juicer setup.

Let me know what you guys think and if you'd like to make one and need any help at all, feel free to ask!

Here are some pics!

 

[WillyB]

Well you got it all together.

Changing the liquid and cells don't look like fun though.

Nice job (I think).

 

[keitht253]

Well you got it all together.

Changing the liquid and cells don't look like fun though.

Nice job (I think).

yep it was a PITA at times, though, no doubt. The cells actually aren't bad at all, you just have to take the one towards the middle out first, then slide the first one over diagonally and pull it out that way. Same procedure but in reverse for putting them in. The liquid bottle is tough to take out but if you can grab the lip of the bottom and pull it up high enough, pull it out as you're pushing down on the tube coming out of the top, it comes right out. Putting it in isn't that bad - you just have to get the tube to line up properly with the hole in the case which I typically do by rotating the bottle assembly until the tube lines up and comes up through the hole. Good thing that I don't vape very heavily so I only need to do this about once every 2 to 3 days.

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

I'm confussed...... Pic 3 shows the pot in a different location than the open cell pics and then there is somewhat a hint of a thumb wheel?

What is the Voltage range?

Is that an inductor in there?

Are there other chip/design features utilized that you'd like to elaborate on ?

Do tell - and nice effort BTW

 

[keitht253]

The pot is on the bottom of the box if it is standing up (same position as the blue rectangle at the bottom of the first picture). There is no thumbwheel, just the adjustment screw with a little hole opening for it.

The voltage range is 1.25v to 30v (full set of specs can be found here: LM2596 DC-DC Step Down Adjustable Power Supply Module - eBay (item 120630969110 end time Apr-04-11 20:59:50 PDT)).

Not sure what an inductor is?

Hope this clears any confusion you had, and if not, please ask - maybe I just didn't understand your question.

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

Gotcha on the pot LOL - Got turned around a bit chcukling.

Regarding the inductor -- the specs seem to dictate it's use.

Regarding the out put - what is the "in application output"

(BTW - I skimmed/read the specs on the basic chip before posting)

 

[keitht253]

Gotcha on the pot LOL - Got turned around a bit chcukling.

Regarding the inductor -- the specs seem to dictate it's use.

Regarding the out put - what is the "in application output"

(BTW - I skimmed/read the specs before posting)

No worries! One more question, what do you mean by "in application output"?

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

OOOps -- but then again I thought you built it - my bad

"It" being the board" -- nice find!! (I think?)

As long as it performs - all is well.

Still would like to know the in use voltage range.

 

[keitht253]

OOOps -- but then again I thought you built it - my bad

once again, no worries! I actually found the original idea here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...6-very-easy-vv-mod-w-switching-regulator.html

and then became determined to squeeze it into a 3x2x1 and add a juicer!

I actually really like this thing. I got a Phidias not too long ago, but I haven't used it since this thing has been operational. I don't know if it's just a new toy bias, but I really do like vaping at around 4.3 to 4.4 volts.

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

Well, if the Phidius is without a bottom feeder there's PLENTY of room to add this board. (I would suspect as I have done similar)........ Just not both

Great feat to get it all in there my friend!!

Again nice find

BTW - what are the top and botton Voltages acheivable with the batteries you use?

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

Egads -- nothing worse than cross posting at the saame time -- I'll wait - I think..... LOL

 

[keitht253]

Thanks! and the Phidias is a bottom feeder, LOL. Could always try to squeeze a terminator in there, though

To be honest, I'm not sure regarding the voltages. I think the input voltage just needs to be 1 or 2 volts higher than the desired output, and I'm not sure how low it goes, but I imagine I could take it all the way down to 1.25v. Haven't tested this yet, but I will and I will report back.

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

Inquiring minds want to know Take your time. We'll keep the lights on

 

[keitht253]

So I was able to get it down to 2 and probably below but I didn't test it past that, and it seemed to max out at 7.

edit: Hope that helps!