Veteran Modders - Advise me please (DIY passthrough)

[Kreep]

I recently had one of my original riva 750mAh batteries take a crap on me, so I have been poking around here looking for information, walkthroughs, tips, advice, yada yada on converting it into a DIY PT. I already own a battery in-line 510 PT but I am interested in trying out higher voltage vaping. Furthermore, it is important to understand that my discipline is network engineering, I have a basic understanding of electric engineering, bu it is novice at best. With all that being said, I have seen a lot of discussion about direct 5V usb PTs, but I am looking for some definitive clarification on just how complicated it is to DIY one of these.

The premise seems simple enough, positive and negative wiring relayed to a switch for on/off use. However, I have questions that I hope you can answer for me.

1. Will the existing switch on the Riva battery be usable, or is purchase of an after market switch necessary?

2. I have read about concerns about power ratings and possible damage to a PC USB port with use of one of these. Does "protecting" PC equipment require the addition of resistors to ensure proper amperage?

3. Assuming that the answer to #2 is "yes," would it be a better route to find a pre-existing 5V wall-plug adapter and use this to provide power to the device?

4. Why are you so awesome? (100 words or less).

Thank you in advance for you help, if you ever need your enterprise router configured, I'd be happy to return the favor.

Cheers,
-Kreep

 

[AttyPops]

1) no. You need a MOSFET (basically a power transistor) to use a low amp button. Otherwise, use a 3 amp button.

2) That's for protection of the USB ports. PT's draw enough amps that a wall wort is a lot easier risk than a motherboard's USB ports. Also, a resistor would reduce your amps. You want a 2.0 amp transformer. USB standard is already 5v.

3) It's the better route regardless of the answer to #2. Why risk a mobo port issue? Again... 2.0 amp wall-plug, 3.0 amp button (or use MOSFET).

4) I think therefore I vape.

 

[Java_Az]

#1 I completely agree with atty

#2 I also completely agree with atty but will add this, Why run A PT off a high dollar computer when you can use a 10 dollar at least 2amp wall adapter or powered USB hub. If a 10 dollar adapter fries no big deal. If my 1500 dollar computer fried i believe tears would be seen rolling down my face.

#3 At least a 2amp wall adapter if you can find a 3 amp thats even better . Watch the video as to the reason why. 2 amp powered USB hub is used and look at the voltage drop.

#4 Because i can configure my own enterprise gateway , router , servers and so on

 

[Kreep]

#4 Because i can configure my own enterprise gateway , router , servers and so on

WINNAR!

Thanks so much fellas, I appreciate the help.

 

[tardcore]

not a veteran modder, but i built my own PT using one of these: BRAND NEW 5V 3A AC / DC Power adapter Power supply Well - eBay (item 280325831479 end time Mar-13-11 01:58:44 PST) and it works pretty darn good. i hacked together an extension cord for it (after snipping off the connector), ran the wires into a 2xAA box, wired up the atty connector and switch, and boom! 5v PT