Why are pass throughs so expensive?

[auraslip]

They're just connectors that attach your atty to the 5v rail on your computer or other PSU with circuitry to drop it down to the proper voltage.

They're like $0.50 worth of parts, but they sell for as much, or more, as a battery.

What's the deal? Is there a way to make one for less?

 

[Hoosier]

If the passthrough is dropping the voltage it is using a battery and the USB plug goes to the battery charger and the atomizer/cartomizer is being powered by the battery.

Is there a way to make one? Sure, just get the $0.50 of parts and solder them together. An old USB cable, connector from an old battery and a switch should get you there. I saw a cute DIY passthrough that used a cylindrical M&M's container made by one ECF member that used the same concept.

 

[DonDaBoomVape]

Expensive? What's so expensive about $13 (e.g., for this 5V 510 PT from ElectronicStix)?

Yes, you could spend $80 for the crème de la crème (e.g., this 5V 510 PT from VaprLife), but you don't have to.

 

[Dudeman]

The "expensive" passthrough that I had ( I think I paid $15) had a protection circuit that cut off if there was a short in the atty. It worked wonderfully. Unfortunately for myself, I thought the passthrough just didnt like that atty, so I screwed it onto an eGo battery and it fried the battery. Lesson learned. It didn't happen a second time.

IMO the protection is worth the price.