Breaktru Forum

eCigarette Forum => Modding => Topic started by: Breaktru on October 14, 2011, 01:53:50 PM

Title: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on October 14, 2011, 01:53:50 PM
Just put this together using a NEW Switching 10amp / 50watt, efficient DC-DC Converter.
No it's not the 08100w or 0KR-T10-W or the 04050c.
Touch Circuit
NO capacitors needed and the converter is smaller then the fore-mentioned modules
Used (2) 18650, 3000mah batteries. Update: using (2) 18650 Panasonic CGR18650CH now
Voltage range is what is shown in the photos.
I've had this box for several months and bought it after seeing a mod like it on a UK forum. Different internal circuitry was use for this mod.
A few similar mods have popped up on ECF since the UK version but not with this DC-DC Converter.
Update: I have since built several mods of this type with the PTR08100w, PTR0860w, OKR-T/10, OKR-T/6 as well as this one with the un-named module.

**I am happy to share info with all that drop by this forum. So dropping a mention when you post your mod elsewhere would be a decent gesture.
Show your support by signing up as a member and please participate by posting**

(http://breaktru.com/ecig/newreg_mod1.jpg)(http://breaktru.com/ecig/newreg_mod2.jpg)
(http://breaktru.com/ecig/newreg_mod3.jpg)
(http://breaktru.com/ecig/newreg_mod5.jpg)(http://breaktru.com/ecig/newreg_mod6.jpg)

(http://breaktru.com/ecig/dms_44s.jpg)
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: memnoch on October 14, 2011, 05:49:36 PM
Neat, so are you going to share any more information on it? Like what board it is? (=
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: jeandbean on October 14, 2011, 10:55:23 PM
Wonderful work dude.
I understand breaktru why you won't disclose the chip. I totally agree.
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: timesarerough on October 14, 2011, 11:29:43 PM
Yeah, don't let em' fool ya, its no secret....I already know what he's hiding in there!

That was quick, huh Dave?

 :stirpot:
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: memnoch on October 15, 2011, 12:02:25 AM
Wonderful work dude.
I understand breaktru why you won't disclose the chip. I totally agree.

OK, I must be slow, why not? Selling a mod based on the design? Dig the dramatic reveal? Boards in low supply and you want to wait until they've replenished supplies? LOL I could go on (and still am, in my mind)...
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: timesarerough on October 15, 2011, 12:42:52 AM
OK, I must be slow, why not? Selling a mod based on the design? Dig the dramatic reveal? Boards in low supply and you want to wait until they've replenished supplies? LOL I could go on (and still am, in my mind)...

Nope..... :no:

If he could reveal it, he would.

Soooooo, if you think real hard, what would stop Dave from telling EXACTLY what's in there?
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: memnoch on October 15, 2011, 06:58:27 AM
Nope..... :no:

If he could reveal it, he would.

Soooooo, if you think real hard, what would stop Dave from telling EXACTLY what's in there?

An Orangutan with a gun? ;> Yeah yeah, I could guess that, though if he's under obligation to keep quiet, he could just say. Oh well, if he wants to share his reasons, it's up to him.
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: timesarerough on October 15, 2011, 11:09:17 AM
An Orangutan with a gun? ;> Yeah yeah, I could guess that, though if he's under obligation to keep quiet, he could just say. Oh well, if he wants to share his reasons, it's up to him.

 :laughing2:

Like that would stop Dave's .44?

Yeah, I can hear it already....."BLAM!"

 :applaude:

Let's just say that Dave didn't build it, he bought it.
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: memnoch on October 15, 2011, 11:31:26 AM
Like that would stop Dave's .44?

Yeah, I can hear it already....."BLAM!"

 :applaude:

Let's just say that Dave didn't build it, he bought it.

Oh, my bad, when he said he bought it, for some reason, my mind interpreted that as being the instrument case / box / etc... and not the "box" being the mod. Takes me back to the days of phreaking =P
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: timesarerough on October 15, 2011, 11:41:18 AM
Oh, my bad, when he said he bought it, for some reason, my mind interpreted that as being the instrument case / box / etc... and not the "box" being the mod. Takes me back to the days of phreaking =P

No, I think you're right there, Mem....

What I meant was that D didn't build "the secret chip"....he bought it for a significantly reduced price attached to a gag-order and then built the box mod around it.

Knowing how kind-hearted Dave is, he'd disclose what inside if he were able.  :rules2:

Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: vapemistress on October 15, 2011, 07:34:47 PM
Sweet new mod. Amazing.  :cheer:
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: vaporhead on October 15, 2011, 09:56:20 PM
Holy Moly, I really like your new addition. Is it for sale?
What regulator did you use? You can tell me my friend. PM me please.
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Brian9523 on October 17, 2011, 09:28:19 AM
Now that's one serious looking mod I'd like to own.
What's the slide switch for?
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: octoman on October 17, 2011, 09:32:28 AM
Dam, that looks good. Another good one by the breaktru man.
I like the neat cut for the Digital Meter dude.  :rockin smiley:
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: cccsteel on October 17, 2011, 08:00:21 PM
Must have this one too to complement my .44 mini mod.
One for home and one for traveling.  :yes"
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: cccsteel on November 09, 2011, 05:21:38 PM
I just want to say thanks breaktru, another fantastic mod
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 09, 2011, 05:29:03 PM
I just want to say thanks breaktru, another fantastic mod. Now I am complete.
I've been vaping with your new DM mod for almost two weeks now and it's a powerhouse.
Nothing I have compares to it.  :thankyou:

Glad you like it ccc. Vape on dude  :yes"
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Anthois on November 12, 2011, 03:05:54 PM
Neat, so are you going to share any more information on it? Like what board it is? (=

Very nice! get a chance shoot me a quote plz
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 12, 2011, 04:01:20 PM
The new mod builds will be either the 08100w or the OKR.
Although the New converter module I used in the prototype is working extremely well (use it every day), the fore mentioned have a proven track record.
I will use the new converters in perhaps smaller mods where size is critical.
Title: Re: New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: tek on November 29, 2011, 02:38:36 PM
hmm, i wonder.. i just want to know lol.. maby in  the future lol..
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 05:39:26 AM
If it's the ti 04050c module it needs caps on the input andf output bus min 100uf 10v so if you have no caps can't be the 04050c so it must be the other module???????????
ummmmmmm
styl3r
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 05:40:50 AM
didn't read it properly my bad must be a 5 leg regulator maybe ti ?????????
styl3r
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 05:46:50 AM
i've made both the ti 08100w and the ti 04050c they work great


[attachment deleted by admin. Photo would not display, had been corrupted]
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 05:48:25 AM
forgot to say first picture is the 08100w mod and the second is 04050c mod with mini usb charging
works a treat
styl3r :drooling:
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 06, 2011, 09:09:39 AM
Very nice covering on the mods. Is that vinyl?
and is that an eGo batt conn?
Good work.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 09:27:17 AM
Yeah carbon fibre vinyl heres a link http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120763056447?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649  and an ego-t battery connector with the led behind the original ego button, It turned out nice. very fiddly though just in the middle of a few more of these awaiting parts though so will assemble the circuits ready to fit them when my parts arrive. The long one i am doing with both the Ti 08100w and the 04050c modules to see which is better battery run time. i'm using 2 x 3000mah batteries for said test.
thanks for your kind words much appreciated especially from a mod king like yourself. Used your original circuit with help on capacitors from Mikrosoft and others on Ukvapers
cheers
Styl3r :thumbsup:

edit didn't realise you could modify your post so 2 more posts,,,,,oooops
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 09:28:39 AM
forgot to say the beauty of the ego-t connector is the versatility of it takes all 510 attys
cheers
Styl3r
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 09:32:00 AM
I think this will become the norm to use ego-t connectors and lets be fare there is no shortage of dead ego-t batteries!!!!!!!
styl3r
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: tek on December 06, 2011, 10:05:55 AM
I havent used many of the ego connectors i have lying around, but i deffinatly have been saving them to use em..
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 10:36:17 AM
just the fact they stand up a bit higher makes it easier for atty connection. Not easy to mount though and i put a led up inside each one and glue the button in place so it illuminates from behind saves being blinded like most led's
Cheers
Styl3r
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 06, 2011, 11:02:17 AM
just the fact they stand up a bit higher makes it easier for atty connection. Not easy to mount though and i put a led up inside each one and glue the button in place so it illuminates from behind saves being blinded like most led's
Cheers
Styl3r

Nice touch to it w/ the LED. Good thinking mate.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: styl3r on December 06, 2011, 11:35:03 AM
I can sense that many mod will be made using ego-t connectors with discrete led  :idea:. I give my idea freely as you did with the circuit used in this mod. We all strive for perfection maybe not everybodies, but at least our own..... Thanks to breaktru for the circuit design and many others over on ukvapers.com for help in completing this build.
seasons greeting to all   :beer-toast:
Styl3r
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: tek on December 06, 2011, 03:55:12 PM
I love the idea of the led behind the connector, and i have been practicing with several differnt led ideas, I love leds, it just i dont seem to put them in my mods enough,, in others i do, just not really mine lol..
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: dennis15 on December 07, 2011, 08:06:53 PM
i've made both the ti 08100w and the ti 04050c they work great

Great looking mods. The added texture layer gives it a unique look.  :applaude:
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: pnguin on December 08, 2011, 01:47:15 AM
I am going to guess the DE-SWADJ 3 from Dimension Engineering. I am going to use it in my next mod. Totally self contained only 3 pins, caps and pot all in one small package. For the solder challenged they even have a plug in break out board.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 08, 2011, 07:50:12 AM
I am going to guess the DE-SWADJ 3 from Dimension Engineering. I am going to use it in my next mod. Totally self contained only 3 pins, caps and pot all in one small package. For the solder challenged they even have a plug in break out board.

Nope it's not the DE-SWADJ
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: tek on December 08, 2011, 09:26:55 PM
I like the package of the ds thingyamobober, <i am tiered> but i cant fork over 25 bucks... for it..
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: herbsman05 on December 28, 2011, 01:37:33 PM
may i know the dimensions of the 2x 18650 case? and also the space above the batteries where you put the components? we don't have that locally available here in the philippines, ill just try to make one from wood or something...

thanks!!!
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 28, 2011, 01:53:32 PM
may i know the dimensions of the 2x 18650 case? and also the space above the batteries where you put the components? we don't have that locally available here in the philippines, ill just try to make one from wood or something...

thanks!!!

Overall =  116mm L x 45mm W x 21mm D
Battery Compartment = 75mm long x 37mm wide
Circuit compartment = 37mm x 37mm

They are sold from China and Malaysia
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: herbsman05 on December 28, 2011, 09:27:36 PM
Overall =  116mm L x 45mm W x 21mm D
Battery Compartment = 75mm long x 37mm wide
Circuit compartment = 37mm x 37mm

They are sold from China and Malaysia

do you have the link of the vendors sir? the only site i found is the one one ebay but their minimum is 10 pcs. i just need 2 pcs.

thanks sir!!!

Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 28, 2011, 09:52:19 PM
do you have the link of the vendors sir? the only site i found is the one one ebay but their minimum is 10 pcs. i just need 2 pcs.
thanks sir!!!

They are all on ebay. Just got to search around. Here is one link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-18650-Battery-Case-2-x-Parallel-Connection-DIY-Case-/370526092928?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5645137e80 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-18650-Battery-Case-2-x-Parallel-Connection-DIY-Case-/370526092928?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5645137e80)
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: mad_fish on January 03, 2012, 02:40:10 PM
may be OKL-T/6-W12N-C
http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/OKL-T%2F6-W12N-C/811-2214-1-ND/2300229
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: tsweetwater on January 05, 2012, 10:58:03 AM
hey breakthru i seen your stuff through a link on nhalers site so i had to register to learn on how to get to know you n the awesome things u do here
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: warlordxxx on March 03, 2012, 06:12:11 PM
Hey styl3r :)

If i had half as much talent in my whole body as you guys have got in your pinkies i'd have a house full of mods right now
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Madmanmacguyver on March 28, 2012, 06:32:12 AM
ack new reg smaller than the 8100 or okr....hmmmmthis I must kknow about...BTW Hi Breaktru!!!! look out Mad mod macguyver is here!!!!!lol
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 30, 2012, 04:13:33 PM
This mod is not the one shown in the first post. I made this for a friend using the PTR08060w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lfbtNzZYsM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lfbtNzZYsM)
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: timesarerough on August 30, 2012, 09:26:36 PM
So what magic chip didja put into this lil' beauty, D?
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 30, 2012, 09:36:50 PM
So what magic chip didja put into this lil' beauty, D?

A PTR8060W - 6amp, 30watt
works great w/ your Co-Op batteries. I blew out my 2.4 ohm SmokTek Vivi, Genisis convert with it. Forgot to lower the 6v setting after making the video. It popped the coil.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: timesarerough on August 30, 2012, 10:19:18 PM
Whoops!

Thanks for testing the "fry your atty" option for me.  :laughing:

Speaking of Co-Op....(hint, hint)  :yes"  :thankyou:
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: zeus17 on August 09, 2013, 01:25:59 PM
A PTR8060W - 6amp, 30watt
works great w/ your Co-Op batteries. I blew out my 2.4 ohm SmokTek Vivi, Genisis convert with it. Forgot to lower the 6v setting after making the video. It popped the coil.

wow...so I have I think one of these coming on my way...since the 10 amp one is not available?no pot and no caps...how do I adjust?

......

thanks,...
do you still sell them?
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 09, 2013, 01:48:34 PM
wow...so I have I think one of these coming on my way...since the 10 amp one is not available?no pot and no caps...how do I adjust?

......

thanks,...
do you still sell them?

The mod in the OP (1st post) is not the PTR08060W. The video mod above in Reply #45 is.
The PTR08060W is wired exactly like the PTR08100W and the parts are the same. See the "Variable Voltage Evercool Copper Mod" Topic for wiring details. Caps, resistor and pot is required as shown
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: zeus17 on August 09, 2013, 01:53:50 PM
The mod in the OP (1st post) is not the PTR08060W. The video mod above in Reply #45 is.
The PTR08060W is wired exactly like the PTR08100W and the parts are the same. See the "Variable Voltage Evercool Copper Mod" Topic for wiring details. Caps, resistor and pot is required as shown

unfortunately post #45 is blocked by our office network :),
yup..copy that..

thanks,will send a pm thou
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 10, 2013, 08:56:12 PM
I am wanting to build this mod ( awesome work breaktru) I have all the parts ordered just patiently waiting (NOT!) for them to get here..lol
One question. I want to put a DP in it and I could only find the DS1809-10. What ohm resistor would I use on the VO line to keep it between 3.7 & 6.2? I have seen posts here with 4.7k,220 & 10k. I guess I am over thinking it because I know it right in front of me. lol
The Dp I want to use is like this one http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=177.0;attach=460;image

I am using the PTR08060W instead of the 8100

TIA for any help you can offer.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 10, 2013, 09:19:03 PM
I am wanting to build this mod ( awesome work breaktru) I have all the parts ordered just patiently waiting (NOT!) for them to get here..lol
One question. I want to put a DP in it and I could only find the DS1809-10. What ohm resistor would I use on the VO line to keep it between 3.7 & 6.2? I have seen posts here with 4.7k,220 & 10k. I guess I am over thinking it because I know it right in front of me. lol
The Dp I want to use is like this one http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=177.0;attach=460;image

I am using the PTR08060W instead of the 8100

TIA for any help you can offer.

The 08060w and the  08100w are wired the same. It's difficult to get a 10K DP to work smoothly as a replacement for a 200 ohm pot.
See: Side x Side DP (http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,244.msg1932.html#msg1932) and Side x Side (http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,244.0.html)

P.S.
That schematic for the 04050c you linked to was edited by a member. The DP is correct but the rest of the circuit has errors.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 10, 2013, 09:44:33 PM
I posted that wrong Doh: it's a DS1809-100
As for the basic wiring I was gonna follow this one http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=170.0;attach=495;image
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 11, 2013, 08:21:01 AM
I posted that wrong Doh: it's a DS1809-100
As for the basic wiring I was gonna follow this one http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=170.0;attach=495;image

That would be even worst.
An 08060w / 08100w requires a 200 ohm pot. The DS1809-100 is 100K ohm. That would work fine with a 0450c boost board.
Did you look at the links for the Side x Side?
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 11, 2013, 11:08:41 AM
Ok I reread all the DP threads. I see where I went wrong thinking (or not thinking...lol) that was right. I have linear pots here so I can use those w/ the 8060's .  I'm gonna go with the 8050 for the DP mod. Now after reading more this morning I am interested in using tach/touch switches in my mods (I love your bullet switches)  Would the   STD30PF03LT4 MOSFET be a good choice for both uses ?
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 11, 2013, 03:47:10 PM
Ok I reread all the DP threads. I see where I went wrong thinking (or not thinking...lol) that was right. I have linear pots here so I can use those w/ the 8060's .  I'm gonna go with the 8050 for the DP mod. Now after reading more this morning I am interested in using tach/touch switches in my mods (I love your bullet switches)  Would the   STD30PF03LT4 MOSFET be a good choice for both uses ?

I am assuming that you mean 0450c and not 8050. If so, look at ---> THIS (http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,215.msg1550.html#msg1550)
There are many mosfets that you can use. Just look at the datasheets to get an idea of the values for RDS(on) and VGS(th)
Also look at ---> THIS (http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,616.0.html)
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 11, 2013, 05:34:51 PM
That's exactly what needed!!!!!!
http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=215.0;attach=1356;image

Thank You Breaktru!!!!!!  Now I can't wait for the parts to get here!!!
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 13, 2013, 09:48:09 PM
Is it ok (safe) to use a USB charger in this case with 2 of these https://www.fasttech.com/products/1066606
run in parallel? I would like to do it but don't want to run into safety issues. Sorry for all the questions but its better safe then sorry.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 14, 2013, 10:58:36 AM
Is it ok (safe) to use a USB charger in this case with 2 of these https://www.fasttech.com/products/1066606
run in parallel? I would like to do it but don't want to run into safety issues. Sorry for all the questions but its better safe then sorry.

Parallel is safer than seriesed batteries. See: Battery University (http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/serial_and_parallel_battery_configurations)

When using batteries in parallell, buy them in pairs. Keep the pairs together and don't mix them with other batteries even if they are the same type.
I would stay away from the poor performance UltraFire batteries.
These are much better: Panasonic (https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10001980/1141101-panasonic-cgr18650ch-rechargeable-2250mah-3-7v) and the Sony (http://www.fasttech.com/product/1315400-sony-us18650vtc3-18650-1600mah-3-7v-rechargeable)
I don't believe these batteries mentioned are protected batteries. Perhaps adding a PTC fuse for each cell would be in order.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 14, 2013, 06:23:48 PM
Thanks Breaktru. I think I'll be ordering some better battery's for this. I ordered those before I started this project & I can still use them in my old ego-t so they won't go to waste...lol
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 14, 2013, 06:57:30 PM
Thanks Breaktru. I think I'll be ordering some better battery's for this. I ordered those before I started this project & I can still use them in my old ego-t so they won't go to waste...lol


It's not that you can't use them. Just that the others are better. I was trying to stop you from ordering but since you did... use them
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 14, 2013, 07:21:10 PM
I would rather use the better battery's in this mod anyways :-)  I was looking at the lipo cells but I don't think I'm ready for those yet. LoL
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: CraigHB on August 14, 2013, 07:29:01 PM
There are some not so obvious hazards when using unprotected Li-Ion batteries both in serial and parallel.

For parallel cells, you have to be careful that voltage betwen them is pretty much exactly the same upon initial connection or you could get heavy equalization currents.  If the mismatch is great enough, it can cause a battery fire.  At the minimum, it can damage the cells.  Though, once the cells are connected and equalized they behave as one cell and there's no longer any concern.

Another hazard with parallel cells is if you inadvertently place one into a battery holder backwards.  It's actually pretty easy to do since you really have to look to identify positive and negative on the flat tops.  A reversed cell creates a radical short between the two, each working to push current into the other.  That has to be about the worst thing you could do to a pair of Li-Ion cells.

With parallel cells, I recommend using a USB charger which eliminates the need to remove them for charging.  Eliminating the need to remove the cells eliminates the above hazards.

For series cells, one cell almost always discharges faster than the other.  That's just due to normal tolerances in production.  The risk there is that if the pack is discharged deeply, one of the cells could drop below minimum voltage tolerance.  It damages Li-Ion cells if they are discharged too deeply.

All of these hazards can be avoided with a protected cell, but the problem there is smaller cells may run up against their drain limit.  For example, two protected 14500s in parallel would have a continuous drain limit of only 3 Amps.  Each cell's protection would probably trip around 2 Amps so that would be 4 Amps maximum for the pack.  That's probably enough amperage for most vapers, but if you're using unusually low resistance or unusually high power, your pack could cut out on you.  For larger cells, it's not an issue.  A protected 18650 can usually deliver around 6 Amps.  Two in parallel can deliver up to 12 Amps.

The highest quality cells are the name brand Japanese ones like Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, etc.  The best Chinese cells are the AW brand.  For an inexpensive Chinese battery, the eFest brand seems to meet ratings and deliver acceptable performance in benchmark testing.  The "fire" brands are some of the poorest performers so I would have recommended you not buy them, but since you already did, just use them at Breaktru said.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 14, 2013, 07:43:02 PM
Great info Craig! Thank you. I think I am gonna go with the Panasonic as I can pick them up around here or on eBay for cheap. I want to build something that will last a few days between charging and didn't want to have to pull them all the time (like me Itaste SVD) this is gonna be my daily unit till I build something with a DNA20 but I want to start smaller (read "cheaper" lol) and work up from there. I've learned a lot from here and it's really sparked me back into electronics. Thank you Breaktru and the rest of the mod gods for all the very usefull posts and great place to learn.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: CraigHB on August 14, 2013, 08:10:27 PM
Welcome, have fun modding!
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: zeus17 on August 15, 2013, 10:03:02 AM
There are some not so obvious hazards when using unprotected Li-Ion batteries both in serial and parallel.

For parallel cells, you have to be careful that voltage betwen them is pretty much exactly the same upon initial connection or you could get heavy equalization currents.  If the mismatch is great enough, it can cause a battery fire.  At the minimum, it can damage the cells.  Though, once the cells are connected and equalized they behave as one cell and there's no longer any concern.

Another hazard with parallel cells is if you inadvertently place one into a battery holder backwards.  It's actually pretty easy to do since you really have to look to identify positive and negative on the flat tops.  A reversed cell creates a radical short between the two, each working to push current into the other.  That has to be about the worst thing you could do to a pair of Li-Ion cells.

With parallel cells, I recommend using a USB charger which eliminates the need to remove them for charging.  Eliminating the need to remove the cells eliminates the above hazards.

For series cells, one cell almost always discharges faster than the other.  That's just due to normal tolerances in production.  The risk there is that if the pack is discharged deeply, one of the cells could drop below minimum voltage tolerance.  It damages Li-Ion cells if they are discharged too deeply.

All of these hazards can be avoided with a protected cell, but the problem there is smaller cells may run up against their drain limit.  For example, two protected 14500s in parallel would have a continuous drain limit of only 3 Amps.  Each cell's protection would probably trip around 2 Amps so that would be 4 Amps maximum for the pack.  That's probably enough amperage for most vapers, but if you're using unusually low resistance or unusually high power, your pack could cut out on you.  For larger cells, it's not an issue.  A protected 18650 can usually deliver around 6 Amps.  Two in parallel can deliver up to 12 Amps.

The highest quality cells are the name brand Japanese ones like Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, etc.  The best Chinese cells are the AW brand.  For an inexpensive Chinese battery, the eFest brand seems to meet ratings and deliver acceptable performance in benchmark testing.  The "fire" brands are some of the poorest performers so I would have recommended you not buy them, but since you already did, just use them at Breaktru said.

if you wont mind,

on a vamo,i can set it to a limit of like 15amps.
now I am just  doing like 10amps,
I read that an 18650 just can disperse like 6 amps?
and I am guessing,,18350 is lesser than that,,,

am I gonna be needing to replace my efest batteries soon?
I have like a spare sanyo battery but that kinda came out from a battery pack of a laptop..
what can you recommend would be the safest settings in ohms and amps??

Thanks
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 19, 2013, 07:27:20 PM
Ok most of the parts are in for this (yaaa) now it's time for battery's. I've been looking at these http://www.myvaporstore.com/Panasonic_NCR18650B_3400mAh_Battery_p/pn18650.htm and wanted to be sure they would work for me before I order them. Then that brings me to the next question... Charging in the case. I have this http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=251149612464   It's set to charge at 1000ma but I can change the ma by changing a resister if needed.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: CraigHB on August 20, 2013, 03:51:14 AM
Use the Panasonic NCR18650PD.  You can get them here (http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10001980/1233700-panasonic-ncr18650pd-18650-36v-2900mah-rechargeabl) really cheap.  Lots of people use that vendor with no issue.  Shipping takes a week or two, but you can't beat the price and free shipping too. 

The NCR18650PD has a higher drain limit and a discharge profile more like an IMR cell.  The problem with the NCR18650B is it's an ICR cell and it also has a steep discharge curve.  It has to be drained to 2.7V to get the full capacity out it.  Most controllers will not drain a cell below 3.0 Volts and some only take them down to 3.3V.  That would drain an NCR18650B only about half way. 

I would actually not recommend the NCR18650B for any e-cig application.  It's a great high quality cell, but it just doesn't have good characteristics for an e-cig.  It's better suited for applications with lower power demands.

That charging board uses a Chinese designed chip and I don't have much faith in Chinese chip design.  It should work, but I doubt it will be able to put out a 1A rate.  Who knows how reliable or safe it would be either.  This one (http://www.adafruit.com/products/259) is more expensive, but uses the Microchip MCP73833 which is the same charger controller I use in my own mods.  That's a top quality American designed chip.

You can use a 1A rate with the NCR18650PD.  That cell can be charged with a rate as high as 2.8 Amps.  You just need to power the charger board with a 2A USB wall adapter.  You wouldn't be able to power it off a USB data port, but using an appliance as an expensive USB power supply is a bad idea anyway. 

If you insist on being able to plug into a data port, the rate on the Adafruit board can also be reset by changing out a resistor.  This (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10401) charger board has a 500mA rate and it's cheaper.  It uses the MCP73831 which is a real basic charger controller, though still a high quality Microchip part.


Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: methos on August 20, 2013, 06:42:47 AM
Again Craig GREAT info!!  I missed that on the batt specs.  I have dealt with Fasttech before. Great pricing.  I will go with that battery.
As for the charger again I ordered before I asked :-(  I think I might do a few tests on the output and on an old battery I have and see what it can do. If it doesn't work correctly ill go with the one you suggested. Not
Looking to charade from a USB port I just wanted in circuit charging.

One day soon I want to learn more on the lipo cells. Looks like that may be a good way to go.
Title: Re: DM - New Type DC-DC Converter Mod
Post by: ModManCooper on August 04, 2014, 10:28:43 AM
Love the mod built!!!