Breaktru Forum

eCigarette Forum => Modding => Topic started by: Breaktru on March 06, 2011, 06:05:12 PM

Title: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 06, 2011, 06:05:12 PM
Copper V.V. Mod. Using One 18650, 3.7v. battery Incorporated the PTN04050C regulator and a DS-1869-100 Digital potentiometer.
Voltage in = 3.7v to 4.12v, Voltage out = 3.54v to >6V

**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**

Log on to see Schematic

Increment / decrement voltage with a small tactile pushbutton

YouTube Videos




Booster circuit in a 2AA box mod: .44 mini VV Booster Mod (http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,215.0.html)

To See Attached Photo, Log on as a Member..
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Avamil on March 10, 2011, 05:42:52 PM
I would love to make one. One battery for 5 volt vaping is right up my alley. Cool. I've see the 2 videos and I am very impressed with the digital pot you incorporated into the mod. Great work Breaktru. Can't wait for your next project. Keep us posted dude.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: shirl on March 12, 2011, 06:28:13 PM
My hubby has used your wonderful detailed diagram to build me a box mod. The high end voltage is too high. Like 15 volts. Please advise.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 13, 2011, 01:29:40 PM
It's easy to adjust the voltage. I used one button for UP and Down instead on 2 separate ones. While holding the FIRE button, The first push decrements the voltage, each push goes to the next lower step. There are 64 resistive steps (taps). When you keep tapping the button it will go all the way to the lowest voltage. I posted it was 3.24v but just awhile ago when trying to make a chessy video I went to 3.12v. Once it bottoms it then starts to increment and visa versa, each tap is a step. If you hold the button it will keep scaling up or down depending on the way it was headed. To change direction, continue to hold the FIRE button and wait a second or two, then hit the UP/DOWN button. After you're at your voltage of choice, let go of the UP/DOWN button while continuing holding the fire button for 1-2 seconds and the setting will be stored in the D.P. chip.
Sounds confusing but after doing it a couple of times, it's quite easy. I placed the two buttons at 90 degrees from each other so it's easy to do it with one hand.
Although I read the spec/instructions several times, I figured it out by trial and error.

One more thing, those Digital Meters (1S-6S) for the Li-Po battery found at R/C sites and Madvapes, It wrecks havoc on the operation of varying the voltage. At first I thought I had a problem with my circuit or chips but I switched to my digital multimeter and it worked as designed.
What was happening is, when I went down to 3.24v, I was stuck there and the meter would flash dim to bright and sometimes each flash was a totally different voltage reading. Like I said, It was the D.M. module and not the circuitry. All is now fine and I am truly enjoying my new toy.
If you use the 1S-6S meter, don't go below 3.6volts.

I want to thank TuErOs for his idea of using couplers instead of just a copper pipe, give it a new look. Didn't look as good as his but I like it.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 13, 2011, 02:01:48 PM
My hubby has used your wonderful detailed diagram to build me a box mod. The high end voltage is too high. Like 15 volts. Please advise.
Hey Shirl, Made sure he used the same resistors as my schematic. He needs to put a 100k resistor across pin 3 & 4 of the regulator which is not in the Spec PDF from the manufacturer.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 13, 2011, 05:15:05 PM
Right click and select "View Image"
(http://breaktru.com/temp/copper_sections.jpg)(http://breaktru.com/temp/copper3.jpg)

Keeping the tubes tightly together:
Friction holds the tubes and couplers together. If it's too loose, give the outer edges of the inner tube a slight tap w/ a mallet to make it slightly out of round. But be very careful not to dent it or make it too out of round. The damage would be irreversible.
See also: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/168405-booster-v-v-copper-mod-w-digital-potentiometer.html#post2824383 (http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/168405-booster-v-v-copper-mod-w-digital-potentiometer.html#post2824383)
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 17, 2011, 06:53:42 PM
Internals:
Booster Circuit board and Digital Pot board
Diode was old design and has been omitted in all 04050c mods. Do not use the diode.

Right Click Photos and select "View Images" for FULL sized view.

(http://breaktru.com/temp/DSC00098.JPG) (http://breaktru.com/temp/DSC00099.JPG)
(http://breaktru.com/temp/DSC00100.JPG) (http://breaktru.com/temp/DSC00101.JPG)
(http://breaktru.com/temp/DSC00102.JPG) (http://breaktru.com/temp/DSC00103.JPG)

Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: wwwest on March 17, 2011, 08:29:15 PM
Tight sqeeze, I must say.... Amazing  ;D
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: tony2stix on March 18, 2011, 07:46:05 PM
Hi would love to try have you a parts list?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 18, 2011, 08:00:42 PM
Hi would love to try have you a parts list?
Hi Tony, Yes. Look at the very first post in this thread. The parts can be seen in the picture of the circuits.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: vapemistress on April 23, 2011, 06:14:53 PM
So Techno  :o... I love it.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: geothee on April 30, 2011, 08:12:10 PM
You are very talented in making your mods and your calculator. I am very impressed.
You sharing this with all of us is a blessing, keep up the good work. All your hard work will someday be rewarded, I'm sure.
I read your out of work, you should put a Donation link so those who benefited by one of your ideas or creations can reciprocate.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: steamEngine on April 30, 2011, 08:13:31 PM
You are very talented in making your mods and your calculator. I am very impressed.
You sharing this with all of us is a blessing, keep up the good work. All your hard work will someday be rewarded, I'm sure.
I read your out of work, you should put a Donation link so those who benefited by one of your ideas or creations can reciprocate.

I second that, I'm in.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: tommygun on May 13, 2011, 10:48:45 PM
I made my Digital Pot w/ the 0450c reg and I tollay love it. Using an 18650, 3000mah battery and this thing rocks man. I have saved a bundle not having to buy those expensive mods. This thing does the same thing.
Thank you so much for posting this and all the details on how to. Your an absolute saint breaktru. I have seen all your postings on many ecig forums and people love what you have offered us.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Aromaz on June 11, 2011, 01:38:18 PM
And the pistols are great too.  :D
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: octoman on July 14, 2011, 05:20:17 PM
Can someone tell me where I can buy that diode?
Thank you, O.M.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 06, 2011, 07:50:55 AM
I think I should mention this when working with a Digital Pot:
You absolutely need a STABLE voltage before trying to adjust up/down voltages with a D.P. especially when holding for EEPROM memory writes.
If your  Vout is bouncing even slightly, you will have trouble locking in "Last Wiper Position".

Bouncing? What you talkin bout breaktru?............

If you are using a Mosfet as a switch and are near the fringe of turning on the Mosfet FULLY, your voltage Drain Pin output maybe decrementing slightly.
Another reason is using Buck/Booster's without Capacitors. This MAY also cause a NON-Stable output voltage.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Lance_Wallen on October 01, 2011, 03:13:24 AM
this + analog pot = win for me. The voltage range confuses me a little bit, the caps trick the regulator?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on October 01, 2011, 09:23:14 AM
Anolog is good. Just wanted one mod different w/ the D.P.
Not the caps but the voltage divider resistor between Pin 3 and 4.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Lance_Wallen on October 01, 2011, 09:55:59 AM
the chart shows pretty limited Vout bands, nothing like 3.2->6, I guess that was the real curiosity. How you got the wider voltage band in this one.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on October 01, 2011, 10:50:15 AM
the chart shows pretty limited Vout bands, nothing like 3.2->6, I guess that was the real curiosity. How you got the wider voltage band in this one.

Yes Lance, that's a good question. I just checked it again and measured (no load) 3.54v to 6.26v. If you look at the video, you will see that it bottomed out at 3.12v
That's why I breadboard and test w/ different components before slapping it together.
I used the same values shown above. Perhaps the Digital Pot has an effect.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Lance_Wallen on October 01, 2011, 12:32:50 PM
hrm, fun. Time to go to frys heh.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: vaping_joe on October 25, 2011, 04:46:43 PM
Hey man great mod. I am just trying to figure out how you realized it, but the information here is quite confusing.

Copper V.V. Mod. Using One 18650, 3.7v. battery Incorporated the PTN04050C regulator and a DS-18689-100 Digital potentiometer.
I cannot find a DS-18689-100 D.P.. Could it be that you used the DS1869-100 ? Or where can i find information about the DS-18689 one ?

Voltage in = 3.7v to 4.12v, Voltage out = 3.54v to >6V
How did you realize that Vout range, since i cannot find that information in the 04050c :( ?

Also people are talking about a Chart, that i acnnot found.

I'd really appreciate any help.  :begging:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 18, 2011, 05:15:25 PM
Log on to see schematic of Digital Potentiometer:
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Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Alamor on December 04, 2011, 12:43:02 AM
Nice!!  I need something lime that
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: aquiles on December 10, 2011, 07:52:26 PM
Hi all ....,

This is my first post, and I want to thank BREAKTRU, for opening the doors of this place of meeting, and for all their schemes and advices he offer.

I also want to say that my English is very bad, please keep it in mind.   :help:


Well, now, speaking of mods, some time ago I gathered all the necessary elements to build VV mods. I started with the basic scheme PTN04050C   DS1869 (2 buttons)   Led Display, all mounted on a protoboard and fully functional.

Now, I want to place everything in a plastic box like those used BREAKTRU (the largest). But my intention is to mount all components on a PCB, which I'm designing on Eagle software (after more than 20 hours to follow the tutorial to learn how to use it, quite stressful, but now I am able), but it will take some time to finish for sure.

In preliminary tests came to me several questions, if anyone can help me understand certain points I will be very grateful:

1) My idea is to incorporate a master switch, attached close the mass of the battery, and what I have on hand, is a classic on/off slider switch, as the classic on / off switch that bring the standard battery boxes from madvapes, ebay, etc. But I understand that this switches does not support a lot of amperage, but then again, I also see many other modders assemble their mods in these boxes that bring this switch already installed, and have no problems, then ... What should I do? Should I put a switch suitable for 2 or 3 amps ? or should I put a mosfet ? or simply use these common cheap slider switches ?

2) In addition, I also like to add a button to turn on / off the display and the 2 potentiometer buttons.
I thought about putting a little button between GND, and GND pins of the display and the 2 tactile buttons.
But .... Is it correct ?.  Should I put a n-mosfet ?


Thank you very much !!!

Greetings ....
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 10, 2011, 09:10:16 PM
Hi all ....,

This is my first post, and I want to thank BREAKTRU, for opening the doors of this place of meeting, and for all their schemes and advices he offer.

I also want to say that my English is very bad, please keep it in mind.   :help:


Well, now, speaking of mods, some time ago I gathered all the necessary elements to build VV mods. I started with the basic scheme PTN04050C   DS1869 (2 buttons)   Led Display, all mounted on a protoboard and fully functional.

Now, I want to place everything in a plastic box like those used BREAKTRU (the largest). But my intention is to mount all components on a PCB, which I'm designing on Eagle software (after more than 20 hours to follow the tutorial to learn how to use it, quite stressful, but now I am able), but it will take some time to finish for sure.

In preliminary tests came to me several questions, if anyone can help me understand certain points I will be very grateful:

1) My idea is to incorporate a master switch, attached close the mass of the battery, and what I have on hand, is a classic on/off slider switch, as the classic on / off switch that bring the standard battery boxes from madvapes, ebay, etc. But I understand that this switches does not support a lot of amperage, but then again, I also see many other modders assemble their mods in these boxes that bring this switch already installed, and have no problems, then ... What should I do? Should I put a switch suitable for 2 or 3 amps ? or should I put a mosfet ? or simply use these common cheap slider switches ?

2) In addition, I also like to add a button to turn on / off the display and the 2 potentiometer buttons.
I thought about putting a little button between GND, and GND pins of the display and the 2 tactile buttons.
But .... Is it correct ?.  Should I put a n-mosfet ?


Thank you very much !!!

Greetings ....


Welcome aquiles,
It's my pleasure to help out where I can. Your English is excellent.

(1)
The slider switches that come with the battery boxes are usually somewhere around 0.4amps. In my first several mods I replaced them w/ 3amp slides. I recently stop replacing them. Normally the switch is either on or off. Burning up the contacts would happen if you switch it on or off while you were holding the fire button causing arching which I doubt will ever occur. I haven't burned out any yet and I use mine daily at about 2.4 amps.
The 0.4 amp slide has a CONTACT RESISTANCE of about 50m ohm typ. and a 6 amp has a CONTACT RESISTANCE of about 10m ohm. I don't think this would hurt performance.

(2)
Not sure exactly what you mean about 2 pot buttons.
For a Digital Meter, I would use a low current slide.
There's two ways to go:
 a) Two position switch: Positive from battery to center post of switch and top post of switch to pos of DM leaving bottom post empty. (Meter ON/OFF)
 b) Three position switch: Pos of battery to bottom post of slide, center post to DM positive and Output from regulator to top post. (center is off, bottom slide position is battery voltage and top position is Load voltage.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: bamsbbq on December 10, 2011, 09:48:29 PM
wow this stuff is WAYYYYYY over my head..lol

but it sure is nice to see these cool mods - great job Breaktru

you're the kind of guy i pay to do mods for me or fix something i cant...lol
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: aquiles on December 11, 2011, 01:39:27 AM
Welcome aquiles,
It's my pleasure to help out where I can. Your English is excellent.

(1)
The slider switches that come with the battery boxes are usually somewhere around 0.4amps. In my first several mods I replaced them w/ 3amp slides. I recently stop replacing them. Normally the switch is either on or off. Burning up the contacts would happen if you switch it on or off while you were holding the fire button causing arching which I doubt will ever occur. I haven't burned out any yet and I use mine daily at about 2.4 amps.
The 0.4 amp slide has a CONTACT RESISTANCE of about 50m ohm typ. and a 6 amp has a CONTACT RESISTANCE of about 10m ohm. I don't think this would hurt performance.

(2)
Not sure exactly what you mean about 2 pot buttons.
For a Digital Meter, I would use a low current slide.
There's two ways to go:
 a) Two position switch: Positive from battery to center post of switch and top post of switch to pos of DM leaving bottom post empty. (Meter ON/OFF)
 b) Three position switch: Pos of battery to bottom post of slide, center post to DM positive and Output from regulator to top post. (center is off, bottom slide position is battery voltage and top position is Load voltage.

Hey Breaktru, thankyou very much....

Point 1, totally clear now....

Point 2, I understand what you mean, and please, tell me if the following schematic that I have modified is OK (its for the 3 position slide swith option) :



And what I said about 2 pot buttons, I mean to put a slide switch to turn off the meter and also de two DS-1869 tactile buttons, but maintaining all the circuit ON, only turning off the buttons and meter, something like this:
Tested only on the proto, but it works, is another option. What do you think ?

Circuit below is only visible to members logged on.
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Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 11, 2011, 09:43:50 AM
I removed the circuits that you posted and attached them. I only allow viewing of my circuits to members. Attachments can only be viewed by members.

The first circuit is good except for the fire button. The way you had it would keep the 04050c powered up w/ the on/off switch on. By moving the switch to the 04050c input would save on battery life a bit.

The second circuit would work. Just don't know why you broke the Up/Down switches too.

Note:
Make sure your low voltage range does not go lower that 3.5v or you will lock the Digital Pot up when using the Digital Meter.
The D.P. Operates from 3V or 5V supplies but w/ the meter ON, will cause the DP to be stuck at low end and will not increment.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: aquiles on December 11, 2011, 06:36:58 PM
I removed the circuits that you posted and attached them. I only allow viewing of my circuits to members. Attachments can only be viewed by members.
Ups... Sorry.. did not know. And users can also attach files?

The first circuit is good except for the fire button. The way you had it would keep the 04050c powered up w/ the on/off switch on. By moving the switch to the 04050c input would save on battery life a bit.
Yes, but that way I can not up and down the potentiometer or test the "V out" without pushing the fire button. Or am I wrong?

The second circuit would work. Just don't know why you broke the Up/Down switches too.
It is to avoid pressing the tactile buttons unintentionally. Anyway, the other design, the suggested by you, I like more. I think I will go for that, only remains, where to situate the fire button.

Note:
Make sure your low voltage range does not go lower that 3.5v or you will lock the Digital Pot up when using the Digital Meter.
The D.P. Operates from 3V or 5V supplies but w/ the meter ON, will cause the DP to be stuck at low end and will not increment.
Thankyou for the explaination, it happened exactly that, and did not know why. Till now.  :begging:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 11, 2011, 06:56:14 PM
In my vaping world, I have NO reason to go below 3.7v. I believe below that is useless. I make my range approximately 3.7v to 6.2v. And even above 5 volts, I find it also useless for my vaping habits. You can prevent the DP lockup by limiting your bottom range to 3.7v by picking the right resistor combo.
The reason I use that voltage range is to not hear the wise guys say.......... Ohhh!!!, it only goes to 5 volts? Well, mine goes to 6 volts.  :laughing2:
Anyway, I set it to 4.2v and rarely change it.

P.S.
I have changed my voltage range from the original setup of 3.54v - 6v to 3.7v - 6.2v.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: tek on December 11, 2011, 11:52:26 PM
Would you belive i prefer about 6.4-6.5 volts? 3 ohms, but since i used lifepo4s the first hits off them i keep chasing lol..
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Pantera on December 17, 2011, 08:53:25 AM
Since this first original post, what I have noticed is that I've been seeing several mods popping up using this Digital Pot. Some with single control and some with dual. Thanks break for sharing. Hope those builders also appreciate it.  :beer-toast:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Dasen22 on December 17, 2011, 08:23:41 PM
Yes I did see some D.P.'s pop up since the breaktru mod posting even on the foreign forums.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: tangocharlie on December 31, 2011, 06:57:15 AM
dear sir, i cant see any schematic diagram, can u send me please
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on December 31, 2011, 09:47:11 AM
dear sir, i cant see any schematic diagram, can u send me please

Tangocharlie, they are visible to ALL signed on members. See post reply #23 and #29
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: tangocharlie on December 31, 2011, 10:22:04 AM
OK Sir, i got it now.
Thank you
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: alphahot1 on February 07, 2012, 07:04:04 PM
Hello Breaktru, terrific mod I'd say!!
But, where I can find that kind of copper tube? What I should be asking for? Thanks!
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: jonas44 on February 07, 2012, 07:15:09 PM
In one of the posts, breaktru mentions that he used couplers...
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on February 07, 2012, 07:29:13 PM
I used ¾" copper tubing between ¾" couplers and ¾" end caps. Only the couplers and caps are visible. The tubing is inside.

http://goo.gl/TB885 (http://goo.gl/TB885) End caps
http://goo.gl/Q6azd (http://goo.gl/Q6azd) Copper Tube
http://goo.gl/XmuaU (http://goo.gl/XmuaU) 3/4" couplers
Or:
http://goo.gl/X1NXy (http://goo.gl/X1NXy) 12" 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. Copper Sweat Repair Coupling
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: alphahot1 on February 07, 2012, 07:38:32 PM
That's perfectly clear now! Let's see how they call those things here in Italy :D Thank you.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Blakd on February 17, 2012, 09:31:35 PM
How long is this thing?  I am looking at doing 3 vv mods in aluminum and the tubing is between 4 and 5 inches long and around can be drilled out to around .9 inches.  I do have 4 PTn4050c on the way.  Was looking at putting in a meter possibly and maybe a touch for fire and one for up and one for down.  Unless my tube is to small, if that's the case I can leave out the digital meter and go with an analog pot with single touch or push button switch.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on February 17, 2012, 09:59:21 PM
How long is this thing?  I am looking at doing 3 vv mods in aluminum and the tubing is between 4 and 5 inches long and around can be drilled out to around .9 inches.  I do have 4 PTn4050c on the way.  Was looking at putting in a meter possibly and maybe a touch for fire and one for up and one for down.  Unless my tube is to small, if that's the case I can leave out the digital meter and go with an analog pot with single touch or push button switch.

This mod was done in several sections as show in the photos. The overall length is 5¾ inches. It's possible to cut it down maybe a ¼ of an inch.
The meter would definitely add to the length.
Layout your parts outside the mod to get an idea on the length.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Blakd on February 17, 2012, 10:16:53 PM
Thank you for the quick response,  Once I get everything here I will see if I can at least check to see if it will fit in the tube with the battery compartment and shelf.  I am going to drill  3/4" for the battery just hair bigger than 65mm and then drill from the other side and leave a little shelf in between.  Then I am going to try and stuff everything in the top  and cap it off.  If I cold find a way to make a spinning ring on the top around the battery connector and make it so it controls the voltage and does not move the battery connector it would be sweet but that is more work than I want to do.  As is I might need someone local to do the soldering.  I have had an issue with shaking since I was little so things like soldering have always been hard.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: alphahot1 on February 18, 2012, 06:49:01 AM
a spinning ring on the top around the battery connector
It would be great!
By the way, since the recent fatcs with that battery exploding etc. is there anything we could do to add some protection to this circuit?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Blakd on February 19, 2012, 08:03:13 PM
Looks like this is going on hold for a while. I have 4 PTN04050C chips on the way, and the tube cut for the mods. I do not have them drilled yet and don't think it is happening. Realized when I went out to pick up a test board transistors, resistors, wire, and pots that I was getting in way over my head. Came home from Fry's with nothing. I ordered a provari instead, and my wife told me she was waiting for me to figure out that trying to build my own was going to be above what I can do. Then she lays it on my that she is pregnant. My jaw dropped and I realized that the provari was the best choice for me at the moment.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on February 19, 2012, 10:13:23 PM
Looks like this is going on hold for a while. I have 4 PTN04050C chips on the way, and the tube cut for the mods. I do not have them drilled yet and don't think it is happening. Realized when I went out to pick up a test board transistors, resistors, wire, and pots that I was getting in way over my head. Came home from Fry's with nothing. I ordered a provari instead, and my wife told me she was waiting for me to figure out that trying to build my own was going to be above what I can do. Then she lays it on my that she is pregnant. My jaw dropped and I realized that the provari was the best choice for me at the moment.

Congratulations Poppa.
Don't feel pressured in making the mod. All in good time. The Provari is a good choice.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: alphahot1 on February 22, 2012, 09:40:31 AM
Congratulations, I can't imagine how it would feel to be in that moment!!

If I may go back in topic... what happens if the atomizer is shorted? Or if a low resistance atomizer is connetcted and the max current rating is exceeded?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Dznutz on February 22, 2012, 10:54:30 AM
I was thinking of giving one of these a shot, my question is you made it a 1 button adjust for up and down right?can this be done with an up button and a down button? I was thinking of making a 4 button mod one being fire 2 being adjustments and the last one for VO display. Thanks in advance


One more thing is there a relay/delay like chip that I could use to power an led for say like 15 sec then fade or  power out kinda like cell phone lights. I would like for it to come on when I press a button but fade out or shut off after 15 sec or so.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on February 22, 2012, 01:21:52 PM
I was thinking of giving one of these a shot, my question is you made it a 1 button adjust for up and down right?can this be done with an up button and a down button? I was thinking of making a 4 button mod one being fire 2 being adjustments and the last one for VO display. Thanks in advance


One more thing is there a relay/delay like chip that I could use to power an led for say like 15 sec then fade or  power out kinda like cell phone lights. I would like for it to come on when I press a button but fade out or shut off after 15 sec or so.

Read the datasheet for 2 button mode.

Not sure why you would want to have the LED on after letting go of the fire button but if you put the LED + resistor across an additional added capacitor it will stay on and dim as the cap is discharging. This may not work out because the load of the atty will quickly deplete the cap voltage. If you put a diode to prevent the atty load from drawing the LED/Cap circuit, it may be possible

Perhaps like this circuit attached below:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Dznutz on February 23, 2012, 11:59:45 PM
I was thinking when turning on device it would like "power" on pulse then fade out, when button is depressed turn on then  3-5 sec fade out.  I first was thinking a 555 timer but I don't want to time anything just a simple on then fade out. Do you think this would drain battery to much?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: inganeer on September 16, 2012, 10:57:59 AM
First off, Breaktru you are an asset to all of us DIY'ers. Thank you for your help and support. I am gathering my parts for my first VV mod now. Will share when I get  started on it. Thanks again.

P.S. Congrats Blakd.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on September 16, 2012, 11:42:00 AM
First off, Breaktru you are an asset to all of us DIY'ers. Thank you for your help and support. I am gathering my parts for my first VV mod now. Will share when I get  started on it. Thanks again.

P.S. Congrats Blakd.

Thank you inganeer. I am thrilled to help. I am thankful to those who also contributed to this forum making it possible for others to build their first mod.

We would luv to see you post your mod here.
Other first timers have used this site for information but are reluctant to post their mods here. However I have seen their mods on other forums... oooohhh, that hurts.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on September 17, 2012, 05:45:28 AM
Hi Breaktru - I have been reading a lot about your work - Im a big fan, and a lot of the ideas I have had seem to already done by you so as Im new to this modding Im hoping to catch up :)

I have all the parts I need to build this mod - and this will be my first foray into VV mods. If you have a moment, can you recall what wattage resistor you used for the voltage divider? This is the part that mystifies me the most - and as I only have one 4050 Id like to not break it when I first power it up :)

Other than that, I have gotten myself a digital pot and a few other bits, but am thinking of breadboarding this with an analogue pot first to try it.

Please keep up the awesome work, and I will post pics of my mod here *first* when Im done.  ;cheers;
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on September 17, 2012, 09:19:56 AM
Hey ghoti, thank you for following the modders section and the kind words. Glad it helped.

Smart choice to go w/ analog pot before attempting a Digital Pot for your first VV. Once you get it working you can replace the analog w/ the D.P.

1/8 Watt resistors (0.125) are fine for Voltage divider and adjust pin resistors (This is the LOW current portion of the circuit). You can also use higher wattage but they are physically larger.

Thanks for wanting to share your photos of your mod here.  :yes"
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on September 17, 2012, 09:42:43 AM
Ive been an avid modder in other fields before discovering the joys of vaping, and now I get to combine passtimes :)
Vaping was almost designed for me hehe.

I figured might as well start with an analog pot cos also they are easier to use, and I did think that 1/8w resistor would work, but looking at your pictures (hard to see the scale) I thought you might have used a 1w resistor in your tube mod. (Just to be sure its the one between pins 3&4 - the 15K one).

And surely its only polite to show on here what I manage to make from your instructions! Your help is much appreciated :)
I also hope I can make it well enough to not be embarressed (enclosures are *not* my strong point lol)
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on September 17, 2012, 10:16:46 AM
Ive been an avid modder in other fields before discovering the joys of vaping, and now I get to combine passtimes :)
Vaping was almost designed for me hehe.

I figured might as well start with an analog pot cos also they are easier to use, and I did think that 1/8w resistor would work, but looking at your pictures (hard to see the scale) I thought you might have used a 1w resistor in your tube mod. (Just to be sure its the one between pins 3&4 - the 15K one).

And surely its only polite to show on here what I manage to make from your instructions! Your help is much appreciated :)
I also hope I can make it well enough to not be embarrassed (enclosures are *not* my strong point lol)

In the photos for this mod, I actually used 1/4 Watt (0.250) because that's what I had at the time. Also you will see a Diode which I no longer use (not necessary). Yes the 15k between pins 3 and 4 can be 1/8 watt (0.125)

No matter how a mod turns out, it's something that you should be proud of. No one here is judgmental, I promise you.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: jonas44 on March 27, 2013, 08:57:38 AM

And surely its only polite to show on here what I manage to make from your instructions! Your help is much appreciated :)
I also hope I can make it well enough to not be embarrassed (enclosures are *not* my strong point lol)


How did your mod turn out ghoti?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on March 27, 2013, 09:01:26 AM
How did your mod turn out ghoti?

I had problems getting the voltage stable - not sure if its the dodgy cheap solderless breadboard I was using.... then I got sidetracked by another few projects... but I promised to post up here once I had completed it, so I will... hopefully Ill get a chance to catch up with this in the next week, as I really need a few new mods - and this would do nicely for what I have in mind!
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Mimms on March 27, 2013, 02:36:39 PM
I had problems getting the voltage stable - not sure if its the dodgy cheap solderless breadboard I was using.... then I got sidetracked by another few projects... but I promised to post up here once I had completed it, so I will... hopefully Ill get a chance to catch up with this in the next week, as I really need a few new mods - and this would do nicely for what I have in mind!

Breadboards are notorious for intermittent problems. But they are useful as well. Good luck with your mod ghoti
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: shandy27 on July 04, 2013, 02:44:26 PM
hi folks how are you all doing, the site is great have been following it for ages.  I am building PTN04050C mod and was wondering if a resettable fuse was enough protection for overcurrent and shorts.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: CraigHB on July 04, 2013, 04:41:58 PM
Yes, it is.  Though the down side with a PTC fuse is you give up a little power for it.  You want to select one with as low of a steady state resistance as possible.  You have to be a bit picky about it.  You can also parallel them up to reduce the insertion loss.

One consideration is if you're using a round cell with built-in PTC.  It's in the form of a ring sandwiched between the positive nipple plate and the base.  You can sometimes see it as a thin black ring through the vent holes.  Not all round cells have them, but if you are using a round cell that does, it makes adding a PTC fuse a bit redundant.


Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: shandy27 on July 04, 2013, 05:32:13 PM
thanks for the reply I was thinking of using an unprotected 18650 cell with ptc fuse because at the minute I am using a booster mod with the imr cells its great but with my protected cells its not so great.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: jumper on July 11, 2013, 03:51:06 PM
What an awesome mod! And like someone else said, can't believe you got all that stuff in that tube. I want to try something like that one day, but it's baby steps for me now.

Really great job. I AM impressed my friend!
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: shandy27 on October 05, 2013, 12:15:27 PM
Should i add a 5amp ptc fuse on the output and input of the 4050 module
Thanks
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on October 05, 2013, 01:40:03 PM
The PTC fuse goes between the battery and input. No fuse for output.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: shandy27 on October 05, 2013, 06:11:40 PM
Thanks for the info, the website and the mods you are doimg are amazing.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on November 17, 2013, 03:58:35 PM
Hi Breaktru!

As promised, here is my first pic upload of my progress:
(http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh554/dghoti/Electronics/IMAG0392_zpsd58a81f7.jpg) (http://s1251.photobucket.com/user/dghoti/media/Electronics/IMAG0392_zpsd58a81f7.jpg.html)

The voltage is noceand stable with a lightbuld attached, but with a 1.2ohm coil in a genisis atty, it seems to vary a lot....

On the left is a dual 18650 battery pack, then my DIY charge circuit and to the right, the infamous PTN04050CAD module, with voltmeter and atomiser attached.

One thing I have noticed is that you are using ceramic caps? Should I switch to those, or are the eletrolytic ones Im using good enough?

Again, thanks for your continuing inspiration, and if I caqn crack this nut, Im off to do a MCU mod in the style of yours, but I just cant crack this blighter  raged:

Cheers again for sharing your work with us!
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 17, 2013, 05:12:05 PM
Congrats ghoti on your boost build. Nice work and thanks for sharing. I am glad that this forum has helped you.
I do not use ceramic caps. I use 100uF electrolytics as per datasheet.
Cool charging circuit that you built. What chip did you use and what is the charge rate?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on November 17, 2013, 05:55:29 PM
Hi Breaktru,

I thought you used ceramics, cos they look like it in the pic.... Im just trying to figure out why the voltage isnt very stable under load at the output.... although the vape from it is quite good and definatly variable. Im waiting on a few more components so I can increase the measurement capabilities and control of the circuit.

For the charge circuit, Im using MCP73831T-2ACI  Li-ion/Li-poly charge chips, 0.5A, although they are quite small and a bugger to solder as they are rather small, but it makes for a nice compact charger when assembled with 2 caps, 4 resistors and 2 leds - certainly smaller than the prebuilt modules. If youre interested, Ill dig up the datasheet and post a link for you? Just after I took the pic though, I had some magic smoke escape from my charger, so looks like Ill have to resolder the breakout board for them... luckily, they are pretty cheap.

Im self-taught in the basic electronics that I know, and forums like this are a great help to me, if only due to the fact that you show us what is possible, without holding our hands all the way. Ill update with my progress as it happens, although as its looking ike my finished build will more closely resemble the MCU/Nokia mod, Ill post something there instead.... either way, your help and feedback are always appreciated, and Ill gladly give you credit for the initial ideas :D

EDIT: Wondering if my problems are due to me using the PTN04050CAD instead of the PTN04050CAH that you use?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 17, 2013, 07:18:26 PM
If you looked at my first .44 mods, I used tantalum electrolytic caps that you may have mistaken for ceramic.

The MCP73831T is a good chip. It is used in the Sparkfun chargers that I once used but are rather long in size because of the PCB they used with the connector mounted.

You are doing quite well with your self taught electronics  :thumbsup:

The 4 variations of the PTN04050 are the same. The mounting pins differ. 2 are through hole and 2 are flush mount.

What is happening with "the voltage isn't very stable". Is it fluctuating or a voltage drop under load?
Are you using 100uF caps for input and output?
Bread boards are notorious for intermittent operation.
Are the connections to your 510 connector connected well?
What batteries are you using? I assume they are in parallel.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on November 24, 2013, 05:21:55 PM
Im using 100uf caps on input and output as per your diagram yes.

The voltage display I have seems to drop down to 2.8v when under a 2ohm load, but a 12v lightbulb as a load stays at stable voltage. With a 2ohm coil on an atomiser, it fluctuates between 2.8 and 3.8v - although it should be more like 6v at this stage.

I also get a whine from the PTN04050.

The connections are all pretty secure as far as I can tell, and yes the 18650s are in parallel - although they are from a laptop battery pack, I might try using some better batteries - as well as soldering the components up soon as I get time... my digital pots have arrived, so Im only waiting on a few more components before Im ready to prototype.

The PTN04050 is pretty pricey here... so Ive only bought one so far... but soon as I see some more stability, Ill get a few more - although I guess mine might be damaged/faulty - but it seems to work fine under a light load.

Thanks again for your help, and apologies for the delay in replying.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 24, 2013, 05:31:40 PM
The whine is a good indication that the PTN04050 is starving for battery power hence the drastic drop in output voltage under a substantial load like an atty. A light bulb filament is a light load.
I would suspect poor batteries or high resistance wiring/solder connection.
Put a voltmeter across the battery and see if it drops while firing the atty. If it does the battery is the culprit or connections to the battery or battery to the PTN04050 (+) or (-). Also look at your battery clips.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: ghoti on November 24, 2013, 06:16:44 PM
I know the lightbulb is a light load (and a great play on words too!) but what you say makes perfect sense.
The battery connection is pretty good, but your test suggestions are brilliant, I will try that out tomorrow evening and let you know. I'm feeling silly for not thinking of this myself now though lol

I really hope I can do you proud with this mod, after all your help  :)
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on November 24, 2013, 07:30:05 PM
I just scrolled up to your photo w/ the breadboard. Forgot that you used one. Breadboards are notorious for poor or intermittent connections. I have a hell of a time myself with them. I now do not connect heavier amperage wires through the b.b. and wire directly for the heavier current.
For future testing pick up a battery holder so you can solder the battery leads right to the regulator board and solder the reg board output directly to a 510 connector.

I'm sure you will do fine on your mod. No matter how it turns out, you should be proud that you made it yourself.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: gprestonmoto on March 14, 2014, 03:32:33 PM
This is a great design but I'm a little perplexed. Have you used something different recently as your digital potentiometer is considered obsolete and out of production unless I decide I want to spend 15k and buy 5000 of them. Any other recommendations? I'm modifying the circuit for a little more output. Already modified the Pot circuit for two button operation, but I'm looking for a very good potentiometer that is readily available.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Squance on March 14, 2014, 03:42:47 PM
This is a great design but I'm a little perplexed. Have you used something different recently as your digital potentiometer is considered obsolete and out of production unless I decide I want to spend 15k and buy 5000 of them. Any other recommendations? I'm modifying the circuit for a little more output. Already modified the Pot circuit for two button operation, but I'm looking for a very good potentiometer that is readily available.

Sounds like you are building for profit. I don't think it would be appropriate for this forum.  :rules2:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: gprestonmoto on March 14, 2014, 03:57:32 PM
Sounds like you are building for profit. I don't think it would be appropriate for this forum.  :rules2:

I have no idea what I said to make it sound like that? I'm just looking for a digital pot to use instead of one that you can't buy anymore...
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Squance on March 14, 2014, 04:29:09 PM
Didn't you say you were looking for 5000? Sorry if I was mistaken  :redface:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 14, 2014, 04:34:09 PM
If you're looking for a DP for the PTN04050c which requires a 100K pot, try the AD5220BNZ100
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: gprestonmoto on March 14, 2014, 04:35:23 PM
Didn't you say you were looking for 5000? Sorry if I was mistaken  :redface:

No. I said that the digital pots are considered "obsolete" by suppliers. The only way to get them is to order 5000, then digikey will resurrect them. LOL I sure as hell don't need 5000 of them. Just looking for an alternative digital pot, with somewhat similar function.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: gprestonmoto on March 14, 2014, 04:36:40 PM
If you're looking for a DP for the PTN04050c which requires a 100K pot, try the AD5220BNZ100

I have a PTN04050c sitting around so I'll give that a try. Will be looking at a different step-up in the future so the 100k pot will change, but this is pretty much the answer I was looking for, LOL thanks man.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: gprestonmoto on March 14, 2014, 05:05:27 PM
The end goal is a hand friendly 26650 box mod with between 40-50 watts of power with Variable Voltage between 3.3 - 6.5 volts, and be able to work with 2.8? - 0.5? coils.

Edit - Apparently the forum doesn't like the Ohm symbol ?

Just a head's up it's nice being in a forum of educated people and tinkerers without the Sub-Adult attitude towards electronics. I went to a B&M the other day to pick up an impedance meter. I was literally treated like an idiot. I had a person there (not an employee) try to explain to me that impedance doesn't affect vaping, but rather ohms do.  :wallbash:
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 14, 2014, 05:35:11 PM
Nice to have you as a member



Yes your right. The alt+234 is not working. It use to.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: CraigHB on March 14, 2014, 05:50:55 PM
I noticed that about this forum some time ago, but I didn't want to bug you with fixing it.  Though it is kind of a drag writing mOhms all the time.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on March 14, 2014, 05:55:40 PM
It's the Language Character set. If I was using UTF-8 it would work but this forum is using ISO-8859-1
I had problems early on with the UTF-8 so that's why I'm using ISO
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: CraigHB on March 14, 2014, 05:58:39 PM
I figured something like that, but like I said, I wasn't going to bug you about it.  I can live without the special characters.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: gprestonmoto on March 14, 2014, 06:01:40 PM
I'm doing all work theoretically and working in software to keep physical presence small. I will start a build thread when the time comes, but at the moment, working with a friend to use an Arduino to handle heavy lifting and control.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: zykal on March 29, 2014, 12:18:11 AM
Very nice mod , been lurking a while getting ready to dive in however thinking about bucking instead of boosting.

 HTML Ω
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: CraigHB on March 29, 2014, 02:08:23 AM
Trying it using the windows character map, see if it works;  ?

Well, it shows up in the preview, but not in the post.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: zykal on March 30, 2014, 11:26:05 AM

& #937; no space between & or #

Looks like i got it to work above however it takes time for it to process,

Ω
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: XombyCraft on June 14, 2014, 06:59:05 PM
Was looking for a replacement D.P. for the DS1869, and was taking a look at the AD5220BNZ100-ND
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/AD5220BNZ100/AD5220BNZ100-ND/936676

Has anyone successfully used one of these as a DS1869 replacement?
TBH, it looks like a PITA compared to the 1869... 256 steps compared to 64 steps, just for starters.

The DS1804 is a... 100 step 100k that would be appropriate for those that only want one tact switch (I think you could rig up increment/decrement swithing via the fire button)

I was also looking at the MCP4142, which uses a similar layout as the 1869 for dual up/down tact switches.
Looks like a 128 step 100k...

looking at what's "obviously" available, it's a shame they killed off the 1869...  Talk about simple and straightforward.  I guess manufactureres need higher resolution chips these days.


Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: CraigHB on June 14, 2014, 10:44:23 PM
I doubt you'll find anyone here that has used that particular pot, but I can make some comments by looking at the part's data sheet.

That one has 128 taps.  That's probably okay, but it's actually better to have 256 taps from a resolution standpoint.  It's still better than the DS1869 which has 64 taps.  It's a bit laborious to click through 256 taps, but chances are you will not be able to utilize the full swing anyway.  It depends on the converter's resistance specs for voltage control.  128 taps is better for the amount of clicking required, but it's going to have less resolution.

In terms of wiring that one, it uses the typical pinout I've seen for digital pots that offer both a serial and up/down interface.  For the up/down interface, you need two inputs, one on the U/D pin to set direction and one on the CLK pin to move the wiper.  You can use a separate up and down button by tying the U/D pin to one of the switches. 

One note about that one is if you look toward the bottom of the first page, there's a statement that debouncing is required on the CLK input.  The DS1869 had debouncing built into the part.  Not a big deal though, just a couple resisistors and a cap.

Pretty much all the POTs that offer an up/down interface also offer a serial interface so they're all wired like that one.  Digital pots are mostly    interfaced with an MCU serially so there's not a big demand for the up/down interface.  They're going to multiplex those pins as much as possible with the serial inputs which precludes the use of dedicated pins for the buttons like the DS1869.

I'm not going to look at the data sheet for every part you mentioned, but they're probably similar to the first so the same comments will apply.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: XombyCraft on June 15, 2014, 10:20:50 AM
You are correct sir.  I couldn't find any mention of debouncing in the other spec sheets either. 
I guess things change, and we adapt.
I'll post back with test results later this week. 
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Diasas on July 19, 2014, 01:14:26 PM
I have a couple of these coming in,  I was wondering If I can use the first schematic without a digital pot, and just use it the way it is. 
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on July 19, 2014, 03:34:51 PM
I have a couple of these coming in,  I was wondering If I can use the first schematic without a digital pot, and just use it the way it is. 

Yes. Just follow the 1st schematic in the O.P.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Diasas on July 19, 2014, 04:07:54 PM
Yes. Just follow the 1st schematic in the O.P.

Thank you good sir
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Unaru on August 17, 2014, 09:19:55 AM
I'm a noob to modding, but I saw these have a 2.4 amp limit. Does that limit the amps that can be run through the atty?
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Breaktru on August 17, 2014, 11:01:35 AM
By hacking the circuit and using a capable hi-amp quality battery, the 04050c can be pushed above the 2.4A/12W limit.
See: HERE (http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,215.msg13269.html#msg13269)
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Unaru on August 17, 2014, 06:02:03 PM
Thank you, good sir. Expect a lot more questions, but I'll start a thread for that when I get this going.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Stevo2569 on September 27, 2014, 07:02:05 PM
You guys are awesome. I was hoping for some help finding a digital pot for the OKR T/6 that is not discontinued. Thinking this might work but having trouble coming up with the schematic for the resistors in parallel and which resistors to use.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Intersil/X9313ZSZT1/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuD%2f7PTYBwKqSpQl7USA1PmRDO50HRYF4I%3d
Also will this tac switch work
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CK-Components/KSJ0M43180SHLFT/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsgGjVA3toVBOjLgGZA5A1OrPrmtv%2fOUog%3d
Please Help and Thanks
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: Flawed on November 29, 2014, 11:17:12 PM
The end goal is a hand friendly 26650 box mod with between 40-50 watts of power with Variable Voltage between 3.3 - 6.5 volts, and be able to work with 2.8? - 0.5? coils.

Edit - Apparently the forum doesn't like the Ohm symbol ?

Just a head's up it's nice being in a forum of educated people and tinkerers without the Sub-Adult attitude towards electronics. I went to a B&M the other day to pick up an impedance meter. I was literally treated like an idiot. I had a person there (not an employee) try to explain to me that impedance doesn't affect vaping, but rather ohms do.  :wallbash:


so the 4050 will work with .5 and above coils?? I don't go below .5 - it's my sweet spot.
Title: Re: Vari Volt Booster Regulator w/ Digital Pot - Copper Mod
Post by: CraigHB on November 30, 2014, 03:44:20 PM
so the 4050 will work with .5 and above coils?? I don't go below .5 - it's my sweet spot.

It will work, but it's outside the rated output current for that regulator.  From what I understand the 04050C can take quite a beating, but there's always a risk of component failure when running a part beyond its ratings.  Also to run it that hard, you'll need a good low impedance battery (high drain) and a good battery connection with minimal resistance.

That quote is old, but I wanted to comment on impedance versus resistance.  The difference can be subtle, but really only comes into play for AC loads.  Since we work with DC and not AC, we can mostly consider impedance the same thing as resistance.  Most simply, impedance is resistance with the added consideration for AC effects.  What that guy said was sort of correct, but rather the AC part of impedance does not affect e-cigs.  However the resistive part of impedance is still there just the same.