Author Topic: .44 mini Booster Box Mod Variable Voltage (Read 484207 times)

Breaktru · « **on:** April 10, 2011, 03:19:00 PM »

This is a Box mod with (1) 14500, 3.7v battery and a Booster Regulator with a Variable Voltage output

New Version has a Variable Voltage Range of approximately 3.79v to 6.12v plus or minus a couple of tenths of a volt depending on resistance tolerances. - If you are looking for the Voltage / Resistance Chart, I have discontinued it in favor of the full range achieved by using the resistors shown in the schematic in the next post. I use a 4.7k and a 15k

I recommend a good quality battery.

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.

See the better version on this mini mod --> HERE

Breaktru · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2011, 04:41:28 PM »

I used the same PTN04050 booster regulator that I built my copper mod. The difference is that I used a 14500 battery instead of an 18650.
Right now there are no caps in the input and output of the regulator. Awaiting the cap if I can squeeze them in. Works great without them though. This little baby really puts out

Update: Caps installed. Made a difference. Battery is not drained as fast when holding the fire button.
In the schematic I used a 14500 Trustfire. Do yourself a favor and use a good quality Hi-Drain battery for optimum results.

!!!!!Always read to the end of the thread, as parts/circuitry and results change due to extensive testing and use!!!!!

For the 18650 battery version see: Booster Reg w/ 18650 Battery

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Circuit and photos for .44 mini mod with TOUCH SWITCH HERE

Avamil · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2011, 11:32:17 AM »

Thank you Sir for the informative details on building this tiny elegant mod. Just love it and have to have one. I am PM'ing you right now.

Aromaz · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2011, 06:41:23 AM »

Super Dave, ya done it again.. Me like-ah

Breaktru · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2011, 07:18:01 PM »

Here's an update on battery life with the (2) 100uf caps.
I was getting about 4 hours with moderate vaping and w/ no caps.
Now I got 6 hours with heavy to moderate use
and 7 1/2 hours with moderate usage.
Been through about 4 or 5 charge cycles.

update:
Built another .44 w/ a touch. Used different Mosfet.

Haileah · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2011, 07:25:11 PM »

7 hours is acceptable. Not bad for the 14500 battery. Good work breaktru. Do you build small ships in bottles also?

Build me one please! I'm PMing you now.

wwwest · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2011, 05:36:44 PM »

Not bad for the 14500 at 7 hours. I can handle that plus a spare battery on hand just in case.
Make me one breaktru, $$$$$. PM is on it's way.

Pantera · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2011, 08:15:10 PM »

Hey breaktru, I see you did it again. Fantastic mod dude. I copied your Copper Mod and now I want to build the .44 mini mod. You made it so easy with all the info here. I don't have a mod that size and need to build one to widen my collection. I guess as a novelty mod. Love the button rim. Got to get to the gun range and find some brass lying around.

Still using your fantastic eJuice Me Up calculator on a daily bases. It's always open on my desktop for quick use. And love the PV Tune tool you added: http://ejuice.breaktru.com

I've read on other forums that people are offering to buy your mods. Keep up the good work and I appreciate and I am sure others appreciate your dedication on helping others get started in the vaping community. If everyone you helped donated 10 cents, I bet you would be a rich man. Bless you for that.

vapemistress · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2011, 10:48:37 AM »

Holy crap, I love that dang. Got to have one. Pleeeeeeezzze breaktru. Make me one. PM is a commin. Money is no object.

missyvape · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2011, 06:06:07 PM »

Quote from: vapemaster on April 23, 2011, 10:48:37 AM

Holy crap, I love that dang. Got to have one. Pleeeeeeezzze breaktru. Make me one. PM is a commin. Money is no object.

meeee tooooo, make me one please Luv, sending PM darling

jomurp · « **Reply #10 on:** April 27, 2011, 06:48:11 PM »

Woot, Woot, nice breaktru. I would like to try my hand in building one.
Can I use something like this: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?site=us&lang=en&mpart=OKR-T%2f3-W12-C

Pantera · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2011, 06:57:21 PM »

Quote from: jomurp on April 27, 2011, 06:48:11 PM

Woot, Woot, nice breaktru. I would like to try my hand in building one.
Can I use something like this: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?site=us&lang=en&mpart=OKR-T%2f3-W12-C

Jo, that chip requires a minimum input voltage of 4.5v. Not in this mod. That chip would need at least two batteries in series. Breaktru used a booster mod that can support the one 3.7v battery.

vapertina · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2011, 07:06:55 PM »

Got to have one. That's a beauty and it would fit nice in my purse. PM is coming for having one made breaktru. I can deal with 7 hours of vape time. I'm a light vaper and it will last me a lot longer I'm sure.

yogi · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2011, 08:47:19 AM »

I read that the .44 mod is using small Electrolytic Capacitors. You also say that your can use the Tantalum Caps. Any reason why?
BTW, just love this mod. I'm waiting for the parts to build one. If I don't succeed, I would like to buy one from you ole buddy ole pal of mine. PMing now.

Breaktru · « **Reply #14 on:** April 28, 2011, 05:26:03 PM »

Quote from: yogi on April 28, 2011, 08:47:19 AM

I read that the .44 mod is using small Electrolytic Capacitors. You also say that your can use the Tantalum Caps. Any reason why?

Actually yogi, Tantalum is an Electrolytic capacitor. (Wikipedia)
There are two types of electrolytics; aluminum and tantalum.
The tantalum capacitor is a highly reliable type of solid capacitor or electrolytic capacitor. Surface mount tantalum capacitors are increasingly being used in circuit designs because of their volumetric efficiency, basic reliability and process compatibility.

So yogi, to make a long story short, I use tantalum because of their smaller surface size. They are more expensive than the aluminum. If you can find a smaller enough aluminum one, go for it. I found small aluminums in an old motherboard, otherwise I would have used the tantalums in the .44

Aromaz · « **Reply #15 on:** April 28, 2011, 07:34:56 PM »

Very educational capacitor posting.
I didn't know that tantalum was an electrolytic.

I had bought several varieties of aluminum elect. caps and they are way to big to put in to a mod that small. Wish I had some old MBs around to scavenger. Probably go with the tantalums.

BTW I love that .44 vv, it's the bomb dude.

Breaktru · « **Reply #16 on:** April 28, 2011, 07:52:59 PM »

I may, I say may just start making these things for sale. Just got laid off, tomorrows my last day. boo hoo.

I should market it in different calibers from:
.22
.32
.380
.40
.44
30-06
16gauge
12gauge
12gauge magnum
Got tons of shells on hand. With gun powder is extra!

geothee · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2011, 08:03:46 PM »

Got to have one in 12 gauge, PMing you breaktru

Breaktru · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2011, 11:03:13 PM »

Trying out the Dual Coil on my mods. On my .44 with the booster and small 14500 battery, ~~I have to crank up the voltage to 5.0v. Any lower voltage cuts out the chip.~~ The booster with an 18650 (2400mah) battery works very good with lower voltages with the same Booster circuitry.

Update:
I want to clear up the above statement.

NOTE: The Dual Coil I have is 1.5 ohms. Two 3ohm coils in parallel They are totally different than a 510 LR at 1.5 ohms. They are not hot like LR's. You can use D.C. at almost any voltage and not burn or effect the juice taste IMHO.
I am using the D.C. on the .44 @ 5v right now and it doesn't taste any different than a standard 510 w/ standard voltage (not hot or harsh). Vapor production is VERY good with the D.C.

The capacity of a smaller battery (14500, 900mah) is probably the factor. Pushing a regulator with a low resistance load drops the output down causing the reg not to fire. I also SAID above that it works fine with a 18650 battery at lower voltage.

Update to the Update

The above was with the first .44 mod. Don't know why I had to crank it up to 5v for Dual Coils but the new
3.79v to 6.2v (approx) range can handle the 1.5 ohms w/ NO problems at lower voltages.

breaktru_software · « **Reply #19 on:** May 06, 2011, 08:59:13 AM »

Recieved this PM:
Hey breaktru,

I really like your little buck/boost .44 mod, however I have a question: It looks like you are using a single 14500 (non high drain) battery; didn't you ever run into problems with the protection kicking in at higher voltages? Because I've made some mods with a boost circuit on a 14500, and they seem to work fine at the lower voltages, however above about 4.3 V the battery protection seems to kick in after a few drags. Obviously the 14500 I'm using doesn't like the higher current.

I think the way to combat this is to use a PWM circuit to "trick" the protection circuitry so it doesn't kick in (kind of like what the eGo does). However it looks like you were able to get the thing to work over the whole range, is that true?

Nice work on the mod, BTW.

breaktru - Today 08:49 AM - permalink Edit Report
My Response:
It's not the battery protection that's kicking out but the regulator shutting down when the Max limits are exceeded. The Booster is rated at 12 Watts max. What atty resistance are you using at 4.3v. If you tune your voltages accordingly to the atty resistance, you will be fine. Even the ProVari and the Darwin will shut down when the atty is too low.
I have no problems vaping through ALL the voltage ranges, even at 6 volts as long as you have the right resistance.
Check out my "PV Tune" included in the "eJuice Me Up" Calculator.

Breaktru · « **Reply #20 on:** May 27, 2011, 05:09:23 PM »

Carrying the .44

vaporhead · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2011, 11:12:00 AM »

That is a fantastic carry mod. Small, powerful and elegant. Great work friend
and thank you for sharing.

novoleen · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2011, 03:46:32 PM »

Neat, small and powerful. I would like one in pink please with a lady's caliber. The .44 is a bit much for a girl. How about a .32 cal

breaktru_software · « **Reply #23 on:** May 28, 2011, 04:04:02 PM »

Thank you all. Glad you like it

Silent Soldier · « **Reply #24 on:** May 31, 2011, 12:19:33 PM »

***Several posts of questions on how to build a boost circuit and Digital Potentiometer circuit have been removed by this member.

Copied mods here, selling them and passing them off as his on creation

Just one of many: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modding-forum/193096-need-some-help-little-math.html#post3408794

Dalton63841 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 01, 2011, 05:28:23 PM »

Beautiful mod! I will be building on in a few days, using this schematic, AND this one for a touch switch: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-mods/181976-1-aa-touch-modbox.html

First time building one this advanced, but Im pretty excited about it.

Actually I do have one question...I have found that my sweet spot is ~4.6v. How much would be changed to eliminate the POT and set it there? I am pretty sure I'd just use 1 resister between Vadj and Vout, but I want to be sure.

breaktru_software · « **Reply #26 on:** June 01, 2011, 05:52:55 PM »

Quote from: Dalton63841 on June 01, 2011, 05:28:23 PM

Beautiful mod! I will be building on in a few days, using this schematic, AND this one for a touch switch: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/battery-mods/181976-1-aa-touch-modbox.html

First time building one this advanced, but Im pretty excited about it.

Actually I do have one question...I have found that my sweet spot is ~4.6v. How much would be changed to eliminate the POT and set it there? I am pretty sure I'd just use 1 resister between Vadj and Vout, but I want to be sure.

That's great to hear Dalton. I would think about using a fixed resistor. That will limit you to always using the exact atty resistance. With VV you can adjust to 4.6v with any atty.

The touch mosfet that Alan posted is great. Remember to check the physical size as the space inside the box is small. There are miniture mosfets out there, don't have numbers for you. You can search the ECF forum for Scubatdan's.
I put a touch in my Side by side.

Dalton63841 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 01, 2011, 06:19:05 PM »

Quote from: breaktru on June 01, 2011, 05:52:55 PM

That's great to hear Dalton. I would think about using a fixed resistor. That will limit you to always using the exact atty resistance. With VV you can adjust to 4.6v with any atty.

The touch mosfet that Alan posted is great. Remember to check the physical size as the space inside the box is small. There are miniture mosfets out there, don't have numbers for you. You can search the ECF forum for Scubatdan's.
I put a touch in my Side by side.

Haha pointing out what should have been obvious to me...Good argument for the POT. Alan was gracious enough to send me a couple mosfet's, so I am waiting on those, and also the 100uF caps, but I think I can get it to all fit, although it will be tight.

breaktru_software · « **Reply #28 on:** June 01, 2011, 06:26:25 PM »

Quote from: Dalton63841 on June 01, 2011, 06:19:05 PM

Alan was gracious enough to send me a couple mosfet's, so I am waiting on those, and also the 100uF caps, but I think I can get it to all fit, although it will be tight.

Alan has good heart, and his mods are terrific.

Dalton63841 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:26:03 PM »

Okay I almost have all the parts I need for my little project. Think you could check this out and tell me what you think?
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modders-forum/193486-combine-touch-switch-booster.html

Breaktru · « **Reply #30 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:56:04 AM »

Quote from: Dalton63841 on June 02, 2011, 11:26:03 PM

Okay I almost have all the parts I need for my little project. Think you could check this out and tell me what you think?
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modders-forum/193486-combine-touch-switch-booster.html

Like Alan said, use the first diagram that you drew. You want to break the power feeding the regulator.
You may want to tweak the value of the Gate to Source resistor. Alan said he had trouble turning it on. The original circuit for the 3103 shows a 2-4meg ohm if Alan couldn't turn it on with a 10meg, obviously 2-4meg would not do it. 100meg will work but may be too sensitive. I would set it up in a test board and try values from 20 meg to 100 meg gradually increasing.
An important note is that after coming up with a resistor value that turns your mosfet off and on w/ full voltage, it is necessary to add a load of an atty. I had to bump up the value of the resistor w/ a load although it worked fine w/ no load.

I have used the touch for the TI PTN08100w with a P-Channel. My 100 meg ohm is sensitive and 10 meg won't turn it on. I calculated that 20-22meg would work fine but didn't have one on hand to try.
See: http://breaktru.com/smf/index.php/topic,244.msg613.html#msg613

Update:
The touch works very good in the .44 boost mod w/ either an N-Channel or P-Channel.
Just remember when using an N-Channel to route ALL of the negatives through the Mosfet or the DC Converter will remain on.

Dalton63841 · « **Reply #31 on:** June 03, 2011, 03:18:15 PM »

Ok thanks. I have the circuit set up now and I think it will all fit just fine. I have read that the diode before the atty is not required, but I have used a 22k resistor to give it a range of 3.77 - 5.18. If I eliminate the diode, is it safe to assume that that range will be .6v higher at both ends?

Breaktru · « **Reply #32 on:** June 03, 2011, 03:30:11 PM »

Quote from: Dalton63841 on June 03, 2011, 03:18:15 PM

Ok thanks. I have the circuit set up now and I think it will all fit just fine. I have read that the diode before the atty is not required, but I have used a 22k resistor to give it a range of 3.77 - 5.18. If I eliminate the diode, is it safe to assume that that range will be .6v higher at both ends?

Yes without the diode it will be approximately 0.6 volts higher on both ends.

Dalton63841 · « **Reply #33 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:22:24 PM »

That's what I thought...On that note, is there any particular reason why a diode is used here instead of a resistor?

Breaktru · « **Reply #34 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:51:46 PM »

Quote from: Dalton63841 on June 03, 2011, 07:22:24 PM

That's what I thought...On that note, is there any particular reason why a diode is used here instead of a resistor?

The diode was added prior to realizing that the resistors can accommodate an acceptable voltage range.
I will alter the table eventually without the diode.

Dalton63841 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:17:01 PM »

Quote from: Breaktru Admin on June 03, 2011, 07:51:46 PM

The diode was added prior to realizing that the resistors can accommodate an acceptable voltage range.
I will alter the table eventually without the diode.

Ahhh the plot thickens...So I can go without the diode but I would need to replace the 22k resistor with something smaller, to get the appropriate range. Looks like I need to sit down and do some math.

asnider123 · « **Reply #36 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:45:14 PM »

Very interesting discussion!! I don't know if I would leave the diode out. I suspect that it is used as a 1/2 wave rectifier to avboid the circuit from going into oscillation. Of course, I am just guessing but suspect that's why TI put it in the diagram

Checked on radioshack.com and you can get 3 amp diodes for a buck and a half.

Like I say, I may be wrong but if TI has it in the diagram, I think I would put it in. Just my 2 cents
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062578

Breaktru · « **Reply #37 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:49:38 PM »

Quote from: asnider123 on June 03, 2011, 09:45:14 PM

Very interesting discussion!! I don't know if I would leave the diode out. I suspect that it is used as a 1/2 wave rectifier to avboid the circuit from going into oscillation. Of course, I am just guessing but suspect that's why TI put it in the diagram

Checked on radioshack.com and you can get 3 amp diodes for a buck and a half.

Like I say, I may be wrong but if TI has it in the diagram, I think I would put it in. Just my 2 cents
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062578

Alan, I added the diode just to achieve the voltage range in my preliminary tests. It's only there for voltage reduction and have since removed it because I found a better resistor/pot combo that works great.

Pantera · « **Reply #38 on:** June 09, 2011, 07:30:44 AM »

I tried leaving out the diode and used the 15k ohm from your table. And it gave me 0.6volts added to the low and hi end.
So my low end is now 4.2 volts. I really don't need to go any lower so it's perfect. Besides with the load it's a little lower anyway.

FlameOut · « **Reply #39 on:** June 09, 2011, 07:49:53 PM »

That would be a reasonable voltage range to you use with the 15k resistor and no diode.
I agree

Brian9523 · « **Reply #40 on:** June 24, 2011, 04:19:30 PM »

I see that Silent Soldier (above posts) made a .44 and posted it over at ECF.
Hey S.S. it would be COURTESY to give recognition to those who help out on mod builds.
I see breaktru giving thanks to several modders over at ECF.

See his mod at ECF: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modders-forum/196289-mini-booster-box-w-digital-pot.html
He even used your Digital Pot from your Side x Side and VV copper mod. Same D.P. part number.

Haileah · « **Reply #41 on:** June 24, 2011, 05:24:11 PM »

Quote from: Brian9523 on June 24, 2011, 04:19:30 PM

I see that Silent Soldier (above posts) made a .44 and posted it over at ECF.
Hey S.S. it would be COURTESY to give recognition to those who help out on mod builds.
I see breaktru giving thanks to several modders over at ECF.

I believe so as well, credit should be given. Common courtesy applies

Breaktru · « **Reply #42 on:** June 24, 2011, 05:57:09 PM »

Thanks Brian and HiLeah for your support.
It's all good.
It's not the first time and won't be the last.
I get tons of PM questions on HOW to on all my mods.
I've supplied schematic help on wiring and part numbers to many.

timesarerough · « **Reply #43 on:** June 25, 2011, 03:47:50 PM »

Quote from: Brian9523 on June 24, 2011, 04:19:30 PM

I see that Silent Soldier (above posts) made a .44 and posted it over at ECF.
Hey S.S. it would be COURTESY to give recognition to those who help out on mod builds.
I see breaktru giving thanks to several modders over at ECF.

See his mod at ECF: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/modders-forum/196289-mini-booster-box-w-digital-pot.html
He even used your Digital Pot from your Side x Side and VV copper mod. Same D.P. part number.

Well his user name is definitely accurate.

But I'd say that S.S. just went AWOL and should be shot with his own .44!!

Traitor....

octoman · « **Reply #44 on:** June 25, 2011, 04:32:49 PM »

If it was me building a breaktru mod or anyone else's mod, I would give credit and be very thankful for the info that I received.

asnider123 · « **Reply #45 on:** June 25, 2011, 05:02:05 PM »

Well, gee whiz guys, this is starting to get a little brutal ... I have very few original designs, mostly modifications of other people's work, often a combo of several different mods, would be hard-pressed to give credit to all of the originators. This whole world of mods is growing so fast it makes my head spin.

I think Breaktru makes wonderful mods and I hope, some day, to be worthy to walk in his shadow. In the meantime, if I stumble upon any cool idea that someone else can use and improve on, they have my blessing to do so.

I hope that you made your feelings known to SS with a PM on ECF, in a diplomatic way. If not, you really should. (boy, that's a lot of acronyms). The same goes for me too .. if I step on someone else's design, by all means let me know the error of my ways, ok?

Can't we all just get along?

By asnider123

Breaktru · « **Reply #46 on:** June 25, 2011, 05:11:24 PM »

I have no hard feelings. I am very flattered that someone uses my designs.
More power to them.

Pantera · « **Reply #47 on:** June 25, 2011, 05:18:44 PM »

I am very grateful breaktru for your informative postings and all the help you gave me when I PM'd you with questions for building my .44 booster mod.
Copying is the best form of flattery to the creator.

Alan, It doesn't seem that breaktru is upset, but it seems that some of his mod build followers maybe.

asnider123 · « **Reply #48 on:** June 25, 2011, 05:21:04 PM »

I agree, I am just hoping that this great community isn't getting all fragmented, we're all in this together

Pantera · « **Reply #49 on:** June 25, 2011, 05:33:22 PM »

Right on Brother Al