DNA 40 DIY - Help Please

[Dr Manhattan]

I've ordered a Zero Modz box mod from FT with the intention of gutting it and sticking a DNA40 chip inside. I've never attempted anything like this and haven't done anything similar since DT classes about 10 years ago, so could you please let me know everything essential I will need (including wires, yes im that simple ), and also anything you think you'd recommend as useful (like replacing parts such as the 510 connector, etc.)

I'm planning to buy this: Evolv DNA 40D Dual Celsius / Fahrenheit

Any advice or recommendations are be greatly appreciated!

 

[Tubbyengineer]

The Zero Modz box itself is pretty pants from FT, Shonky 510, crap switches and worse electronics. Modifying it will be a fairly big task it wont just be a case of switching out the board.
You'll have to replace the 510, since this is directly threaded into the frame you'd need to drill out the threads and replace the 510 with a decent one, this is the first problem as one of the screws that holds the whole thing together is extremely close to the 510 and anything other than a press fit 510 will cover that screw; looking at the box it's highly likley that even a push fit 510 would impinge on that screw hole. Switches etc are easily available from Mod Maker and reccomended wire sizes are in the wiring instructions on Stealthvapes website as is a second choice of switches and parts.

You'd also need to replace the charger board at the same time as the one thats in the box looks pretty crap and i wouldn't trust it as far as I could spit a dead rat...

It is my considered and humble opinion that anything to do with this box is doomed to failure, have another look around and find something else you like and have a go with that.

I'd add that the SX350 version of this is very slightly cheaper and has a better 510 but still has the crappy fire button and wouldnt be easily convertible to DNA 40...

 

[Loco]

@Dr Manhattan

I can shed some light on some of this for you ...is you inbox empty yet?! I was trying to send you something regarding a previous message too!

I agree with tubby that the sx version has a far superior sprung 510.

If you have already ordered, you may be able to get around it though.

If you drill and thread the hole for a better 510, you can screw down the frame to the wood before you screw in the 510....so even if it covers the bolt, it really doesn't matter, as you should never have to undo it again.

In fact, if you do have to unscrew/tighten it a second time, the threads in the wood will be shot and it will never tighten regardless!

Fire button is as good as the tactile switch you mount under it, I think there has been some variation in what people recieve. Ranging from annoyingly loud click....just right.... to ridiculously squishy....

Either way, i'll give you some help

p.s. your inbox is still full....empty it ya bish

 

[Dr Manhattan]

Thanks for the in-depth feedback Tubbyengineer, hopefully there'll be a work-around for these issues if not i'll start looking at other boxes. I'm about to move country end of Jan to somewhere I can't order vape gear to so wan't to build something fairly reliable before I go...
Loco, yh i got the notification but was having issues with the app, the inbox is all clear now though bud

 

[Tubbyengineer]

Thanks for the in-depth feedback @Tubbyengineer, hopefully there'll be a work-around for these issues if not i'll start looking at other boxes. I'm about to move country end of Jan to somewhere I can't order vape gear to so wan't to build something fairly reliable before I go...
@Loco, yh i got the notification but was having issues with the app, the inbox is all clear now though bud

If You arent worried too much about altering the look of the thing you could pop a Fat daddy vapes 510 on top of the mod and see if you can drill another hole in the top plate for a screw.

 

[Loco]

Thanks for the in-depth feedback @Tubbyengineer, hopefully there'll be a work-around for these issues if not i'll start looking at other boxes. I'm about to move country end of Jan to somewhere I can't order vape gear to so wan't to build something fairly reliable before I go...
@Loco, yh i got the notification but was having issues with the app, the inbox is all clear now though bud

Still getting this message:

Dr Manhattan has exceeded there stored message quota....

 

[Dr Manhattan]

If You arent worried too much about altering the look of the thing you could pop a Fat daddy vapes 510 on top of the mod and see if you can drill another hole in the top plate for a screw.

Sounds like a good idea I was considering the FDV 510 as it seems to be regarded as the best one to get, i'd be open to replacing every last bit of hardware inside including the charging port

Still getting this message:

Dr Manhattan has exceeded there stored message quota....

Yh i got emails to say you were try deleting the sent folder too

 

[5miley]

This is as far as I got before being distracted by something else




Originally I was going to use a DNA40 but decided to go for a DNA30 instead.
The DNA30 has a proven track record whereas the 40, at this moment in time has had a number of issues concerning QC

Loco has a number of good tips and also if you take a look in the FT forum, some information on board swaps for this mod
has been posted.

 

[Dr Manhattan]

This is as far as I got before being distracted by something else




Originally I was going to use a DNA40 but decided to go for a DNA30 instead.
The DNA30 has a proven track record whereas the 40, at this moment in time has had a number of issues concerning QC

Loco has a number of good tips and also if you take a look in the FT forum, some information on board swaps for this mod
has been posted.

I've heard about issues an the SX350 was actually my preferred option (despite the G-sensor which i don't fancy using), but as i'd seen a few pics from people who've successfully put DNA40's into Zero clones i thought it the one to go for. Thanks for the suggestion though will take a look on the VU thread after work