What exactly is a "mod box"?

[Johnny Sokko]

I'm looking for a new brand of e-cig, and I've came across pictures of these box-looking things. I believe they are called "mod boxes."

I've attached a picture of one:



Can somebody please explain to me exactly what these are. Are they an accessory that you use with an existing e-cig? or are they an actual e-cig themselves?

Thank you.

 

[Kiralina]

They are an actual e-cig. They work with different types of rechargeable batteries. You have to buy the box, the batteries that fit it and a charger for the batts.
There are TUBE mods and BOX mods.

 

[hairball]

In the long run, they are a cheaper type PV. Cheaper because the batteries to run them are a fraction of the cost of say an eGo. If you buy one, get the type of atomizer connector that suits you. Once you try one, you'll retire your other hardware.

 

[Jalippo]

Typically bottom feed mods are also in box shape, so you have possibility to choose that option as well.

 

[nightroman]

Here is a nice thread with box mods included: The Wonderful World of Mods: An Illustrated Guide

 

[Prism]

A lot of people like mod boxes because you can buy kits or individual pieces and make them yourself and it is inexpensive. A few of the suppliers sell parts. Mad Vapes is the only one that I can think of right now but there are other ones too.
Mod Kits

 

[DaveP]

Box mods started with people building the ecig circuitry into a metal Altoids or Tums box just to have a housing for the components. Metal is probably not the best material for high current batteries to be housed in unless the interior is lined with a non-conductive material. Plastic mods became popular because Radio Shack offered boxes intended for projects to be built into, such as remote controls for model airplanes, garage door openers, or anything electronic.

An ecig box mod is just a box with a battery (or two) and a small circuit board with a MOSFET (silicon voltage control device) and possibly a regulator chip that allows variable control of the voltage sent to the atomizer. The regulator can be linear, a booster (sometimes called a kicker), or a switching regulator. A socket is installed on the box with a thread that matches the atomizers to be used.

Whether it's a box mod, a tube mod, or other type of housing, the components may be identical or slightly different, depending on the features.

 

[JaneinMesa]

Great guide, but needs updating.