Alternate Boost Containers

[kahkheng]

I found some of these Altoids Mint sized cans at Daiso (a Japanese chain store that has international presence) that seem to fit the MintyBoost pretty well. The extra space on the side can be used to store a short usb cable, and that would make packing the whole charging solution a little easier. The only minus about this can is that it doesn't have a hinge like the Altoids, however, I find the removable lid still manageable.

Here's a link to some their stores' locations: http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/storeinfo/storeinfo03.html

Here is a photo of the can i used, with the MintyBoost installed:

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You can check out more photos here: http://hacks2try.blogspot.com/2010/10/minty-boost-v30.html

[adafruit]

wow those are perfect! nice find

[adafruitfish]

I must say the Wii gum container works perfectly.





- Steve

[Trevor]

First post with pictures, (via phone)- hope these are okay-

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[xroader]

I was able to squeeze mine into a Mentos Gum container. Now dubbed the "MentoBoost"

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[scholar1961]

Trader Joe's Blueberry Blast comes in a reasonable alternative tin. The rocket art is the real key. Had to grind down the inside rolled lip to get the battery pack to slide in easily. Used a diamond blade on my dremel to make the two longer cuts for the USB, switched to a smaller blade for two shorter cuts, then smoothed edges with grinder. Open the lid to side out the battery pack.

[teknojo]

@ adafruitfish
Sweet! I picked up one of the Wii gum containers but had not yet gotten a chance to try it out. nice fit with plenty of room left over.

-teknojo

[tobe81cwb]

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I heat a little to soften the plastic and mold to fit the batteries and pcb

[winter1]

I use an Ice Breakers Sours Gum box.
You only need to remove 4 pins inside the box, to fit the MintyBoost print and battery pack.
Use a cutter to make an opening for the USB plug.

Ice Breakers Sours Gum box.

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[manaughl]

I used the Little i Peppermint gum tin. It is fabulous.
I made this one for my youngest who always claims she didn't call me from her friends house because her phoned was dead...problem solved.

[dinuc]

Just noticed this thread.
I used the Altoids mint tin and changed the battery holder from two batteries to three. I used this holder from Fry's. http://www.frys.com/search?search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=3+aa+battery+holder&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&cat=0






I also used a hot glue gun to secure the battery holder to the tin. It was wobbling with only the double backed foam under it.

Edit: just worked out the benefits of 3 batteries versus 2. From here, http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/power.html

For 3 batteries,
mintyboost mWh = Battery voltage (V) * Battery capacity (mAh) * Capacity derating
3 * 1.27 V * 2500 mA * 75% = 7144 mWh

Output mAh @ 5V = Battery mWh (mWh)/ 5 (V) * Boost Efficiency
7144 mWh / 5V * 80% = 1143 mAh output

# of full recharges = MB output mAh /Device Battery Capacity
1140 mAh / 1420 mAh = 0.80 times (iPhone 4)

For 2 batteries,
mintyboost mWh = Battery voltage (V) * Battery capacity (mAh) * Capacity derating
2* 1.27 V * 2500 mA * 75% = 4763 mWh

Output mAh @ 5V = Battery mWh (mWh)/ 5 (V) * Boost Efficiency
5060 mWh / 5V * 80% = 762 mAh output

# of full recharges = MB output mAh /Device Battery Capacity
762 mAh / 1420 mAh = 0.54 times (iPhone 4)

So, 3 batteries is (0.80/0.5) = 1.48 x better than 2 batteries.

Edit 2: Just worked out that I could have possibly squeezed 4 x AA battery holder in the tin. Might have to order another MintyBoost ...

For 4 batteries,
mintyboost mWh = Battery voltage (V) * Battery capacity (mAh) * Capacity derating
4* 1.27 V * 2500 mA * 75% = 9525 mWh

Output mAh @ 5V = Battery mWh (mWh)/ 5 (V) * Boost Efficiency
9525 mWh / 5V * 80% = 1524 mAh output

# of full recharges = MB output mAh /Device Battery Capacity
1524 mAh / 1420 mAh = 1.07 times (iPhone 4)

Cheers

Andrew

[Rikardo]

Here in Holland I found this tin in a Xenos shop.

[supasizefries]

Here is mine in a regular size Altoids tin:


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