An LED flashlight is a handheld light source that uses light-emission diode bulbs. In the past, flashlights used incandescent bulbs but when LED technologys energy efficiency and brightness power were discovered, a good number of manufacturers decided to develop LED flashlights. Although people can easily purchase LED flashlights, they can also make one at home, as a weekend project or simply to avoid having to spend money for a brand new one. This article will provide information on how to make a crude, but effective, LED flashlight.
Required Materials:
Plastic box (slightly larger than the 9v battery)
9V Battery
1 x 9V Battery Clip
1 x Bright White LED (20-30 mA)
1 x small on/off switch
1 x 220 ohm resistor
Step 1: Understanding the Outline
The first step on how to make an LED flashlight is in regards to understanding how it will work. The plastic box will house the 9V battery along with the wires of the LED and the on/off switch. The 9v battery will supply the current in a circuit system which means that the current will start from the positive battery terminal and reach the LED, this will then pass through the LED and be moved on to a resistor which is connected to the on/off switch, the switch is then connect directly to the negative battery terminal. When the switch is turned on, it completes the circuit thereby allowing the LED to illuminate.
Step 2: Preparing the Box
Measure the top of the LED and the position that you would like it to be facing and drill a hole for it in the box. The next step is to drill a hole for the switch. Some switches will involve a slider which will require a small rectangle to be cut out while others simply use a button, in which case a drill hole would be sufficient. It is important to make the switch and the LED close together. Use cement or superglue to fix these in place but be careful not to get any on the front of the LED.
Step 3: Soldering the Circuit
The next step involves designing and completing the circuit. Solder the red wire from the battery clip to the longer wire (positive) of the LED. Then solder the shorter (negative) LED wire to the resistor. The other end of the resistor must be soldered to the switch. Once this is done, the other end of the switch should be soldered to the black wire from the battery clip. Make sure that the soldering is solid and that there are no weak spots. The circuit is now complete, all that needs to be done is to attach the battery clip to the 9V battery and turn on the switch. The bright white LED should illuminate!
Once everything is in working order, use some sort of insulation to keep the battery and connections snug inside the box and screw the lid of the box in place. The basic parts used to make this simple LED flashlight can be found at an electrical store like RadioShack, while the LED should be ordered from a specialist online that can provide a high quality bright product.
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