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First off, these pictures (had these for the longest time) should be the last you'll have to see of my stupid 3.2 MP camera (gave it to my little brother)... upped to 5.2 MP :)
Here's the deal...
Need a light to brighten the dark hallway above the stairs so you can navigate safely into the bathroom without tumbling headlong down those stairs? We did and the store bought versions with the bulbs didn't last long (especially since my sister likes to tear the light out of the socket and throw them). Hence, I figured out a more robust night light that costs practically nothing.
Tools:
1. Scissors
2. Heat gun (or other form of high temp. flameless heat)
3. Hot glue gun
4. Flat head screw driver
5. Vice (I didn't have one, so I "improvised")
6. Soldering Iron
7. Multimeter
8. Drill w/ bits
Materials:
1. Small electrical wire
2. Switch
3. DC wall wart supply
4. Solder
5. Electrical tape
6. Film canisters
7. White LED
8. Resistor (value depends on output of supply)
Warning: Electricity can hurt, maim, and kill... but then again, so can other things. You are held responsible for your own actions (unless you're a minor, then your parents/legal guardians are held responsible). Objects in this Instructable become hot and can burn. That being said, let's get started.
Here's the deal...
Need a light to brighten the dark hallway above the stairs so you can navigate safely into the bathroom without tumbling headlong down those stairs? We did and the store bought versions with the bulbs didn't last long (especially since my sister likes to tear the light out of the socket and throw them). Hence, I figured out a more robust night light that costs practically nothing.
Tools:
1. Scissors
2. Heat gun (or other form of high temp. flameless heat)
3. Hot glue gun
4. Flat head screw driver
5. Vice (I didn't have one, so I "improvised")
6. Soldering Iron
7. Multimeter
8. Drill w/ bits
Materials:
1. Small electrical wire
2. Switch
3. DC wall wart supply
4. Solder
5. Electrical tape
6. Film canisters
7. White LED
8. Resistor (value depends on output of supply)
Warning: Electricity can hurt, maim, and kill... but then again, so can other things. You are held responsible for your own actions (unless you're a minor, then your parents/legal guardians are held responsible). Objects in this Instructable become hot and can burn. That being said, let's get started.
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We need to take the supply apart, but first we need to test the "true" voltage being supplied. The wart I had said the output was 4.5V (you can barely make it out in the first picture), but when I tested the output, it was at 9V (which would definitely fry the 4V LED). I suggest unplugging the wart and keep it attached to the multimeter until the transformer is drained of its juice.
Now that we know the output, we can take it apart. There are several ways to go about this.
1. You could put the supply into a vice and squeeze it until the seams break.
2. You could use a hack saw to carefully cut your way into the supply.
3. Or you could do it the unsafe way, by melting the seams using an old soldering iron (technically wood burning) that the tip has been murdered from neglect.
Yes, I went with choice number 3 (not the wisest idea, but it worked and was fast). If you choose to also do this version, I beg of you to take proper precautions beforehand (vented area, goggles, etc). Melt only deep enough around the entire supply to give you enough leverage to use the screw driver to pop the cover off the rest of the way.
Now that we know the output, we can take it apart. There are several ways to go about this.
1. You could put the supply into a vice and squeeze it until the seams break.
2. You could use a hack saw to carefully cut your way into the supply.
3. Or you could do it the unsafe way, by melting the seams using an old soldering iron (technically wood burning) that the tip has been murdered from neglect.
Yes, I went with choice number 3 (not the wisest idea, but it worked and was fast). If you choose to also do this version, I beg of you to take proper precautions beforehand (vented area, goggles, etc). Melt only deep enough around the entire supply to give you enough leverage to use the screw driver to pop the cover off the rest of the way.
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Sorry for shouting, but seriously, what did you you use for lighting?
A torch?
A candle?
Perhaps before criticizing others, you should try and do an Instructable yourself. Thanks for your constructive input.