How to mod and old flashlight into an LED one

In this instructable, I will show how to mod this classic model of flashlight into a new LEDs flashlight. Basically replacing the old light bulb with a bunch of LEDs.

Step 1 Material

This is a pretty cheap instructable (provided you have the flashlight already!).

You'll just need:

-The flashlight
-18 LEDs
-A bit of a styrofoam tray (or anything that could work as a frame for the LEDs but also that can be pierced, like wood, cardboard, plastics...);
-Some thin wire

And as tools:

-Pliers
-Wire cutter
-Cutter knife

Comments

[SIRJAMES09]

so what you are saying is, the physical size of the batteries does not matter?
all that matters is the voltage,watts & amps? is that right?

Sir this was a great read, but, being the uneducated man I am, I still get confused easily.

TY for sharing Sir. :)

[poppyo]

This seems like the "mini" version of the full size Army flashlight we carried. You're right, it was carried on the belt, or set on a table or ground. There was, and is in this mini model, and extra bulb in the base. And the different lenses. I just got one each from 2 different Army/Navy stores, one w/ a "prism" reflector. I discovered that the CR 123 or other 3V batteries also fit w/o adaption! So I put a KPR 118 7.2 V bulb from "The Shack" in it and had an Instructable version of a Tactical flashlite that I have been making from various flashlites that I could find. With some trial and error. Like tearing up the insides of the chamber meant for 2 AA batts with a 5/8 " bit. With this flashlite and others, I found I was melting the reflector if I left it on more than a few seconds. So I took off the lens to let it breathe. Working OK so far. I'm having trouble finding even cheap flashlites that are NOT an LED.

[jflores0731]

Quick question: What size LEDs did you use? 3mm? or 5mm

[unaffiliatedperson]

ha i had one of those lights. i gave it to my nephew. i always wondered why they were angled like that though

[sandollor]

It's a US military flashlight; we were issued them in the US Army. The bottom portion can be unscrewed and has a blue, red, green, and clear lens to change the color of the light.

[limonchi]

it´s angled because you would use it in your pocket or belt, i think
bye

esta en angulo porque se usa metida en el bolsillo o en el cinturon, si no me equivoco
saludos

[omega23JP]

sweet  ,   leds rock  ,   here is a torch i converted before i knew of instructables   sites.google.com/site/jpsprojects/home

[applesaucemodifier]

Terrific idea, can't wait to try it out!   :)

[atombomb1945]

Very cool. I have been trying to do the same thing with one of my old Army lights, and a 9 LED light that broke on me. I like your idea of just using a larger amount of lights together. How long do the two D Cells last now? I know the old bulbs you would get between two and four hours.

[molusco]

Thanks mate! Well the old lightbulb was working at 3 volts, 0.5 amps, that is 1.5 watts, now at the same voltage there are 18 LEDs at 20 miliamps each, that is 1,08 watts, so if my calculations are correct it should last for more. And thanks for the word!

[atombomb1945]

Oh, and I believe that the word you are looking for is "Styrofoam" for the meat container.