Alright, not long ago we were looking at ideas for what to do with a Scanner once it didn't work anymore. So we found a Lexmark Scanner in our utility room that was no longer being used. We decided that we needed some "Ambient" lighting in our workshop so the Lexmark scanner light rod it was.

Here is a small video for you just in case you don't feel like reading all of this, otherwise keep on going to step two :)

Step 1: Scanner Preparations

Okay, were not sure if Every single Scanner does this, but it's been our experience that all of our Lexmark Scanners have had 3 color LED lights. Which means, you can create all the colors in the spectrum :)

To get the Scanner open you need to remove 4 hidden screws from the bottom of the Scanner, they are underneath the small rubber legs. Once you remove them, the scanner easily comes apart.

The first thing to take apart is the Top lid Cover, a little tug on both ends should get this released.

Next is the Top layer that protects the whole interior workings of the scanner, remove this one carefully as it might have the glass sticking on one side with adhesive, just enough adhesive to move it when it moves but not enough to keep in place.... (if you're not careful the glass will fall from the lid and break)

Next remove the Glass from the top of the scanner. Save this, you can do a small Penny Hockey Table with it. Place the Glass back on the upper container, modify the container a little, then make some slits on the goal posts and play with a penny. Add some obstacles etc. just a small idea.

Step 2: Salvage Some Parts

Well, it turns out, the Scanner is a haven for parts you find Momentary buttons, LEDs, stepper motors, Etc. Save them, all together they cost around $10+ at Radio Shack.

The most important thing to Salvage, is the LED bar :)

Step 3: Setting Up the Connections

Now your scanner might have a separate configuration than ours. But usually out of the LED bar will be a small white strip with Several connections on it. On top of the Strip there is a small Number, this is right on top of the LAST led Connection.

The power for the bar is on the far left. Followed by The blue connection, Red, and lastly Green. The following connection has the Number 2 above it.

Step 4: Testing It Out

We found a small 4 switch button fro an old computer. Each one of the terminals will control one light. we also added a 9 volt battery which works great.

However we had a better idea, instead of using a small 4 switch - switch... you can use potentiometers that allow you have more control over the lighting system so if you make one of these, use potentiometers they have a way better effect :)

We placed everything on a small bread board following simple Switch circuits. i.e.

The power outlet for the light, goes to a battery positive terminal, the negative terminal goes to the switch , the other end of the switch goes to the Blue light. and so on until all the lights are connected following the same pattern.

Step 5: Placing It in the Shop !

Finally what we did was connected all the cables on a small piece of bread board and soldered all of our connections together. We added a 9 volt battery connection and attached the board to our work table when we found our perfect light.

We went for a soft Red light, something that was not going to waste our battery life to fast as this was going to remain on all night so our dog didn't bump into things if it accidentally found it's way on the work shop... like it usually does.

We hope you guys enjoyed this instructable, keep in mind you can always go modify this thing, by adding the potentiometers, or even placing it inside a small wooden box.

HM-Innovations