Powerful video light under $100

I'm not satisfied with the LED video lights out there in term of cost versus light output. I bought various LED video light but none live to expectation. So the only alternative is to build one myself. One that can run at 12V by battery belt or AA batteries. Here's what the final product looks like.

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Step 1:

The project takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Before I start the steps, following is the list of material and tools:
1. On-camera ball-mount : http://nrgresearch.com/oncamballmount.htm
2. LED (MR16) light: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3264
3. Electrical switch: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062502
4. Gaffer tape: http://www.amazon.com/Permacell-Gaffer-Tape-Yards-Black/dp/B0002GVVA0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261347874&sr=8-5
5. Project box: in my case, I use an iPod Touch box.
6. Two plastic zip ties
7. Power source: cig adapter for 12v or 8-AA battery box (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062242 .
8. Tools: high temperature hot-melt glue gun; solder iron; clear electrical tape; drill wt circular cutting bit; drill bit; any spare box

maxwelltub says: Mar 24, 2010. 3:06 PM

I have been having trouble getting these lights from the website, they said they were in stock but still have not shipped out. Any ideas of other places to get these bulbs?

alphatrio (author) in reply to maxwelltubMar 24, 2010. 4:41 PM

I have similar delay. It tooks 3.5 weeks because of back order. So far I've searched everywhere and could not find this specific bulb. It's worth the wait though. With this bulb, you do not need light diffuser at all. This translate to no loss of light. With other LED ligh bulb, putting a diffuser gel in front of it cuts down at least 25% light. Just hang in there.
If you need help with further instructions, let me know.

maxwelltub in reply to alphatrioApr 17, 2010. 11:10 AM

ok so i got these lights, and your right, they are awesome. I do have a few questions. I am new to the high powered leds, and I am confused to why these lights to not require a driver circuit? Maybe they do for optimum efficiency. I also noticed that the polarity doesn't seem to matter. you can which the leads and the light still works? My design will allow for the lights to be mounted atop the camera but also allow for them to break apart and be mounted individually around the subject with clamps. i will send pictures when i am happy with the finished project. thanks for the inspiration.

alphatrio (author) in reply to maxwelltubApr 18, 2010. 8:33 PM

These LED bulbs already contain the necessary circuitry in the base. It was designed for 12-14V DC. If you're a curious individual, you can saw off the base and change out the circuitry. They also is polarity independent. Sorry, I didn't go into the details of the bulb from the original post-- trying not to overwhelm most regular readers. The posting was for everyone to follow with little knowledge of electronic. I've also made light bank of these bulbs running from a sealed lead acid battery and a 12V remote switch. I'm glad you've adapted them to good use and enjoy doing so :)

maxwelltub in reply to alphatrioApr 19, 2010. 7:15 AM

cool, stuff. great instructable

chainedflesh says: Dec 21, 2009. 11:42 PM

interesting setup, and it looks like it could be great. I Know LED's can get warm after a while. What is the heat output on it?

Also do you have a system set up to diffuse the light to cut any harsh shadows or to save the eyes of the people in front of the camera?

I think your method could be adapted to make a light bank that doesn't use collimators as well... which could be useful in some circumstances.

Great instructable. :)

alphatrio (author) in reply to chainedfleshDec 22, 2009. 12:27 AM

Thanks. This is my first tryout with this light. I bought a 20W LED but the heat is too much even after 30 seconds. Active cooling requires a fan which will add some unwanted noise.
These LED bulbs is warm to the touch after an hour, but not enough to burn. I busted my Radio Shack plastic project box and didn't have time to buy another one. This box is what I can find at 2 o'clock in the morning when the light hits me :)
Yeah. The next step is to build barndoors and a gel holder so that I can change color temperature and and diffuser. I have the material, just need the time to do it.

chainedflesh says: Dec 21, 2009. 11:49 PM

One more thing... maybe one could find a housing that is sturdier than a cardboard box. A cookie tin is sturdier, but the obvious drawback is it is made of metal. But there could be some hardy plastic boxes out there that could stand up to any heat output and regular abuse.

Once again great instructable. Easy to understand and easy to build.