Rechargeable 24LED Waterproof Flashlight

This is my first Instructable and since I don't want to be left in the dark I decided to enter the Flashlight Contest with a flashlight that is both rechargeable and waterproof.

Step 1 I need to start somewhere.

I started of by gathering all the parts I needed. In this case I had most of the part except the  two threaded pipe fitting and the 12V bulb. I got those at my local hardware store. I also needed a threaded end cap but they had none in stock. The bulbs are just like the regular downlight bulbs but they do not heat up like the regular bulbs, the use less energy and last longer. They will also withstand bumps and knocks better. I sourced a 12V rechargeable battery from a old RC car.

Parts List
50mm PVC Pipe
PVC Cement
50mm Threaded PVC Fitting x 2
Threaded PVC end cap Fitting
Smallish Toggle Switch
12V 24LED Downlight Bulb (They are available in different colours)
12V  rechargeable battery
Small piece of foam
Tape, Cable ties and heat shrink

A 9V battery will also work but the the light won' t  be that light or battery holder may also work if you can get it to fit and it has enough power example 8 1.5V AA batteries.

Tools
Hacksaw
Soldering Iron
Solder
Diagonal pliers (I had to look this one up, I know them as a Side Cutter - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagonal_pliers)
File
Sand Paper

Comments

[KatherineFColes]

Great Idea. Typical flashlight designs consist of the light source mounted in a parabolic or other shaped reflector, a transparent lens to protect the light source from damage and debris, a power source (typically electric batteries), and an electric power switch. While most flashlights are hand-held, there are head or helmet-mounted flashlights designed for miners and campers and battery-powered lights for bicycles.

http://outdoorsolarlightsreview.com/different-outdoor-string-lights-for-your-yard-and-garden-enhancement/

[Kevanf1]

I like it well done. It's quick, it's easy and it works.

If I may offer some advice? It could be further developed by using a small slide on/off switch. I believe these are available in a waterproof item. I would use silicon sealant (bathroom stuff) to seal around the switch and also around the rim of the bulb. You could instead use a suitably sized neoprene O ring to seal the bulb (use a smear of petroleum jelly to facilitate closing) and the base. This should then a truly waterproof seal. To what depth (water ingress due to higher pressure) I don't know though.

Good ible mate.

Take care.

Kevan

[Thijs]

I love this idea. I was looking for some ideas to make headlight for my bike, but then a bit brighter then most bike-lights are. This idea is great! I'm only curious how many mAh your battery is, because i would like to have a little longer burning time.

[jurienaude]

Thanks for the comment. My battery was 12V 800mah Nickel-Cadmium Battery pack. If I didn't all ready have the battery pack, I would have gone with 10 of these 1.2V 2300mah batteries (http://www.mantech.co.za/Productinfo.aspx?Item=10M0042) & (http://www.mantech.co.za/datasheets/products/HYMS-AA2300N.pdf) in 2 holder that would be hooked up in series but then I would have changed the design to get the batteries in and out of my flashlight to charge them. In a quick google search I came across this 6v 5000mah battery pack (http://www.all-battery.com/nicd6v5000mahbatterypackforemergencelight.aspx). If 2 of these could be fitted to your bike headlight, then they could last longer than 16 hour according to this calculator (http://www.alternate-energy.net/calcbat06-2.html). Thanks again. Jurie