Retrofit an outdoor LED night light into a Bird Feeder

By taking apart any solar LED you can mount the whole kit inside any outdoor bird
feeder, house, etc.?
This example was my real first try. I was able to get everything mounted perfectly while
also keeping it all dry and hidden. I also used the best feature of these lights and that
is the photo-sensor for night only on action. You should have a basic knowledge of
soldering and dealing with fine gauge wire. Wood cutting tools and skills would also be
appropriate for this retrofit.

Items I used:
- old bird feeder or house
- Solar LED outdoor light with photo-sensor
- new Rechargeable battery with full charge

Tools:
-drill
-dremel type tool with wood/plastic cutting bits
-soldering kit (for back up or wire extending)
-glue or window caulking

Step 1 Disasseble your night light

Your model of LED night light will dictate your approach to getting down to just
the basic guts of your project. Try to keep all the wires still attached. My wires
were thin and kept braking so be forewarned.

Parts to salvage:
-solar panel
-photo-sensor
-LED
-circuit board
-battery tray

-I unscrewed the two halves of my light and popped the small solar panel and photo-sensor
out of the top half as they are glued on.
-unscrew the circuit board from the bottom half
-Then I used the dremel tool to cut the battery housing off of the bottom half.
-Fix any loose wires or now is the time to make them longer if necessary.

Comments

[LoopyMind]

The hole for the solar-panel, why not de-solder the wires, either at the solar-panel end or at the electronics side and just drill a small hole for the wires to go trough? makes it easier to seal the roof so the birdhouse stays dry.

[lemonie]

Novel. I assume it doesn't bother birds at all because it's off when they're feeding? L

[olsin]

I do not use this feeder anymore- but you have a great point!