Shake it like a Tic-Tac!

Step 9 Attach top to case:

Now just slide the top along with the circuit into the case. I think it helps to epoxy the top on, but you could probably just superglue it.

I ended up painting the inside of the case white for that crisp look, but I think I like it better clear.

Shake for 60 seconds and enjoy!

Comments

[armatodo]

Very Cool.

[cfire]

Very Cool. One mod I think would be nice, is to put the LED under the "door" (where the switch is now) and a micro switch that automatically turns on the flashlight when the "door" is opened. Just a thought...

[ERCCRE123]

there has to be a better way to charge this than shake it for a minute. Maybe take the capacity of the battery in MaH and divide it by the outout of the coil in Ma. Not sure if this would be precise because the result would be in hours. Maybe take that and multiply by 60 for minutes or 3600 for seconds

[caboat]

I am curious if anyone has completed this project from these instructions. I have been working on this for about 3 weeks with about 5-6 hours of total work time. I have made some minor mistakes, but I am pushing forward. If you have successfully completed I would like to know of any variations or steps that might have been over looked/not elaborated enough in the instructions. I have found out the coil needs fill the tic tac box as much as possible, not just up and down the length of the pen 3 times, but as many as possible and still fit in the box.

[Blueberry]

It occurs to me that the magnets would eventually loose their magnetism with all that shaking... The (felt or otherwise) padding idea at the ends of the tube would likely help expand the life of this gadget a lot!

[Xyndicator]

I recommend spending a few pennies on heat shrink to wrap all the exposed components. You can buy about 1ft of transparent heat shrink for about $0.10. Just use a hair drier to heat up the heat shrink and it'll shrink and wrap around everything so that you won't have accidental short circuits. Alternatively, you can hot glue everything so it's insulated from each other but it can prove to be messy and you'll be wasting a lot of hot glue.

[wilderness]

nicest torch i've seen yet don't know how to solder yet, nor anything much about electronics but maybe give it a go soon i guess using batteries gives you light for longer than a capacitator?

[girrrrrrr2]

yep..

[smoothtalkerfromwv04]

i think mechanical pencil erasers would make great end caps for the magnet tube, they are cheap and most people have them around the house also for a larger unit use that battery pack out of that cordless phone you have around gathering dust.

[indevous88]

could this be modified to be used as a usb charger?

[andy]

You would have to regulate the output and make sure the coil is detached during output (DPDT switch would to the trick) to prevent spikes in supply and unnecessary drain on power. Also a bigger battery would be desirable, but yes, minimal extra components would be required. Andy

[Renneisance Nomad]

Awesome!!! The mythical hacker god Mac would be proud.:D One thing though, I'd add a solar panel to each side. The design here would charge/maintain while bouncing around in your pocket and the SPs would charge in any light.

[toucansam4000]

aww thats great! very nice work I will be sure to try this!

[Genevamech]

I think it would be nice to add a small piece of felt to either the ends of the magnets or the ends of the tube, if you don't want a loud clicking noise when you shake it. A little pad for the magnets may keep them in better condition with prolonged use, too.

[Macka]

That is awesome! How long does the battery last per charge and how long in total (before it wears out)

[Jikz]

Possibly you could add some clear gel wax (available at any good craft store) it will stabilize all the little wires and all while shaking, and it is non conductive, i used it on some led glowstix i made for spinning at parties.

[The_Overmind]

Excellent, i plan for this to be my first electronics project. I pondered on whether or not i could sell them to people, because those who don't know what's going on will be especially amazed. maybe 8-9.00$ for each one.

[nrdesign]

Very Nice! In germany (where i do live) i've bought a BLUE tt-Box. Tht could look more cool...

[Mr.M]

Very nice!

[kool_aid465002]

that is friggin sweet very nicely done i am really looking forward to seeing your next instructable