Starman Tree Topper

Step 5 Make a throwie - add a switch!

Using the diagram that Randolfo made me and the LED Throwies instructable, I was able to make a super simple device for the inside of the star. Granted, it took me three different versions to land on this most basic one, but it was well worth the learning.

• Test your LEDs: The longer LED lead, called the anode, should be touching the positive terminal (+) of the battery and the shorter LED lead, called the cathode, should be touching the negative terminal (-) of the battery.
• Check out Randolfo's diagram for a clearer picture of what's about to happen.
• Twist together the two long LED leads (anode, +)
• Twist together the two short LED leads (cathode, -)
• Cut two small lengths of wire. Solder (or just twist super well) one end to an outer switch prong and the other end of the same wire to the shorter LED leads (cathodes, -)
• Take the other wire and solder to or twist it up with the middle prong of the switch
• Cut a piece of tape about 8" long. Tape the longer (anode, +) LED leads to the battery by wrapping tape 2-3 times around both sides of the battery. Keep the tape very tight as you wrap.
• To make the unit more compact, loop up any extra wire and tape to the battery as well. (opt) [see 1st picture in step]