In this project I will show you how I created a very popular and easy to build circuit, the joule thief, in order to power LEDs with voltages from 0.5V to 2.5V. This way less power from the used supercapacitor is unusable.

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video should give you all the information you need to build your own joule thief. The next steps are just additional information to make your life easier.

Step 2: Order Your Parts!

The circuit itself only requires 3 components. Here you can find links for all of them (affiliate links).

Aliexpress:
BC637 NPN BJT: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYXX4rl

1kΩ or 2kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6W9ZqJ

Ferrite Toroid Core: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9c1uEb

Enameled copper wire: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6YghgT

LED: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dY8B0ab

Supercapacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8L3B7D

Ebay:

BC637 NPN BJT: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1kΩ or 2kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Ferrite Toroid Core: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Enameled copper wire: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

LED: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Supercapacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

BC637 NPN BJT: http://amzn.to/29sfdTa

1kΩ or 2kΩ Resistor: http://amzn.to/1E9uEhN

Ferrite Toroid Core: http://amzn.to/29sg9XB

Enameled copper wire: http://amzn.to/29sfxkU

LED: http://amzn.to/29sfTYR

Supercapacitor: http://amzn.to/29MqJOG

Step 3: Build the Circuit!

After you wound your transformer, the way it was demonstrated in the video, you only need to create 5 solder joints according to the schematic to connect the components to one another. Feel free to change the value of the base resistor like I demonstrated it in the video.