{THE LED LIGHTBULB}

Step 7: [USE]

Let the energy saving begin! When you are done, you can screw it into any light fixture and begin saving immediately. I put some in various places of my house and plan on making even more in the next few weeks. Though I went at this project with the light bulb method, you could make just the top portion and wire them together (don't forget the fuse there). That is what I am going to do and mount it above my desk. Also, these would be absolutely perfect for recessed lighting fixtures. In case you were wondering, I have summarized the cost for you below:

Small (46 LEDs):
Perfboard: $1.00
LEDs: $0.05 X 46 = $2.30
Wire: $0.18 X 1/3ft. = $0.06
Rectifier: $0.50
Base Plug: $1.00
Total: $4.86

Medium (92 LEDs):
Perfboard: $1.50
LEDs: $0.05 X 92 = $4.60
Wire: $0.18 X 1/3ft. = $0.06
Rectifier: $0.50
Base Plug: $1.00
Total: $7.66

Large (184 LEDs):
Perfboard: $2.00
LEDs: $0.05 X 184 = $9.20
Wire: $0.18 X 1/3ft. = $0.06
Rectifier: $0.50
Base Plug: $1.00
Total: $12.76
As for everything else, I had it all laying around.

I certainly enjoyed this project and hope you do too!

Don't forget to VOTE at the top of the page! That mere one click will be truly appreciated. Thanks!

Comments

[barligea]

how cool is that ...let there be light...the efficient way... great post!

[nert]

Nice instructable. I like oboist1 suggestion to use leds on both sides of the perf board. maybe add a 2nd rectifier and light leds with the opposite side of the square wave.

[VTY]

The end effect is nice in all three instances but the lumen maintenance of 5mm LEDs is quite bad. It means while it works OK for now you won't get the lifespan or maintain the light output over the potential life of the lamp. Certainly a nice Instructable and nice effects from the LEDS but not a workable solution to replace your GLS or CFL lamps with unfortunately.

[oboist1]

Great Instructable ! Maybe alternate some of the leds on both sides of the perf board. That would give the light a more even, "bulb-like" glow. I think the LEDs need to come down in price for real acceptance in the home. Come on guys, ramp up the production lines and drive down the cost for all of us ! I saw a small selection of LED bulbs at Costco. Amazing efficiency. I am going from memory but I think I saw a 40 watt equivalent decorative LED bulb that required only about 2 watts of power. There was a 75 watt flood light LED bulb that required about 8.5 watt of power. Thanks again for the eco-friendly Instructable !

[bustedit]

i think i have that same belt - reversible tan n black perry ellis? mine's a POS and the lil crews always pull out of the buckle cuz im fat

[entity0731]

Hey, I have the same belt and the same problem. :-)

[BootCub]

Check into Tandy Leather and get rivet screws. It should lay flush and look nice on one side and screw into place on the reverse. If you use some lock-tight putty on the screw it shouldn't come out. Or get some shoe goo glue, should work as well.