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UPDATE: I have a new and improved version with 180 lumens
Ever since digital cameras took decent video I stopped carrying around my DV video camera and instead use my point and shoot digital camera to take a few minutes of MOV or MPG video here and there. The only problem is my digicam is not equipped with a light to brighten up the videos I take indoors. There are some small LED lights you can buy online that attach to the 1/4" hole under you camera, but they cost from $30 to $40 and create a spotlight on your subjects. They also use SIX coin cells and only last 4 hours. I'd rather have a small light that uses rechargeable AAA's and lasts longer. (this one can last about 12 hours!)
So I decided to make my own using parts for less than $2.
The goal was to construct something simply and cheaply.
This is not the most efficient want to drive LEDs but it works very well for the price.
It requires some drilling and soldering skills but its pretty easy.
The only parts are
4xAAA battery holder with switch- $1.39
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2093
3 White LEDs 60 deg viewing angle (you can also try 4 LEDs) 12 cents each
http://www.buy-leds-online.com/560mw7c.html
10 ohm resistor - 5 cents
http://www.allelectronics.com/matrix/One_Quarter_W_Resistors.html
Phillips head 1/4-20 aluminum screw 3/8" long 10 cents - Hardware store
You can probably get all these parts from you favorite online electronics store, but if you want the same wide angle LEDs I used or just want to save some bucks on shipping you can buy the entire kit here.
This project will continue to evolve on my site so check it out for updates in the future.
Tools:
*5mm drill bit or #9 drill bit - for LED holes
*If you dont have that you can use a 3/16" size and work it bigger.
*Drill
*Soldering Iron
Here is a video to show how it lights up my bathroom (its the only room where i can block out ambient light)
NOTE: I have a new and improved version with 180 lumens
Ever since digital cameras took decent video I stopped carrying around my DV video camera and instead use my point and shoot digital camera to take a few minutes of MOV or MPG video here and there. The only problem is my digicam is not equipped with a light to brighten up the videos I take indoors. There are some small LED lights you can buy online that attach to the 1/4" hole under you camera, but they cost from $30 to $40 and create a spotlight on your subjects. They also use SIX coin cells and only last 4 hours. I'd rather have a small light that uses rechargeable AAA's and lasts longer. (this one can last about 12 hours!)
So I decided to make my own using parts for less than $2.
The goal was to construct something simply and cheaply.
This is not the most efficient want to drive LEDs but it works very well for the price.
It requires some drilling and soldering skills but its pretty easy.
The only parts are
4xAAA battery holder with switch- $1.39
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2093
3 White LEDs 60 deg viewing angle (you can also try 4 LEDs) 12 cents each
http://www.buy-leds-online.com/560mw7c.html
10 ohm resistor - 5 cents
http://www.allelectronics.com/matrix/One_Quarter_W_Resistors.html
Phillips head 1/4-20 aluminum screw 3/8" long 10 cents - Hardware store
You can probably get all these parts from you favorite online electronics store, but if you want the same wide angle LEDs I used or just want to save some bucks on shipping you can buy the entire kit here.
This project will continue to evolve on my site so check it out for updates in the future.
Tools:
*5mm drill bit or #9 drill bit - for LED holes
*If you dont have that you can use a 3/16" size and work it bigger.
*Drill
*Soldering Iron
Here is a video to show how it lights up my bathroom (its the only room where i can block out ambient light)
NOTE: I have a new and improved version with 180 lumens
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Signing UpStep 1Prepare the battery holder
This battery holder is great because it has a cover and comes with a switch. This is going to house your batteries and LEDs. This holder has chambers for 4 AAA batteries but you only need 3 batteries to run these lights. The other chamber is going to give you room for your LEDs and your mounting screw. So go ahead and remove the last spring contact opposite to the switch. It is one piece that is part of the other contact next to it. They should both come out together. You can use a small screwdriver to do this. Insert it through the spring and lift straight up.
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*Housekeeping: Your should check your Links. Some don't work.
Shipping kills the deal. Might check eBay and Dealextreme. That's where I'm getting my stuff.
www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-video-light-from-a-cap-light/
reg
ketan
$2$15 LED Camera Light for Video and Photos, at least when you figure in minimum orders and shipping prices. Of course, it's absolutely free if you have all this junk around already.I think the single resister with all the LEDs in parallel is considered a bad practice unless you match the voltage drop of the LEDs carefully. To fix this, however, is a small rewiring job and 2 more resisters.
Otherwise, looks good. I have a "DOT-it" LED area light that has the exact same circuit. They run about $5-10 each, come with batteries, and could be salvaged for everything but the case/switch and screw.