USB Cigar Flash Memory (with LEDs)

introUSB Cigar Flash Memory (with LEDs)

Glows red when connected, brightens upon disk access.

A touch of distinction for your computer!

UPDATED VIDEO:

_{(the music is stored on the cigar, but played by the PC as soon as the USB disk is connected and recognized)}

For cigar lovers, gadgeteers, spies, etc... and also for nonsmokers !

_{Gosh, I am too late for the "Get the LED out!" contest, so I'm applying for the "Pocket Sized" contest -- and I won't describe the pocket; to entirely fit into a pocket, a robusto-sized cigar should be used; and BTW a cigar has to not entirely fit into pockets ! ;-).}

Please vote for me ^(*) and rate me high if you think (like me) that it's one of the coolest USB disks !

_{(*) when the pocket sized contest is open}

step 1Needed Stuff

Before you start:This project may take more time and effort than one may thinks at first.It is not difficult, but it needs patience and skill.Materials:A thick cigarAn USB …

step 2Impregnate and Cut the Cigar

Remove the ring. With some cloth, impregnate the outside of the cigar with primer. Be generous, but wipe carefully. Carefully cut the cap end (1.5 inches / 4 cm). Dip al…

step 3Bore the Cigar

This part is very critical. it is not easy to bore a cigar ! The goal is to bore the cigar through in order to harden the inside with primer (next step). Use drill bits o…

step 4Impregnate Again

Immerse the parts completely into primer. Use a box protected by a plastic bag. It is using a lot of primer, but you will be able to pour it back into its can. With wood …

step 5Prepare the Flash Disk, Replacing the Data Access LED

In this step we will get the naked USB board, and replace the on-board data access LED by ours. This step requires patience and skill, because of SMD components. Free the …

step 6Add a Power-On LED

In this step we will add an LED that will glow when the key is connected to an USB port. Consult http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Smallest-USB-LED/ for more details.Conn…

step 7Adjust The Disk into the Cigar

Now we will adjust everything, test all, but not yet glue things together. IMPORTANT: Wrap a small piece of thin paper (cigarette paper, or 1 layer of toilet paper) around…

step 8Glue the Ends

Glue the LEDs end, using translucent hot-melt glue. 2 millimeters to let the light go through. Rectify the LED end with a knife. Sink it into the primer, and get some toba…

step 9Make the Cap

Cut the plastic cap to its minimum outer size. Make a rectangular hole into the cigar cap. Adjust the plastic cap to fit into, anf glue it (with hot-melt glue). Cut out …

step 10Done

Now you've done a great job. Use the cable to connect the cigar to your computer.

step 11Enjoy !

Enjoy your cigar (but remember NOT to smoke it!).Originally posted video: Updated Video: Jazz! what better, with a cigar? In the above video, an MP3 track stored into the …

step 12Ideas for Possible Improvements

a cigarillo version (do mini-USB memory dongles exist ?)a version that smokes !!!a one-piece version, with a mini-USB connector in the cap endinsure it will remain very str…

39 comments	Add Comment

Sep 4, 2009. 5:11 AMLokisgodhi says:

What kind of wood primer is this? All the wood primers I've ever seen are white and dry opaque. The stuff you're showing seems to be translucent and dries to transparent.