Introduction: Blue Bawls Automatic LED Light
Ok get your mind out of the gutter. I am talking about the beautiful blue glass bottle that the Bawls soft drink comes in. I tried one the other day and thought the glass bottle could be used for something interesting. At first I was just going to stick an LED into it, but I wanted something a bit more interesting. So I threw together a quick and dirty circuit that uses a photo-cell to turn on a transistor which powers an LED. The parts should cost only 2 or 3 dollars, and are available almost anywhere.
Click here to see more PICTURES and a VIDEO of the Blue Bawls LED light
Here is a new schematic that allows for a On/Off/Auto switch
Step 1: Gather the Parts
Step 2: Breadboard the Circuit (if You Want to Test It)
Construct the circuit according to the schematic shown on the previous step.
Note: Depending on the photo-cell used the 100K resistor value might need to be changed. A pot could be used to determine the optimal resistor value.
Step 3: Solder It Together
The cap is used to hold the light in position. All of the parts will be connected to the cap. Three holes will have to be drilled in the top of the cap. Then solder the parts together according to the schematic shown on the previous step.
Step 4: Detailed Cap Construction - Prep. the Cap
There are two holes that are needed in the cap. One for the power and a second for the photo-cell. Since the photo-cell is large I simply drilled two holes side by side.
Step 5: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 1
Trim both resistors to the length shown (it doesn't matter what end of the resistors are used). Solder both resistors to the red battery snap wire (positive).
The resistor values are represented by color bars, look here for pictires:
[http://alan-parekh.vstore.ca/product_info.php/cPath/12_13/products_id/52" target="_blank" 100K ohms Resistor]
[http://alan-parekh.vstore.ca/product_info.php/cPath/12_13/products_id/40" target="_blank" 470 ohms Resistor]
Step 6: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 2
Solder the 470 ohm resistor to the anode of the LED (non flat side).
Step 7: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 3
Connect cathode of LED (flat side) to the collector (C) of the transistor.
Step 8: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 4
Install photo-cell.
Step 9: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 5
Solder the base of the transistor to the 100K ohm resistor and to the photo-cell.
Step 10: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 6
Make ground connection (Battery negative wire)
Step 11: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 7
Test it to see if it works.
Step 12: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 8
Protect the circuit using some hot glue.
Step 13: Detailed Cap Construction - Solder Method Step 8
Stick the light on a bottle!
Step 14: Non Solder Method to Follow
There are connectors that can be used if you don't want to solder the light together. Non solder construction details will be posted later.
Have a look at them here
http://alan-parekh.vstore.ca/product_info.php/cPath/10/products_id/46
Step 15: Attach the Cap and Have FUN!
Screw the cap onto the bottle, connect the battery and turn the room lights off. The bottle should start to glow. Turn the room lights on and the bottle light should turn off.
Click here to see more PICTURES and a VIDEO of the Blue Bawls LED light
Here is a new schematic that allows for a On/Off/Auto switch
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182 Comments
16 years ago
I have tryed to use a Lithium Battery(CR2025,3V) to replace the 9V "BIG BATTERY". And,the 470ohm should be drop out.i think that the Lithium Battery may hide under the cap.
Reply 6 years ago
would it work using 2 LEDs
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Hi James, could you post a schematic of this please? Here is a picture of mine.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Sorry here it is.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
could yours work?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Nope :(
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
how long would the lithium battery last?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
=.=a
Sorry
I Don't know.
I just have tried the demo only.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
what resistor did you use between the transistor and the photocell???
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I have tryed to use a Lithium Battery(CR2025,3V) to replace the 9V "BIG BATTERY". And,the 470ohm should be drop out....
of coz it depends on your photocell supply voltage and the LED working voltage range.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Looks great James
9 years ago on Introduction
Hi! Can this circuit work with a 3.7 volt battery?
10 years ago on Introduction
im only using 3.7 V Battery, what might the 100K resistor value be changed to ?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
try using a trim pot to get the desired performance while still on the breadboard, then measure the trim pot's resistance with your ohm-meter. Then solder in that value resistor. No Muss - No Fuss
10 years ago on Introduction
I did the same exact thing, but my LED is really dim. Any idea what could be wrong? I've progressed from it not working at all to the point there is dim light! :)
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi, I wired my thing the way the schematic said and my light stays on, and gets righter with more light.. PLEASE HELP
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
brighter*
12 years ago on Introduction
This thread was an example example!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I tried this one actually was pretty interesting. But wasn't succesful, when lI off the light the photocell light gets off and when light falls on photocell it glows. It became reverse :-P what should i DO ????/ plz do help :-(
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
post what you've got set up. i'll be glad to take a look at it to see if i can help. i'm an electronics newbie, but this is a very straight foward circuit and shouldn't be too difficult to troubleshoot.