LED Flashlight Conversion 2

I have an old Russian generator flashlight that no longer worked, I figured the bulb was blown.  Rather than just replace the bulb I converted to an LED.  The LED does not use as much current so it is easier to crank the generator, and the LED will last longer than a bulb.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Broken Flashlight

Soldering, stripping cutting tools.

Hot glue gun

4 Super-bright LED's

Step 2: Plan

My project is very close to this one:  https://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Flashlight-Conversion  so I will just note the things that I did differently.

First I figured out the properties of the generator.  By connecting the LED with and without series resistors I discovered the internal resistance of the generator was effective in limiting the current, so I did not use a series resistor.  I also determined that the LEDs were better in parallel than series.  A o-scope showed that the generator generated AC.  That meant a couple of things, one is that reverse current might damage the LED's and the other that the LED was only on half the time.  I could have used 4 diodes in a full wave bridge, but I decided instead to use 4 LEDs in parallel 2 connected in each polarity.  This limits the reverse voltage and now 2 LEDs are on all the time.  I also made a little jig to hold the LEDs while I soldered them.

Step 3: The Wiring

I did the wiring using "dead bug style", no board, just soldered up the components.  The jig helped a lot.

Step 4: Finish

I removed the old bulb assembly, ( the bulb was ok, one of the leads had broken ), hot glued the LEDs in where the bulb had been.  I reassembled the flashlight, it works great.

Comments

[АхмедА]

Thank you

[Rouverius]

Actually, I had a flashlight like this as well. I had hoped to do a similar project. Sadly, when I disassembled it, the cheap alloy flywheel had literally crumbled apart. Glad to know someone got to build this though.

[russ_hensel]

I would try it, stick a single led in the circuit and pump gently. If it works go for a more complete circuit. Let us know.

[martonthenagy]

Hello, I have a very similar flashlight to this one, in working condition. After removing the cover, I measured the voltage, and it seemed 1-2 V~ comes from the generator/dynamo, and it is way too few for white leds to light up. Or not?

[mr114]

Wow, I actually have this exact flashlight laying around! Will give this a shot :]

[JmsDwh]

Nice job! Now that you are using less power for the LEDs, maybe you could add a capacitor and make it stay lit for longer?

[russ_hensel]

You could, but you would need to use a rectifier to get DC instead of the AC it is generating.

[ehudwill]

Great idea setting them in wood. I will be using this one.

[Orkekum]

Awesome work awesome idea!