Introduction: MAKE a FLASHLIGHT THAT DOESN'T NEED REPLACEMENT BULBS OR BATTERIES!
A couple of years ago, I made a forever flashlight mostly out of old parts I found laying around. This was the video I made of how I built it and how it turned out.
http://www.thekingofrandom.com
Participated in the
LED Contest with Elemental LED
29 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
can I use any kind of magnet, sir?
cool project anyway :)
8 years ago on Introduction
I wonder if you were to use two or three separate coils along the length and wire them in parallel to the Bridge Rectifier, would that help build charge more quickly? I haven't tried it, so I am just wondering your thoughts.
9 years ago on Introduction
could I use the capacitor in a disposable camera?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Probably but you want more Farads for longer term discharge. Most disposable camera capacitors are a special aluminum electrolytic capacitor, usually rated around 300V to 450V, capacitance in the 120uF to 330uF range. I would choose a supercapacitor like:
3.0v 20F http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Taiyo-Yuden/PA...
3.0v 50F http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Taiyo-Yuden/PA...
Or whatever voltage you needed.
9 years ago on Introduction
thanks. because i have cameras in larger supply, i will just use a camera capacitor
10 years ago on Introduction
This is not near as easy as we are lead to believe. I tried this with 300 wraps, then 500, now 800 wraps before I ever got sufficient voltage. Also I tried it with 1 inch pvc and then found that 3/4 works better, and in fact I used my table saw to make a 1.5 inch groove 1/2 way through the pipe wall in the middle of the pipe so that the windings would be closer to the magnet. I recommend 28-34 gauge wire to make the winding smaller. Be advised that the smaller the wire gauge the higher the voltage, but the lower the amperage. Amperage = the actual power flow.
10 years ago on Introduction
I have a question or two: You didn't say where the poles of the magnet are. Are they on the ends, or the sides? Also, why did you use 1 inch pvc? The magnet fits much better into 3/4.
Thanks
10 years ago on Introduction
Using a bicycle speedometer to count 300 wire wraps.
Connect the magnet to the pvc pipe, and the sensor next to it. Make the pipe so it can easily be spun in place.
Circumference of 26 inch bicycle wheel 81.64 (wheel diameter x 3.14)
1 mile converted to feet 5280
1 mile converted to inches 63360
1 mile converted to 81.64 inch units 776.0901519
4 tenths of a mile is this many 81.64 inch units 310.4360608
Keep spinning the pipe until the bike speedometer says .4 of a mile, and you have sufficient wire wraps.
10 years ago on Introduction
What would be the result of wrapping a single wire layer down most of the length of the pvc? Better? Worse? Not workable? Just curious.
10 years ago on Introduction
A question, Can you use other types of capacitors? If so, what farad?
10 years ago on Introduction
Just one question, since no other storage component is listed, is the capacitor supplying the power for the run time?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for asking! Yes it is the only source of power
11 years ago on Introduction
sorry, few laps with the copper wire was given to PVC coil and that should be the wire thickness???
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
If you're asking about the wire, it's about 26 AWG and approx 300 turns around the PVC. The thinner the wire the better, and the more wraps the better! I hope that helps?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
thanks
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You're welcome!
11 years ago on Introduction
hello you must be thick copper wire and how you have to give back?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hi! I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question?
11 years ago on Introduction
This is so neat! Its a shame you missed the copycat challenge because this would have been a great entry!
-Doctordv
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for your feedback, and I didn't know there was a copycat challenge until you mentioned it. Too bad, maybe next time :) Thanks again!