Introduction: Ring Light
We've all found ourselves in the dark at one time or another, and a lot of these times we forgot to bring a flashlight or perhaps we're having trouble finding one in the dark. I've solved this problem by creating the Ring light.
Step 1: Equipment
I Used the following components in this project:
1 Ring (any style)
1 Ultra bright LED (I purchased mine from Adafruit.com)
1 small button
1 CR1220 Battery
1 CR1220 Battery Holder
Wire (not shown)
Electric Tape (not shown)
Super glue (not shown)
Soldering Iron (not shown)
Dremel multitool (not shown)
1 Ring (any style)
1 Ultra bright LED (I purchased mine from Adafruit.com)
1 small button
1 CR1220 Battery
1 CR1220 Battery Holder
Wire (not shown)
Electric Tape (not shown)
Super glue (not shown)
Soldering Iron (not shown)
Dremel multitool (not shown)
Step 2: The Ring
First modify the ring to allow for mounting of the battery and LED. (This step will vary depending on the type of ring you have. I just cut out the centre of the ring face using a dremel with a cutting disc.)
Step 3: The Circuit Prototype
Next prototype your circuit. You can use a breadboard for this, but any setup that allows you to make sure the circuit works will do. If the light does not come on, try switching reversing the connections to the LED. Remember LED's will only work if current is flowing through it the proper way. The circuit is quite simple, but if you need help just follow the path of the alligator clips. I made them all different colours so they'd be easy to follow.
Step 4: Assembly
Now the real work begins: Assemble the Ring. This step can vary based on personal style. In my design I began by gluing the LED to the battery holder. I had to file down two little plastic nubs on the battery holder to ensure a proper fitting. The I glued the Switch to the bottom of the ring. I found that this position would allow me to push the button by bending my finger in a way that was unnatural, but not uncomfortable (which means I wouldn't turn the light on by closing my hand into a fist, but I could easily push and hold the button for long periods without being uncomfortable. You'll need to experiment with your own design to see what works best for you). As the ring I used is metal, I wrapped a piece of electrical tape around the part of the ring with the button to prevent shorts (so the button is technically glued to the tape and not the ring itself).
Once the glue was dry I fit the LED/Battery Holder into the open space in the ring. It was a snug fit, but I used some superglue on it just to be sure.
Finally, I soldered up the circuit with a few short pieces of wire and tried it out. Works like a charm, even if it isn't that pretty.
Don't forget to insulate all exposed parts of your circuit before wearing. This circuit doesn't carry a lot of electricity, but why take the risk? It's also a good habit to get into for all electronics projects.
Once the glue was dry I fit the LED/Battery Holder into the open space in the ring. It was a snug fit, but I used some superglue on it just to be sure.
Finally, I soldered up the circuit with a few short pieces of wire and tried it out. Works like a charm, even if it isn't that pretty.
Don't forget to insulate all exposed parts of your circuit before wearing. This circuit doesn't carry a lot of electricity, but why take the risk? It's also a good habit to get into for all electronics projects.