Super Simple Automated LED Wardrobe Lights.

Intro: Super Simple Automated LED Wardrobe Lights.

My wardrobe is like a deep dark abyss whether at day or at night. I had to hunt for my clothes using a torch. I had to find a solution to this problem which I feel might be faced by many others too......

So I came up with the idea of making an Automated LED Wardrobe Light that would save me the inconvenience of looking out for my clothes with only one hand as the other was holding the torch. A gadget that was easy to assemble, reasonably cheap and very practical in our day to day lives.

This Automated LED Light can be used in your wardrobes, under-bed storage area and in modular kitchen cabinets. The Automated LED Light that I have made, uses a 9v battery as the source of power. However, power from a wall wart or a cell phone charger can also be used to power the Automated LED Light.

The Automated LED Wardrobe Light circuit is made in such a way, that when the wardrobe door is opened, the LED Lights automatically turn on and when the door is closed, the light automatically switches off.

STEP 1: Parts Needed :

The following are the parts needed for making the Automated LED Wardrobe Light 


     Supplies :-

1.    1pcs High Power LED 1watt.
2.     Aluminium Heatsink.
3.    SPDT Switch.
4.     LM317.
5.     3.9 ohm Resistor.
6.     Circuit Board.
7.     Heatsink Compound.
8.     Heatshrink Sleeve.
9.     Glue.
10.   Wire.

Tools :-

1.       Hacksaw.
2.      Drill.
3.       Soldering Iron.
4.      Solder.
5.      Soldering Wax.

STEP 2: The Circuit :

Place the LM317 and the 3.9ohm resistor on the circuit board and solder them according to the given schematic..... (Remember to place the components close to each other as this will make the circuit look compact). When the components are placed close, the leads of the components can be bent and soldered to each other, which will make the circuit look neat. Stick the SPDT Switch at the end of the circuit board that is closer to the LM317. Then solder the SPDT Switch also to the circuit according to the schematic.....  After having soldered your circuit board should look somewhat like the third image.

Since I have used a 1watt High Power LED without a star, hence I have soldered two wires to the LED and have used heatshrink sleeve as insulation.

STEP 3: How Does the Circuit Work :

When the door of the wardrobe is closed, the door presses against the SPDT Switch. The SPDT Switch causes the circuit to be open, hence no current flows and the LED Light is tuned off.

When the wardrobe door is opened, the SPDT Switch is released, as a result the circuit is closed. Since now the circuit is closed, current flows to the LED Light and it is turned on.

The given diagrams will help in visualizing the explaination. 

STEP 4: Fitting the Circuit :

I have fitted the circuit into a 9v Battery case. The case also doubles as the heatsink for my High Power LED. The case gives the entire device a compact look. Yes.... and there you have it.... your very own full Automated LED Light !!!!! Here are some of the pics.

STEP 5: Test Results of the Automated LED Light :

The Automated LED Wardrobe Light is very bright and it illuminates the entire wardrobe.
The images that appear above do not seem to be bright but actually they are very bright.
In the attached video, I set my handicam on record mode inside the wardrobe and had the whole scene recorded from the time I closed the door until I opened it. I did this purposely, to show that the lights are fully automated and turn off only when the wardrobe door is closed and switches on when it is opened.  
If you have any difficulties in constructing it, please feel free to ask me.

GREAT!!!!! NOW GO AHEAD AND CONSTRUCT ONE YOURSELF!!!!! : )

STEP 6: A Few Optional Modifications :

Here are some optional mods for the Automated LED Wardrobe Light :-

1.  You can use a battery as a power source or you can use current from a Cell Phone Charger or a DC wall wart.

2.  You can cover the High Power LED with a translucent bowl having some artistic glass paintings on it.

3.   Or you can also decorate the High Power LED by using a translucent yellow coloured brush whose bristles are wrapped with silver  coloured tape just as I have done in the above image. (refer to the second image).

4.  If your wardrobe has more depth, then you can fix the High Power LED at the centre of the wardrobe with a separate heatsink for better  visibility.   

Comments

[stevecinstrfme]

Why do you use a single pole, Double throw switch? Wouldn't a single pole, normally closed switch suffice? Don't mean any disrespect, just curious. Thanks.

[stevecinstrfme]

How did you "harness" all the fibers into a bundle and attach the led to the end? How did you attach it so that it stays in place and there is no light leakage with all the led's light being focused into the bundle?

[stevecinstrfme]

P.S.- My above question was referring to the last image you posted with all the fibers hanging down (one of the "Optional Modifications"). I knew you would know to what I was referring, but posted this for anyone else who might not have known what I was talking about. Thanks!

[tchoudhary]

hey may i know wat work is this LM315 doing out here..???

[Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves]

The LM317 is used to regulate the amount of current going to the High Power LED. Without the above circuit, if the High Power LED is directly connected to the battery, it will burn out very soon.

[rdivilbiss]

Ohms law says R (resistance) = V (volts) / I (Amps)

Therefore:
Given a 9 Volt battery,
a LED FV of 3.5, and
a LED DC Forward Curent of 0.35 Amps
See

R = V/I = (9V-3.5V)/0.350A = 5.5V/0.350A = 15.7 Ohms

And Joules Law:
Power (Watts) = Volts * Amps
P = V * I = 3.5 Volts * 0.350 A = 1.225 W
which the data sheet allows as it says the 1 W LED actually can source 1.4 Watts.

So I do not think you need the LM317 either.

[Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves]

That's right, but why risk your expensive high power LED when you can protect it with a few cheap components.

[rdivilbiss]

Whats less expensive; a single resistor or a resistor and a voltage regulator?

JVG>"to regulate the amount of current"

The very definition of a resistor.

It really doesn't matter. Build your circuit with whatever components make you comfortable...I just was suggesting an alternative but you are welcome to ignore me.

Nice job overall, I hope you post more.

Regards,
Rod

[stevecinstrfme]

Your comment, which included "you are welcome to ignore me", was very unnecessary. Just simply uncalled for. I think this person did a very good job and you had to be a jerk. Maybe you could have presented what you had to offer in a more dignified, more respectful way.

[longwinters]

Please forgive my ignorance, I thought I read all the steps but I don't see what you made the strands of, it's a wonderful project and I love the effect.

For builders in the U.S. LED supply has all the parts you need including a buc puc which regulates the voltage automatically.

[samalert]

Peoples asking about the price and all i will put some light on it

There are many stores in Lamington Road the more quantity less is the price
1wat high luminescence led the one shown above costs rs.25 each (i still think am fooled here)
the alien pad i.e. heat sink on which Led's are attached are rs.5 each

the other leds not high intensity one
cost around rs.2 each if purchased in lot ten 1.50
if more amount like 500 or 1000 ten 1rs max

the heat sinks which is used in other prjs for LEDs are rs.5 each

TIP 41 transistor - rs 15 each
3.5 mm jack rs - 15 each

enjoy
nw peoples asking abt shops in other states sry no IDEA :)

[samalert]

wow wow i was searching where i can get High power Leds and here you enlightened me. thanks man........GREAT HELP

anyways last thing i wud like to ask i will be designing aquarium light from this and i want that led's will b turned ON continuously what to do in such cases

how to save them from frying and what resistors to use

what i will be doing is connecting 5 LEDs in parallel so 2rows
i.e. 10 LEDs per row and using mobile charger as source then what can b done in such case resistor values what i cant count

Charger Details : nokia : o/p -> dc5.0v -- 500mA

Can u please help me with it

[mayur.phadte]

Indian too.
Where did you get those 1 Watt LEDs ?
Price.
Mumbai

[Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves]

You can get the LEDs from Lamington Road, Mumbai. There are many electronic components shops there.

[hsarode1]

Can any1 tell me in which applaince can we get LM317 if u noe then please tell me.

[Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves]

The LM317 is a cheap IC regulator available for only 10 INR. So I do not think you need to rip apart any device. Btw it is found in small home appliances with electronic controls, portable radios, car electronics.

[heavensguy]

Amazing JOB keep it UP ....... May U always Succeed in whatever u do ...... Bless You

[Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves]

Thank you heavensguy.

[Smartbro]

Cool idea, I will surely try it out.

[Dipankar]

Good job, Vinet.
Where did you get the high powdered LED.