Introduction: Supercapacitor Joule Thief
In this project I will show you how I created a very popular and easy to build circuit, the joule thief, in order to power LEDs with voltages from 0.5V to 2.5V. This way less power from the used supercapacitor is unusable.
Step 1: Watch the Video!
The video should give you all the information you need to build your own joule thief. The next steps are just additional information to make your life easier.
Step 2: Order Your Parts!
The circuit itself only requires 3 components. Here you can find links for all of them (affiliate links).
Aliexpress:
BC637 NPN BJT: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYXX4rl
1kΩ or 2kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6W9ZqJ
Ferrite Toroid Core: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9c1uEb
Enameled copper wire: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6YghgT
LED: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dY8B0ab
Supercapacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8L3B7D
Ebay:
BC637 NPN BJT: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1kΩ or 2kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Ferrite Toroid Core: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Enameled copper wire: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
LED: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Supercapacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Amazon.de:
BC637 NPN BJT: http://amzn.to/29sfdTa
1kΩ or 2kΩ Resistor: http://amzn.to/1E9uEhN
Ferrite Toroid Core: http://amzn.to/29sg9XB
Enameled copper wire: http://amzn.to/29sfxkU
Supercapacitor: http://amzn.to/29MqJOG
Step 3: Build the Circuit!
After you wound your transformer, the way it was demonstrated in the video, you only need to create 5 solder joints according to the schematic to connect the components to one another. Feel free to change the value of the base resistor like I demonstrated it in the video.
Step 4: Success!
You did it! You just created your own Joule Thief!
Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:
http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab
You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information: