Build a really simple shotgun shell night light that turns on with a flip!

WARNING!

Do not try to do this with live ammunition! The shotgun shells used in this project were empty casings!

Step 1: Materials

1 paper shotgun shell
1 transparent plastic shotgun shell
1 tilt ball sensor/switch
2 bright white LEDs
1 3v button cell battery ( I used a CR2032)

Step 2: Tools

Soldering iron
Exacto knife, scalpel.

Step 3: Basic Construction

I was messing around with some old shotgun shells when I found that the metal casings would hold a 3v button cell battery perfectly if I removed the paper tube. Since the positive side of the button cell battery wraps around the edge of the battery I could place the battery inside the metal casing without it shorting out. I used bright white LEDs since normal ones could not emit enough light through the green plastic. I also tried green LEDs which worked quite well, but not as well as the bright white.

Step 4: Preparations

To remove the tube I had to drill out the compressed paper, soaking it in water, drilling again, cutting... When I was done I was left with this metal casing. This is where the battery will sit. Cut off the folds on the end of the plastic casing.

Step 5: Circuit

This is the circuit. It's a bit messy but it works. The LEDs are connected in parallel to the cylinder of the tilt switch which is then connected to the negative side of the battery.

Step 6: Building

I soldered the positive side of the LEDs to the shell casing and positioned the tilt switch node where the battery's negative side will be. The pictures show how it works; the tilt switch closes the circuit when it's turned right side up. When it's turned upside down, the tilt switch is open = the lights turn off. The primer acts as a part holding the battery connection in place.

Step 7: Aesthetics

This is what it looks like when I place the plastic casing oven the circuit! The plastic casing fits snuggly in the metal casing! It sort of looks like a huge fuse.

Step 8: Finished

This is what it looks like! When I flip it, it turns on and gives off a soft green light. Perfect for a night light!

Step 9: PS. Thoughts...

It's been a few days since a built this now and I've come across a tiny problem. The tilt switch doesn't have a very good connection to the battery so it will flicker a bit. I soldered a small spring to the tilt switch to make a better connection and now it works fine. :)