Nikon Speed Light

This is a speed light I designed and made for my Nikon D3200. Being a student with a cheap 3D printer, I could not afford a speed light, but i could make one. I published the files on Thingiverse.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1937739

The design, I modeled myself. Although its not aesthetically pleasing it is functional and cheap.

Step 1: Print the Parts and Gather Components and Circuit Schematic

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1937739

Has the thing files to print.

You could always design your own. I measured the pins and designed the base carefully, so you could use at least the base with a modified top.

The thing files also contain the schematic, which i will also post here.

The parts to assemble the 3D print are:

• A bolt and nut 2.5mm diameter and 23mm length (at the least)
  • The nut should preferably be a wing nut
• Spring pins (I used these:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=100Pcs+0.99m...

)

• PCB perf board
  • This will need to be cut to fit inside the base 13x14mm is what worked for me.
• A drill to drill out the holes for the spring pins (1.5mm drill bit used)

Revised Circuit!

So it turns out my work with a 555 timer was upsetting to some, and my circuit design in general was confusing as is. So! to make things easier here is what my circuit looks like now and it is working better.

The schematic shows a switch. In place of the switch is the cameras hotshoe. Positive to center pin and GND pin to BC547 base.

Parts:

1x BC547

1x 1500uF 16v Electrolytic capacitor

1x 1n4002 Rectifier diode

LEDs and resistors for LEDs

Step 2: Cut PCB Perf Board and Assemble Base

1. Cut PCB perf board 13x14mm x2
2. Insert them into 3D printed base
3. With drill, on underside of board, drill out center hole and top off center hole as pointed out with white pen.
4. Insert Spring Pins
5. Allow ~1mm of pin to stick out of bottom and solder to board while board is inside 3D base
   1. If pins are too high pins will not make connection
   2. If pins are too low pin tips will break off
6. Attach wire to pins/perf board

Step 3: Assemble LED Array

Assemble your LED array

Be mindful of the height and width of the opening of the housing.

~29x39mm

Also there is only approx 25mm of depth inside housing.

Step 4: Assemble LED Array Inside of Housing and Attach Housing to Base

After assembling LED array/circuit, attach housing to base with bolt and wing nut.

Run wires from back of base into underside of housing, through wire hole.

Attach battery and turn on.

Without opening flash the circuit should work on its own.

Step 5: Test

The LEDs i used are not high power LEDs, which i suggest for a brighter output.

I will be uploading photos after reworking circuit to include higher power LEDs.

For now this is fine for adding color to photos and for creative fun. I hope you enjoy!

I will be happy to answer any and all questions, either about construction, or parts.