dabblings.net DIY LED Light, Solar Panels, and news for the Home Solar Enthusiast.

Parts - scrounged or bought:

2 “AAA” Battery Holder
Model:
270-398 | Catalog #: 270-398
$0.99

34-3/8"
Replacement Telescoping Antenna
Model: 270-1402 | Catalog #:
270-1402
$4.99

3-12V Regulated 1000mA AC
Adapter
Model: | Catalog #: 273-029
$18.99

Project
Enclosure (7x5x3") *
Model: 270-1807 | Catalog #: 270-1807
$5.99
-- Be sure the transformer you buy/scrounge fits completely inside this
box.

Automotive Dome light LED (three LED's) Festoon
SMT 3 LED Light
via

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/

commerce.cgi?product=CAR&keywords=&cart_id=9666882.17057
&next=5

$7.95 ea. - look for festoon, get the 42mm bulb

AC
power cable with inline switch - scrounged

Tools and
other supplies:

Solder
Soldering iron
Electrical
tape
phillips head screwdriver
wire cutters
2
part epoxy paste
displosable gloves

This is a time constrained hack, so it's UGly with a capital UG. I used a replacement light from superbrightleds.com. I could put two in the AAA Battery adapter, but I like it in my car, and haven't gotten around to buying another one.

I started by being sure all the parts fit in their respective places: the transformer MUST fit inside the box, and there must be room for the "strain reliefs" (knots in the respective wires) inside the project box.

Donning your disposable gloves, pull out enough two part epoxy paste to make the connection for the antenna to the AAA battery holder. Molding this onto the adapter, put the antenna into it and shape it. Let it dry overnight.

Clip an extension cord or lamp cord off, strip the ends and solder them onto the prongs of the AC adapter. Let cool, then cover completely with electrical tape. Mine has an "integrated on/off switch" - nice if you're trying to remove phantom loads around the house.

Cut the end off the AC Adapter's other end and leave as much wire as you can, as this will allow you to extend the antenna full length. Tin the ends and solder them onto the AAA battery holder's wires.

You can put the bulbs listed above in either direction, as they've got the supporting circuitry right on the back of the bulbs. If you decide to put in only one, tack a piece of wire into the empty compartment from one connection to the other so the circuit will complete.

Place the transformer in the box sideways, and see how it fits. Remove the transformer, and decide where the antenna is going to be and put some of the double sided foam tape there.

Cut notches into the box on either side where the wires will come out, and into the top where the antenna is going to be.

Since my transformer was small enough to flop around, I folded a piece of corrugated cardboard a couple of times to make tension on the transformer This also pressed and held the antenna onto the foam tape, keeping that snug as well. . Just for safety's sake, I pointed the prongs opposite the antenna.

After screwing the lid on, it looks - er - well, it works! It can go from about seven inches to about 35"


I had a tomato plant that was growing straight up to the light every morning, about an inch worth of growth every day, before I began using it as a desklight.