Lightsaber (Graflex 2.0) torch/flashlight help?

[PartyRichter]

Hello!

Apprehensive about starting another Graflex 2.0 thread, but I wanted to do something a bit different with mine:

I used to have a Maglite torch (flashlight) that I really liked, that used a single white LED and 2 x AA batteries, and so I'm thinking of sourcing the parts, and a suitable chassis, for converting my hollow Graflex to something similar...partly because I don't currently have the time or skills for something complex, but mostly because I like the idea of having a lightsaber torch (and not like those crappy plastic ones you can buy)...then maybe further in the future I might attempt something more intricate with a crystal, light effects, soundcard and all that jazz.

Therefore I'm hoping to find a simple chassis, LED and battery holder that would do the trick. I'm thinking of using the momentary switch as activation...which I gather would require some kind of basic circuitry so it could toggle the light on/off. I've done a bit of research but most online material seems to revolve around making something a lot more advanced. I live in the UK and I could get bits I need from Maplin or similar.

Any links or practical suggestions would be much appreciated!

Cheers.

 

[andrew25rs]

If your building up the internal a from nothing then you need to source your led and lense depending on what amount of lumens your looking to get. If your not comfortable with electronics you may consider finding a already existing flashlight and pulling the guts from that then finding a battery pack that will suit its power requirements. For example if the flashlight takes 3 AAA then you can purchase a 3 AAA battery holder and wire that to the electronics.
The newer small 3 AAA LED Maglite would be pretty cool in that.
One more thing you will be looking for a latching spst switch most likely instead of a momentary. Momentary would literally make it a FLASH light and only be on when your pressing it.

 

[andrew25rs]

The Maglite XL100, XL150, or XL200 may be something you could look into. Though I'm not sure how to disassemble that one unfortunately. GL [emoji106]

Another option is to just make it into a "stunt" version. That's pretty easy. Lots of wiring diagrams and tutorials for doing that.

 

[PartyRichter]

Thanks for the suggestions! :thumbsup