Flashlight Assembly
Step 1: Purchase Materials
Jumpers
Step 5: Connect Power Source
Step 1: Purchase Materials
- total cost around $100
- advised to purchase additional LEDs as they tend to break
Jumpers
- 8 Female-to-Male Jumpers
- 2 4-inch lengths
- 1 3-inch length
- 4 2.5-inch lengths
- 1 1.5-inch length
- 1 .25-inch length
- 1 length just long enough to connect two rows beside each other
- Following the diagram above, securely connect all wires, resistors, and capacitor. For a more detailed image of the diagram, click here.
- Be aware that the battery casing wires will be threaded, and you may want to apply some electrical tape to keep them in place, as if they come out, you may need to re-strip the wire to fit them back in.
Step 5: Connect Power Source
- Insert the 9v battery into the casing. No need to switch it on yet.
- download the Arduino software if you haven't already
- download the thermal-flashlight.zip file if you haven't already
- plug the Arduino Uno into your computer with the USB cable
- follow the steps in this video:
Casing Assembly
- If using a sliding pencil box, remove inner section from outer shell. If using the style box linked on the materials page, in order to slide the inner piece out completely, you'll need to slide your finger under the flap on the inside that catches on the snap.
- On the end opposite the snapping side, use an x-acto knife to cut two holes for the LED and the thermometer. Try cutting an x pattern, punching through, and trimming the segments.
- In desired, cover this end in duct tape and re-trace the holes through the tape. This can also be used to pad the openings for the LED and thermometer if they do not stick in place.
- Arrange the breadboard, Arduino, and battery casing within the box, and secure undersides with loops of electrical or duct tape.
- Place LED and Thermometer in place through the opening on the end of the box.
- Secure any unruly wires to the sides of the box with tape.
- Test the flashlight to make sure no wires were dislodged in the process.
- Replace box in outer shell. The battery switch should be easily accessible by sliding the case out a very small distance.