Light up your switch with LED!
Replace the lightbulb inside with LED and use it with 3V circuits!
There is also a plenty of benefits of using LED in the switch.
Go and check first step!
Step 1: Parts You'll Need to Convert Your Switch and Why Do You Want to Do It.
Why do you want to use LED instead of lightbulb inside your switch?
- LED doesn't get hot when in use - lightbulb does.
- LED uses 3V instead of 12V that bulb uses and the switch can be used in low-voltage projects.
- LED is much brighter! (you can even use switch as a flashlight when you fit inside the hi-power LED)
Idea to replace the bulb in the switch came today, when I was going back home from the electronics store, because I bought a switch for my USB charger and I realized that the bulb inside uses 12V and the maximum voltage in my USB charger is only about 8V...
And there was another problem- even If I would use the lightbulb it will discharge my battery much faster than LED.
So, if you know what we'll going to do, let's see what you'll need for this project:
-Switch (of course)
-LED (in this case- SMT LED)
-Any thin wire you find (I use some silver plated wire)
-Solder and soldering iron
And optionally- some grease.
Ready? Let's get started!
Step 2: Disassemby the Switch.
At first you need to open the switch.
To do it, use flathead screwdriver placing it betweet the red part and black "frame".
You have to do it GENTLY, try not to scratch the switch or break it.
When you remove the red part, you will end up with 3 pieces:
-small metal part that closes the circuit when you switch the switch (funny :) )
-Red part with Bulb, spring, and matal ball inside.
Try not to lose any part :D
You need to remove bulb from the plastic holder.
Step 3: Preparing the LED
Now, when you removed the bulb from switch, it's time to prepare the LED and place it in the plastic holder.
You need to solder the wires to the LED. It's good idea to remember which one is positive.
When you solder wires to the LED trim the wires to the lenght you want, in my case it was about 2-3 cm.
Then place it in the holder, I glued my with Super glue- just for convinience.
Make sure that wires are placed like the wires from lightbulb!
Step 4: Assembly Your Switch!
It's time for assembly. Use tweezers to place this little metal part inside, I've added some grease to prevent grinding and reduce friction. then put all the rest together.
Now test if the led is working.
Step 5: Thats All!
Hope you are enjoy your new button and this instructable was helpful for anybody in community ;)
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