Magnetic LED Ultra-violet mod
While shopping on thinkgeek.com for some serious items, like colored velcro tie wraps and titanium sporks, I stumbled across this:
Magnetically Switched LED Micro Lights
Needless to say for two magnet lights for $3.50 each or only $6.99 for both was enough for me. When I received my aptly titled, “Booty” the last item I methodically opened and used was these lights. While mythical and magical, but mostly magnet I was impressed. But how to use them…
The recommended applications all spoke of wonderful drawers and cabinets that needed lighting. In my apartment the only form of drawers are closets, and they all have lights. But finally it dawned on me, a light for my aluminum fire extinguisher case. Years ago my girlfriend covered it with “velvet crush” fabric to give it that finishing touch. A light that turns on when the door opens is just what the doctor ordered. After some finagling and both magnetic activators later, it was working. Although I would have preferred to have kept the second magnet activator for the second led light, the door functioned a lot better with both magnets. Plus they stick together where they are needed most. I decided the best use of the second light would be portable lighting, since it had a regular on/off switch, so into the tool box it goes.
The problem was first light was that the bright white lite really ruined the effect, it was just too bright. Lucky for me I have a box full of 3mm LEDs that can be used to replace most existing LEDs. I decided to replace the existing ultra-white LEDs with UV ones, hence the post.
To the work board I went. Don’t forget your tools. My brother gave me this set. K & R. It’s a set of tools for small places and it has been priceless. Also I think I found a use for the other light, as a third hand to hold down the first light while soldering.
I successfully soldered one UV LED in replacement of the original one on top. Tested and working I proceeded on to the next one, but not without breaking the ground wire right after the picture. I also managed to use a red LED instead of an UV one. What’s really interesting and possibly harder to see in the photo is that the red LED completely dominated the UV one. Neither one of us could see it and the picture doesn’t do it justice. It was a fun science accident. er I mean experiment.
Once complete some test action shots were taken and then the item was installed. I have to say, this might have been what I’ve been missing all these years.
