True 800-Lumen Flashlight

First, you will build the circuits.

The first is the regulator. The schematic is the first picture.

Next is the voltage doubler, schematic in the second picture. (from the e-book “50-555Circuits”)

To test, connect both of them to the battery or equivalent power supply. The doubler should put out 12V, and the regulator should provide reduced voltage. Adjust the potentiometer so that the regulator produces between 7.2V and 7.6V.

Now, we will mount the LEDs and fan.

First, disassemble the computer and pry off the biggest heatsink you can find. I suggest the kind in the first picture.

Now, pull out a fan. If there are several, go with the one closest to the size of the heatsink.

Pull out one more small heatsink for the regulator.

Using heatsink compound, attach the LEDs to the heatsink as in the second picture. If you have no heatsink compound, 2 parts superglue and 1 part plain toothpaste makes a serviceable heatsink compound.

Finally, just hot glue or super glue the fan to the heatsink as in the 3rd picture so that it blows toward the heatsink. This side almost always has the stationary motor holder.

Connect 2 of the LEDs in series, then connect the others similarly. Connect the 2 sets in parallel.

Connect the “+” end of the parallel set to the “+” output of the regulator. Turn it on, put on sunglasses and touch the negative LED wire to the regulator’s “-” output. If the LEDs turn on, it works. Do not connect it for more than a few seconds at this point.

Connect the wires from the voltage doubler to the fan, and test it. If it turns on, then add the switch between the battery and circuits, and connect the LED “-” wire.

Test it again. The fan should turn on, and the LEDs should turn on. They should remain cool to the touch even if run continuously.

Now cut a a few holes in your box, one for the pot and one for the switch.

Mount the pot and switch, then tape or glue in the battery and circuits. Do not put the LEDs and fan in yet.

Cut a square exactly the size of the heatsink, so that it (but not the fan) can fit through.

Insert the LEDs and heatsink through the hole and glue the fan frame in the hole. You should end up with the heatsink outside the box.

Test it out again. Adjust the potentiometer for the greatest output. It will NOT be all the way to either side. This is to keep the pot from frying due to low resistance and large amounts of power going through.

I suggest marking the point where it has the most power. Make sure the LEDs do not overheat. If needed, cut some small vents in the enclosure to allow air in.

Light ’em up!