The Joule Thief
The Joule Thief. I found this device on accident. I was searching for a WORKING decision maker and found this on accident. It can power many LEDs.
The inevitable: I make an instructable on: the Joule Thief.
This is a great circuit to teach children about electronics especially inductors and coiling considerind it contains so few parts and is so easy to make...
Let's get started.
To get us started, I have a video.
By the way: I had forgotten to put the arrows for the LEDs...sorry.
The inevitable: I make an instructable on: the Joule Thief.
This is a great circuit to teach children about electronics especially inductors and coiling considerind it contains so few parts and is so easy to make...
Let's get started.
To get us started, I have a video.
By the way: I had forgotten to put the arrows for the LEDs...sorry.
Materials, Materials, Materials
You will Need:
3 ultrabright white LEDS
1 "dead" battery (with 1 volt left.)
1 2N3904 Transistor
1 jumper
1 handmade inductor or two pre-made.
1 Solderless breadboard
1 "dead" battery (with 1 volt left.)
1 2N3904 Transistor
1 jumper
1 handmade inductor or two pre-made.
1 Solderless breadboard
The Inductor.
Which one should I pick???There are thousands!
Well, I think you'll stick to the one in the second picture.
The 4th photo and beyond is courtesy of Evil Mad Scientist Labs. When I was making mine, I didn't realize that I had used enameled wire instead of colored CAT cable wire.
Well, I think you'll stick to the one in the second picture.
The 4th photo and beyond is courtesy of Evil Mad Scientist Labs. When I was making mine, I didn't realize that I had used enameled wire instead of colored CAT cable wire.
The Circuitry.
Once again, I thank Evil Mad Scientist Labs.
Anyways, I omitted the 1k resistor. I don't know what it does but for now, i just know that I can power more LEDs. It might have something to do with current supply. If you know, please leave a comment.
So, build according to the schematic. Just remember, the two tabs that are tied together are the same tabs that connect to the positive of the "dead" battery.
Anyways, I omitted the 1k resistor. I don't know what it does but for now, i just know that I can power more LEDs. It might have something to do with current supply. If you know, please leave a comment.
So, build according to the schematic. Just remember, the two tabs that are tied together are the same tabs that connect to the positive of the "dead" battery.
Fin.
Once you have built it, sit back, relax and enjoy the show that these LEDs put on.
One "dead" battery will give you about 65-70 hours of constant use. If you only use it at night then you would have a lot more time.
As always...if you experience any problems leave a comment and I will try my best to help you.
If you did make it successfully well then...leave a comment saying you made it successfully!
One "dead" battery will give you about 65-70 hours of constant use. If you only use it at night then you would have a lot more time.
As always...if you experience any problems leave a comment and I will try my best to help you.
If you did make it successfully well then...leave a comment saying you made it successfully!
Troubleshooting.
The problem with this circuit is that troubleshooting is virtually impossible unless you have a scope...
When I used a multimeter, it showed 1.2 volts going into the white, 3.6v LED. (The battery was 1.3v.)
A scope would show you the pulses though...
Well, there's not much I can explain about this circuit...but I'll do my best if you have any questions.
When I used a multimeter, it showed 1.2 volts going into the white, 3.6v LED. (The battery was 1.3v.)
A scope would show you the pulses though...
Well, there's not much I can explain about this circuit...but I'll do my best if you have any questions.