Geckospot Light for MendelMax 1.5

thingiverse

Ring in the New Year with this innovative printer hack! If you've ever struggled with holding a flashlight during printing, read on. This DIY project uses small LED flashlights as printer lights. Firstly, buy 3 AAA cell LED flashlights, like the Utilitech 65 Lumens model. It has a low current draw of approximately 300ma at 3.3 volts and only one LED. You can find these at stores like Lowe's for around $3 each. Any 3 AAA cell LED flashlight will work, but ensure your power supply can handle the current. A crucial note: These flashlights must have a 3.3 volt regulator. Do not use 12 volts without one. Wiring is simple - plus to plus, negative to negative. You'll need a 3.3-volt regulator, such as the Digi-Key PN 945-1394-5-ND (manufactured by Recom Power, PN R-78C3.3-1.0), which costs $9 US. It's a step-down converter with no extra parts needed. For hardware, use M3 cap screws, nuts, and washers. Print your desired object with three perimeter loops at a layer height of .2mm and support. Disassemble the flashlights, cut off their components, and mount them to printed bases using #2 sheet metal screws. That's it! Good luck with your new LED printer lights, and as they say in the movies, keep moving forward. Remember, the Solidworks and 203 STEP files are included in the ZIP file for those who wish to modify the design.