A Taped Led-tterbox
Hi everybody!
My name is Damien and I hope you will like this instructable named: a Taped Led-tterbox. A name that I made-up :)
I will show you how to add light inside a letterbox using a (very cheap) flashlight, reflective paper and tape.
Actually, this project is a version 2, the first version did not have mirror paper so you can do it without but it really help to increase the light inside your letterbox.
I made the first version of this Led-tterbox about a year ago because it was quite difficult to see if I had mail or not, even when using my phone as a flashlight. This modification save me time and I'm using it everyday and I hope you will find it useful too
What Do We Need
Here is what we need:
- tape: it needs to be strong since it will hold the flashlight, and since you will often push on the switch-on button, a strong tape is really recommended
- a flashlight: easily found on the web, I recommend to find one with an easy access to the battery, this will be useful when the battery will be empty
- mirror foil paper or aluminium paper: I will use it for two purposes: increasing the light inside the letterbox by taping it just behind the flashlight and having a better view inside the letterbox by taping one in the back of the letterbox
- tool: a pair of scissors, I have pre-cut the piece I needed to make a quick installation
To Your Future Led-tterbox: Place the First Reflective Paper
Use the flashlight to find the position of the reflective paper then tape the reflective paper
Taping the Flashlight and First Test
Tape the flashlight, in my case I checked that the switch is not visible from outside. Then test the flashlight, verify that the tape is strong enough when pushing on the switch
Taping a Reflective Paper in the Back of the Led-tterbox
The paper is placed to ensure a good visibility of the bottom of the letterbox.
Tape the reflective paper and modify its position if necessary
Testing
I've checked by day and night, the flashlight turn out to be really useful by night or when the light is really low
A Taped Led-tterbox
Here we are, you have now fully functional Led-tterbox !
The tape was useful to make a quick installation and to not modify or damage the letterbox
I also made a video for this instructable
When the battery will be empty, if needed, just remove a piece of tape to have access to it and replace the battery