Solar Garden Lamp Based Pendant

NOTE- adults should take these spikes away from kids (OR AT LEAST SMOOTH OVER THE SHARP END) as boys especially will promptly play "warriors" with them & eye damage could arise. The hollow tubes tempt as "pea shooters" as well ...

A more peaceful "waste not want not" could involve blocking the drainholes with hot melt glue -

- and there's an instant RAIN GAUGE ! Of course it should be higher off the ground to prevent splashes- maybe use 2 tubes to make a taller one?

The lamp support tubes in fact will link together quite well, perhaps to suit structural "extension" challenges. Here some Kiwi 8-10yo. scouts try to touch the ceiling with about 20 of them!

The lamp module features an energy efficient white LED (Light Emitting Diode), a sturdy switch, internal rechargeable AAA battery and small ( ~2V at 30mA) solar PV ( Photo Voltaic) cell. These nifty parts tempt for enhancement !

BEFORE tackling the more ambitious lamp conversion however, consider simple LED "cover" fun! .All sorts of everyday items light up a real treat when illuminated from within- wine gum sweets have been found especially suitable - see comments at end).

Perhaps the most rugged translucent covers are table tennis/ping pong balls- simply piece a hole in their bottom & place over the LED. Simple designs & messages can be further written on the ball surface to suit. Note: Try to avoid using orange table tennis balls as their colour looks rather too "flame" like & at night it may be confused with a real fire...

Younger kids predictably love them at bedtime, & the LED light is perfectly safe if (& WHEN !) they fall asleep. The setup will of course later need daylight recharging. Just tipping the lamp over (so the PV "sees the sun") may do, but a small hole drilled in the side allows threading a cord to suit hanging at a sunny window etc.

NOTE: Although it suits convenient night time on/off action, THE LAMP SWITCH MUST BE ON FOR DAYTIME CHARGING TO OCCUR !

But the lamp module further tempts for enhancement by LED repositioning - follow the next few steps for insights. You'll need just a small Philips head screwdriver & simple tools, but things are a tad fiddly & adult help will be almost certainly needed.

NOTE: Lamp variations have emerged, and the model shown here is a 2011 era. By 2014 the lamp had simplified with fewer screws and a smaller switch - best to check details of exactly what's on offer before rushing in,especially for a group project!

Before removing and modifying the module it's suggested that small felt tip pen alignment marks are made to ensure correct reassembly. Excessive twisting around of the top & base may otherwise occur,leading to broken wires... When it's revealed (after case opening) perhaps also add similar ID marks ( +/-) for the battery. This ensures CORRECT polarity replacement if it's removed.

The lamp module easily opens with a small Phillips head screwdriver - the outer case on this lamp has 3 (black) with the small circuit board inside another 2 (silver). Some lamps however have fewer. Don't misplace the screws- perhaps put them in a small dish!