Handy Outdoor Light Using LiPo Battery

For the outdoors, I wanted a portable light that was small to transport, and that can easily be adjusted for different uses. After looking around for stands, I came across an inexpensive microphone stand.

Having a stand, I needed to fit it with a light and battery.

A light that works well, is a standard 12V LED downlighter bulb. The amount of light is well suited for all types of outdoor activities, including rigging up a fishing line with hooks etc.

As I have a lot of 11.1V 2200mA LiPo batteries, I decided that the light will be fitted with such batttery. Tests with a 2 watt LED light showed that the light can be on for at least 12 hours before the battery runs flat.

The arm holding the microphone is hollow, and ideal to run wires through it.

This stand did not come with a microphone holder, only a screw where the holder is attached to. First, I removed the silver mic holder screw. Secondly, I removed the locknut used to lock the rotating movement.

I used 50mm PVC pipe, the same as used on pools. I cut a piece of pipe, about 30mm longer than the length of the battery I will be using.

On one of the endcaps, I drilled a 16mm hole to attach it to the microphone arm. I also drilled a hole for a small toggle switch.

After painting, I mounted the endcap to the microphone arm, attaching it with the locknut I removed earlier.

On the other side of the microphone arm, I drilled a 5mm hole for the wire. I ran a piece of twin flex wire through the microphone arm. To ensure one does not pull the wiring from the battery holder, I made a knot in the wire where it will exit the arm. I removed the wires from the light socket, and soldered the socket on to the wire coming out of the microphone arm.

In the battery compartment, I soldered on the toggle switch, as well as a Deans connector for the battery.

Using some glue, mount the 50mm pipe to the endcap mounted on the microphone arm. I inserted a round piece of sponge into the holder, to prevent the battery touching the on/off switch.

The battery slides into the battery holder, and is kept in place by the second endcap.

To ensure I do not drain the battery, I fitted a battery monitor into the battery holder as well. Have a look at this Instructable:

https://www.instructables.com/id/PIC-12F675-Programmable-12V-Battery-Monitor/