In times when the production of technological items is increasingly dizzying, many computers fall into disuse, despite working properly. In addition, the same manufacturers modify the products so that they last less.
To deal with planned obsolescence, and also to help reduce the amount of computer waste that releases toxic substances and pollutants, you can learn how to make a homemade reflector with a PC source.
Almost all of the materials used in this project are recycled, salvaged, or reused. Both the switch, the wiring, and the power port will be taken from the source of the computer that you use as a base.
As a result, you will have an ideal tool, very bright and rechargeable to use in case of blackouts, camping, or emergencies.
Follow in this note the step by step and learn how to do it yourself.
Materials
– Computer power supply
– 12 V outdoor lighting bulb
– 12V – 5AH rechargeable battery
– Foam
– Measuring tape
– Battery charger
– seal
– ¼” terminal forks
– Screwdriver
– Cable stripping
– Tweezers
– Drill
– Glue gun
Process
1. Open the power supply that you are going to use, removing the screws that hold the cover. You will see the circuit board, the cooler or fan, the connection port of the source, and a wiring.
2. Remove the screws holding the circuit board. Now follow the line of the wires from the switch connector and the source until you reach the connection with the board. Trim the wires near the junction to reuse later. Then remove the circuit board, and you’ll have a nearly empty box.
3. Use the ¼” terminal forks to connect the cables to the battery (red is positive, black is negative).
Note: make sure that the battery fits inside the box.
4. The lamp used is 12 volt and is often used for outdoor lighting. It is powered by a 12V AC battery.
To place it, you must first cut the space that the fan’s air outlet occupied in the fountain. Use the tweezers for this and test if the size is adequate.
5. First check that the size of the cables is correct to be able to reach the three elements: the lamp, the switch and the battery.
To make the connection of the lamp, use the basic circuit: from the positive pole of the battery to the bulb of the lamp and to the switch; and back from it, to the negative pole
Note: as it is a rechargeable battery, try to leave the power cable connection site free, so that you can connect from there without having to disassemble the system.
6. Glue the lamp in place with the glue gun. Also place two pieces of foam to separate the battery from the cover.
7. Once it has dried, reassemble the cover and replace the screws.
If you want to create a practical handle to carry, you can also drill holes in the top of the box and pass through the cables, joining them together with the help of a cable tie.
Now you can turn it on with the switch!