A useless torch that only lights up when pointed directly at the sun.
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This is a simple design created for the macrofab useless machines competition. It's a classic useless torch, only lighting up in direct sunlight, and with minimal components. I could print a torch shaped holder for it, but really, what's the point? We all know it's useless.
I would have preferred to use a larger solar panel and make it work without direct sunlight, but I couldn't find one, so tough luck.
So, I've built this today, but I cannot test it properly as the sun isn't shining. Prior to assembly, it definitely worked using an actual torch. However now the LED is on top, pointing the torch at it makes it impossible to tell if the LED is on, or just lit up by the torch.
If the sun comes out, I'll test it again.
I demolished one of those garden solar lights. Available for 50p in any cheap shop, or for free from a neighbour's garden.
Who needs lights at night? Take out the tiny battery and control circuit. All we need is the solar panel and an LED.
Once you have the solar panel and LED, solder them together. Ideally make the LED point the same way as the solar panel, for maximum sun torch effect.
SirDan
Samuel Pickard
Bhavesh Kakwani
bobricius
Steph
Show the sun whose boss.
https://hackaday.io/projects?tag=MacroFab%20Design%20Contest%3A%20Useless%20Machine ?