Homemade PVC flashlight from Radioshack and Home Dept. Parts, need help

Hey guys, here


I've been surfing the web, and looking at some lights, as well as home made ones.

I've learned that I do need a bright and more durable light than what I have at the moment. I've used some cheap 9 LED lights and an old USGI OD 2 D cell light during an emergency low light, mass causality *in this case, an earthquake* exercise for my First Aid Class, and both failed me, as neither were bright enough for me to see the victim I was working on, and was beat by Walmart cheapo lights used by my colleges :shakehead and I ended up using the glowstick in my medic kit. Lesson learned: Don't go cheap on something your life may depend on :candle:

Now, I've been looking around for some Surefire lights. I know can bet I can bet my life on them, but its just too much for my budget at the moment, unfortunately :shakehead That said, I can only buy from local vendors, as I do not have a car, nor a credit card to order online.

Now, I've been surfing around for some DIY solutions for the meantime, as there are cheaper Surefire knock offs floating around, but I am not willing to bet my life on one <_< So, I saw these threads:
http://translate.googleusercontent....le.com&usg=ALkJrhifvTvhc8nRp0MHRvN-P9sD9ZF2jg

http://translate.googleusercontent....le.com&usg=ALkJrhgvGRT1Fhg6j0NA8-yfP4xseleoxQ
http://translate.google.com/transla...7&topic_no=127768&topic_id=129344&sl=th&tl=en


Very impressive DIY work, and I would like to duplicate or improve upon his designs, but I need your help.

1. Can anyone help name what component names and pipe sizes he used specifically? I am not too familiar of the sizing names they use for PVC.
2. What is the name and size of that threaded metal part?
3. From what I gathered, he is using a Cree LED light and reflector. I do have a Cree LED Coleman 3AAA light, and I am impressed by the performance, but I do not have the resources to order the Cree LED Chip online. Assuming I can scavenge a reflector from a dead flashlight, IE, a Mini Maglight, what white LED is comparable to Cree LED lights that are readily available at a RadioShack Store? How would something like this do?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...dsPerPage=60&retainProdsInSession=1&y=11&x=13
4. Also, how can I utilize this constant brightness circuit within the light?
http://www.instructables.com/id/Power-LED-s---simplest-light-with-constant-current/
5. Instead of using PVC parts, which may be fragile during cold weather, I guess using ABS parts would be preferable if available?

As for my design specifications, this is what I want:
1. Need to be pretty darn bright, 90 lumens+
2. Needs a momentary tailcap switch, thinking of using something like this, how well would it do?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...retainProdsInSession=1&retainProdsInSession=1
3. In addition to the momentary tail switch, needs a constant ON mode and a lock out mode to prevent accidental activation.
4. I am planning to run it off of AA or AAA batteries. I also want the design to be able to be modified to use CR123A batteries.
5. Needs to fit my budget: No more than $30 for the initial run/ prototype
6. Future modifications: Uses bright white LED, with a red LED light discipline mode, uses different battery sizes IE CR123A, AA, and AAA.
7. Must be relatively pocket sized, will get dimensions later.
8. I like the Surefire Tactictool look, so the finial design should be roughly based on a Surefire light
9. Must utilize parts available from Home Depot or Radioshack walk in stores ONLY! *life sucks without a car or a credit card :shakehead *

Any input or help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance :twothumbs