Remote controlled flashlight?

H

Harry

Guest
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
 
Harry wrote:
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
Click to expand...
I'll probably get flamed for suggesting such a non-technical solution,
but since it's likely going to be a one-off (or short term play I
suppose?), I imagine time, cost and simplicity would be an issue also.

Have you considered a string/fishing line and a micro-switch?

If you can afford the space and risk of trippage issues, it's cheap and
does the job.
Even if you need an elaborate pulley system to go around bends, it'll
still be quicker, cheaper and simpler than entirely electronic solutions.
Especially since you're a novice and might not afford the build time of
something not already available off the shelf.
 
In article <n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1@4ax.com>,
harry@anderson.com says...
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
Click to expand...
The guts from an old garage door opener?

Typing 'keyfob eval' into the Digikey search engine
brings up a number of devel/eval kits for keyfobs and
receivers, but you may need a bit more experience for
these.

--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---
 
"Harry" <harry@anderson.com> wrote in message
news:n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1@4ax.com...
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
Click to expand...
Why not just run a pair of small diameter wire?
If you go to small and/or to long you will have unacceptable
voltage drop and the bulb will be dim. You could add a 1.5 volt
battery in series to get it right.
You can leave the batteries in the flashlight and break the circuit and
connect the wires at the break then short the other end of the wire
to light the bulb. Or you can just connect the wires to the bulb and
have your batteries and switch wherever it is convenient.
MikeK
 
"Harry" <harry@anderson.com> wrote in message
news:n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1@4ax.com...
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
Click to expand...
Go to Home Depot and get a wireless doorbell.
You should be able to figure it out from there.

Tom
 
On Thu, 12 Aug 2010, John Tserkezis wrote:

Harry wrote:
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).

I'll probably get flamed for suggesting such a non-technical solution,
but since it's likely going to be a one-off (or short term play I
suppose?), I imagine time, cost and simplicity would be an issue also.

Have you considered a string/fishing line and a micro-switch?

That's not really going to work. You'll have to keep the string taught,
Click to expand...
and figure out a method where pulling the string turns it on and pulling
it again turns it off.

You're right, though, that there is a simple solution. Just wire in two
strands of wire, then bring them to a switch where someone can operate
it.

Michael


If you can afford the space and risk of trippage issues, it's cheap and
does the job.
Even if you need an elaborate pulley system to go around bends, it'll
still be quicker, cheaper and simpler than entirely electronic solutions.
Especially since you're a novice and might not afford the build time of
something not already available off the shelf.
Click to expand...
 
Michael Black wrote:

Have you considered a string/fishing line and a micro-switch?

That's not really going to work. You'll have to keep the string taught,
and figure out a method where pulling the string turns it on and pulling
it again turns it off.
Click to expand...
A suitably bent paper clip can be used to hook a taught line.
I specifically mentioned a microswitch for the light actuation requirement.
Toggle functionality is more or less an option, but probably not a
requirement.
Since the switch is going to be manned, that's not going to be a problem.

You're right, though, that there is a simple solution. Just wire in two
strands of wire, then bring them to a switch where someone can operate it.
Click to expand...
Copper is expensive, fishing line is cheap. :)
--
Pizza IS the four food groups!
 
I was wondering if that would work. I'd like it so that one push of
the button will turn the light on and another push will turn it off.
Do you think the doorbell would work like that?


On Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:41:45 -0400, "TomBbiasi"
<tombiasi@optonline.net> wrote:

"Harry" <harry@anderson.com> wrote in message
news:n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1@4ax.com...
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).

Go to Home Depot and get a wireless doorbell.
You should be able to figure it out from there.

Tom
Click to expand...
 
TomBbiasi wrote:
Go to Home Depot and get a wireless doorbell.
You should be able to figure it out from there.

For most applications these days,
Click to expand...
off-the-shelf solutions are typically available if you look just a
bit.
These days, strolling thru a big-box building supply joint
or the hardware/electrical section of a department store
makes you think "Now why didn't I think that idea was marketable?"

Have you legally changed your name
or did you get a new news client and mistype?
 
"JeffM" <jeffm_@email.com> wrote in message
news:e279e51e-931c-4bc6-8be2-884c17718094@s9g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...

Have you legally changed your name
or did you get a new news client and mistype?
Click to expand...
The latter.
Just made the jump to Win 7 and Live mail.
Thanks.
 
"Harry" <harry@anderson.com> wrote in message
news:jom8661ge3fdchktv24vbb5dk89b4ba9qq@4ax.com...
I was wondering if that would work. I'd like it so that one push of
the button will turn the light on and another push will turn it off.
Do you think the doorbell would work like that?

I don't know, but two solutions, rather than a momentary switch like the
Click to expand...
wireless doorbell has, use a switch similar to a wall mount light switch.
Or wire up a " latching relay " " x " google term.
MikeK





On Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:41:45 -0400, "TomBbiasi"
tombiasi@optonline.net> wrote:



"Harry" <harry@anderson.com> wrote in message
news:n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1@4ax.com...
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).

Go to Home Depot and get a wireless doorbell.
You should be able to figure it out from there.

Tom
Click to expand...
 
On 12/08/2010 5:02 PM, Harry wrote:
I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
Click to expand...
Have you thought about using a remote control like the type used for
model cars and aeroplanes? Talk to a model shop - not cheap but at least
reusable, reliable and versatile
 
On Aug 12, 6:42 pm, David Eather <eat...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
On 12/08/2010 5:02 PM, Harry wrote:

I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights  with the 6 volt battery there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request, but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).

Have you thought about using a remote control like the type used for
model cars and aeroplanes? Talk to a model shop - not cheap but at least
reusable, reliable and versatile
Click to expand...
Ahh there you go, Must be a million RC cars laying around. Find one
where the control and one servo still work. Take the servo out of
car and 'gloum'(sp) it onto flashlight to servo the switch.... If you
can pull off the switch plate that controls the motor in the RC, you
will just have to connect the wires.

George H.
 
On Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:41:45 -0400, "TomBbiasi"
tombiasi@optonline.net> wrote:

Go to Home Depot and get a wireless doorbell.
You should be able to figure it out from there.

Tom
Click to expand...
"Harry" <harry@anderson.com> wrote in message
news:jom8661ge3fdchktv24vbb5dk89b4ba9qq@4ax.com...
I was wondering if that would work. I'd like it so that one push of
the button will turn the light on and another push will turn it off.
Do you think the doorbell would work like that?
Click to expand...

Now what you are asking for is a bi-stable condition.
A bi-stable relay would do this.

Tom
 
On Aug 12, 3:42 pm, David Eather <eat...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
On 12/08/2010 5:02 PM, Harry wrote:

I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so).

Have you thought about using a remote control like the type used for
model cars and aeroplanes? Talk to a model shop - not cheap but at least
reusable, reliable and versatile
Click to expand...
Sounds like a winner (if the antenna can be hidden suitably).
I'd prefer a mercury tilt switch to trying to operate the thumb
slide.
 
Harry <harry@anderson.com> wrote in
news:n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1@4ax.com:

I would like to be able to turn a flashlight on and off
with a
wireless remote from about 20' away (or so). I figured
if I get one of
those big plastic flashlights with the 6 volt battery
there should be
room for whatever electronics are needed, but I don't
know how to do
it.
I realize this sounds like a bit of a strange request,
but it's for a
theatrical production in which we'd like to be able to
turn a
flashlight on and off without anyone near it.
Any thoughts on either where I could find something like
this, or how
to make something? It has to be pretty simple for me to
able to do it
(limited electronics ability and knowledge).
Click to expand...
Have a look ,
http://members.shaw.ca/roma/remote.html
roma
 
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