How to mod a CVS disposal camera flash circuit to run a CFL light bulb

The idea that people living in developing regions of the world without safe or clean or reliable electricity or light can provide illumination for their families using nothing more than discarded small batteries (and solar rechargeable batteries) is what prompted Solar CITIES to explore the lighting of high voltage bulbs from low voltage sources. The CVS disposable camera can do this; it uses a fujifilm circuit board for its flash, and modding this "fuji circuit" to run a compact fluorescent light bulb is becoming well known. Still, there are few clear "how-to" materials so that somebody can easily follow to start from scratch and successfully do the modification. My hat is off to the other youtube folks who are trying to fill this gap; this is my effort to help spread the good news. I hope others will share in this inititiave so that nobody else has to suffer in the dark or from the dangers of trying to banish the dark with candles, kerosene, nuclear or coal or oil generated electricity or other dangerous dirty fuels.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• CFL
• Fuji Circuit
• joule thief
• renewable energy
• poverty alleviation

[tculhane]

If youdon't want to do this yourself, but you have or could buy a disposable camera (they cost about 4 bucks at CVS), please use it, then break it open and pop out the film to be developed but send the camera itself if you could to us at Solar CITIES, Wisthoffweg 48, 45139 Essen, and we will turn it's circuitry into a lighting solution for developing countries and disaster preparedness kits. Thanks!

[suffolkcountysheriff]

@germanedesign1 any word on how long the battery lasted?

[3DCGdesign]

I wouldn't be surprised to discover that the flash part of the camera is also very a valuable part of the camera. Very least - if one is trying to be rescued, could be like a flare.

[XpoZed]

Thats how Orcs disassemble electronics - using scissors. The human race however, invented the soldering iron.

[zahee4u]

I bought one disposable camera but board is different i am not able connect wires. could you pls reply and assist me? my email zahee1@yahoo.com

[germanedesign1]

@tculhane

Video ended before final test was completed. How long did the battery last?

Thanks, great job. I will be making one of these for testing.