Remote controlled flashlight? [Basics]

From: Harry on 12 Aug 2010 03:02

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).

From: John Tserkezis on 12 Aug 2010 04:31

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?

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.

From: Randy Day on 12 Aug 2010 04:38

In article <n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1(a)4ax.com>,
harry(a)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).

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.

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From: amdx on 12 Aug 2010 08:01

"Harry" <harry(a)anderson.com> wrote in message
news:n377665psbnlbndh9j2cfo61kkrva6a2k1(a)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).

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

From: TomBbiasi on 12 Aug 2010 08:41

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