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DIY: IR Spotlight

Building an infrared (IR) spotlight from scratch is a complex and difficult project. However, a standard flashlight can be modified to create an infrared LED spotlight with only a little patience and the right materials. Most of the tools you need for this project can be found at your local hardware store, though some of them must be obtained from a photography supply shop.

Things You'll Need

Standard flashlight with a battery cap on the end of the flashlight
Color-negative film
Scissors
Electrical tape
Needle-nose pliers
IR LED bulb
Heavy-duty batteries compatible with the flashlight you purchased

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the battery cap from the butt of the flashlight and set the cap aside. Remove the reflector from the front (where the light is) of the flashlight. How you do this will depend mostly on the type of flashlight you're using. Pop out the lens of the flashlight carefully. You will need the lens in the next step.
- 2
  Place the lens on a firm surface such as a table. Place a piece of unexposed film on the lens, trimming to size with scissors if necessary. Secure the film to the lens using the electrical tape. Cover any exposed lens (where the film does not cover) with the tape.
- 3
  Pull the retaining ring out from the front of the flashlight. Use the needle-nose pliers to grasp the base of the bulb socket and twist counterclockwise slightly to loosen. Use your fingers to unscrew the bulb. You will not need the bulb, so feel free to throw it away.
- 4
  Screw the IR LED bulb into the socket using your fingers. Tighten the socket using the needle-nose pliers.
- 5
  Replace the retaining ring. Being very careful not to break the lens, place the lens and reflector back in the flashlight. Insert the heavy-duty batteries into the battery compartment and replace the battery cap.

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