Remote controlled flashlight?

[Harry]

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).

 

[John Tserkezis]

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.

 

[amdx]

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

 

[TomBbiasi]

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

 

[Michael Black]

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,
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

 

[John Tserkezis]

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.

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.

Copper is expensive, fishing line is cheap.

 

[Harry]

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?

 

[Tom Biasi]

Have you legally changed your name
or did you get a new news client and mistype?

The latter.
Just made the jump to Win 7 and Live mail.
Thanks.

 

[amdx]

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
wireless doorbell has, use a switch similar to a wall mount light switch.
Or wire up a " latching relay " " x " google term.
MikeK

 

[Tom Biasi]

>

Go to Home Depot and get a wireless doorbell.

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?

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

Tom

 

[roma]

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 a look ,
http://members.shaw.ca/roma/remote.html
roma