This document provides instructions for constructing a light staff using common household items in 5 steps: 1) Drill a hole in one end of an acrylic rod for wiring, 2) Attach a resistor to an LED, 3) Cut holes in a plastic end cap for the wires, 4) Slide the end cap onto the rod and secure the LED and resistor inside, and 5) Create a battery pack using 9 AA batteries wired in series to power the LED. Optional finishing touches include applying a rubber end cap and sanding the acrylic rod.

1. Constructing a Light Staff
A 15 Minute Project
Christie Dudley
5 Minutes of Fame
November 19, 2009

2. Parts List
 1 – 6' long 1” dia. Acrylic rod
 1 – LED
 1 – Resistor
 1 – plastic end cap
 Tape
Optional
 Solder
 Hot glue
 Rubber end cap

3. Step 1 Drill Hole

4. Step 2 Attach resistor to LED
Be aware how
sensitive your LED is
to reverse voltage
I used the resistor that
was provided with
the LEDs (to drive at
12V)

5. Step 3 – Cut Holes in Cap
This gives your leads
an easy and clear
separation

6. Step 4 – Slide the cap on

7. Step 5 – Make battery pack
 Cheap batteries from
dollar store
 Most have ~1.3V
 9 will give you ~ 12V
 Overvoltage makes
LED not last as long
 Undervoltage just not
as bright

8. Finishing Touches
 Tape batteries to LED
− Put on optional rubber cap
 Rough up acrylic rod with sandpaper
− Experiment with grit and pattern