Now you would ask why modify a cheap led light for loadshedding when you can buy various models at relative cheap prices? My grandson had four cheap (R34.00 each) led lights that were discarded, due to the cost of having to replace the batteries on a regular basis. I looked at one of the lights and realized that I could modify the light to use one 16850 lithium battery, which can be recharged. I used one salvaged battery from an old laptop. The only cost was to buy a 16850 plastic one battery holder for R18.00 from a local Asian shop. The mod is quite simple. Just cut the blue as well as red wire from the battery compartment. The blue wire is soldered to the black wire on the 16850 battery holder and the red wire to the red wire on the 16850 battery holder. I drilled two small holes on either side of the LED light, one for the black wire and the other for the red wire coming from the 16850 battery holder. The holder is fixed to the LED light case using double sided adhesive tape. Simple easy mod, yet much more cost effective with a bonus that you can recharge the battery via a small solar panel charger. No need to buy batteries anymore. This LED light has many uses, indoors and outdoors. This light provides more than adequate (360 degrees) light to illuminate a medium to small room. The other three lights were also modified and are now in use again. Simple cheap and very useful project. Total cost of project: R20.00.
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