Pocket Lantern

12 Volt Mini Lantern

I was trying to reimagine a mini lantern within the confines of todays LED panels and batteries, and developed this Pocket Lantern. It is a little larger than a bar of soap, uses 3-18650 cells to produce 12V, with a 280ma approximately 300 lumen light. It is as bright as any of my D-cell lanterns, and you can put it comfortably in your pocket. The swing-out feet give added stability. Run time for 2000ma batteries is around 8 hours.

The light panel and switch are both recessed so they don't catch in your pocket or get switched accidentally. For overhead use (camping, tenting) suspend by the feet. The switch is offset to allow adding a battery management system later, if desired. Use 4mm o-ring for weather tightness. This groove also fits screen door screen spline, available at most hardware stores.

The ight panel used is 40x60mm, available on Amazon, described as "EverBrightt 6-Pack Cool White 1210 48SMD Led Panel Dome Light Bulbs" for $16.99. The round push-button switch is available on Amazon described as "10 Pcs Latching Action SPST Round Red Push Button Switch AC 125V 3A" for $3.99. Any similar products will work as well.

Shells for the front are included both for the inset 40x60mm panel, and an un-indented 5mm thick shell you can indent yourself. The box is secured by 3mm printing filament on both sides.

Printing:
I printed this on a Taz-6 with PLA, flat side down. Support is only needed for the panel indent on the lid. I printed 5 top layers, 3 side and bottom layers, 30% infill. It is a good solid box.