DIY Spotlight From A Flashlight

This project is quick and easy to put together, yet really impressive. Even more so in person than in the video. The flashlight I used for this video is a ThruNite TN12. It's awesome. Links to check it out are further down in the description, so click 'Show more'!
Thanks to ThruNite for sponsoring this video! I bought the TN12 for myself because it truly is an awesome light that I'm very happy to recommend. It's a high quality flashlight with a great price, thanks to factory direct sales. You can check it out in ThruNite's official store here: www.thrunite.com/ Or in the ThruNite Amazon store (Links to ThruNite Amazon stores outside the US are posted further down): www.amazon.com/...
With this flashlight conversion I was lighting up trees as bright as day at 300 yards and further. By adjusting the flashlight's position on the block the light can be made to focus to either a narrow beam for maximum range, or a softer spot to provide more even lighting.
The makeshift bat signal shown later in the video was created as an afterthought to the main project and it really turned out great. That could be a fun one to use around town.
Parts:
(1) Flashlight (I used the ThruNite TN12)
(2) 2x2 Inch Planks (Approximately 30 inches in length for the base, but the focal distance can vary depending on the lens. The second block should be as long as the flashlight used.)
(3) Large Magnifying Glass (Mine was 5 inches in diameter)
(4) Velcro Straps (Or large rubber bands)
Optional:
(5) Black Spray Paint
(6) Tripod
(7) Nail
(8) Craft Foam/Cardboard (For cutting shapes to project in the beam)
Further links to the TN12 on Thrunite's international Amazon stores:
Amazon Canada: www.amazon.ca/d...
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.u...
Amazon Germany: www.amazon.de/d...
Amazon France: www.amazon.fr/d...
Amazon Italy: www.amazon.it/d... #NightHawkInLight
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Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
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[@koalaboygaming346]

Finally! Someone that shows way you can do this easily! No pvc fittings no electric boards just a magnifying glass!!! I could make this in 5 minutes and that’s what I like. Thanks mate!

[@ROBwithaB]

*Cheap, simple and very cool. Great project.* I've used similar cheap lenses to *focus artificial light (and invisible infrared) to start fires*. A few hundred years ago, any decent lens would be worth a small fortune. Now, one can pick up a perfectly good lens at a dollar store. So much fun to be had. Thank you, China.

[@Keemo747]

It not that cheap because the flashlight he used was $50

[@LoverAToZ]

Evan Lynch I got a very good free flashlight from Harbor Freight and it is one of the brightest flashlights that I ever owned. So it does not have to be expensive. In fact every time I get another flashlight coupon I go back and get another. I will also bet he got his flashlight for free since the secondary purpose of this video is to advertise the product of his sponsor. The video title was just to get own attention - - and he did get my attention with this great idea. So thumbs up "Nighthawklight" - - And thumbs up to you "Evan Lynch" for researching the product price for us. Thank You.

[@Aff3ct000]

Evan Lynch He was referring only to the lens in the magnifying glass. Generations ago, all lenses were hand mass, polished meticulously, and created in such a fashion to be nearly perfect. The effort this would take demanded extremely high prices, and for many, was completely out of reach. Some of the optics greats, as with telescopes and the likes, were created by the inventor. Labor, requiring significant efforts and time to complete. Now today, the process can take mere seconds to mass produce, and costing a fraction of what they once did. Yes, quality flashlights can cost fortunes. Take Surefire, for example (my personal favorite is the E2D line, specifically their LED offerings). Though very good and bright flashlights can be had for $5-$30. I would have like to have seen a 1M+ candlepower spotlight used as the base light.

[@ncrdisabled]

When I was a kid in 1969 and age 9 a science teacher showed us that trick. Man those were the days . Now I am a disabled vet waiting for a cure.

[@alltime10s]

So Cool! I am going to have to try this one!

[@ezzeddinhgden1638]

Do a top 10 nighthawk creations!

[@FishFind3000]

Nice

[@partytor11]

Haha, this would be quite useful for airsoft. xD

[@resolutewarrior7054]

partytor11 And make a target of yourself sure.

[@partytor11]

Resolute Warrior Never heard of the tactic called blinding people? It's actually quite widely used.

[@MailOrderMaven]

I love you, dude. So useful and so simple. As an even lower tech version, it could be held at arms length, though it would take up two hands. Using one arm to brace and steady and center the other.

[@jamesbell4041]

I was already singing your praises for your easy to understand process, then you brought out the bat logo, which is exactly why I was searching for (but hadn't actually included the words batman in order to filter out the click bait fluff) DIY spot lamp in the first place!! God bless you sir, I'm in the UK and making my own superhero costume out of a wetsuit. Long way to go yet, but look out for my symbol upon the western hemispheres clouds one day...!! 😉👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🙏🏿💜

[@GreekGadgetGuru]

Awesome idea!

[@TheKingofRandom]

Awesome!

[@thefunnyepeckid]

One amazing life hacker compliments the other. Well that's new

[@dotdankory]

Awesome!

[@WaldoFindsYo]

Pretty cool! I wonder if you could make a spotlight powerful enough to shine the real batman signal into the sky.

[@5xt]

Haha, these sound effects make it seem like there's a power generator powering a search light. I really like this project and the filming techniques you used! I wonder what will happen when you switch the flashlight for a laserlight.

[@SonicDadDotCom]

Simple and awesome! Great project. -Ritchie

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Thanks! It was a fun one to play with

[@shoaib1029]

Indeed. :)

[@shoaib1029]

Keep up the good job mate. -Sean

[@FishFind3000]

That was cool. I like how you added that load spotlight type sound

[@Flashahol]

0:41 DUDE! You're burning bricks!!!

[@Anatomyforcatastrophe]

This is probably the best one. Everything can be made with basic household items.

[@power-max]

You can pick up one of those huge 50W HID flashlights on ebay for $100 or so, or get an HID kit with some car HID headlights & ballasts for about $30. the reflector will also need to be considered. A really large magnifying lens and the lamp inside a white chamber may would wonders for that. You can also buy the reflectors for the flashlight. That will get you 2000-4000 lumens!!! You can also go with LED solutions like the SST 90 or better yet, a CREE easywhite power LED. This has a few advantages over HID discharge lights, but cost more for the same light.

[@BeyondSlowMotion]

Killer! This is a really great idea!

[@fredrickvk]

I like the sound effects you have when turning it on

[@lipeceez9127]

Is there a point of doing this if I can already zoom with my torch?

[@jeffgordon2863]

Does it matter what power the magnifying glass is? What power was the one that you used in the video? What will a difference in powers do to focal point of the beam? Just wondering if you knew the answers to these. Thanks in advance.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

It doesn't really matter. A higher power will allow the flashlight to be closer to the lens, and perhaps give a tighter beam. Large lenses with anything more than 2x magnification are hard to find, but if you have one I would like to hear your results.

[@PureChaos69]

This is awesome! Now i'm sure we all at one point or another have used a magnifying glass to burn things, in the sun, could this be used in the same way? could it potentially, if focused right, light something on fire?

[@umejrarifi389]

I want to know what would happen if you would have used a laser instead of flashlight.Would it increased the range of the laser or not?

[@killstrees]

Should try it with the Thrunite tn30. That would be interesting.

[@chaoswarhound]

So your saying I can have my own bat signal? At last..

[@theflamingbanana7491]

This is really good. Now just add some type of casing around it and it will be perfect!

[@angleralex2427]

Im making that tommorow

[@astocks2622]

Hey, I picked up the TN12 this week. what a light! can't get a better light for $50 that I know of. thanks for the suggestion!

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Cool, glad you like it! I use mine all the time.

[@sherib942]

+NightHawkInLight Thank you for the fabulous flashlight recommendation, it is the best light I own to this day, overall it is an amazing light with a great price.also thank you for the good idea, I plan to use this for camping.

[@user-zn6bn9cu3k]

Looking into a spot😮

[@nilsbuehlmann3665]

Whete did you get that magnifying glass from

[@welnder]

excelente idea, aunque no entienda el ingles si entiendo el concepto del experimento, gracias por compartirlo. Sigue adelante

[@electronicsNmore]

Basically the same idea as using a magnifying glass to concentrate solar energy to start a fire. Good Video

[@acmendoza8776]

is the brightness depends on how big magnifying glass is?

[@NorthSurvival]

Very cool. Take a great light and make it greater.

[@SpecificLove7]

Very cool project.

[@stevenb8236]

Needs a telescoping highly reflective collector, with internal mirrors to reduce size. Basically a telescope in reverse

[@jorgemonroy5993]

Wonderful friends! I think I have everything for this project! Exept the tripod, but it still works so I !!! And the great thing is that I am very very useful!

[@04mach1speed]

Haha wow! I was just randomly looking at your other vids and noticed you have the same light I have TN12 2014 edition. I also have the TN30 which you should look into. It's a beast as well. I have the old 2700 lumen triple xml U2 version but now they have an XML2 version Great vids by the way :)

[@Nighthawkinlight]

I was thinking about trying the TN30. I bet it would be awesome combined with a lens like this

[@04mach1speed]

Yeah it def is. I have some vids on my channel, but that's so awesome man, Iv got to go to Home Depot and and get the stuff to try this! :D

[@MGgoose1]

can you try doing this with the Torch flashlight? its bright/hot enough to start fires

[@ddummer]

Here is a simple alternative... use a "door peephole" to collect and focus the beam to a really narrow spot. ;)

[@gittelrubin-soferlmhc4556]

Thanks for this video. I'm trying to create a projector with my students that would project images 3'-4' (and cost is an issue). What kind of flashlight and magnifying glass do I need (besides for circumference)?

[@TheTiranie]

look fun to play around with it

[@CondensedComments]

The beam on your wall is a very nice and tight 'spot' but if you move further (or closer) does it change shape drastically? I'm just thinking about how a magnifying glass is used to focus sunlight to start a fire; you have to be at a specific distance to achieve a specific result; or will the beam show up like this at any distance?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Watch the start of the video. You can see the shape of the beam over distance through the fog.

[@CondensedComments]

Now that you mention it I see it in the picture for the video. So it's a spotlight for a specific distance. What if the lens was convex on one side and flat on the other, would that curve all the light into a beam that stays straight further (or would it be the same intensity?)?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Chosen Two The two things I've found that effect the diameter of the beam is the diameter of the lens (the larger the better) and the flashlight used in the first place.

[@CondensedComments]

That is a pretty sweet looking flashlight. Thanks for the replies!

[@shailurawatyadav]

Should I used simple concave lens or power concave lens? What power?

[@robertkubrick3738]

What if you put a tube on a zooming flashlight to restrict scatter and used a smaller lens, or multiple zooming flashlight lenses? Concentration is the issue, not power. As long as you have a reasonable amount of power.

[@mostlylovesongs]

I am curious about this, too. Or maybe some blackwrap.

[@RolandMcGruner]

you could have the bat symbol be centered and 'hovering' if you attached it to a long piece of wire, that didn't go down and attach to the board til it's WELL out of focus!

[@domenicwilliamson8930]

Will this work if I apply the same principle but with a flood light the Imalent DT70 to be exact

[@hazemmostafa3966]

Cool and simple

[@estbeta]

Does a higher lumens torch affect the outcome? Or the size of the torch? Btw i'm expecting the waterboard video!!!

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Yes, the brighter the torch the brighter the spotlight. The waterboard video might be one for over the winter. It needs a lot of editing and i have other projects to get to first.

[@trombonista92]

what about a fernell lens from the surface of an over head projector

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Fresnel lenses will work, but I found it made the beam shape weird when I tried it with the lens I had on hand. It's worth a try.

[@heyfindmenoob]

what would happen if you did a powerful laser on this would it make the beam stronger or just make it go farther? ;o

[@nix591]

Is it necessary to use that brand of flashlight?

[@Merfolk_]

Every single ghost hunter and creature tracker should have one of these and a relatively high quality camera

[@christheother9088]

Will it melt my neighbors vinyl siding?

[@GarreTTTurncoaT]

What if I used a 50w or 100w SMD LED?

[@aadityaverma875]

give the procedure in discription pls

[@Napolegnom]

Now this is what I call a Night Hawk in Light!

[@AxelSteel84]

You should try this with a wicked lasers torch

[@GrumpyOldFart81]

Hey do a video of how this would work with a laser pointer

[@7mda3siri]

Wonderful

[@stoopidhaters]

Haha, I tried this with my phone's LED light and it works pretty well. Also, if you zoom it in enough, you can see the 2 LEDs, one Orange, one White.

[@ItsaLearningCurve]

Is it possible you could somehow make a smartphone projector? that would be really good hope you reply.

[@user-de4je9yk6w]

I have a question about how Diana air rifle ammunition manufacturing

[@zacke12bik]

Do you need any special flashlight?

[@alex.ann_der]

Very cool, my neighbors will love me :P

[@baird5776mullet]

Where can you get a decent magnifying glass now?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

The one I used I got off Amazon.

[@sayeedabdullah58]

Thanks for showing

[@lowrdson4000]

Nice, simple and really useful, thanks for the idea :D

[@CrazyScienceGW13]

Awesome! I'm going to try this!

[@txturbo930]

very cool going to try this! Thanks!

[@Gooey27]

If you set your phone to it's brightest setting, and face it to a magnifying glass while adjusting the distance, you could project it to a wall. But its weak coz its just a phone, just for fun...

[@hairygoatcheese]

Wow it's so cool I'm gonna try it!

[@stuckurface]

Do this with a wicked lasers torch!

[@raijiryuu693]

If I point at a tree will it get burnt?

[@dillweed1992]

Does anyone know if the size and magnification of the glass will make a noticable difference? If so what would give the best effect?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

The size will make little difference, but the magnification will. You want the *lowest* magnification possible for the tightest beam. High magnification will make the spot larger.

[@dillweed1992]

@@Nighthawkinlight thanks mate, take care.

[@SpaceBurgerLP]

why didn't you enclose it though?

[@Coldasjones]

Make a small version, perfect for intensifying cheaper tactical lights for combat situations

[@ALANSSCROLLWORX]

AMAZING, GREAT JOB. THANKS

[@ASURMlN]

How much is that in metric feet?

[@TopLifeHacks]

Cool video man, I have actually never thought about this before! :D

[@MrRandompersondude1]

What if I were to do this with a 7w laser?

[@thornanalysis]

Will this work with a fleshlight?

[@luminil9903]

A wearable spotlight you could mount on your arm would be great

[@failhub256]

what voiceover you are using?

[@koolerpure]

so i made this with the 2016 edition to the flashlight. and 5x dollar store magnifying glass and the version i got puts the flashlight closer to the lens. but damn its so bright, testing it in my room with sunglasses on wasnt able to protect my eyes as much as i wanted

[@timrauch8910]

koolerpure did you put 6 behind each other ?

[@potsdambatman4230]

Could you tell me where to find this lens? The nearest I'm seeing that's not ridiculous in price is a Bausch & Lomb but it's bifocal.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

The one I used in this video seems to have been discontinued. You can find fresnel lenses about the size of a sheet of paper for very cheap prices that would work well instead of a magnifying glass.

[@potsdambatman4230]

Thanks!

[@wesselvandijke1116]

+Potsdam Batman even a plastic toy lens works fine to me

[@MrSMAN98]

this guy is awesome

[@4MEStudios]

And now I just need the plans to the Batmobile!

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

Brilliant!

[@Omni_G]

I expected a hawk signal from you not a bat! I mean this video uses LIGHT and it takes place at NIGHT

[@dibujaconcamaroncito]

Is it a 3x or 5x loupe?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

I think it was 5x

[@thewisemanwalks]

works like a charm! :)

[@skatarino]

love it

[@user-sp8ph1nl3r]

Is that kipkay

[@swanzm30]

hi would a TN 10 work or any cheaper similar torch ?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Yes, but the brighter the better obviously.

[@tennicktenstyl]

Or just get a flashlight mag lens. Or use a TIR optic

[@mtalhakhalid1679]

good i make projector with magnifine glass

[@George-gz5zm]

Like it. Now I can man my sentry tower at night stop any escapees :)

[@GSTPD]

Love it, I'll be watching a lot more of your videos:-)

[@CrispyChicken44]

My god, I would love the TN12. :( I do have the iProtec 220 lumens flashlight though, but you said it's 1,050 lumens, which is ridiculous. xD

[@chaquator]

And now have a reflective cone between the flashlight and the lens to make a *GIANT FLASHLIGHT*

[@petermarquez3602]

My friend Dylan would love this cause he's British batman