DIY---- Hog Light (Stabalizer Light) - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

wes122984 · 05-27-2009, 01:06 AM

OK guys here goes my first attempt at a DIY.

This light is a 3watt led, with about 120 yards stream on white, and I would say roughly 65 yards on red. It comes with a red removable lense. This light is awesome...plain and simple. OK so here goes.

The light is a Coleman from walmart. Rated for 117m visibility. Take the light out and test it just to make sure everything works.

Next, remove the battery holder. You will see a silver tab running along the side. Lets go ahead and remove it. There is a screw on the back to remove first. Take the silver strip completely off.

Next, I used a universal car charger extender cable. Clipped the ends, and stripped back both sides.

Go ahead and solder on a pressure switch. Mine came from radioshack for under $3.

Next, I took my light and laid a flat black coat of krylon paint. Let dry for 10 min.

Next, remove the end cap of light. Drill a 5/16 hole, right in the middle. Also drill another smaller hole for the wires off to the side.

OK, heres where it is slightly hard to explain...... Feed 2 of the wires from one end through the end cap's smaller holes. On the negative terminal directly to the left of where you removed the silver strip, you are going to solder one of those wires. BUT first drill a small hole to go through the back to reach the terminal. Solder it to the base of the spring terminal, then pull it back through.

Next, run the other wire along the place where the silver tab was, and solder it to the top metal ring.

Lay a strip of electrical tape to hold that wire down. Install batteries, preferably lithium, and slowly slide the battery holder back into the light. It will be a little tight.

I used a left over a-bomb, to bridge between my light and my bow. It allows it to still absorb the vibration. Otherwise you can just use a bolt to attach to bow.

Total cost without a-bomb was under $30

And.........

And Installed.....

And down my hallway

Like is said, this light works good, and shines far even with the red lense. At 65 yards, i had about a 6 foot circle of red hitting my fence. Tried to take pics, but camera didnt show that far.

Any questions?

Quackwacker58 · 05-27-2009, 02:10 AM

How did u connect the abomb to the light?"

Tomkat07 · 05-27-2009, 03:05 AM

The bolt for it went through the flashligts end cap I believe.

Nice construction mate.
It all looks real clean and matches pretty much.

DJM · 05-27-2009, 04:37 AM

Looks great.

DJ

Txjourneyman · 05-27-2009, 07:03 AM

Very nice! thank you for posting.

wes122984 · 05-27-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quackwacker58

How did u connect the abomb to the light?"

yup, goes through the hole i drilled in the endcap, then used a nut

Duck Sausage · 05-27-2009, 08:13 AM

Looks great!

zcole04 · 05-27-2009, 08:36 AM

Looks great and looks like it will work perfect for you. Keep us updated when you get your first kill with it.

Reaper · 05-27-2009, 08:39 AM

looks great, i'm going to try it out

gulfcoast200 · 05-27-2009, 08:59 AM

Nice Job

Todd · 05-27-2009, 09:00 AM

good idea

windwalker · 05-27-2009, 10:07 AM

That looks great.I think I'll give it a try

FJTMEGA · 05-27-2009, 01:44 PM

Thats awesome, i think i'll give it a try

DNTRanch · 05-27-2009, 02:29 PM

Sweet!! I gotta try this.

westguy76 · 05-27-2009, 02:31 PM

Sweet write up Wes.
Would like to try this.

fishdog · 05-27-2009, 02:40 PM

im gonna have to try this, great idea

Blast-n-cast · 05-27-2009, 03:03 PM

predatoraddct · 05-27-2009, 03:17 PM

looks good, and at 30 dollars you cant beat it!

mayhemsr · 05-27-2009, 05:29 PM

shoot im making one of these...great post....great price...

coach_stew · 05-27-2009, 06:41 PM

nicely done!

Blast-n-cast · 05-27-2009, 10:49 PM

I just finished one. I used a different pressure switch also available at Radio Shack but the same idea. Pretty sweet! Can't wait to try it out.

jrfan · 05-28-2009, 05:15 AM

Great job.

bigmactog · 05-28-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wes122984

yup, goes through the hole i drilled in the endcap, then used a nut

When drilling the cap, don't drill into your hand like he did - lol

wes122984 · 05-28-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blast-n-cast

I just finished one. I used a different pressure switch also available at Radio Shack but the same idea. Pretty sweet! Can't wait to try it out.

lets see the pics!

Blast-n-cast · 05-28-2009, 04:26 PM

I used the tact switch. I also used shrink wrap on both ends of the wire to protect and make it a little sturdier. It seemed to really help the end that connects to the switch. To drill out the end cap I wrapped it in a rag and grabbed it with a pair of vice grips. Be careful not to crush it. The pricing was as follows: flash light $19.99 Wallmart, Tact switch (4) pack 3.99 Radio Shack, cell phone charger $7.95 clearance item at Radio Shack, variable solding iron 15-30 watt $10.99 Radio Shack, 5/16 fine thread-24 (4) pack bolts $.68 Lowes As for the 5/16 nut, lock washer, shrink wrap, flat black spray paint, and solder I already had them. Here are a few pics...

wes122984 · 05-28-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blast-n-cast

I used the tact switch. I also used shrink wrap on both ends of the wire to protect and make it a little sturdier. It seemed to really help the end that connects to the switch. To drill out the end cap I wrapped it in a rag and grabbed it with a pair of vice grips. Be careful not to crush it. The pricing was as follows: flash light $19.99 Wallmart, Tact switch (4) pack 3.99 Radio Shack, cell phone charger $7.95 clearance item at Radio Shack, variable solding iron 15-30 watt $10.99 Radio Shack, 5/16 fine thread-24 (4) pack bolts $.68 Lowes As for the 5/16 nut, lock washer, shrink wrap, flat black spray paint, and solder I already had them. Here are a few pics...

nice job! i wanted to use that switch and the 2 closest radioshacks were out! i didnt feel like waiting. I will switch it out though. good thinking on the shrink wrap! i need to do that!

wes122984 · 05-28-2009, 05:05 PM

btw, pop some lithiums in it...it made a good difference in mine

Blast-n-cast · 05-28-2009, 06:33 PM

I will try the lithiums. I hope they are worth it for the $9 for (4)

Thanks again for the info. Try the shrink wrap out. It really makes a difference. It feels a lot sturdier and gives it a clean look.

TheWidowMaker · 05-29-2009, 10:18 AM

That's pretty neat, i'm going to have to try that!

wes122984 · 05-29-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blast-n-cast

I will try the lithiums. I hope they are worth it for the $9 for (4)

Thanks again for the info. Try the shrink wrap out. It really makes a difference. It feels a lot sturdier and gives it a clean look.

got mine at walmart for $5 for a pack of 4, and they last 4x longer

Blast-n-cast · 05-29-2009, 07:36 PM

I should have checked this earlier. I paid $9.99 plus tax at the Home Depot today. Oh well not too bad I guess if they work 4x longer.

TxJustice · 05-30-2009, 02:52 PM

This is a great posting, but I do not understand how you connect the wiring to the battery assembly. Can one of you gentlemen explain again...

thanks, Andy

Boss Hogg · 05-30-2009, 03:09 PM

Nothing like protecting the pocket book!!!!!!!!!

Great build guys.
Let us know how they work/hold up in the field after a few shots.

Blast-n-cast · 05-30-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wes122984

got mine at walmart for $5 for a pack of 4, and they last 4x longer

I looked at the package again. It says 8X and lithium premium.

Blast-n-cast · 05-30-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxJustice

This is a great posting, but I do not understand how you connect the wiring to the battery assembly. Can one of you gentlemen explain again...

thanks, Andy

One wire gets soldered to the negative terminal and the other gets soldered to the ring at the end of the assembly that you removed the contact bar from. The pic with the drill through the bottom of the assembly shows the negative one. I just drilled right through where the (-) sign was.

Blast-n-cast · 05-30-2009, 07:26 PM

Here is the connection on the other end.

wes122984 · 05-30-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blast-n-cast

One wire gets soldered to the negative terminal and the other gets soldered to the ring at the end of the assembly that you removed the contact bar from. The pic with the drill through the bottom of the assembly shows the negative one. I just drilled right through where the (-) sign was.

and technically you can just clip the contact bar and solder to it, and then to the negative, and it should fit a little better in the housing, ive done it both ways, and both work fine

Jon-Paul · 05-30-2009, 08:16 PM

has anyone took any night time pictures

wes122984 · 05-30-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Let us know how they work/hold up in the field after a few shots.

ive shot it plenty, holds up like a rock. works wonderful, i got 2" groups at 40 yards in pitch darkness

wes122984 · 05-30-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdafonte2000

has anyone took any night time pictures

i tried, but it doesnt show up well, cause me taking it 20-40 yards away the camera doesnt work that far in the dark, ill try to get a few tonight, and have someone else stand at 40 yards while i shine it

wes122984 · 05-30-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdafonte2000

has anyone took any night time pictures

these pics dont really do it justice, first one is at 15 yards, rest are at 40, at 40 it lit up my entire fence that is 8 ft tall. could easily see everything. it gives a pretty good view out to about 65 yards.

stuntriderant · 05-31-2009, 06:58 PM

How did you guys attach the wires to the switch? do both wires solder to the switch? Just one?

wes122984 · 05-31-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuntriderant

How did you guys attach the wires to the switch? do both wires solder to the switch? Just one?

both solder to the switch

stuntriderant · 05-31-2009, 07:48 PM

The switch has two prongs on one side and two prongs on the other. Which wires go where. I cant seem to get mine to work. I did everything as you instructed but it wont come on with the switch>

wes122984 · 05-31-2009, 07:53 PM

sounds like you are using a double pull double throw switch (dpdt) you need at least a spdt, or spst switch. im not for certain, but i believe so. you may see if it is labeled on the prongs, no (normally open) and a ground is what you will need

stuntriderant · 05-31-2009, 07:58 PM

Ok. i looked at the switch it is a spst switch. looks exactly like the one in blasts post. I got it from radio shack also. What could be wrong. Which wires go where?

wes122984 · 05-31-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuntriderant

The switch has two prongs on one side and two prongs on the other. Which wires go where. I cant seem to get mine to work. I did everything as you instructed but it wont come on with the switch>

will it come on when you touch the two wires together? make sure the override switch (the one already on the light) is on. if it works when you touch them, its the switch.

wes122984 · 05-31-2009, 08:01 PM

if it works when you touch them, then test out the different post on the switch before soldering, if it doesnt work when they touch, then something isnt right in the housing

stuntriderant · 05-31-2009, 08:06 PM

I have touched them and it doesnt work. I ran one up to the metal and one onto the spring that next to it.

wes122984 · 05-31-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuntriderant

I have touched them and it doesnt work. I ran one up to the metal and one onto the spring that next to it.

i know it sounds stupid, but...
make sure batteries are in correctly
make sure battery housing is pushed all the way in.

also, my first one i built, i tried to use a cord much like blast used, very small wiring inside, and i couldnt get it to work. i went with a heavier cord/wire and it worked

also, you did solder the connections right?

05-27-2009, 01:06 AM	#1
wes122984 Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco, Tx Hunt In: Lamar Co Tx, OK,IL	DIY---- Hog Light (Stabalizer Light) OK guys here goes my first attempt at a DIY. This light is a 3watt led, with about 120 yards stream on white, and I would say roughly 65 yards on red. It comes with a red removable lense. This light is awesome...plain and simple. OK so here goes. The light is a Coleman from walmart. Rated for 117m visibility. Take the light out and test it just to make sure everything works. Next, remove the battery holder. You will see a silver tab running along the side. Lets go ahead and remove it. There is a screw on the back to remove first. Take the silver strip completely off. Next, I used a universal car charger extender cable. Clipped the ends, and stripped back both sides. Go ahead and solder on a pressure switch. Mine came from radioshack for under $3. Next, I took my light and laid a flat black coat of krylon paint. Let dry for 10 min. Next, remove the end cap of light. Drill a 5/16 hole, right in the middle. Also drill another smaller hole for the wires off to the side. OK, heres where it is slightly hard to explain...... Feed 2 of the wires from one end through the end cap's smaller holes. On the negative terminal directly to the left of where you removed the silver strip, you are going to solder one of those wires. BUT first drill a small hole to go through the back to reach the terminal. Solder it to the base of the spring terminal, then pull it back through. Next, run the other wire along the place where the silver tab was, and solder it to the top metal ring. Lay a strip of electrical tape to hold that wire down. Install batteries, preferably lithium, and slowly slide the battery holder back into the light. It will be a little tight. I used a left over a-bomb, to bridge between my light and my bow. It allows it to still absorb the vibration. Otherwise you can just use a bolt to attach to bow. Total cost without a-bomb was under $30 And......... And Installed..... And down my hallway Like is said, this light works good, and shines far even with the red lense. At 65 yards, i had about a 6 foot circle of red hitting my fence. Tried to take pics, but camera didnt show that far. Any questions?

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05-27-2009, 02:10 AM	#2
Quackwacker58 Four Point Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: North Texas	How did u connect the abomb to the light?"

05-27-2009, 03:05 AM	#3
Tomkat07 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2008 Hunt In: Slick Trick, Shuttle T Lock, & Rage 2 Blade country !	The bolt for it went through the flashligts end cap I believe. Nice construction mate. It all looks real clean and matches pretty much.

05-27-2009, 04:37 AM	#4
DJM Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kempner TX Hunt In: Mills Co,Coryell Co,Lampasas Co	Looks great. DJ

05-27-2009, 07:03 AM	#5
Txjourneyman Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Van Zandt Co. Hunt In: Henderson, Dallas, Jones, and Palo Pinto Counties	Very nice! thank you for posting.

05-27-2009, 08:13 AM	#7
Duck Sausage Eight Point Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DFdub Hunt In: Collingsworth, Ellis, Montague, Stonewall	Looks great!

05-27-2009, 08:36 AM	#8
zcole04 Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kyle Hunt In: Anywhere and Everywhere	Looks great and looks like it will work perfect for you. Keep us updated when you get your first kill with it.

05-27-2009, 08:39 AM	#9
Reaper Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austin Hunt In: the woods	looks great, i'm going to try it out

05-27-2009, 08:59 AM	#10
gulfcoast200 Four Point Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Angleton Hunt In: Over the river and through the woods	Nice Job

05-27-2009, 09:00 AM	#11
Todd Four Point Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ennis TX Hunt In: Lometa TX	good idea

05-27-2009, 10:07 AM	#12
windwalker Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coleman,Texas Hunt In: Coleman,Young counties	That looks great.I think I'll give it a try

05-27-2009, 01:44 PM	#13
FJTMEGA Six Point Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Valley Mills,TX Hunt In: Bosque county	Thats awesome, i think i'll give it a try

05-27-2009, 02:29 PM	#14
DNTRanch Ten Point Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fort Worth Hunt In: Eastland County	Sweet!! I gotta try this.

05-27-2009, 02:31 PM	#15
westguy76 Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Katy, TX Hunt In: where I can	Sweet write up Wes. Would like to try this.

05-27-2009, 02:40 PM	#16
fishdog Ten Point Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: dallas Hunt In: anywhere i can	im gonna have to try this, great idea

05-27-2009, 03:03 PM	#17
Blast-n-cast Ten Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Hunt In: Goliad County, New Mexico, and anywhere else I can get a tag	Nice

05-27-2009, 03:17 PM	#18
predatoraddct Eight Point Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Hunt In: PA, TX	looks good, and at 30 dollars you cant beat it!

05-27-2009, 05:29 PM	#19
mayhemsr Eight Point Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fort Hood, Texas Hunt In: Anywhere they roam!!!	shoot im making one of these...great post....great price...

05-27-2009, 06:41 PM	#20
coach_stew Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sugar Land TX Hunt In: McMullen County	nicely done!

05-27-2009, 10:49 PM	#21
Blast-n-cast Ten Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Hunt In: Goliad County, New Mexico, and anywhere else I can get a tag	I just finished one. I used a different pressure switch also available at Radio Shack but the same idea. Pretty sweet! Can't wait to try it out.

05-28-2009, 05:15 AM	#22
jrfan Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wills Point/lake Tawakoni Hunt In: Callahan co.	Great job.

05-28-2009, 04:26 PM	#25
Blast-n-cast Ten Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Hunt In: Goliad County, New Mexico, and anywhere else I can get a tag	I used the tact switch. I also used shrink wrap on both ends of the wire to protect and make it a little sturdier. It seemed to really help the end that connects to the switch. To drill out the end cap I wrapped it in a rag and grabbed it with a pair of vice grips. Be careful not to crush it. The pricing was as follows: flash light $19.99 Wallmart, Tact switch (4) pack 3.99 Radio Shack, cell phone charger $7.95 clearance item at Radio Shack, variable solding iron 15-30 watt $10.99 Radio Shack, 5/16 fine thread-24 (4) pack bolts $.68 Lowes As for the 5/16 nut, lock washer, shrink wrap, flat black spray paint, and solder I already had them. Here are a few pics...

05-28-2009, 05:05 PM	#27
wes122984 Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco, Tx Hunt In: Lamar Co Tx, OK,IL	btw, pop some lithiums in it...it made a good difference in mine

05-28-2009, 06:33 PM	#28
Blast-n-cast Ten Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Hunt In: Goliad County, New Mexico, and anywhere else I can get a tag	I will try the lithiums. I hope they are worth it for the $9 for (4) Thanks again for the info. Try the shrink wrap out. It really makes a difference. It feels a lot sturdier and gives it a clean look.

05-29-2009, 10:18 AM	#29
TheWidowMaker Four Point Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Longview, Texas Hunt In: Anwywhere	That's pretty neat, i'm going to have to try that!

05-29-2009, 07:36 PM	#31
Blast-n-cast Ten Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Hunt In: Goliad County, New Mexico, and anywhere else I can get a tag	I should have checked this earlier. I paid $9.99 plus tax at the Home Depot today. Oh well not too bad I guess if they work 4x longer.

05-30-2009, 02:52 PM	#32
TxJustice Eight Point Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baytown Hunt In: Anywhere I can...	This is a great posting, but I do not understand how you connect the wiring to the battery assembly. Can one of you gentlemen explain again... thanks, Andy

05-30-2009, 03:09 PM	#33
Boss Hogg Eight Point Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Alvin, TX Hunt In: Wherever I can!	Nothing like protecting the pocket book!!!!!!!!! Great build guys. Let us know how they work/hold up in the field after a few shots.

05-30-2009, 07:26 PM	#36
Blast-n-cast Ten Point Join Date: May 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Hunt In: Goliad County, New Mexico, and anywhere else I can get a tag	Here is the connection on the other end.

05-30-2009, 08:16 PM	#38
Jon-Paul Administrator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Spring, Tx	has anyone took any night time pictures

05-31-2009, 06:58 PM	#42
stuntriderant Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cedar Creek (Bastrop county Travis county line) Hunt In: Mustang ridge	How did you guys attach the wires to the switch? do both wires solder to the switch? Just one?