LED lighting - Circuit

[J_K_M_A_N]

My Dad made this tree (pictures attached) and it uses a plug in light. I would like to convert it to an LED battery setup so I can put it in the middle of a table. I know how to solder but I have no idea how to make a circuit for LED lighting. I was thinking of buying a few 10mm ultra bright white LED's and hooking them up to some kind of battery that would fit in the base with an on off switch sticking out where the cord comes out. I have no idea what resistors I should use though and if the batteries would last long enough to make it worth it. I wouldn't mind going through 3-4 9v batteries per season (Thanksgiving to Christmas a couple hours a day maybe). But if the batteries would only last 1-2 hours, it probably isn't worth it.

Anyone have the know how to tell me what resistors would work and if it would last long enough to make it worth it? The LED's I looked at look like they are approximately 3.4v to 3.8v each so I was thinking I could maybe hook two in series with some kind of resistor to a 9v battery? But I don't know if it would just drain the battery really fast or what. Or if two of them would be bright enough. I thought about 2 batteries and 4 LED's also. Not sure what other battery would be strong enough to power them but small enough to fit in the base. The base is only about 2-1/2" wide and 1-1/2" deep. I could get some AA or 9v in there. I don't think I could even fit 2 D batteries in it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

J_K_M_A_N

[Nephasth]

Here you go.

[Howard_Casto]

Since this seems to be more of a sentimental project, why not use pre-made led lights?

They are so cheap this time of year that it really makes more sense to do it that way.  And yes they do have battery powered strings.

[SavannahLion]

My mother has a similar one (different choice of ornaments and star) but it's readily recognizable. It's my mom's pride and joy. Variations can be found on eBay for reasonable prices.

If you intend to replace the plastic "bulbs" with LED lights save yourself the hassle and get a string of battery power Christmas lights. They are very popular with Dilbertians because of electricity restrictions in many offices. (Castro beat me to it).

If you're looking to replace the single bulb, gut one of those battery operated candles or those battery operated closet bulbs. They're cheap and all of the circuitry is already there.

[J_K_M_A_N]

I thought about replacing all the plastic colored bulbs but that would be a pain. I like the idea of the closet light being hacked though. I will look for some at target when I go there next. Thanks.

J_K_M_A_N

[pbj]

Cut off the cord, take out the light, put a $2 LED flashlight from Harbor Freight in there.  DONE.

That's how I did my pumpkins this year.  Will never do a candle again.

 

[ChadTower]

My mother has a similar one (different choice of ornaments and star) but it's readily recognizable. It's my mom's pride and joy. Variations can be found on eBay for reasonable prices.

Yeah, my grandmother had those all over her house around Xmas.  Pretty much exactly that object.

[pbj]

JKMAN's dad sure made a lot of ceramic christmas trees....

[Howard_Casto]

Yeah not I didn't mean replace the little plastic bulbs... I meant take a giant wad of white led light strings and stuff them in the thing.  But I like the flashlight idea better.

[ChadTower]

A $15 head lamp, removed from the headband, would do it perfectly.

Most AA and AAA driven LED lamps don't last all that long in the context of lit decorations, though.  You'll get a few hours but certainly not enough time if you want it lit up for a holiday season.

[Louis Tully]

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[J_K_M_A_N]

I found a 32 LED flashlight at Kohls for $4.99. It took 3 - "AAA" batteries. I took the top off and got a 4 - "AA" battery holder. I tried to hook that up to see if it would fry the LED's and it didn't. Kick ass. So I found a small switch and wired it in place and it works like a champ. Plenty bright enough. Now I just need to see how long the batteries will last. We usually have it on a few days a week for an hour or two. I bought 4 packs of batteries just in case.

Thanks for the help and ideas guys. I could not have made that better/cleaner in a million years. Especially for that cheap.

J_K_M_A_N