Project: Turn your Flatbed Scanner into a useful Lightbox for drawing

I am one screwed up hacker

Everyone will say “God! You are one twisted dude for turning your precious scanner into a lightbox!”

Wut's behind door number 1

Meh. It’s not my problem. At least the scanner was given away in the broken manner (likely… the scanner has a major damage and it’s like a home for the insects).
Then, I set it aside on what I shall do with it.

Two options I had in mind:

- Fix it!
- Leave it!

But, that does not mean I will throw it away since it’s damaged.
Aside from the scanner, I got a broken study lampshade which fell from the desk of my computer (which was very handy for the webcam to give light in case I might broadcast my face.)
So, mind fusion again.

My logic:

Broken Lampshade + Broken Scanner = ?

Since I am an avid fan of tracing drawing and stuff… this is the answer to the logic:

Broken Lampshade + Broken Scanner = LIGHTBOX!

Heck, it would sound stupid but it’s worth a try.

Materials and tools used:

- Hot Glue Gun (for sticking around)
- Screwdriver and long-nose pliers (the screwdriver must be the cross type and the pliers is used for pulling some crap out during its operation)
- Broken Study Lamp (should not be the screw-type bulbs and the body of the lamp must contain the ballast, the switch, the cord, and the port in where to put the bulb. You may use florescent bulbs but make sure you only use one due to the ballast overheats and make sure it can fit inside the body of that scanner)
- Broken Scanner
- Wires used for speakers (get the small ones but not so small! You can gradually buy them off in Radioshack by meter or any eletronics shop)
- Switch (I suggest that you should take a look at your scanner. The port in where the adaptor is used to plug in is where the switch is in my project whilst the power cord is where the USB port is placed. The switch may vary in different models so better take a look on what you’re buying first)
- Soldering Iron and its solvent.
- slim white cardboard (folder would do.)
- Aluminum Foil (for reflecting the light)
- paperclips (wired paperclips!)
- Sticky Tape

Instructions:

First, I remove the guts of the scanner. The hard part will be like removing the dowell, the belt drive, the gears, and of course, the flex cable of the head scanner. I used the plies to remove the belt and the dowell. Then I removed the motherboard (since it goes with the head) and leave the screws behind (for hooking up something).

Second, I remove the guts from the broken study lamp I got. I got what I need from it anyways while the body will go to the waste since it’s crased (or use it to make some CNC cases for some projects you might be making soon).

Third, I started arranging and measuring wires to be able to gut in the ballast and the bulb holder.

4th, I positioned the bulb holder in where I will be placing it. I glued all around the area (and made sure that it will not come off once I put in the bulb.)

5th, added in the foil around the surface in where the bulb would be. The foil is like a mirror so it can do reflections. Once the bulb is turned on, the reflection of the light rays will increase the spreading of the rays.

6th, I started on the soldering and attachment of wires. They’re all easy but make sure you’ve memorized on how the wiring were used to at the lampshade you just tore down.

If not, this sequence might help you:

AC plug–> ballast –> lightbulb port pin (any either left or right)—> to switch —> to AC plug

7th, mounting the ballast. Some ballasts have no sort of screwdriver port. Mine has none so the paper clips where a good use. I created a support holder for it so it will not move around everytime you shake it and all. At least, the pliers are always there to bend it. I placed the ballast in where the motor and gears of the scanner is and used the screws to tighten it up.

8th, I measured out the cardboard used in the project. Err.. .actually, that cardboard I used is a folder. I took measurements and all and placed it on the glass internally.

Question: Why I should put the cardboard on the glass?
Answer: Because, since the light reflection is sort of… hurting… I’d rather just cover it with a cardboard which can penetrate the light from breaking throughtout fully and not hurt the eyes.

Regarding the cardboard: It should be able to get bright once the light will come out or else, you just made something that wasn’t supposed to be there. The cardboard must be tested before putting it inside as a final “shades” and make sure the light can penetrate though it.

9th, after everything was done, I placed back the cover and tested it.

Here are the pics in action:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/anitokyomics/S6300202.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/anitokyomics/S6300203.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/anitokyomics/S6300204.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/anitokyomics/S6300205.jpg