I suggest avoiding the use of series string incandescent lights BECAUSE many of those strings of lights mostly include a feature that somehow bypasses the bulb's filament when the filament fails open. That would place a much lower load resistance across the supply voltage source, which could cause an unwanted load on the power source, and lead to excessive current problems.

 

Thank you for all of your kind suggestions. Sourcing from a different country is of course difficult for me. While than can be my last resort, I wanted to use parts available at local online shops only. I wanted to keep the setup compact as much as I could. After being unable to find COB or ultra bright LED, I moved forward with a generic 5mm white LED. I made this-


The light is not very eye pleasing though. I need to hold it in my hand and focus on the book.


I am open to all suggestions regarding its improvement in both electrical and mechanical term. I'd like to 3D print an enclosure with a flexible body if possible.

 

Well, I did warn you about some LEDs having a narrow viewing angle.

You might try diffusing, although I can't see that helping much.

 

Hello,

You might want to try some telux leds.
Those have an angle of about 60 degrees.

Bertus

 

Well, I did warn you about some LEDs having a narrow viewing angle.

You might try diffusing, although I can't see that helping much.

What I have found to work very well to broaden the light beam from narrow beam LEDs is to roughen the curved portion of the lens with some fairly fine sanding cloth. (That is similar to sandPAPER but it has a cloth backing. It is commonly used on powered belt sanders,, but also available as strip stock. Plain sandpaper, possiblyabout "300 grit", or near tat range, should work as well. What it does is to diffuse the focused beam from the LED. I have used it on the 5mm and on the 3mm size plastic LEDs, I have no idea as to how it will work on other types of LED packages.

 

I am open to all suggestions regarding its improvement in both electrical and mechanical term.

You should use an LED with a diffused lens for better dispersal of the light.

You could also try using other colors (green or red). I once had a button cell powered red LED flashlight to use when walking around in dark movie theaters. The light was bright enough to see by, but not bright enough to bother other people.

You could reposition the LED so that it's oriented perpendicular to the board. That way you could lay the board on your shoulder/chest and direct the light at the book. I did this with a regular 3AAA LED flashlight when I was reading in a darkened room. The light was far too bright, but I directed the center of the beam off of the page.

After being unable to find COB or ultra bright LED

I think an ultrabright LED would have been overkill. Especially since you're not using a current limiting resistor.

I'd consider using a current limiting resistor/pot to cut down on the brightness (which is clearly too bright in the center).