LED Desk Lamp Electronics Kit

Includes all components required to build the LED Desk Lamp:

• 1 × Printed circuit board (PCB)
• 1 × LED board
• 1 × ALJ2302 MOS-N transistor
• 1 × Battery charging module (rechargeable version only)
• 1 × PCB-mounted micro-NE555 chip
• 24 × 0.5W white straw hat LED (5mm)
• 2 × 1N4148 diode
• 1 × 100 µF electrolytic capacitor
• 3 × 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor
• 1 × 1 µF ceramic capacitor
• 1 × 10 kΩ potentiometer and nut
• 2 × 10 kΩ metal film resistor
• 2 × 200 Ω metal film resistor
• 1 × SMD micro USB port
• 2 × Connecting wires
• 1 × PH2.0-5P cable
• 1 × 2-pin JST connector (bent pin)
• 1 × 5-pin JST connector (bent pin)
• 1 × 5-pin JST connector (straight pin)
• 1 × 8-pin male connector
• 1 × 3-pin male connector
• 1 × Lamp housing
• 1 × Knob cap
• 10 × 7 mm self-tapping screws
• 4 × 5 mm self-tapping screws
• 1 × USB-A to micro-USB cable

Refer to the image gallery for photographs of each component.

Note: due to flight restrictions on lithium batteries, a rechargeable lithium battery is not included with the kit. The rechargeable version includes the special electronic components required to recharge a lithium battery only. You can purchase suitable lithium batteries (18650) in most hobby or vape shops.

Learn by building: Rather than simply reading about electronic components, you'll install them onto a working circuit and see the finished project come to life.

Develop soldering skills: The project provides practical experience installing resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs, connectors and other electronic components.

Understand how circuits come together: You'll gain a better understanding of how individual components, circuit boards, controls and LEDs work together to create a functional electronic device.

Practise component identification: The kit introduces a variety of common electronic components and requires you to identify their values, positions and correct orientation.

Build confidence with electronics: It's a rewarding project for anyone wanting to move beyond simple plug-and-play electronics and start building circuits themselves.

Finish with something useful: Unlike many electronics projects that end up sitting on a shelf, this one becomes a functional adjustable desk lamp you can actually use.

Q: Is this DIY electronics kit suitable for children?
A: The kit can be a great introduction to electronics for older children and teenagers, but it is not a soldering-free project. Because assembly involves a hot soldering iron and small electronic components, younger builders should complete the project with close adult supervision. It is particularly well suited to teenagers, students and adults interested in STEM, electronics and DIY projects.

Q: Do I need any special tools to build the lamp?
A: No specialist electronics equipment is required. You will need a soldering iron and solder wire - we sell these items too if you need them HERE. You'll also need a small Phillips screwdriver and a wire snips (or nail clippers will also work), but you most likely already have these items at home.

Q: What type of battery does the lamp use?
A: The rechargeable version of the kit requires a 18650 lithium battery, which you need to purchase separately; can be bought in most hobby shops or vape shops for around $10/£9. The kit includes the battery charging module and USB cable for charging the 18650 battery. Note the plug-in version does not require you to purchase a battery separately.

Q: Do I need to know how to solder before buying this kit?
A: No. You don't need to be an experienced electronics builder, but you should be comfortable learning to solder or be prepared to take your time following the instructions. The project is designed to give you practical soldering experience while building a working electronic device.

Q: How long does it take to build the DIY lamp?
A: Assembly time will vary depending on your soldering experience and how carefully you work. There are 32 assembly steps, so this is intended as a proper hands-on electronics project rather than a quick snap-together toy. Beginners should allow plenty of time and avoid rushing the assembly.

Q: Does the kit arrive as a finished lamp?
A: No. This is a DIY soldering kit, so the electronic components, LED board and housing need to be assembled by the customer. The finished lamp is the reward at the end of the project.

Q: Is the finished lamp actually useful?
A: Yes. Once assembled, it functions as an adjustable desk lamp rather than simply being a demonstration circuit. The flexible lamp post allows you to position the light, while the rotary control lets you adjust the brightness to suit your workspace.

Q: Is this a good gift for someone interested in electronics?
A: Absolutely. It combines a hands-on electronics project with a useful finished product, making it a more engaging gift than a conventional gadget. It is particularly suitable for electronics enthusiasts, makers, STEM students, DIY hobbyists and anyone who enjoys building things.

Q: For the rechargeable version, how long does the light last on a full charge?
A: This will depend on the specific battery capacity that you decide to install, the battery age/quality, and how bright you use the lamp. As a general guide, a 2500mAh 18650 battery can provide hours of continuous use, with the actual runtime depending on the brightness setting and the individual battery.

Q: How is the brightness controlled with this lamp and is it 'infinitely adjustable'?
A: The lamp uses a 555-timer-based Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuit to control LED brightness. Rotating the potentiometer changes the PWM duty cycle, allowing the LEDs to be smoothly adjusted from off to full brightness.

Q: What makes this a great electronics project?
A: This isn't simply an assembly kit. You'll build a working electronic circuit using a NE555 timer, resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs, a potentiometer and a MOSFET. The circuit uses PWM to control LED brightness, giving you practical experience with components and circuit assembly while producing a useful desk lamp.

• Materials: Metal + ABS plastic + electronic components
• Size: Approx. 120 × 90 × 350mm
• Lamp Post: Approx. 28cm (flexible)
• Finished Weight (including 18650 battery): approx. 250g
• LED Quantity: 24
• LED Type: 5mm, 0.5W white
• Brightness: 20–1000 Lux
• Brightness Adjustment: 0–100%
• Adjustment Method: Potentiometer
• Charging: USB charging circuit
• Operating Voltage: DC 3.7–5V
• Operating Current: 1.7A
• Rated Power: 8.5W
• Includes CC/CV recharge control module (rechargeable version only)

Anyone can build this LED Desk Lamp kit following the detailed step-by-step instruction manual included with the kit - simply scan the QR code on the product leaflet included in the box to open the detailed instruction manual. You can also download the manual using the link below.

Download LED Desk Lamp Electronics Kit Instruction Manual

Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Age Rating: 12+ (adult supervision required for under 16's)
Assembly Time: Typically 2-3 hours

Tools required for this kit

• Soldering iron
• Solder wire

We sell these items as a Bundle which saves 10 percent or we have an excellent Electronics Soldering Kit that includes these tools and more—an excellent beginners tool kit! Just click the links above to see these products.

Of course, you only need to buy the tools once; you'll use them again and again for your future electronics projects!

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LED dimming with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)