Using A 3V DC Purple Coin Cell Holder For A Model Train LED

In our last video project we used several of the purple, LilyPad style 3V battery holders with a built in on/off switch. I like these so much for small projects I thought I'd make a video talking about them a bit more. These really are idea for spots when you don't want to get involved with more complex wiring but you still want some LED flavor.
These holders were originally designed to be used in textile projects where the holder can be sewn right into the fabric using conductive thread. Even the mounting holes are actually called "sew tabs", though with a little hunting we found metric screws that are an ideal substitute when mounting these holders on solid material.
As most hobby white LEDs are 3V 20mA, a typical 3V 220mAh coin cell can be used without a resistor and last for up to 11 hours. Your mileage may vary of course depending on the battery brand, but we've found this to be a pretty accurate estimate.
Here are links to some of the items we used in this project:
Coin Cell Battery Holders
amzn.to/2svxHC5
Coin Cell Batteries
amzn.to/2FdQynH
Philips Pan Head Self-Tapping Screw Assortment
amzn.to/2SNk4su
I ended up using the M2 x 6mm pan head sheet metal screw from this assortment to keep the battery holder in place.
Harbor Freight Screwdriver Set
bit.ly/35hfUvJ
As almost always at Harbor Freight, use either a 20% off coupon or get one of the little freebies they offer, like a flashlight, with any purchase!
Loctite Gel CA Glue
amzn.to/36idq1k
My favorite CA glue, works like a charm on less than perfect surfaces.

[@bradthurkle7217]

Great idea for replacing batteries in welding helmet. So just swap out when need be.

[@esmirhodzic981]

great vid buddy :D

[@Raildig]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@nynscaler2482]

Great video. I like the concept. Have you tried these cells with the Woodland Scenics Just Plug System?

[@Raildig]

I suppose you could rig one up the way it's shown here as long as it's a single white LED. The Just Plug system looks cool though and I believe Woodland Scenics uses their own light designs, they have some nice pieces!

[@aaahhellno]

Enjoyed the video. Very clear for the novice 😅. Are you aware of any lily pads, or similar, that are not with an on/off switch? I’m hoping for a push to make contact type. Thank you in advance

[@Raildig]

Glad you liked the video, thank you! There are coin cell holders with no switch, usually very bare bones design but I think they're reliable enough. You might want to try over at Evans Designs for ideas... here's a link to their site and this page features a separate push button switch and a plain holder: evandesigns.com/collections/hobby-leds/products/chip-light-kit
Not sure if this is the kind of thing you meant, but it might be a starting point for more information.

[@aaahhellno]

@@Raildig ruclips.net/video/9HufYmJJXYU/видео.html
This would have explained it exactly😂😂😂

[@gustavotobon7042]

Hello,
I really like your videos and now I have a question. How can you connect more than one of these coin holders together in case I want to add a remote control.
Thank you

[@Raildig]

I don't want to give you any bad advice here where batteries are concerned but it sounds like you looking to connect batteries in parallel. I would much prefer you check out a search of something like "coin cells in parallel" and get a really qualified answer to this question. Even with small batteries like these, I'd prefer to be a bit on the safe side.

[@janylove7432]

Hi. Whats the name of the wire? And the size? I know nothing about this and I am trying to conncet LED lights. If you can please let me know. Thank you

[@Raildig]

This wire came attached to the lightpost but I'd guess it's 28 gauge wire. I normally use a custom twisted Kynar wire that's 28 AWG. You can find this kind of wire here: evandesigns.com/collections/wire-switch-more/products/twisted-kynar-wire.

[@janylove7432]

Oh I see. I would look at both options. Thank you soo much for the quick response and your video. I really appreciated

[@Raildig]

If you use that link I added to the last comment, it'll take you to the 28 gauge wire page over at Evans Designs. For LEDs though you can use almost any small diameter wire. There's no specific wire name, only wire gauge - or thickness of the wire. The higher the number, the thinner the wire. Evans Designs are a great resource for LEDs, definitely check them out! evandesigns.com/

[@Raildig]

@@janylove7432 You're very welcome :)

[@TheJpec361]

So one light per coin cell?

[@Raildig]

Hi Jeff, I just used a single LED here to show the holder with a single light but you can definitely attach more than one light, depending on how you do it it will affect brightness / length of battery life. I should probably make another video on this but in the meantime, you can check out this video by Evan Designs: ruclips.net/video/7udZCpXp75E/видео.html
Here they're using a parallel connection, there's also a series connection you can make. Once you get a handle on parallel vs series and how they affect LEDs and batteries, it can open up possibilities for you.
For very small projects like out Christmas layout we just did, I tend to go, 1 battery to 1 LED, for extending battery life and being able to turn individual LEDs on and off easily.