After my DIY iPhone video light post yesterday I got a pingback for someone posting the story on a another blog. The guy who reposted the story mentioned a iPhone powered version in an iPhone hacker book. Here’s mine.

First off, it’s not problem powering stuff from the iPod/iPhone itself – pin 18 on the dock connector provides 3.3V out, which can be used for various things. What it can not be used for is power the very high powered Cree bulb I used in my video light (or if it does, it will run the iPhone dry extremely fast). Still, when the reposter had to bring it up, I had to show you how without buying the $35 book he’s referring to.

The deal here is simple. The dock connector gives you 3.3V out. A normal 5mm white LED needs 3V. Connect the two. You’re done. Seriously, that’s it. To give myself a little bit of a challenge I stuffed the entire thing inside one of those micro dock connectors that the new devices comes with, so the entire add on is very small. Pictures and video is below if you want proof or want to do this yourself, but trust me when I say the battery powered Cree version is a hell of a lot more useful.