Elektor Peltier lamp : the PCB
An apparently harmless detail: if you
mount the PCB screws like this, and the
nuts under the lamp base, all will be well.
The reverse is not true, because if a corner of
the nuts protrudes over the edge of the PCB,
the PCB will not fit in its housing.
For the rest, everything went in accordance with the instructions. The ingenuity of the construction of this kit with the panels of acrylic sheet is remarkable. Also, it is easily disassembled and can serve as a teaching or stunning aid. If for example you give it to a young person, you can help them with the first assembly and later encourage them to disassemble it and reassemble it without help.

Attractive cases

Elektor has been reproached on occasions for not making enough effort in the casing and general presentation of published electronics projects. But it will certainly not have escaped your notice that the range of products presented in the E-Store has been enriched by the products labeled ElektorLabs which are notable for their attractive presentation. The use of transparent Plexiglas material enhances the electronics within rather than hiding it. With its solidity, it is suitable for the production of robust cabinets as well as simple, easily reproducible mechanisms. The sand clock is a typical example. It also confirms that one of the keys to the success of such kits lies in a comprehensive approach, the design from A to Z being in the hands of the same person. Result: electronics, mechanics, technical and aesthetics are in harmony. The case of the Nixie clock and surely that of this "candle2light" Peltier reading lamp are two others.

To conclude

That I took a fair bit more than the two hours given in the instructions for the assembly of the kit does not seem to me a bad thing. Is it not a pleasant distraction to be busy but not hurried with a kit which is so well developed, described and prepared with such care and attention to detail? So it’s normal not to skimp on the construction. One takes the time that is needed. And when at last the LED lamp lights up, around a minute after lighting the candle, the final satisfaction is greatest.

As with all lighted candles, it’s best not to leave this lamp unattended.