Page 165 - 15 Dangerously Mad Projects for the Evil Genius

Chapter 11 ■ Flash Bomb 143

Step 1. Disassemble the
Disposable Camera

These disposable cameras (Figure 11-3) are
remarkably complex considering their price tag of
a few dollars. Little difference exists between them
and a cheap film camera. In the device chosen, the
flash uses a decent-sized capacitor and packs a
considerable punch.
Do not take the camera apart if the flash is on.
The camera will have a switch that turns it on, and
when the flash is charged, a ready light will come Figure 11-3 A single-use camera
on. The camera used by the author had a press
switch that had to be held down for eight seconds to use caution with the following steps until you have
turn the flash on. If this ready light is on, its had a chance to discharge the capacitor.
capacitor will be charged up to over 300V, just If you peel back the adhesive labels over the
waiting to discharge itself through you. This will plastic, you will find clips that hold the camera in
hurt and could cause some injury. Not only that, but place. Carefully unclip these, revealing the innards
many parts of the circuit board will be at high of the camera (Figure 11-4).
voltage even though the flash might be switched off.
Notice the large tubular capacitor below the
So, make sure the flash is off. If you have had lens. Before you go any further, without touching
the flash on to try out the camera, turn it off and anything metal, flip out the single AA battery, and
leave the camera alone for a few hours. Even then, using a screwdriver, short out the two leads of the

Figure 11-4 The inside of the single-use camera