Someday, archeologists will refer to 2005 as the year the geeks went crazy for Altoids - but not the candy, just the box the candy came in. Altoids cases are made of metal, attractive and cost less than half what a typical project case does. Plus they have candy in them!

So far this year, I've seen Altoids cases used to hold an amplifier, a pin-hole camera, an MP3 player, a survival kit and a synthesizer. Since I'm always eager to jump on a bandwagon, I decided to take an original Altoids tin and turn it into an illuminator for our 10" Skyquest!

This illuminator solves a problem I frequently have when using the scope - in the dark, I can't quickly tell my eye pieces apart. This illuminator shines straight down the side of the scope onto the eyepiece tray; providing just enough light to tell at a glance whether I've got my hand on my 12mm or the 9.

The circuit is exactly the same as the one used in the map reader. The only real difference is that drilling and cutting an Altoids case is bit tougher than a plastic project case; the tin can tear a bit when you drill, so have a needle file ready to grind off any excess.

Finally, the illuminator was attached to the scope with a bit of velcro tape - making it easy to remove the illuminator to use as a flashlight or book light.