A periscope allows you to see things from a higher angle of view or are obstructed by higher objects. Modern submarines use periscopes with complex systems of lenses and prisms, but you can make a simple periscope using an ordinary mirror in your home with the steps below and this simple periscope can give you a clear view. This periscope was also used for military needs in the 20th century.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Periscope out of Cardboard
Step 1. Find two mirrors that have almost the same size
You can use a flat mirror that is square, circular, or some other shape. The two mirrors don't need to be the same shape, but they should fit in a cardboard box.
You can look for small mirrors at craft or arts stores and from online stores
Step 2. Cut the milk carton on top
Find two empty milk cartons that are one liter in size and large enough to fit in a mirror. Cut and discard the triangular top of the cardboard, then wash the cardboard to remove the milky smell.
- If you don't have milk cartons, you can also use tubular cartons.
- You can also use sheet cardboard which is quite strong. Cut it into quarters with a knife or cutter, then glue each piece into a square shape.
Step 3. Glue the two cardboards together
Use tape to glue the two open ends of the cardboard box together into one long cardboard box. To strengthen the joints, try to glue one side of the cardboard box with tape and then glue it to the four outer sides of the cardboard.
You can make a longer periscope by gluing a few more cardboard boxes together in the same way. However, the longer your periscope, the smaller the view that can be seen
Step 4. Make a hole on one side the size of your mirror
Place your mirror on one side of the cardboard about 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the end of the cardboard. Draw a pencil line by placing your mirror on the cardboard, then cut along the line to make a hole.
- It is easier to use a cutting knife to make the hole, but use it with adult supervision, as the cutting knife is very sharp.
- If you're using tubular cardboard, flatten the tube so you can make a line.
Step 5. Insert the mirror into the hole at a 45 degree angle
Use the double tip to glue your mirror to the inner side of the cardboard in the hole you made. Adjust the position so that the entire mirror surface can be seen through the hole and direct the mirror surface to the other end of the cardboard at an angle of 45 degrees.
- To ensure a 45 degree angle, use a ruler to measure the distance from the corner of the cardboard to the edge of the cardboard that touches the edge of the mirror. Then measure the distance between the corner of the same cardboard and the other end of the mirror. If the distance between the two is the same, your mirror is tilted at 45 degrees.
- Don't use glue just yet, as you may end up repositioning the mirror.
Step 6. Make a hole in the other end of the cardboard, facing in the opposite direction
To know where to make the hole, place the cardboard in front of you, making sure the hole you just made is on top. Rotate the cardboard until the hole you just made is facing the opposite side. Make a second hole in the bottom on the side facing you now. Repeat the previous method by making a line before you cut.
Step 7. Insert the second mirror in the hole you just made
Make sure you can see the surface of the mirror like the first mirror and make the second mirror face the first mirror at a 45 degree angle. At this angle, the first mirror will reflect light into the periscope while the second mirror will reflect it into your eye. You will see the reflection of this light as an illustration of what is in front of the hole that is not facing you.
Step 8. Take a look at one hole and adjust the mirror position
Do you see the reflected image clearly? Otherwise, you can adjust the tilt position of your periscope mirror. You can see a clear picture when both mirrors are tilted at 45 degrees.
Step 9. Secure the mirror adhesive to the periscope
If the double tip isn't enough to keep the mirror in place, use glue. Once the mirror adhesive is strong, you can use your periscope to spy on people or see things that are obstructed by crowds.
If the light reflected into your eye is too bright and makes it difficult for you to see the reflected image, tape black paper to the outer edge of the hole
Method 2 of 2: Making a Periscope out of PVC Pipe
Step 1. Find a PVC pipe or two
Look for pipes that are between 12 inches and 20 inches long, but remember the longer the pipe, the smaller the reflected image. You can also use two pipes that are slightly different in size, so that the two pipes can be connected. This allows you to rotate the pipe to adjust its length when using the periscope.
You can buy PVC pipe at a hardware store or home improvement store
Step 2. Install an “L” shaped pipe joint at each end
Attach these joints at each end of the pipe to form a periscope. Make sure the open end is facing the opposite direction to see the image being blocked by something.
Step 3. Find a mirror that fits into the pipe
This mirror must be small enough to fit through the ends of the pipe. It's easier to use a round mirror that you can get at a craft store or online.
Step 4. Put the mirror in a 45 degree tilt position
Use a double tip to glue the mirror into the pipe joint. Look inside the joint, at the mirror you just inserted. Adjust the mirror position until you can see the other end of the pipe connection, Or remove the pipe connection and adjust the mirror position until you can see the reflection of the image straight up.
Step 5. Insert a second mirror at the other end of the pipe connection
Adjust the position of the mirror so that it reaches a 45 degree angle, so that light can be reflected from the first mirror to the second mirror towards the end of the pipe.
Step 6. Position the mirror on the periscope
Adjust the position of the mirror until you can see a clear picture through the periscope. Once you can see clearly, strengthen the mirror bond on your pipe using pipe glue, plastic glue or several layers of double tips.
Tips
- The bigger the mirror, the bigger the reflected image.
- You can make a small mirror out of old CD discs, but use gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from the disc fragments, and be under adult supervision. Heat the CD with a hairdryer to make it firmer, then cut several times with a cutting knife until you get the shape and size you want.
