Looking for LED lighting modification suggestions

[Arr MiHardies]

Well, my other thread about this vanished so I'm trying again. The other one was pretty long, and I don't feel like retyping it all, so I'll sum up.

I'm trying to find a way to make the LED light strips look like a single glowing bar instead of a many little individual dots. Any suggestions?

If a mod removed my previous post, I'd like to know what offended so I can avoid it in the future. Thanks!

 

[Phil]

I tried several ideas that didn't work. I used translucent tubing (frosted look), about 5 varieties. No go. I almost bought expensive diffuser material, but never found a narrow width I needed.

I DID learn that to get that smooth look ( I fully agree on that look) from LEDs, you can't have the diffuser laying on the LEDs. There has to be distance. So, no go.

I DID find 'glow wire'. Search eBay for that term and you'll find loads of options. Some is EL and not super bright, but will give that pure line of color that I think you're looking for. Be prepared for some soldering!!



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[Arr MiHardies]

It appears my missing post appeared on a different forum. My apologies.

 

[Arr MiHardies]

I tried several ideas that didn't work. I used translucent tubing (frosted look), about 5 varieties. No go. I almost bought expensive diffuser material, but never found a narrow width I needed.

I DID learn that to get that smooth look ( I fully agree on that look) from LEDs, you can't have the diffuser laying on the LEDs. There has to be distance. So, no go.

I DID find 'glow wire'. Search eBay for that term and you'll find loads of options. Some is EL and not super bright, but will give that pure line of color that I think you're looking for. Be prepared for some soldering!!



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That glow wire is pretty inexpensive. Any reason you didn't go with it? I'd be wondering how to adhere it to the bike.

 

[Phil]

That glow wire is pretty inexpensive. Any reason you didn't go with it? I'd be wondering how to adhere it to the bike.

Well.... #1, Not so bright; then- mounting it (as you caught); not sure how rugged it is; lots of fork getting it to the right lengths; large ballasts to find homes for; and I didn't find it until AFTER I did most of the LED work!! I may still get some just to play with.


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[Bob Denman]

I'm sitting on the sidelines here since my Missus has absoutely FORBIDDEN :shocked: the "Christmas Tree look" pps: It relates to a "monetary mishap" caused by a GoldWing that got out of control...
But that doesn't mean that I can't learn somethuing! :thumbup:
Would waterproofing issies sideline the glow wire stuff?
I keep thinking that I could stuff some LEDs up into the Tupperware and keep it hidden from her... :bowdown:

 

[Phil]

Bob- you always make me laugh!! I can't wait to meet you (and the mysterious missus) some day . Good point on the water issues on the glow wire EL. Might be entertaining watching body parts glow with it! I did order some purple so we'll see how it goes... er glows.

One issue- seems they use 3vdc. I feel a little dc-dc converter circuit work in my future!


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[Arr MiHardies]

Thought I read they were water resistant.

 

[Bob Denman]

Phil,
After 28 years of wedded "Bliss" :shocked:, she could tell stories about my errors in judgement that'd make you howl! :roflblack:
She's the conscience that the Good Lord left off the inventory list...

 

[Phil]

Thought I read they were water resistant.

I'm betting that the wire is, but the drivers aren't. I'll know in about 2 weeks!


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[Arr MiHardies]

Well, I'd put the drivers near my led remote receiver.

 

[Phil]

OK... got a 15' 'purple' EL wire in.

1. NOT BRIGHT at all. BUT... can be used as an accent to a line of something. It actually looks like glowing thick string.
2. Driver is NOT weather resistant. So... needs to be tucked out of the way.
3. 'Purple' really means dirty pink!

Not sure I'll mount it on Darth or not.