LED lights

[razordws]

So I had a good go through of the Colonial Viper that I'm doing for the Geek Up campaign and this thing is just begging to be lit up. Aside from finding some toy that I can steal the lights out of is there an easy way to set something up? Electronics is not my strong point but I can solder a wire or two. I'm doing it in flight so I will be running a wire through the stand and hiding the batteries and switch in the base.

 

[SA Dave]

What a nice Idea sorry I cant help though.

 

[Sherman 18]

So I had a good go through of the Colonial Viper that I'm doing for the Geek Up campaign and this thing is just begging to be lit up. Aside from finding some toy that I can steal the lights out of is there an easy way to set something up? Electronics is not my strong point but I can solder a wire or two. I'm doing it in flight so I will be running a wire through the stand and hiding the batteries and switch in the base.

I thought someone sold sets for space craft. I'll check around.

If you are on Facebook there is this page, Colonial Fleet Shipyards a bunch of Battlestar related builds

 

[Sherman 18]

http://www.starshipmodeler.com/tech/techmain.htm

 

[Sherman 18]

Here is something on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9AD899_bBM

 

[Sherman 18]

Score! :drinks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Z1XkgrYjU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM4sG5yAZ1M

 

[Swordsman]

Thanks very informative ..... I agree I like the formula's in the 1st video ..... If you need any advice just ask Me I'm working with Fiber-optics and one light source (L.E.D.'s) on a Space Marine Terminator .... not sure about the outcome .... I'm still experimenting ..... ldguy

Here He is using a flashlight as a light source ..... It works! it works! ..... the base should use a tiny L.E.D. & a 3v watch battery so the light source is contained in the models base ..... that's where I'm having trouble as the base is too small ..... (WIP)

 

[ausf]

I've been obessed with LEDs in models for a while now, everything from fire effects to convoy lights.

The best to use for small spaces are surface mount diodes (SMDs), they're tiny and can fit in tight spaces. The only problem with them is that they take some skill to solder and they're so small, I tend to lose more than I use by the time they get wired.

I found a place that prewires them with resistors, so you only need to hook up a battery source and you're good to go.

Here's a link, they also sell that white backed decal paper that doesn't need to be sealed.

http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com

I've ordered a few times from them, great service.

 

[razordws]

Thanks for your input guys. That should give me enough info to get started. Funny that the video you posted Sherman also used the ModelTrain Software site that ausf posted.

 

[nerdling]

Back at Christmas time I picked up several short strands of led lights that are powered by two AA batteries. Found them at the dollar store. Not sure if they will work for what you need, but you might be able to find something like that at a craft store. They kind of look like these http://www.partylights.com/LED/LED-Battery-Operated-String-Lights/Battery-Operated-20-LED-Lights-Blue-Clear-Cord

 

[Swordsman]

I'm ing to check out the Model train SW site ..... but I still think Fiber otics is the way because of the size .....

This is a micro LED on a piece of tape ..... it is now in the carpet monster mouth .... gonna kill Him next after I get my shelving up you must solder two wires to this + a resistor so it don't go to LED heaven from too much current flow ......

Now this is my fiber optic ideal .... the red strings are the light carrier ..... now I can have four different lights with only one light source ....

Such as exhaust glow in my Razor back exhaust pipes ......

 

[ausf]

I agree with using fiber optics in tight spots, I'm using a whole bunch of them in the B9 Robot, but they're best used when lighting up buttons, etc.

If you want to light up an area, LEDs will cast light.

Here's a link to a convoy light I did for a PzIV. It'll give you an idea of how small SMDs can get and what's involved.

http://ausfwerks.com//techniques/led/main.html.html

 

[SA Dave]

This is really interesting :hmmm

 

[Swordsman]

I agree with using fiber optics in tight spots, I'm using a whole bunch of them in the B9 Robot, but they're best used when lighting up buttons, etc.

If you want to light up an area, LEDs will cast light.

Here's a link to a convoy light I did for a PzIV. It'll give you an idea of how small SMDs can get and what's involved.

http://ausfwerks.com//techniques/led/main.html.html

Well the explanation of the current involved in this I'm glad to understand how to figure out what a 3v button or Double AA battery can handle power wise ... with a stationary model it's easy to place a power source under the Dio .... But with a Mobile model such as lights on a Razorback the power source must travel & be self contained ... I must go to work now I'll check out your link later .....

 

[razordws]

Thanks again everyone.

In the end I took Nerdling's advice and went and checked out a dollar store and ended up buying a couple of LED battery powered puck lights. For $2 I got everything I need except some wiring which I can scavenge from somewhere.

I also bought I couple of flickering LED tea lights to see what they would look like for the thrusters but they use a warm light which will probably be too yellow for what I need. Not sure if I would like the flickering anyway.

 

[Prop Duster]

Thanks again everyone.

In the end I took Nerdling's advice and went and checked out a dollar store and ended up buying a couple of LED battery powered puck lights. For $2 I got everything I need except some wiring which I can scavenge from somewhere.

I also bought I couple of flickering LED tea lights to see what they would look like for the thrusters but they use a warm light which will probably be too yellow for what I need. Not sure if I would like the flickering anyway.

For the flicker lights maybe you could insert a translucent plastic peice. color of your choice, between the LED and the opening. Might worth an experiment or two.

 

[razordws]

I will definitely experiment with it Prop Duster but I am leaning towards not doing the flickering lights. I read one build review where the guy painted the clear thruster parts tamiya transparent blue to get the blue light that he wanted instead of having to use a plastic piece. Stay tuned on my build in the Geek up Campaign.