Glowies, Blinkies, UVies & Other Illuminations

A place to discuss all things involving power and technology (including cameras). Generator tips, alternative energy, lighting your camp/bike/art/self, sound systems and more.
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gyre
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Post by gyre » Sun Apr 18, 2010 6:37 pm

No, but the illumination may cause you to be above caring, when the lack of lighting results in your consequent involuntary conversion.

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EmilyD
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Post by EmilyD » Tue Apr 20, 2010 12:30 pm

gyre wrote:No, but the illumination may cause you to be above caring, when the lack of lighting results in your consequent involuntary conversion.
or involuntary convulsion?
You don't have to be skinny, naked and under 30 to be a Hottie!

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EmilyD
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Video of Lit Bike & Clothing

Post by EmilyD » Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:43 am

A friend sent me this video from Seattle which has a cool idea...LEDs shining inside spoons?!?

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Zip Ties

Post by EmilyD » Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:28 pm

So I'm confused about the use of zip ties vs. Velcro straps for attaching lights to bikes. Someone mentioned UV zip ties at one point but the guy at the hardware store had never heard of such a thing. Obviously Velcro straps would be easier but wouldn't the lights be less secure?
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gyre
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Post by gyre » Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:36 pm

Velcro is good for things that you need to take off.
Better to use the industrial strength.

The UV resistant ties are usually black.
Electrical and electronic supply houses are the typical source.
There are some ziptie distributors.

Note that they make a removable ziptie type.

HVAC suppliers carry very large ones, many feet in length.

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geospyder
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Post by geospyder » Sat Apr 24, 2010 8:40 pm

If you use zip ties, be very careful how they are facing when you cut them. I sliced up the inside of my thighs on the cut edges while riding my bike and didn't notice until I was quite bloody. Make sure the cut part is out of harms way.
You know it's going to be a bad day when you jump out of bed and miss the floor.

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gyre
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Post by gyre » Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:08 am

Even better, use flush cutters if you have them and grind off any sharp edges.

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Post by EmilyD » Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:27 am

geospyder wrote:If you use zip ties, be very careful how they are facing when you cut them. I sliced up the inside of my thighs on the cut edges while riding my bike and didn't notice until I was quite bloody. Make sure the cut part is out of harms way.
AIEEE! maybe it would be good to cover them in some kind of duct tape or something after trimming?
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Post by CowGuy » Mon May 03, 2010 7:42 pm

I'm wanting to make around 200 LED throwies and I'm not sure if it would be a good idea or not. I don't want them to be left as moop or anything. You can find them here http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Throwies/. What is your opinion on them?

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Post by Sham » Mon May 03, 2010 7:50 pm

Those throwies are very cool, but sadly, they will become moop. If you could put a lanyard on them and make a necklace, they may be better suited for the playa. Lights to give away are ALWAYS welcome. Maybe even some sort of safety pin would work too.
They are very cool, so stick with the idea and work on a different variation. :D

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Post by CowGuy » Mon May 03, 2010 8:06 pm

Shambala wrote:Those throwies are very cool, but sadly, they will become moop. If you could put a lanyard on them and make a necklace, they may be better suited for the playa. Lights to give away are ALWAYS welcome. Maybe even some sort of safety pin would work too.
They are very cool, so stick with the idea and work on a different variation. :D
I'd like to do the lanyard idea, but sadly they would blow my budget. Maybe just make some of my own with some fancy string.

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gyre
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Post by gyre » Mon May 03, 2010 11:50 pm

People have given away LEDs with batteries to tape together.
These work as personal marker lights stuck in a pocket or run through a hole in clothing, etc.
The tape can be annoying to use, but it does work if the tape is good quality.
I recommend 3M elctrical tape because it reapplies easily without residue.
It comes in a large range of colors too.
I have seen christmas strings being cut up on the playa for this.
You do need LEDs that match the battery voltage.

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Post by C.f.M. » Tue May 04, 2010 9:55 am

[youtube][/youtube]

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theCryptofishist
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Post by theCryptofishist » Tue May 04, 2010 7:04 pm

CowGuy wrote:
Shambala wrote:Those throwies are very cool, but sadly, they will become moop. If you could put a lanyard on them and make a necklace, they may be better suited for the playa. Lights to give away are ALWAYS welcome. Maybe even some sort of safety pin would work too.
They are very cool, so stick with the idea and work on a different variation. :D
I'd like to do the lanyard idea, but sadly they would blow my budget. Maybe just make some of my own with some fancy string.
Good hardware stores sell nylon twine in all sorts of colors. Even rainbow if you can stand the hippie connection.
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C.f.M.
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Post by C.f.M. » Thu May 13, 2010 7:08 am

I prefer velcro, the zip ties didn't hold stuff as tight and still as I'd thought.

Here's some wind-powered lights:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/on-sale/b678/

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Post by C.f.M. » Thu May 13, 2010 8:01 am

Also just saw the Lowe's (in my area, anyways) has BOGOF landscape solar lights.

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Post by EmilyD » Thu May 13, 2010 5:17 pm

C.f.M. wrote:I prefer velcro, the zip ties didn't hold stuff as tight and still as I'd thought.

Here's some wind-powered lights:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/on-sale/b678/
Ooooh those are nice!
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Post by Mojojita » Fri May 14, 2010 11:49 am

C.f.M. wrote:I prefer velcro, the zip ties didn't hold stuff as tight and still as I'd thought.

Here's some wind-powered lights:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/on-sale/b678/
That link is magnificent - they have a bunch of bacon-flavored stuff like lip balm and jelly beans!!!!!!!!

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Post by EmilyD » Fri May 14, 2010 6:17 pm

That link is magnificent - they have a bunch of bacon-flavored stuff like lip balm and jelly beans!!!!!!!![/quote]

Mojojita, is it possible to subsist entirely on bacon, chocolate, water and vodka at Burning Man? I'm hoping so. ;-)
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Post by Mojojita » Sat May 15, 2010 9:16 am

EmilyD wrote:
That link is magnificent - they have a bunch of bacon-flavored stuff like lip balm and jelly beans!!!!!!!!
Mojojita, is it possible to subsist entirely on bacon, chocolate, water and vodka at Burning Man? I'm hoping so. ;-)[/quote]

I suppose you could, but then you would miss the guacamole and chips.

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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Sat May 15, 2010 9:39 am

Thread drift ....

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Post by EmilyD » Sat May 15, 2010 12:27 pm

AntiM wrote:Thread drift ....
Sorry AntiM. Okay back to thread. I have 2 strings of these lights for my CandyHome Trailer but I need two more. If anyone sees these out and about please let me know STAT! There are a few on Amazon but they're way over priced.

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Post by robotland » Sun Jun 06, 2010 10:31 am

C.f.M. wrote:I prefer velcro, the zip ties didn't hold stuff as tight and still as I'd thought.

/
Harbor Freight is a good place to get Velcro and zipties...the 'cro comes in handy rolls in two sizes, and the zips are usually on sale for $1.99 a bag/100 often...(usually $5.49 or more per bag, so wait for the sale.)
Howdy From Kalamazoo

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gyre
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Post by gyre » Sun Jun 06, 2010 11:55 am

HF probably doesn't have the industrial velcro.
Get that stuff.

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Post by robotland » Tue Jun 08, 2010 5:46 am

gyre wrote:HF probably doesn't have the industrial velcro.
Get that stuff.
True, HF's stuff is non-industrial...but it's the nifty self-attaching, two-sided stuff. Super Handy!
Howdy From Kalamazoo

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Post by Shotglass75 » Sat Jul 03, 2010 9:45 pm

Don't know if this has been posted but this light tape looks cool

http://www.elshine.it/inglese/magictapes.htm


US link
http://shop.lighttape.com/

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rediknight
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Post by rediknight » Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:35 am

Harpman wrote:Don't bother bringing your White Gas Coleman lanterns. They are a hassle with the gas, the pumping the mantles. Oye.
In stead, I got one one of those Coleman Fluorescent lanterns with the remote control. The remote is the size of a car alarm remote. It's great for activating your tent light before you enter, and can serve as a beacon as you stumble back home at 4:00 AM. "Now where was my tent?"
Also, for those newbies, who are campers, and know that florescent bulbs attract bugs. Don't worry. There are no bugs on the Playa, too hot / too cold / too dry.
Didn't read through the entire thread but did do a search and don't think anyone posted anything on the Coleman LED Quad Lantern yet.

Just picked this up from Amazon and am very pleased. I stumbled across this bad boy by looking for a portable video light for filming inside of dark Nightclubs. It has four removable panels that hold 24 LEDs total. Each of the four sections can be removed and carried as a portable light to go to the shower, tent, or yurt. When the section or sections are returned to the lantern base, they easily reattach and immediately start to recharge as well as illuminate.

Powered by eight D-cell batteries that are housed in the lantern base, the LED Quad Lantern operates for up to 75 hours. Each of the four panels contains a rechargeable NiMH battery that powers it while it is in use away from the lantern. Each panel is recharged from the main D-cells power source while docked on the base station. Run times for each section is up to 1.5 hours while away from the docking station.

Each section also has a handle on top to carry it or hang it. A main on/off switch is placed on the lantern’s top section, plus each removable section has a switch. You can easily pop one of the panels in your backpack and they are very lightweight.

$55 from Amazon right now

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gyre
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Post by gyre » Tue Jul 06, 2010 6:32 am

The coleman 11 watt fluorescent lantern/ flood is the best one I have used.

If anyone finds any for sale now, please let me know.

It slides open to convert.

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Post by red arrow » Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:17 am

just got my el wire but it is USB and im not going to have a USB port on the playa

anyone know if i can order a battery powered USB port, something that takes AA batteries or the likes and will power my USB el wire??

thanks :D
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gyre
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Post by gyre » Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:12 pm

I've seen adapters for cars.
Seems like a hard approach.

I think they are running on 5 volts dc.

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