Brighter Rope Lights?

dragonfly Jafe · Post by **dragonfly Jafe** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:40 am

Anyone know if there is anything brighter than "rope lights" out there? We did a night time lighting test this weekend, and we are either going to have to do something else or use a whole lot more rope lights than we thought...anyone ever try blacklights combined with blacklight paint to make their vehcile "glow"?

regards, Jafe

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:47 am

You could mount 12V blacklights on booms both UP and AWAY from the vehicle (so you don't smack heads!) so that the UV paint can be broadly illuminated- Also augment with relective tape. You can also use multiple strands of EL, of course, but then your costs start to climb sharply. How about diodes?

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:54 am

Some one posted a site for real bright wheel spokes just yesterday

dragonfly Jafe · Post by **dragonfly Jafe** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:03 pm

Thanks for the ideas (I hadn't thought of reflective strips...) We already have ElWire outlineing the vehicle, but want the painted walls to be highly visible at night also (if you can't see the art....) I have some 12v blacklight cold cathode tubes, but they do not project much light very far. I am concerned about using regular glass blacklights due to the breakage hazard/MOOP factor. I wondering if it is worth the trouble (and $$$) to buy blacklight paint and blacklights to get that "glow" - anyone have any experiences in this area? What did you use for your blacklights? I remember an earlier thread that mentioned using white light with a congo blue filter to approximate a blacklight (but brighter) - anyone ever tried this?

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:16 pm

Can't youput your bulbs in clear plasic tubing? The do that in industy where there is a danger of breakage.

Selkie · Post by **Selkie** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:40 pm

Well it depends on whether you want to use the blacklight and paints to make it so you can see where you're going or so that people can see you and the art.

Personally, I've seen how freakin bright good blacklight paints can be with the right blacklight. I swear you can see those things for miles.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 6:09 am

You can protect UV flouro tubes by putting them in clear plastic tubes designed for golf clubs....(many are translucent, but they DO make clear ones.) In a pinch, you can wrap them with clear packing tape. Two strips longways will cover if done carefully. You may be able to boost the output on those cold cathode UV's by making a reflector, or even salvaging one from a fishtank or fixture. Mylar space-blanket, spray adhesive and folded cardboard will work too- I made a funhouse with mirrormaze from the same materials!