Calling all LED specialists!

[Dee Gallo]

This was posted on a FB group and intrigued me. Unfortunately, they only ship within Russia. Can any of you LED geniuses figure out how to make these? The lights are in a circle around the round thing embedded in the acrylic. Quite simple and elegant! They also make these with standoffs so you can use them for wall signs, table tops, etc. This could be a great sideline niche for someone.... please?

[Scott Shepherd]

That's an off the shelf item Dee. I've seen in in a catalog for standoffs. I have no idea who the supplier was, but it was one of the big name standoff people, like Gyford or one of those. It's available in the USA for sure. I wish I could remember who had it. I'm sure I have a catalog somewhere with it in it. Maybe B&N Industries out in California, or maybe even Outwater Plastics. Those are the three that come to mind. If I find it, I'll post it, but that might get you started.

[Dee Gallo]

Thanks Steve, I'll do some looking around. I had never seen that design before and would love to get some.

~ dee

[Scott Shepherd]

Thanks Steve, I'll do some looking around. I had never seen that design before and would love to get some.

~ dee

They weren't cheap by any means. If I recall correct, they were like $80 each.

[Joe Pelonio]

You can do this yourself. Use 1/4" green edge acrylic, cut the shape with holes just the right size for the lights, and hold them in place with a bit of clear silicone. Instead of that fabricated black circle to hide the lights, use laser cut black Rowmark or 1/8" acrylic, though even plotter cut black vinyl would work. The only trick is finding the stubby LEDs but I have used battery-operated sets sold as small Christmas lights with 10 to the set. I used a similar method to build a stand for the glass ball I blew at a glassblowing class and posted here last winter.

[nathan mcafee]

My russian is a little sketchy but I think it says "This is a frog on a globe" or something like that.

I am still looking for a source for the led stands that Jim Good sold, havent been able to get in touch with him in 2 months of trying. Any help would be appreciated. I did get some advice on building some but I can't imagine my meager abilities turning out anything good.

Thanks,

Nathan

[Gary Hair]

How about EL wire instead of LED's? It would be very easy to use and would give off a very even light. Plus, it would be a lot less than $80!

Gary

[Glen Monaghan]

I was going to mention another, not often seen, alternative but decided not to because it's pricey, but since those little LED buttons are that expensive, then I'll mention lighttape... paper thin EL tape that can be used for nearly invisibly thin edge lighting. Also comes in sheets that are good for back lighting use. Requires high voltage AC driver, not really suitable for small battery operation. But you can cut tapes to length and sheets to shapes (with some restrictions), although it's not suitable for bright environments.

-Glen

[Peter Jones]

EL wire/tape may not output enough light to create the desired effect, but the light would be pretty uniform. Has anyone seen this lit by EL wire? Would love to see what it looks like.

[Ernie Balch]

There are lots of youtube videos on laser engraved LED signs. search for led plexiglass sign on youtube.

The round standoff light it looks like a winner.

here is a link to something that appears to be correct.

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/50...showimage.html

[Dee Gallo]

Thanks, I've checked out that link - I sent an email for prices and shipping info. The site says that a minimum order is ONE. So that's good for people like me who don't deal in huge orders.

Another company was selling them for $56 each - crazy. That's of no use to me.

cheers, dee