|
Having trouble reading this email? View it on your browser.
|
Welcome back to the Weekend Projects newsletter. Last week we converted a pocket microscope into a USB webcam-scope. This time, we're going to etch a piece of polyester plastic, hack an LED onto a CR2032 battery holder, and mod our piece of plastic to create a Floating Glow Display
. This project is so simple and fun, in all honesty, it'll take longer to gather the tools than to complete the build. This is also a great project to convert any scrap pieces of plastic (even CD cases work) into gorgeous glowing signs. Don't forget to email us pictures of your projects and tell us about them on our Facebook page!
|
Floating Glow Display |
Battery holder hack |
Helping hands can help |
Our clever LED hack |
|
The Tools Make the Maker
A good rotary tool is key to the success of this project. We'll be working with 1/16" polyester plastic and recommend a routing bit, grinding bit, and a cut-off wheel. Etching the plastic is probably the most time-consuming part, but also the most fun! Remember: Keep your material free of debris, as any mistakes can't be undone. Also be sure to work in a ventilated area if you're bothered by the smell of etched plastic. And wear safety glasses!
Battery Holder Hack
Intended to plug into a solderless breadboard, this CR2032 Battery Holder, exclusive to RadioShack, has been changed in both design and function. Instead of powering components somewhere else on a board, the battery holder is soldered directly to an LED. It also doubles as a display stand for our future Floating Glow Display, thanks to three plastic feet on the underside which normally space this component from a breadboard.
Know Your LEDs
LEDs come in many shapes, sizes, and brightness levels. For this project, we suggest using standard 5mm high-brightness LEDs. 10mm LEDs will require too much grinding of the epoxy encapsulation, and 3mm LEDs feel too puny. Rectangular LEDs, if they're bright enough, will save some grinding time. And remember the long leg is always the positive (anode), the short leg the negative (cathode).
This Sign Could Say Anything
There is a lot of depth and texture in the etching and our pictures don't do this sign justice. That's why we want to see your finished glowing sign! Email us pictures of your Floating Glow Display, and let us know if you come up with any other clever ways to hack the sign (like blinking LEDs, or perhaps, an ultraviolet LED with fluorescent paint for the image instead of the etching).
|
|
|
|
