Newbie post- cockpit lighting

jkiker · Post by **jkiker** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:30 pm

Hi all,

I am not new to modeling but I am a newbie when it comes to lighting. I am thinking about lighting my next project, which will include two engines plus cockpit lighting for two crew members. I am planning on using LED's. I am considering using one LED (white) as a source for the cockpit lights with at least some fiber optics. I am sure this has been covered in detail, but please bear with me. Can I drill a short hole into the LED to attach the fiber optics, or must I epoxy them onto the outer surface? A series of small, shallow holes makes sense from the perspective of achieving a good mount... All replies appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Yoda

USS Atlantis · Post by **USS Atlantis** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 5:50 pm

While you COULD drill holes, you have to be sure not to go too deep and let all the magic smoke out

The preferred method is either gluing with some type of clear glue (NOT CA though) or what I use is shrink-tube - careful with the heat level though, you can distort the plastic FO strands

face · Post by **face** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:24 pm

heat shrink tubing, end of story. Bundle up a few strands of fibre optics, however many you plan to use for the cockpit lights, and slide a bit of heat shrink over the end(1/8" or so), then using a heat gun/hair dryer or a soldering iron(be careful) to shrink the tubing. Cut the end flush with a sharp hobby knife, then using a larger piece of heat shrink(1/4" should work), slip one end on the LED and the other on the bundle of FO, then apply heat and voila, done!

jkiker · Post by **jkiker** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:11 pm

Thanks Ken and Face,

So, it surely sounds do-able! Does heat shrink tubing come in sizes? I would think so but have no idea what I'd need. And am I correct to assume that I could do several bundles (say 3-4) of FO and secure them all an LED? I gotta do the research!

Thanks, Jim

USS Atlantis · Post by **USS Atlantis** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:27 pm

Yes, I have a variety of Heat-shrink ranging from 1/8" to 1/2" pre-shrinking

If you're using standard .75mm-1mm diameter FO, then you can put a few into a single bundle shrunk to a 5mm flat-top LED

Moving down to .25mm increases the number of strands you can have coming off that single LED