Has anyone used EL tape on a model?

[jamstraz]

Just curiosity if it would be an effective light source. Not saying I would but I think it might be a good way to light long flat like areas like a Star Trek ship nacelle on a 1/350 scale.

 

[skiffy]

I'd be interested in the efficacy of EL tape myself - particularly to light the monitor screens in my 1:18 Aliens APC build. There's not much room for anything else.

 

[xl97]

The inverter box is usually rather big.. so check that it fits in your models first (or wherever you plan to house it)

 

[Richard Baker]

Inverter box size and the tendency for EL to fade brightness over time are the only drawbacks I have read about. Auto parts stores sell EL wire which is even easier to fit in tight places

 

[xl97]

^ Very true.

That being said..

I just recently watched a HackSmith video on YouTube, (WonderWoman lasso of truth)

Where they used hi-bright EL wire.. and even did a hack to run more amp (or something) through it.. to make it VERY (very) bright..

(without the braided cord stuff for strength/support).. it look very good/cool)

Might be worth a watch if thats your route..

 

[3Dsf]

I'm not crazy about EL wire personally. It has a finite lifespan, it isn't very bright, colours tend to be a bit spooky, the inverter boxes take up room, and most affordable inverter boxes make a high pitched noise.

That said, the spooky glow effect can work for some projects, so.

 

[xl97]

I would -normally- agree 100% of the time...

and I never recommend EL wire/tape for any projects really..

but this is one 'exception' to any EL projects I have seen before.

this is BRIGHT (IMO of course)

basically took the inverter and hacked (modified) it so the used a different capacitor so they could throw more voltage at it...

 

[3Dsf]

basically took the inverter and hacked (modified) it so the used a different capacitor so they could throw more voltage at it...

You can totally do that. But if you boost the power input, you decrease the lifespan of the EL wire.

 

[star-art]

For something like that, try laser wire:

Laser Wire® Cable is Brighter Than EL Wire & Fiber Optic Lighting

Laser Wire® Cable is only 1mm in diameter; it blows away Fiber Optic Lights and EL Wire in brightness, flexibility, integration and much more.

www.ellumiglow.com

 

[jamstraz]

For something like that, try laser wire:

Laser Wire® Cable is Brighter Than EL Wire & Fiber Optic Lighting

Laser Wire® Cable is only 1mm in diameter; it blows away Fiber Optic Lights and EL Wire in brightness, flexibility, integration and much more.

www.ellumiglow.com

Was looking at that last night. I honestly don't plan on using any of this but was curious if anyone has

 

[gedmac66]

I used EL wire on my Deago MF build , specifically for lighting the ‘ maintenance pit ‘ areas. I wasn’t too concerned about it’s longevity properties , due to the lights and electronics only ever being ‘ switched on ‘ during the build phase ( for testing & photo -records ) , and then a few times when visiting family/friends were interested in seeing it once ‘ finished ‘ early on.