Need some help with a back-lit frame

[Scream]

Hi guys.

I recently purchased a replica map from Weta, which has some hidden runes that can only be seen when the map is back lit.

Here is Weta's version:

They say they use a strip of LED lights attached to a battery pack, which is mounted inside of the frame, which is what I intend to do also, but I've run into a couple of hitches.

I'm not sure how I'm going to back light the runes evenly, without the light fading out towards the edges. Secondly, I'm worried that if I cut a hole in the backing around the runes that the whole will be obvious when the lights are on. (I've seen this happen to someone else's map frame)

Basically I'm just looking for ideas on how to go about it. There's definitely some talented people here when it comes to this sort of thing.

 

[Ronan87]

Diffuser to diffuse the light source.
Mirror/Reflector to amplify the light.

Example:
LED Strip on top with a reflector/mirror on the bottom.

If the light is too 'strong' on top, then diffuse it to even things out.

 

[The Mad Professor]

Alternatively, you can use an EL sheet to accomplish the same thing, providing that it's got enough light for it. It should be enough, though.

 

[Scream]

Wow, great ideas already that I probably would have never thought of. Thanks guys! Yes, I think an EL sheet would work as the runes do not require a lot of light.

 

[epilepticsquirl]

Allternately you could find an old broken LCD screen or a cheap digital picture frame and salvage the ccfl panel and light it that way. The advantage is that the ccfl panel is pretty thin and won't be too obtrusive.

 

[OdiWan72]

EL sheet all the way, readily available in various sizes and complete with inverter :thumbsup Run the wire to a switch on the outside of the frame e voila!

Markus

 

[IMIM2]

If you want to have low profile set up, EL would be the answer.
EL sheet is about as thick as paper.
But you need to check, if EL light is strong enough to lit the hidden messages.

LED strip will require 10mm-50mm distance depending on the set up, and diffuser. (mirror would not be that significant). The simplest way to make a diffuser is to sand white/clear acrylic sheet. I normally use sandblasted film/sticker. White acrylic can be used (without sanding) too, in some cases. Again, all options is depending how strong the light need to be. Diffuser can dim the light.

Which brings me to a question,how thick is the paper? If you put the light source directly below the paper, would the light somewhat still passing thru? How strong the light need to be?
If the paper can block the light (except the hidden letters), that'll be great. If not, you will have another problem.

 

[Scream]

The paper is a parchment paper, and is thicker than most papers. I suppose it's like a very light cardboard in thickness terms. The back of the map is Black except the runes, which are white (this must be how the lighting works). If I shine a light on the back it seems like only the runes are lighting up, though like I say, in someone else's case you can see a rectangle of light around the runes. But who knows, they may have used too bright of a light source.

 

[Project RedWolf]

I'm going to have to keep that EL sheet in mind, never heard of it before. Thats why I like coming here.

 

[Scream]

I'm going to have to keep that EL sheet in mind, never heard of it before. Thats why I like coming here.

haha, yeah, I knew I had come to the right place with this question, there's always gems of info to be found.