The 5s backlight that has the 3 contacts on the ribbon cable runs at 12V. There are 8 LEDs arranged in 2 series strings of 4 LEDs (all the 'odd' LEDs and all the 'even' LEDs) - the strings have a common positive connection and separate negative connections. With the backlight facing you and the ribbon cable at the bottom it forms a sort of squashed 'L' shape. From left to right the contacts on the connector should be:I wouldn't feel too bad. Even the people selling these things have no idea of even what voltage they run on. I've asked several and I can't get an answer.
The 5s backlight that has the 3 contacts on the ribbon cable runs at 12V. There are 8 LEDs arranged in 2 series strings of 4 LEDs (all the 'odd' LEDs and all the 'even' LEDs) - the strings have a common positive connection and separate negative connections. With the backlight facing you and the ribbon cable at the bottom it forms a sort of squashed 'L' shape. From left to right the contacts on the connector should be:
1 = +12V
2 = Gnd (string 1)
3 = Gnd (string 2)
The bigger 6s backlight is very different in that it has more pins on the connector, more LEDs (12) and the 2 strings are split unequally - one has 6 LEDs and runs at 18V, the other has 4 LEDs and runs at 12V.
MAJSmith, can you confirm what size wallet and video greeting card you used here? I just received Gekko's badge and this looks like a good match for the size.
Sure thing. This is the Duty Leather wallet from www.badgeandwallet.com. Cut to fit the LAPD-style badge. The ID window listed as 3” x 4 ½” and the actual size of the visible window (plastic) is 2 ¾” by 4 ⅜”.
Thanks! I'll order that now! What greeting card LCD display did you find that fit that wallet?
I used these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073...etings+4.3&dpPl=1&dpID=41BZ9ppKzKL&ref=plSrch
It was just a coincidence that it fit perfectly. I did some measurements and took a shot in the dark.
Let me know if this link doesn’t work.
Thanks! I'm still waffling about whether to try and use an EL panel or the greeting card LCD. The prop looks like it uses some kind of EL panel, but rigging it with a power supply that fits inside of the wallet seems like a challenge. I thought that the greeting card LCD was a more self-contained option but it looks like there are a bunch of electronics beyond just the screen itself and the battery, so maybe it's not as obvious of a solution as I had thought.
I ordered the wallet, so I'll keep researching solutions and following along with other builds. Thanks!
Take a look at the beginning of the thread. I think I photographed the screens as they come. If not, I’ll do it when I get home. The components don’t come as pictured. Mine were hot-glued to a paper card which was hot-glued to the back of the screen. The speaker (which I just broke off because it’s not needed) and the micro USB port were the only loose parts of the set-up. For the badge, I repositioned the USB port and electrical taped the back just to protect the wires. It’s a little thick, but it’ll fit in the ID section of the wallet.
Also, they have amazing customer service, so if you know what you want, just call them and they’ll help you. I highly recommend them.
Here's my V1 using an EL panel. Panel needs trimmed, ID badge is not finished and needs enlarged, plastic sleeve is just cut from a polythene ziplock bag and glued under the frames using E6000.
I'll wait and see how your final LCDs turn out before I go that route
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv142/kurtyboy2/props2/badge closed.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv142/kurtyboy2/props2/badge off.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv142/kurtyboy2/props2/badge on.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv142/kurtyboy2/props2/badge on dark.jpg
What type of battery is that you're using to power the screen?
The batteries are only 2 x AA but they go through an inverter (DC to AC). It's an EL panel, not a screen backlight.
PMed you about the image. I'm going to glue the PVC on under the open ends of the inner panels. want to try a few different adhesives to see what's best - I've got the PVC sampls and the cutout of tthe badge to test it on. I'm going to try leather glue, contact cement, superglue and I've got a friend in the 501st so I'll borrow his E6000 to try that too..Beautiful! You are a true artist. Can you post the link to the Google image? Also, how are you going to attached the clear plastic wrap on the wallet?
PMed you about the image. I'm going to glue the PVC on under the open ends of the inner panels. want to try a few different adhesives to see what's best - I've got the PVC sampls and the cutout of tthe badge to test it on. I'm going to try leather glue, contact cement, superglue and I've got a friend in the 501st so I'll borrow his E6000 to try that too..