Light Tape: bending light... and other applications - Page 2 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

piglith · 07-03-2009, 06:35 PM

EL Tape is all over the place. It is used for PC Case mods alot. They have many 12v mini supplies a it is just a high frequency ballast. Its actually really common and I think it can be obtained in large sizes 12"+. Just look for EL Tape, EL Wire, etc... If they don't have a 12v supply for them. I would bet a 12v cold cathode ballast would work too.

Here http://electroluminescence-inc.com/index.html has 12v inverters.

John_H · 07-03-2009, 06:49 PM

Aren't cold cathode ballasts high voltage? 8kV kind of high? EL tapes are typically in the 100V-200V range for the ones I looked at long ago.

piglith · 07-03-2009, 07:06 PM

50V to 220v AC 50hz to 3khz

piglith · 07-03-2009, 07:10 PM

What you think if I order up some inverters and sheets and make Smart and Logo for rear window?

John_H · 07-03-2009, 07:13 PM

It depends very much on the lamp and/or the driver.

CFLs appear to have a start voltage that spike much higher than the continuous run voltage. I'd hate to run a 200V EL lamp with a 1250V spike for "startup" that doesn't apply to EL.

If you'd like to try an EL lamp with a random CFL ballast, I'd suggest doing it well outside of the car where destroying the tape won't be a problem and any possible flames would also cause little issue.

John_H · 07-03-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piglith

What you think if I order up some inverters and sheets and make Smart and Logo for rear window?

Lights on cars are often regulated by states.

I'd check legality long before trying to put something together for a window.

forestacademy · 07-03-2009, 07:32 PM

If you want to light up the outside of your car check Luma Brite

piglith · 07-03-2009, 07:35 PM

My thought was a small logo and the SMART name. Could make small kits. Long enough to access the rear tail light feed. Could put inverter and connect in access panel. Figure on 3/4" tall letters and logo.

Certain colors, brightness and location are issues for my state. But I think could get away with it as a 3rd break light in red if wanted, as long as it is above 17" from ground. Other colors like purple, green you can get away with.

piglith · 07-03-2009, 07:43 PM

Here is example of what I can come up with but Smart Logo and "SMART". If interested PM me.

piglith · 07-03-2009, 08:07 PM

I went ahead and ordered up the supplies. Ill post a completed version on my car.