Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: SimonCornes on October 12, 2021, 02:23:47 pm

Title: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: SimonCornes on October 12, 2021, 02:23:47 pm

Can anyone recommend a source of really fine insulated wire? I need to run 4 pieces down a mast and I want it to be virtually invisible- no thicker than cotton. I had some years ago that looked like rigging rope at 1/32 and that’s what I’m after now. Help!!

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: Fred Ellis on October 12, 2021, 02:33:42 pm

Hi
I have used some from an old USB lead


Fred

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 12, 2021, 02:47:35 pm

Component Shop sell 30swg (0.25mm) wire.

https://www.componentshop.co.uk/30awg-0-25mm-ultra-thin-insulated-connecting-kynar-wire.html

Colin

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: Geoff on October 12, 2021, 03:00:53 pm

As an alternative if you can ensure they are separate you could use very thin plain brass wire as once painted it would almost be invisible.


Cheers


Geoff

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: Fred Ellis on October 12, 2021, 03:14:58 pm

Hi

Thinking about this how about some enamelled copper wire, as used in motor windings?

Fred

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: SimonCornes on October 12, 2021, 03:20:01 pm

Quote from: Colin Bishop on October 12, 2021, 02:47:35 pm

Component Shop sell 30swg (0.25mm) wire.

https://www.componentshop.co.uk/30awg-0-25mm-ultra-thin-insulated-connecting-kynar-wire.html (https://www.componentshop.co.uk/30awg-0-25mm-ultra-thin-insulated-connecting-kynar-wire.html)

Colin

That’s interesting Colin. That may well do the trick. For LEDs so the current should be minimal. Worth taking a flyer!!

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 12, 2021, 03:26:49 pm

I've got some for a similar purpose. Should be fine for the few milliamps drawn by LEDs.

Colin

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: SimonCornes on October 12, 2021, 04:38:42 pm

At 1/32 scale that equals about 3/10” for a 0.25mm wire - maybe an I can go thicker?!!!!

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 12, 2021, 05:24:46 pm

Simon,

The 30swg is solid  wire. The 29swg is stranded:

https://www.componentshop.co.uk/29awg-0-28mm-7-core-copper-teflon-insulated-connecting-wire.html

Depends on how much flexibility you prefer.

Colin

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: SimonCornes on October 12, 2021, 05:42:12 pm

Thanks Colin
I’ll go for 29 gauge as I will run it down a mast but also under nav light boxes so I want the flexibility. It’s pretty cheap to! Maybe you get caned on the postage? I’ll probably also look for some twin ribbon wire as I normally end up using Futaba leads - I just like that wire!
Cheers
Simon

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: john44 on October 12, 2021, 08:53:47 pm

Hi, I do the same as Fred and use small motor enamelled windings.
John

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: SimonCornes on October 12, 2021, 09:17:14 pm

It’s an interesting idea. I had considered using fine brass rod - 24 gauge or so - and then varnishing or painting it but I’m too married to actually insulated wire and as it’s very small diameter I think it might look right from a scale point of view.

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: RST on October 12, 2021, 10:46:19 pm

Correct me if I'm wrong but "Stan" showed how to do good hidden / invisible wire down a solid mast in his Grand Banks cruiser thread.  Afraid I can't remember the post that showed it but no point in him posting the build if it's not referred to after otherwise those of us who know already will still know, and those who don't won't learn.  Am on the phone so links not easy to find, if I can find the exact post I'll share but you have the pointer now.

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: RST on October 12, 2021, 10:51:12 pm

Edit, does this work -never too sure on the phone.


https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63493.200.html (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63493.200.html)


...It's not an unusual method, been around for many years but Stan shows it here.

Title: Re: Fine wire suitable for 3v lighting
Post by: SimonCornes on October 13, 2021, 08:48:45 pm

Blow me, they’re out of stock of 29 gauge black wire. Sod’s law applies of course so I’ve bought brown and may well have to paint it!! I’m