I few people liked my fibre optics i put in my first build so i have put together a how to guide of how i did it.
There may be other ways this can be done but this works for me fine.
First get your fibre optics, I got mine from
http://www.lite-tec.co.uk/fibrepacks.htm I got the 'Option 1' pack. It is the 64 stand length you need, strip the coating and you have 64 x 1 meter lengths, plenty for a boat.
Then you need your light source, I use the ultra bright LED's from Maplin, there are a few different colours to chose from.
Next you need a VERY small drill bit. I found some on a market stall it was a pack of about 20bits ranging from 1mm to the thickness of a hair. They was only a few quid, so i bought a couple (they can snap easy)
I use the hobby knife handle to hold the bit, they are too small for a dremel, mark and hand drill all the places you want the fibres to show. Drill from the top if possible.
Once you have drilled all the holes, push the fibre from the back so there is about 1cm showing
Then put a drop of super glue on the back to hold it
Once all the fibres are glues in place, paint it as you wish, DO NOT trim the fibres at this stage, the paint will cover the ends and stop them from working.
Next we need to make the housings for the LED's. This is done buy using strips of kitchen foil and wrap it around something the same diameter as the LED (dowel / screwdriver, etc...). About 25-30cm will give enough strength to it when its wound up. For best results make sure its Shiny side in. A small line of superglue at the end will hold it fine and stop it unwinding.
Next, cut the foil tube into about 2cm lengths, do this whilst its still on the dowel/screwdriver etc.. you don't want to crush it.
You can now slide it of the dowel / screwdriver
Now separate the fibres into the different colours (if you are having multi colours that is) and bind then ends with thin wire.
Once the fibres are bound and secure, trim them to make a clean cut.
Insert the fibres into one end of the foil tube about half way, then carfully crush the tube around the fibres, making sure you don't disturb the other end of the tube.
Then, with more wire, wrap it around the fibres and tube, holding it firmly in place.
Then insert the LED in the other end. I put a drop of superglue on the side of the LED to hold it in place, but if you get a tight fit this may net be necessary.
Back to the other end of the optic now. Once all the painting / varnishing has been done, trim the optic with a sharp knife, the sharper the better, you need a good clean cut.
And thats it.
Be carefull when handling the fibres, they can snap easy, and its a pain to reinstall one.
If you are wanting multicolours I make a light strip like this. It keeps things nice and tide.
Hope this helps
Tony.
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Topic: Installing Fibre Optics (Read 8608 times)