Building a "Billie Jean" Sidewalk

Step 6 Final Assembly and Results

It takes two people to move the sidewalk into place. Since the acrylic panels essentially rest on the frame, I install them last. One panel at a time I connect the two wires from the panel to the bare wires on either side of the step.

The end result is fantastic. Treat-or-Treaters are shocked when they notice the sidewalk lighting up as they approach the house. The parents are usually the ones who recognize the original inspiration, but even young kids love it without knowing anything about "Billie Jean". We got many excited compliments like "your sidewalk ROCKS" and "this is SO awesome" as they bounded back and forth over the steps.

Comments

[CyborgGold]

I may be doing something similar to this in the future now... but instead of using multiple LEDs and acrylic... I may use cement with fiber optic cables running through it (found in another instructable I read a while back) and have the loose ends running to the LED. Maybe even find a way to make it water tight so I can have a year round lit pathway.... if I ever find the money for the project I will definitely have to put it on here....

[roccopeterbilt]

I love your homemade pressure switch idea.  Just a thought on making assembly easier, if you put the foil duct-tape on as just a portion of a leg of the circut, but cut out a break a second piece of foild on the acrylic could bridge the gap and act as your switch.
Just my idea.

[flaming_pele!]

Great suggestion!

[ampeyro]

i've been trying something like this for a long time, but didn't find an effective pressure swich, will you be angry if i use this as "inspiration"?

[flaming_pele!]

Have at it, that's what this site is all about :)

[soshimo]

I noticed you didn't have current limiting resisters on your leds.  The forward voltage bias is fixed on leds (depending on the led, color, and manufacturer anywhere between .7vdc to 1.7vdc) but you should still take measures to limit forward current to 20ma (or whatever peak current is for your device).  Typically 220ohm to 470ohm resisters are used.  Also, remember since you are in parallel you will have supply a resister on each current branch or you risk frying the one without a resistor.  You will also notice longer battery life if you limit your current draw on your LED.  I've seen the ultra brights light up plenty on 10ma and they blind at 20ma so it's up to your utilization.

Other than that, great idea and outstanding implementation.  I like your attention to detail.

[flaming_pele!]

I lucked out that the forward voltage of my particular LEDs is very close to 3V (I think 3.2 to 3.3). But this is a great point for anyone building something similar, thanks!

[cancast]

Would love to see a video of people using it!

[InfiniTTTy]

Awesome! What a great project. I'll put this on the list for next Halloween!