Materials

Step 2: Materials

1. A dual tube Cold Cathode Flourescent Light kit, commonly available at computer stores, cheaper on the internet, i got mine at Fry's for $15.

2. 12v Battery, i improvised a AA holder out of sprinkler pipe, and used NiMH cells. Any old 12 or 14 volt battery pack will do, the tubes draw about 0.6 amps, so 2 amp-hour should be plenty. you should be able to put something together for $20

3. Aluminum bar, 5/8"x1/8"x2', To reflect more light downward, as well as reinforce the tubes, i had this already, but it's only about $3 at home depot

4. Foam, to pad the back of the tubes

5. Velcro straps, I used RipWrap cable straps i found at Fry's

I utilized some things i had laying around, and spent about $20 but even if you bought everything in the store, it should be about $45. It's not as slick and bombproof As the Fossil Fool's Down Low Glow, but it's cheap and effective.

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santoolangeles says: Jun 20, 2010. 11:41 PM

I am unclear about the battery situation. I love this mod. But when I looked up what a 12v battery was, it looks like a car battery. What exactly do I need to power these things? Thanks.

xana in reply to santoolangelesAug 10, 2010. 7:49 PM

8 times 1.5 = you need 8 1.5 volt batteries non chargeable batteries like AAA, AA, D, and C cell batteries are all 1.5 volts. there many other batteries types out there other than car batteries that will work. i use this one http://www.headsuprc.com/servlet/the-1456/Lipo-Battery-11.1v-/Detail its a hobby one like you would put in your rc car.

UgniusR in reply to xanaJan 19, 2011. 7:15 PM

I think it would be easier to use two 9V batteries and hook up a 12V Regulator...

pixil says: Apr 16, 2009. 5:01 PM

sorry if this is a stupid question, but i'm not sure what sort of inverter i need to connect the molex connecter to the battery? where could i find something like this?

xana in reply to pixilAug 10, 2010. 8:07 PM

you don't need one because the current in side of you computer (that is where the mole x connector comes from) is dc not ac. batteries are also dc so an inverter would be useless.

charlieb000 in reply to pixilJul 3, 2009. 2:41 AM

i am guessing you mean computer molex, yellow wire is 12v, red is 5v, it is most likely to run on only 12v

xana in reply to charlieb000Mar 27, 2011. 12:11 PM

yes and agreed in most of my experiments Ive only run the 12 volt side, but you still need a 5 volt source to get the device to run. but in this case you only need the 12 volt source.