LED Umbrella with Arduino

Step 13 Assembling the LEDs in the Umbrella

With the LED matrix complete and the pin headers and resistors in place, it is time to finish the assembly. The LED matrix has to be positioned between the fabric of the umbrella and the ribs. The fabric of an umbrella is stretched over the ribs and typically sewn in one place to each rib. This will have to cut before the entire LED matrix can be slid up between the ribs and the fabric. After positioning the LED matrix, re-sew what you cut. This will secure the matrix into the umbrella. Don't re-sew if you think you might want to remove the LEDs. Can't imagine why.

This is a very time consuming process. If you haven't already hot glued the LED leads, do so now. If you don't you will certainly break a few LEDs during the installation. I worked with the umbrella hanging from a broom stick suspended between two chairs (no picture :-). The umbrella was held open by gravity and the fabric was not stretched tight. I could move around.

Start by sliding a complete column under one of the ribs. Advance it and the next column. Repeat. It is a tedious process. When you finally position the LEDs make sure to have the ribs rest on the heat shrink tubing. This will minimize the chance of abrasion.

The umbrella won't close nicely. I suppose I should have mentioned this earlier. Although I haven't done this yet, I am going to sew a few loops around the LEDs and into the seam of the fabric to hold them in place. Look carefully at the seams of the panels and you will see a bit of material into which you can sew.