LED Cube 8x8x8

Step 15 Choose the size of your cube

We wanted to make the LED cube using as few components as possible. We had seen some people using metal rods for their designs, but we didn't have any metal rods. Many of the metal rod designs also looked a little crooked.

We figured that the easiest way to build a led cube would be to bend the legs of the LEDs so that the legs become the scaffolding that holds the LEDs in place.

We bent the cathode leg on one of the LEDs and measured it to be 26 mm from the center of the LED. By choosing a LED spacing of 25mm, there would be a 1mm overlap for soldering. (1 inch = 25.4mm)

With a small 3mm LED 25mm between each led gave us plenty of open space inside the cube. Seeing all the way through to the furthest layer wouldn't be a problem. We could have made the cube smaller, but then we would have to cut every single leg, and visibility into the cube would be compromised.

Our recommendation is to use the maximum spacing that your LED can allow. Add 1mm margin for soldering.

Comments

[StarGazerBob]

I just finished my minicube. Making the layers was easy enough, but putting the layers together was a challenge. The shorter LED leg length made it neccessary to angle the legs and then bend them around the upper LEDs. Do yourself a favor and find LEDs with a leg length <25mm.

[xsuper]

don't be so hard on your self The pictures look good

[StarGazerBob]

Check the lead length prior to purchasing LEDs in bulk. I bought 1000 3mm blue LEDs through eBay (3Vdc, 20mA) and the anode length is just a hair under 16mm. I would have preferred a larger cube but I'll follow up if I have any issues with this smaller one.

[Vick Jr]

My LEDs are 16mm spacing as well. I hope it won't be too cramped. How's your cube look?

[StarGazerBob]

It's small...maybe 4" square. Trying to bend the leads consistently to make the connections between layers is a challenge and my cube is a little out of "square." Take a look at my photos for reference.

[jigsawnl]

I bought some LED's form eBay too. I contacted the seller before hand about the lenght of the leads. He asured me it was about an inch(25mm). Today i got them in and the leads measure 17 and 19mm. Bugger it. Now I'm making the cube with 16mm spacings.