Not ready to sand/embed your LEDs, but they're too bright to look at? This Instructable is for you!
I'm fiddling around with my Arduino and TLC5940, and I'm getting a headache from staring at them. But, I don't want to sand them down, or otherwise permanently diffuse them, and putting them behind a sheet of paper or typical diffuser won't let me clearly see the specific patterns I'm trying to achieve.
I'm fiddling around with my Arduino and TLC5940, and I'm getting a headache from staring at them. But, I don't want to sand them down, or otherwise permanently diffuse them, and putting them behind a sheet of paper or typical diffuser won't let me clearly see the specific patterns I'm trying to achieve.
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Signing UpStep 1: Straws to the rescue!
Amazingly, straws fit atop generic 5mm LEDs perfectly.
What you need:
Straws (Normal, cheap ones. Bendy-style optional)
Scissors
LEDs you want to diffuse.
What you need:
Straws (Normal, cheap ones. Bendy-style optional)
Scissors
LEDs you want to diffuse.
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The Expert Noob
says:
Apr 12, 2010. 8:03 PMReply
straws from subway, if ya have one around, are completely white and make excellent diffusers!
2
Coffeebot (author)
in reply to Apr 12, 2010. 8:19 PMReply Ooh..you're right. Good tip, Noob!
11
Dr.Bill
says:
Feb 10, 2009. 10:58 AMReply
Oh, now thats a neet idea
4
Zippy_Pyromaniac
says:
Jan 21, 2009. 8:11 AMReply
cool! maybe Ill make a straw lamp!
2
Coffeebot (author)
in reply to Jan 21, 2009. 10:21 AMReplyHaha...that's a cool idea. Post some pics, if you do!
62
depotdevoid
says:
Sep 17, 2008. 12:04 PMReplyNeat idea, I like it!
2
Coffeebot (author)
in reply to Sep 17, 2008. 5:13 PMReplyThanks!
33
=SMART=
says:
Sep 5, 2008. 1:50 PMReplyhow do you use that board the LED's are plugged into ??
2
Coffeebot (author)
in reply to Sep 5, 2008. 2:24 PMReplyIt's typical breadboard. You just plug your components into it. No need to solder. Though, it's only good for prototyping; anything beyond that and it's useless and cumbersome.
33
=SMART=
in reply to Sep 5, 2008. 2:35 PMReplyAny particular order the holes have to be used in ??
2
Coffeebot (author)
in reply to Sep 5, 2008. 3:45 PMReplyBasically, each column of holes are connected, so anything you plug into them will be, too -- like soldering a wire to the lead of your LED. The gap in the middle separates the columns into two independent sections. The row at the top is entirely connected, as is the one on the bottom. These provide a way to give easy access to your power supply and ground.
25
joejoerowley
in reply to Sep 5, 2008. 2:39 PMReply
Yeah. Here is a link to a video about breadboards. Not the greatest but it gives you a good idea about it.
33
=SMART=
in reply to Sep 5, 2008. 4:51 PMReplyCool Thanks
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