Floppy Disk Bag Retrofit: EL Wire

by imanalchemist

11K5818

Intro: Floppy Disk Bag Retrofit: EL Wire

Since many of my classes this term will be at night and after seeing how cheap EL wire is, I decided to add some to my bag, since many of my classes this term will be at night. This will also increase visibility when using it as a bike bag.
What You Will Need:
EL Wire: To illuminate the edges of the standard matrix you will need 10' of 2.2mm wire
DC-AC Inverter: the EL wire I ordered came with an 3V (2AA battery) inverter but you can build
your own using the wonderfully written instructable How to Add EL Wire to a Coat or Other Garment
Screws: see the third step for more info.

STEP 1: Thread the EL Wire

The EL wire fits snugly under the knots around the outside corners, I went around the edges, to illuminate the general shape; However you can easily thread it however you want or create your own designs.

STEP 2: Attaching the Inverter.

Because I am using the included inverter, I am going to attach it to the bag using its own assembly screw. Since the screw is too short, I bought a few of different lengths to try out, I also bought a washer to prevent the screw punching through the disk when pulled.
If you are building your own inverter, then you can attach it using nuts and bolts, duct tape or any other method, including this one. I'm sure you can figure it out, you're smart people.

STEP 3: Drill

Drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw

STEP 4: Unscrew

Remove the existing screw from the Inverter housing.

STEP 5: Rescrew

Using the new, slightly longer screw attach the inverter to the inside of your bag (don't forget the washer) The too-long-cord problem can easily be remedied with a simple chain stitch or complicated soldering.

STEP 6: Show Me

Show me what you guys come up with!

18 Comments

MaruaderFox 15 years ago

Which ebay seller do i buy the wire and inverter from???

imanalchemist 15 years ago

Bid Online 777 is the person I got mine from

Sandisk1duo 15 years ago

Awesome! how much was that inverter?

imanalchemist 15 years ago

It came with the wire from that particular seller (eBay) but it is really no great shakes to build your own

imanalchemist 15 years ago

That depends on the length and diameter of the EL wire you are using. Contact whomever is selling the EL wire. (I had a hard time finding a 3V DC-AC inverter so I just got the one the seller offered.)

=SMART= 15 years ago

Where can i get relatively cheap EL wire ??

imanalchemist 15 years ago

$25 for 10' of 2.2mm wire and an inverter on eBay (including shipping)

=SMART= 15 years ago

awesome i can think of loads of cool projects to do !

fegundez1 15 years ago

where did you get the wire?

imanalchemist 15 years ago

eBay, but there are plenty of sellers out there

noahh 15 years ago

I wish this had come out earlier. I JUST finished my bag last weekend after a week of hard work.

jongscx 15 years ago

that's the beauty of it... the EL wire just slips between the strings... it's a "RetroFit"...

jongscx 15 years ago

not exactly. You're not Retrofitting the disks into a bag. You're Repurposing them because you are creating a new purpose for the items. You are However, Retrofitting the EL wire into the disk-bag because you're fitting a component into a pre-existing object.

aliceownsj00 15 years ago

That is so cute haha in that geeky way. I'd so use it on a daily basis!