andypugh

I got some from https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123147701780

Well. Many thanks for your votes everyone, but it seems that I didn't make the list of finalists. I won't pretend that I am not disappointed, I was really pleased with the result. I can only conclude that the quality of the instructions did not make the grade.

I did mention the "lazy filament" in the description. I have not yet worked out the source of the problem. It does glow, just less brightly. (I haven't worked out the cause because I haven't really looked, as soon as this was published I was straight on to other things that had been pushed in to the background by it)

Yes, a string of COB LEDs under a layer of yellow goop. I see some evidence for a flexible version, but these were rigid and easily broken. In fact about half of the first set arrived broken. (I was given a partial refund.)

Looks great, and the potential electric shock when fumbling with it in the dark can only add to the effectiveness at waking you up.You asked about free schematic packages. For Arduino projects it is probably worth looking at Fritzing. However I use KiCAD. Creating new components in both packages is a bit painful. But then I have tried many PCB design tools and creating new components is always painful.

As an alternative to epoxy look at pattern-coat. http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/patterns-moulds...It is a 2-part polyester resin. It goes on like paint, but unlike paint it does not shrink as it hardens. You can add pigments for a one-step smooth-and-colour. I have used it on 3D-printed foundry patterns. This photo isn't the best example of what is possible, as I was aiming purely for function, and this is the pattern _after_ it came back from the iron foundry. https://photos.app.goo.gl/zhAI9el2wYjacGZk2

Assuming that the car has a vacuum brake servo the simple answer there might be to get an electric vacuum pump from a production car. Diesel cars do not make vacuum naturally, but they still tend to use vacuum brake servos. They have normally used a dedicated vacuum pump driven from the end of a camshaft. These would not be much help, but in the search for better fuel economy some cars are now starting to have an electric on-demand brake vacuum pump. You will probably have to look in Europe to find one, though.