where to buy lighting supplies
I know, this is long overdue, but I've been *busy*busy*busy*! Here are some common questions and answers:
Q. Where do you get the lights?
For most of my designs, I use LEDs, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. LEDs with metal leads are intended to be mounted "thru-hole" style on a circuit board, although I typically use the leads to mount them in fabric. The most common thru-hole types are known as T1-3/4 (5 mm diameter) and T1 (3 mm diameter). The same light-emitting chip that is embedded within a thru-hole LED is also available in smaller "surface mount" packages. These are better suited for some applications due to their smaller size, but they are more difficult to connect to a circuit, and are not recommended for beginners.
You can get thru-hole LEDs from any electronics supplier, and I use a variety of sources, depending on the type of LED and the quantity. Here are some suggestions:
Local walk-in options: Radio Shack, Fry's, other electronics stores
Online electronics retailers: http://mouser.com/ ,
http://www.digikey.com/
Online surplus: http://www.allelectronics.com/ ,
http://www.goldmine-elec.com
Online LED specialists: http://www.theledlight.com/ ,
http://www.lsdiodes.com/shop/
I also use EL wire and EL flat panel materials in some of my designs. These are available from some of the same electronics suppliers, although you will find the best selection of EL wire and drivers from a specialty dealer such as
http://coolneon.com/ or
http://www.coolightwest.com/
I mention these sites because this is the most common question I am asked (and not because I'm trying to advertise for any particular vendor).
Q. Where do you get the lights?
For most of my designs, I use LEDs, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. LEDs with metal leads are intended to be mounted "thru-hole" style on a circuit board, although I typically use the leads to mount them in fabric. The most common thru-hole types are known as T1-3/4 (5 mm diameter) and T1 (3 mm diameter). The same light-emitting chip that is embedded within a thru-hole LED is also available in smaller "surface mount" packages. These are better suited for some applications due to their smaller size, but they are more difficult to connect to a circuit, and are not recommended for beginners.
You can get thru-hole LEDs from any electronics supplier, and I use a variety of sources, depending on the type of LED and the quantity. Here are some suggestions:
Local walk-in options: Radio Shack, Fry's, other electronics stores
Online electronics retailers: http://mouser.com/ ,
http://www.digikey.com/
Online surplus: http://www.allelectronics.com/ ,
http://www.goldmine-elec.com
Online LED specialists: http://www.theledlight.com/ ,
http://www.lsdiodes.com/shop/
I also use EL wire and EL flat panel materials in some of my designs. These are available from some of the same electronics suppliers, although you will find the best selection of EL wire and drivers from a specialty dealer such as
http://coolneon.com/ or
http://www.coolightwest.com/
I mention these sites because this is the most common question I am asked (and not because I'm trying to advertise for any particular vendor).
posted by Janet Hansen at 8:36 PM
5 Comments:
Hey Janet!
Please keep posting. I am an electroluminescent artist based in Ft. Lauderdale, and I know that the greatest gift is the gift of information and teaching.
Burn bright,
Jack Trash
"What is the night, without a little light?"
I'm new at this, but I made a tux jacket with EL wire for a circuit party during Gays Days in Orlando. Question I have is what is used to attach the lights to a costume? I hand sewed the EL wire which was labor intensive. Is there a better method?
There are many ways to attach EL wire to clothing - I typically handsew it on with fishing line or clear thread. If you aren't fond of sewing, you may want to try something like the Buttoneer button attaching tool. I've heard it is helpful (although I haven't tried it myself).
Depending on the base fabric, the type of garment, and the design you are trying to create, you may also be able to use glue, or you could weave the EL wire back and forth through holes in the fabric. There is also a type of EL called "tail wire" that has a flat part extending from the glowing core. This can be stapled or machine sewn (in a welt along a seam, for example).
Janet,
You mention glue but not what kind. What kind of glue can remain flexible yet hold up to the fabric movement?
Glue for EL wire: It depends on the type of fabric, and how much that area is flexing, but there are a few types of industrial-strength glue that work well, such as 3M Super Strength Adhesive, or E-6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive. (though sewing is usually the best way)
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