Lights

[pasithea]

So... One of the things that can be tricky in stop motion is getting the lighting right. So the other day I had this idea to build some miniature stage lights using white LEDs.

White LEDs are good for this use for 3 reasons:

1. They have a life rating of 10,000hrs +
2. They make very little heat
3. The emit a very consistant type of light meaning you can turn them off and on with no ill effects.

So... I set off on this project. My goal was to make a really useful light for < $10. So... letsee...

• 3 feet of PVC pipe (for many lights) $.89
• A wood dowel $.89
• Toggle switch $.89
• dual AAA battery clip $.89 (Is this a magic number or what?)
• White LED $1.89
• Armature Wire (Have)
• Sculpey (Have)
• Binder clips *ahem* appropriated
• Empty Pill bottle (Have)
• Wire (Have)
• Filters BONUS SCORE! The lighting person at the camera person gave me a book of 100 sample filters which are just the right size of use on my light totally for free! This was gonna be the most expensive part too! O_O

So... Here's a diagram:


I built it last night. It actually works! :) The top clip holds the filter and/or acts as a barn door. The dowel lets me focus the light really well to either a wide area light or a tiny spotlight with < 5 degree throw. The armiture wire lets me pose it however I want and the big clip either works as a base for it to sit on (which can be tied down via the clip handle with a washer and nut)

So. I'm happy! I'm gonna take it to show in class tomorrow and offer to let my instructor use it for his demo that night. I'm betting he'll like it. :)

Comments

[dv-girl.livejournal.com]

Foo. Fails the heat test pretty quickly. I'll haveta do some more re-design. The LED one is still working strong though. So.. I'll fiddle with it more in a couple days.

ACK! It's 1AM!