by PetrOs » Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:10 am
Well, its actually easy, as long as you can handle a soldering iron and have some very basics of electrotechnics. Handling should be easy for a model maker however, trained in fine handling ;o)
So, first, you need light sources. I'd go for LEDs, as they are cheap, very long life, and widely available. And quite safe due to low voltage. You can get them in any electronic parts store, for a quite low price starting from 10 cents per unit...
Then, you might need some resistors for LEDs, depending on the number of LEDs and the voltage. Same source, same prices.
A power source. First option, batteries. Something like 4-6 AA size rechargeable cells in the base plate, I usually place them under a large nameplate, for ease of change.
Alternatively, you can place a transformator generating something like 8-12 volts in the output. Also the parts store.
For cabling, I usually use the thin antenna wire for visible places, and usual wire for the invisible places.
For mounting the parts, I usually use the textolite plate without copper sheeting, and connecting by wires.
Soldering iron should be about 15W, mine costed me 4 euros...
I usually put a miniature power switch on the case's side, embedded in bordering.
Anyways, say me how many lights you want to have, and I'll make a connecting scheme for you if you wish.
Well, its actually easy, as long as you can handle a soldering iron and have some very basics of electrotechnics. Handling should be easy for a model maker however, trained in fine handling ;o)
So, first, you need light sources. I'd go for LEDs, as they are cheap, very long life, and widely available. And quite safe due to low voltage. You can get them in any electronic parts store, for a quite low price starting from 10 cents per unit...
Then, you might need some resistors for LEDs, depending on the number of LEDs and the voltage. Same source, same prices.
A power source. First option, batteries. Something like 4-6 AA size rechargeable cells in the base plate, I usually place them under a large nameplate, for ease of change.
Alternatively, you can place a transformator generating something like 8-12 volts in the output. Also the parts store.
For cabling, I usually use the thin antenna wire for visible places, and usual wire for the invisible places.
For mounting the parts, I usually use the textolite plate without copper sheeting, and connecting by wires.
Soldering iron should be about 15W, mine costed me 4 euros...
I usually put a miniature power switch on the case's side, embedded in bordering.
Anyways, say me how many lights you want to have, and I'll make a connecting scheme for you if you wish.