Home Forums Sign Making Discussions Neon, LED, Lighting does anyone know how to make a plasma light?

  • David Teece

    Member
    28 November 2005 at 15:35

    Looks like they are made from Electro Luminescent sheet Farnell do this – but it is expensive an A4 sheet costs £40!!

    Dave

  • Stickers

    Member
    28 November 2005 at 15:39

    The tribal is sold for only 35 €

    Maybe he is not making the tribals himself, but importing the stuff form the east..

  • Lorraine Clinch

    Member
    28 November 2005 at 16:24

    I wondered what it was that gave it that lovely glow.

    At £40 a sheet, what would it be used for?

  • David Teece

    Member
    28 November 2005 at 17:12

    They are used to backlight LCD displays and the like.
    You can even get Electro Luminescent wire – about 2mm diameter available upto 12m in length in various colours. But you have to drive them with an inverter – they need a voltage of around 50 to 300v 😮 (at very low current) 😀 to exite the material and get it to emit light. The inverter converts around 12v dc in to a much higher voltage to drive the Luminescent material. Science lesson over! 🙄

    Dave

  • David Rowland

    Member
    28 November 2005 at 19:02

    I guess you are refering to this type of display

    http://www.graphicthoughtfacility.com/digitopolis.html

    I might be tempted to muck-about with this but I think you are refering to AC voltage and then I think about safety-fire etc.

  • Stickers

    Member
    28 November 2005 at 19:51

    I have decided to buy one. I want to see what it’s made of.

  • David Teece

    Member
    29 November 2005 at 09:33

    The voltages derived from the inverters are very low current.
    The inverters usually accept 12v dc in and give the higher voltage out I do not think there is much of a safety hazard if you short the output of these inverters out they just shut down and if you hold the higher voltage with yours hands you may only get a tingle as the current is extremely low. You can cut this Electro Luminescent material with scissors to any shape but you must include some of the outer edge as this has the electrical connections.

    Dave

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