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Backlit Control Panel Idea
Sylentwulf:
Here's an example of the design I was referring to:
http://metku.net/index.html?sect=view&n=1&path=mods/breezepad/index_eng
Of course, the fans are optional ;)
patrickl:
On a mouse pad that would work nicely since it's a contious piece of plastic. Cut some holes in it (which you would need for a CP) and you'll get horrible "streaks of shadow" in it. Maybe it would be less vissible if you run the lights along the long edges though.
Bgnome:
i would also think that it would be difficult to get even lighting, especially on something as large as a cp. what you would need to do is to light it from all sides..
Sylentwulf:
MY only other thought that I haven't ever tried, is getting some nice long strips of EL lighting (the flat kind) this could EASILY go between buttons, around joysticks, all over the friggin place. Thin enough you probably wouldn't need to route out any channels for the wiring.
Only problem would be how bright it is, and how well the light transfers through the plexi.
Trimoor:
--- Quote from: RayB on August 01, 2004, 11:11:43 am ---Timoor,
Are you suggesting this idea with plexi that is over a solid color, or with plexi which is on top of CP artwork? Doesn't the artwork appear fuzzy as a result of the sanding?
--- End quote ---
If you have artwork, this might not be the best thing for your CP.
Or, put the sanded plex under the artwork, illuminating it like a marquee.
Or, instead of sanding the whole surface, sand designs into it that compliment the artwork.
The lighting will be surprisingly even, especially if you use a CCFL bulb. I'm not too certain about the optical physics of plex, but it might evenly illuminate the panel even if there are holes in it. If not, just light it from several sides.
For a neat effect: after you drill the holes, glue aluminum foil to the inner edge of the hole. This will reflect the light back, potentially creating a halo effect.
I'll try it on a scrap soon.