Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Trimoor on January 31, 2005, 11:28:43 pm

Title: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Trimoor on January 31, 2005, 11:28:43 pm

Does anyone know where to get fiber optic cables?  Not the kind used for data, but for lighting.  They're thicker, have lower tolerances, and no casing.

I would like to try some creative lighting for my cab, but can't find any cable.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: quarterback on February 01, 2005, 01:11:39 am

http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/


http://www.del-lighting.com/

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: MAME nut on February 01, 2005, 03:46:19 pm

Just keep in mind....

The "Light Box" the fibers connects to gets very hot, and they usually have a fan for cooling.  The fan can be noisy, and possibly cause interference with other electrical equipment.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Trimoor on February 01, 2005, 04:39:13 pm

Yikes, this seems too expensive.  Oh well, back to CCFL.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Nannuu on February 02, 2005, 01:46:56 pm

I just got some stuff from Fiber Optic Products and was very impressed.  They have LED units for lighting which don't generate heat and of course last a long time.  I'm not sure how well they work with sideglow fiber though.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: quarterback on February 02, 2005, 08:50:11 pm

Quote from: Nannuu on February 02, 2005, 01:46:56 pm

I just got some stuff from Fiber Optic Products and was very impressed.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Nannuu on February 03, 2005, 10:37:12 am

I got the lights for my daughters birthday cake, which we changed themes now so I won't be using it at all.  Maybe the next cake  :)

I really do want to try some on my cabinet though.  But only if it fits the cab, not just sticking lights all over for fun.  I would like to try and outline some characters on the side art with side glow cable.  But I think I need to CNC the grooves around the characters, I doubt I'd do a good job freehanding the cut.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Gumby on February 03, 2005, 05:11:32 pm

Rather than dealing with fiber optics, why not consider using EL-wire?

Its quite a bit cheaper, doesn't have heat issues, and is a bit more friendly than glass fiber.

Just a thought.

-G

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: RetroJames on February 03, 2005, 06:17:18 pm

Quote from: Gumby on February 03, 2005, 05:11:32 pm

Rather than dealing with fiber optics, why not consider using EL-wire?

Its quite a bit cheaper, doesn't have heat issues, and is a bit more friendly than glass fiber.

Just a thought.

-G

Where can you get EL wire?  I am happy to see this idea on the board.  I have thought about using FO lighting for a long time as I have seen some really wicked signs using it for lighting effects.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: quarterback on February 03, 2005, 11:13:02 pm

Quote from: 1hookedspacecadet on February 03, 2005, 06:17:18 pm

Where can you get EL wire?

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Nannuu on February 04, 2005, 11:50:34 am

Yeah I was going to mention EL as well.  That is nice looking stuff.  Does anyone know what the life of the light is?  If it only lasts 1000 hours or so I wouldn't want to embed it into the side of my cabinet.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: quarterback on February 04, 2005, 12:35:30 pm

Quote from: Nannuu on February 04, 2005, 11:50:34 am

Yeah I was going to mention EL as well.

Title: Re: Fiber optic lighting
Post by: Trimoor on February 04, 2005, 02:37:02 pm

I heard 30,000 hours.
You can get either wire or 8mm strips.
http://www.svc.com/elstandelwi.html