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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Kingspinner on May 09, 2005, 08:07:29 pm

Title: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Kingspinner on May 09, 2005, 08:07:29 pm
Has anyone tried using fiber optics in their cab (especially cocktail ones) effectively? I would like... and this may sound strange... to use it as an alternative to t-molding around a 3/4" smoked glass top. any ideas? You all rock, so I know I will get some great feedback!
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: pointdablame on May 09, 2005, 08:19:59 pm
Fiber optics (to my knowledge at least) dispense light through the ends of the fiber, and not the length of it.  You would need to have hundreds (thousands?) of fibers all pointing out, as well as quite a large light source for it to be effective.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: AlanS17 on May 09, 2005, 08:33:51 pm
Maybe you're looking for electro-luminescent (EL) tape.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: pointdablame on May 09, 2005, 08:39:27 pm
yeah, GLO-Wire, EL wire, or EL tape would be much better alternatives.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Kingspinner on May 09, 2005, 09:40:01 pm
Fiber optics (to my knowledge at least) dispense light through the ends of the fiber, and not the length of it.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Veinman on May 09, 2005, 10:14:29 pm
WOW that is one hideous "website."

IMO, that much light might get distracting, but it sure would look cool.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: cholin on May 09, 2005, 10:21:38 pm
WOW that is one hideous "website."

Couldnt agree more!  Sounds like an opertunity for me!  But anyway, Id go for some glow wire or something.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: pointdablame on May 09, 2005, 10:40:32 pm
wow. that's pretty pricy stuff.   And couple that with the fact that they want you to use a 150 watt metal halide bulb.... your cabinet is going to get HOT FAST!!!

EL wire is much cheaper, easier to use/cut/apply, uses a LOT less power, and creates almost no heat.

Personally, I still don't see any reason to use this other than the "hey I used fiber optics" factor.  It's a good idea, but there are much better alternatives.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: JDSkydiver on May 10, 2005, 10:33:14 am
I agree...

I'd think using a "neon-esque" flourescent list just under the lip of the CP might give a nice "ground effect" look.

But IMO, the Fiber optics might be a bit much...

But what do I know...?

JDSkydiver
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: shmokes on May 10, 2005, 12:03:03 pm
I can't help dropping this website every time someone points out a bad website.  This is the place where I ordered my T-molding (http://www.tapeease.com).  It was over a year ago and the website is still the same.  Really awful.  Your eyes will bleed.

Sorry for the hijack...kind of.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Elfman on May 10, 2005, 12:44:02 pm
I can't help dropping this website every time someone points out a bad website.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Fat_Trucker on May 10, 2005, 01:45:49 pm
This (http://m-99.co.uk/Car_Neon_LED_Lighting/Neon_El_Wire/neon_el_wire.html) stuff is probably what you are looking for.

Its not too pricey (dependent on the size of your cab).

Using it to replace t-moulding probably isn't the best idea since t-moulding also protects the edges of your cab as well as making it look pretty.
Its good for mounting inside things like speaker grills and the like though, and you could easily route a groove to mount it around the edge of your CP and Marquee or whatever.

Its 12v so should run directly from a 12v output like the ones on your PC power supply.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Elfman on May 10, 2005, 01:57:40 pm
This (http://m-99.co.uk/Car_Neon_LED_Lighting/Neon_El_Wire/neon_el_wire.html) stuff is probably what you are looking for.

Its not too pricey (dependent on the size of your cab).

Using it to replace t-moulding probably isn't the best idea since t-moulding also protects the edges of your cab as well as making it look pretty.
Its good for mounting inside things like speaker grills and the like though, and you could easily route a groove to mount it around the edge of your CP and Marquee or whatever.

Its 12v so should run directly from a 12v output like the ones on your PC power supply.

That would work really well if you could find someone who made clear T-moilding.  Just make your slot a little deeper, lay the neon and then put clear T-molding on it.  Just need to find someone who makes clear T-molding now and you are all set.
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: NIVO on May 10, 2005, 02:15:47 pm
clear corner guards will do the trick as well. Some modification may be needed in order to fit right. This idea has been discussed long ago in the chat forums by myelf and several others. (see what u miss!?)
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Kingspinner on May 12, 2005, 07:20:35 pm
As I said at the beginning.. you guys do rock!
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: NIVO on May 13, 2005, 06:56:19 pm
you are gonna call this machine "VEGAS" right?  :P
Title: Re: Fiberoptics as t-molding??
Post by: Kingspinner on May 13, 2005, 07:05:03 pm
I may as well! :D I will be making the frame with weekend (minus the top for now)