|   Christmas lights on my bike | patrick_
Nov 27, 2001 3:19 PM | | So, with the Christmas Season (tm) in full commercial swing, I was thinking it would be fun to string some Christmas lights on my frame for my commute to and from work. I experimented with household lights and 9-volt batteries a few years ago, but they were dim and only lasted 20 minutes or so. A friend had suggested cobbling together some colored LEDs, because of the low power draw. I don't know much about wiring up LEDs, but I think I could figure it out if I had to.
Does anyone have any suggestions (regarding LEDs or conventional lights), or has anyone tried something similar?
Thanks,
-Patrick |
| Craft stores have just what you want... | Fast Eddy
Nov 27, 2001 4:31 PM | | Short strings of lights (4'?) with a battery pack. We use 'em in the back window of our truck.
LEDs would work, but how much extra soldering time do you have? They usually want about 3v and 10ma each. Solder three of them in series with a 270 ohm [v=ir, 9v = (3*.01a) * 300] resistor:
+ LED - + LED - + LED - 300 ohm -
and connect it to a 9v battery. Fry's or Radio Shack has a Ramsey or other kit to make them flash. RS probably has self-flashing LEDs too. If you add one self-flashing LED to your string, the whole thing will probably flash. |
| LEDs are wicked simple to rig. | Twilight Error®
Nov 27, 2001 4:47 PM | | Its just a parallel circut, you could have everything done in one night for probably under $20.
Power the thing with a 9v battery, it'll go almost forever and still be very light. |
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