My 7-month old son has become very fascinated with flashing lights. I would like to make something for him with flashing LEDs. Specifically, I would like to spell out his name (Max) in LEDs. The problem is that I know that I can't drill a series of holes to mount them in with any kind of precision. It takes me tons of planning and measuring and re-measuring just to line up three knobs on a stompbox!! And it's still no guarantee that they will be lined up correctly!! Are there any kits that you can buy that allow you to choose letters? Or even something like a "Lite-Brite" with a grid of holes that you just punch out the ones you want? Any other ideas?? Thanks.
-Joe Hart

pad-per-hole!

Yeah, but I want it to have a nice finished look.
-Joe Hart

Joe, check out those kits often sold at electronic stores, they might have something that would work. They come with all the parts and insrtuctions for around $10-$20.
 Good luck,  Jered

Maybe you could layout the lettering by using to scale dots on a computer graphics program, print to some kind of label paper, affix the label to what ever you want the leds mounted on and then drill through the label.

Another alternative might be to try and find some of that metal screen that speaker companies use for grills instead of cloth.  Not the waffle looking stuff, but the stuff with the circular holes in it.  That kind of reminds me of the lite-brite board.  If the holes weren't big enough, they'd at least act as guides for you to drill bigger ones....

Greg

Leds will punch easily thru fabric, so maybe you could do laser print iron-on to fabric, which the lays across the non-solder side of the pad per hole, and you poke the leds thru & solder.
Don't forget a pic of a dinosaur or something with the eyes flashing as well, like those "snarling dog" fx.

Probably a bit of a pointless link due to the cost of this stuff, but one day it might come down in price!

http://www.neon-das.com/Flexible_Neon_Rope.html

Edit: If you google 'flexible neon' you'll find cheaper (smaller quantity) suppliers, which might make it affordable.

Use pad-per-hole, paint the board black, then mount it in a box with a translucent window, with the LEDs right up against the window... that way you won't be able to see the board, but can see the LEDs quite clearly!


drew
www.toothpastefordinner.com

Now that's a great Idea! Thanks, Drew!!
-Joe Hart

If you have the possibility to etch a pcb (or a friend) i will make you a pcb-layout with twin-coloured leds - blinking.

give me a mail

analogguru@hotmail.com

Thanks for the offer, but I've never etched a board before, and I really don't think I want to start (what with the fumes and a baby in the house and it's winter!). But thanks!
-Joe Hart