I've never owned el wire before, have never soddered anything (though I know the concept), am not particularly mechanically inclined... but I have a fierce desire to get into el wire and light! on the playa.
So where do I start?
So where do I start?
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Re: Where do I start?
Fri, October 12, 2007 - 9:46 PMI know places like Cool Neon sell sets, that's probably helpful. Also, there are some tutorials on places like Instructables that may help.
other than that, I'll let the experts give the scoop. :)
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Re: Where do I start?
Fri, October 12, 2007 - 10:56 PMFYI: the kits Ms.Dynomite refers to come with attachments to lengths of ELwire, so soldering is not necessary.
You should practice on regular wire, learning to solder pieces together successfully before trying something you want for a project. There are many instruction books and/or websites (with photos) that describe successful soldering and good tips, better than can be described here.
On ELwire, makes sure you check the length of the wire for what a driver is rated for, if you try to use too long a, you might be able to push it, but it gets much dimmer, and using multiple drivers (or ones rated for the correct length) is a better way to go.
Bright wire looks so much more impressive.
Also think about having sequenced or flashing ELwire, people get quite drawn to flashy lights over static.
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Re: Where do I start?
Mon, October 15, 2007 - 10:34 AM -
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Re: Where do I start?
Mon, October 15, 2007 - 2:32 PMThanks for this.
Although (as I just commented there) I'd recommend testing it worked BEFORE the heat shrinking part (but I use electrical tape anyway).
I also agree with another comment about the pronunciation of "solder". Americans do seem to drop the "L", making it sound like "sodder" - which to me sounds too much like the word for anal sex!
Coming from England, I say the "L" in the word like the past of sell, ie "sold" - with "er" added. -
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Re: Where do I start?
Mon, October 15, 2007 - 2:52 PMWhereas we yanks think of sodding as putting down prefab grass squares.
A good system for learning is to find someone not far from you who knows how to do EL wire and is willing to show you the ropes. This is especially true if you've never used a soldering iron before.
Here are a few early observations:
1. Manipulating all of those tiny things takes patience and practice. It helps to have a soldering station where you can park the soldering iron.
2. Alligator clips can be used to hold the wires in position as you work.
3. Use wire strippers designed for EL wire. They are cheap and make the wire stripping much easier.
4. Keep the work area ventilated, don't breathe the solder fumes.
5. When you take your EL wire creation somewhere it can help to have a portable battery-powered soldering iron. I got one for under $30 that works OK.
6. It can help to seal the loose end of EL wire (to prevent moisture entry). A drop of glue works, or heat sealing the end.
7. I like electrical tape over heat shrink, but tastes vary. -
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Re: Where do I start?
Mon, October 15, 2007 - 3:13 PMI just watched the soldering video, and I have a few comments about what I do differently:
1. As I mentioned before, I like electrical tape. I do one turn around the inner wire to help prevent shorts, then continue to wrap the outer wire.
2. I like copper tape, but I run the corona wires between two layers of tape. In the video clip he wraps with 2 turns of copper tape and solders the joint on the outside. I like the corona wires in the middle because it helps keep them stable. This could be mere superstition, of course.
3. I like to put a little hook on the end of the center wire, and a hook on the end of the connecting wire, and hook the two together before soldering. This is a stronger physical joint, and also offers more area for the solder to stick to, so it's a better electrical connection as well. Again, the advantage here may not matter so much, but it works for me.
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Re: Where do I start?
Mon, October 15, 2007 - 5:49 PMDr.Placebo, I like the hook idea. That would seem stronger to me too.
From the video, I do like the copper adhesive tape, somehow I'd never seen such stuff before. And takes any possible strain off the corona wires. -
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Re: Where do I start?
Tue, October 16, 2007 - 8:13 AMFYI on Copper Adhesive Tape:
It can be purchased anywhere that Stainglass supplies are sold, but I am sure it can also be purchased from electrical supplie places too.
You must be careful.. the cuts from it are nasty... and two you dont want to over heat it because it looses it's sticky... -
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Re: Where do I start?
Tue, October 16, 2007 - 9:17 AMYea...i second what Rebecca says...
I've only been able to find that copper tape at a stain glass place. But it was $8 for a roll that will last me a lifetime!
I like the hook idea...sounds stronger indeed! Thanks Dr. :)
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Re: Where do I start?
Tue, October 16, 2007 - 9:42 AMCoolNeon provides a small, but sufficient, amount of copper tape free with each order. You can also order in much larger quantities through their web site (www.coolneon.com).
I have no financial interest in CoolNeon.
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