Fiber optics newbie

Ask and answer questions, share tips and resources for installing lighting and other electronics in your models.

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jgoldader
Posts: 974
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:24 pm
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Fiber optics newbie

Post by jgoldader »

Hello all-

I've never lit a model with fibers before, but need to learn. Is there a good "fiber optics for dummies" reference out there? My bing-fu has failed me this morning, and there's no sticky here.

AFAIK, the order of business is this:

1. Design the circuit (I can do that)
2. Drill many holes
3. Run the fibers
4. Fix the fibers in place (black silicone? I saw that in one article) with some length sticking out
5. Test the lighting to make sure it all works
6. Assemble model
7. Paint model
8. Trim the fibers with a flush-cutting scissors

A long time ago I remember seeing references to using a hot soldering iron tip or such to melt the tips of the fibers to make a "mushroom" to spread the light out a little. Recommended or stupid?

Many thanks for your patience and help.
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brt
Posts: 1890
Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2008 6:04 pm
Location: Waiting for the Mothership

Post by brt »

I have only done one model with fiber optics. I used 2 part epoxy for the strands. I would like to suggest cuticle nippers to get them as flush as possible. More patience than I had is needed to drill a series of windows in a straight line. (they look ok at a distance though)
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