Final Project: Letter Marquee Wall Light
I'd like to create an illuminating marquee wall sign for my son's room that will have various flashing modes. Will I be able to pull it off? We shall see. Fortunately, I've heard that with digital fabrication anything is possible.
What will it do?
A Letter Marquee Wall Light for my son that will illuminate when dark. *It was feature different flashing modes such as blinking, gradual fade in and out and just constant illumination.
Who's done what beforehand?
Moonrise Letter Lights is a company that makes custom letter wall lights
What materials and components will be required?
Plywood, arduino, possibly a light sensor, possibly GloFX Electroluminescent Wire, string globe lights
Where will they come from?
Home Depot/Lowes, *GloFX Electroluminescent Wire, digikey.com, amazon.com
How much will it cost?
$50-$70
What parts and systems will be made?
Plywood letters and string globe lights (or electroluminescent wire).I will make a circuit board for the light sensor.
What processes will be used?
I will use 2D Vector (preferably Adobe Illustrator) and 3D design (maybe Fusion 360 or SketchUp) Depending on the time I will design and make a microcontroller or use Arduino. I will use 2D design in Illustrator and conjunction with V Carve to make the marquee letters. I will use the Shopbot to cut the wood. For the design of the circuit board, I will use Eagle and to cut it using the Roland MX40.
What tasks need to be completed?
Figure out the joinery assembly. Design and assemble the plywood letters, design/install the light sensor finally putting it all together.
What questions need to be answered??
- Is there enough time to do all this?
- How to install the light sensor? I am very novice with electronics
- How am I going to assemble my wooden letters? How will I join them together?
What is the schedule?
Since I am a full time employee of the Fab Lab (Incite Focus), I will have to manage my job responsibilities and task as well stay on track with the remaining time left in the Fab Academy. I plan to execute the different phases of my final assignment from now until the presentations. I have approx 2 weeks.
How will it be evaluated?
After the letters are assembled, I will test the lights and sensor to ensure success. My final project will inevitably be judged by the recipient--my son