Okay so heres the deal, I bought this neon power rope light thing thats for cars, but I would like to use it posibly on a trumpet, to outline it. (I've seen it done, I just don't know how). But the rope light it's powered by a 12V Plug that goes into your ciggarette lighter. And I need to be powered by maybe a battery pack. So what would need to happen would be a rewiring, and thats the part I have no idea how to do.
2007-01-30 16:31:47 · 5 answers · asked by punkrocker3620 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Its LEDS not neon sorry.
2007-01-31 09:50:43 · update #1
Pretty much what Mt C said. If it has a cigarette lighter adapter than the lights are already set for d.c. You need to get 12v from your batteries so you need a battery holder. The wiring is simple. Take off the cigarette lighter part. The wire connected to the center post is your positive and the other is the negative. Cut and wire black to the negative if your battery pack and the other wire to the red of your pack. If for some reason you accidentally reverse the wires it just won't work, I don't think you will do damage.
2007-01-31 00:01:57 · answer #1 · answered by Bman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what you said, this is probably not a good project for you. I would get a friend who has more DIY experience to help.
The most difficult part is going to be the physical mounting of the rope and the batteries. Also the physical part of the wiring. You will have to be able to move around without detaching the wires.
How much current does this take? Batteries don't provide very much. You want the batteries to last more than a couple of minutes.
Depending on the amount of current, you may want rechargeable batteries. Perhaps even the kind they use on lawn mowers, alarm systems, etc. Some of them are 12 volt and they are not terribly heavy.
You will need something to hold the batteries on your body without shaking loose. Attaching the wires is the least of the issues.
Is it really neon? Neon takes an incredibly high voltage. Could they be LEDs? If not, can you get one with LEDs? That would take a lot less current.
When I was in school, I built a box with flashing neon lights. It was powered by a 90 volt battery. Those are very hard to find, but they are available.
Sounds like a great idea, good luck.
P.S. Ahhhh, it is LED, that is great. It will take MUCH less current so battery power is practical. Since it is wired for 12 volt, you will need a 12 volt supply.
As another reply already said, the center terminal of the plug is positive, the outer terminal is negative. Mounting the batteries is still the main challenge. You might be able to pick up something at a military surplus store to hold them.
I would still investigate something like an alarm or a lawn mower battery. Even a power tool battery might be adaptable. If you do use D cells, perhaps something like they use to hold film canisters to a camera's carrying strap.
I have seen 7.8 volt battery packs for RC cars. Perhaps there is something like that for 12V? Any idea how much current the rope is supposed to need?
Fun project.
2007-01-31 10:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by DSM Handyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the new LED light ropes will work from 4 to 16.5 volts.
I'd try hooking it up to a 9 volt battery clip out of some junk piece of electronic equipment(transistor radio,old toy.whatever)and see if that will work.
Then glue the tube on your horn like you want it,thread the wire down thru your shirt,and stick the battery in your pocket.
Then,SHINE ON, BROTHER!!!!!!
2007-02-02 19:35:11 · answer #3 · answered by sgthaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the light rope is 12 volt, then go to Radio Shack (or other electronic supply store) and obtain a "C" or "D" cell battery pack that will hold 8 batteries. Wire in your lights and you're home.
2007-01-31 00:53:12 · answer #4 · answered by MT C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...or you could get a 120 volt to 12 volt converter instead of batteries.
(Radio Shack)
2007-01-31 09:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by strech 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋