(click for larger image)

Pixel ropelight Mk2

The construction of the mark2 ropelight is mainly the same as my previous version.

The smart pixel has a 100nf capacitor soldered directly to it's positive terminal with a small piece of wire then linking the negative terminal. (image 1)

Image 2 shows the wires soldered onto the led.

The next step is to use hot glue to cover the led and some of the wire. This will strengthen the joints but also diffuses the light much better. This string of led's is then slid inside a single length of clear braided hosepipe to waterproof it. This element is used across my front fence and over an arch across the driveway.(image 3)

Because of the small gauge wire used the connect the led's, this element was powered from the centre so that only 50 leds were connected on each side.

Here is a small video of the ropelight mark2 in action. Those with eagle eyes may also notice the blue led on the buck converter which powers this ropelight!