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How do I connect the fiber optic filament or cable to an LED? |
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| While there are a number of ways to 'connect' the fiber to an LED, here we will share with you one method that works VERY well. However, this is NOT the only method. | |
| First ~ In understanding this method, it might be helpful to broaden the definition of "connecting the filament" to "directing or guiding the filament". | |
| HST 101 | |
| Welcome to the world of Heat Shrink Tubing! HST is primarily used for electrical applications. As it's name implies: when heat is applied to HST, it shrinks or constricts, tightening up and securing the connection. | |
| Here are the basic steps: | |
| Gather the fibers / cable that you would like to illuminate. | |
| Place the fibers in the HST. | |
| Place the LED illuminator in the other side. | |
| Apply heat to shrink the HST around the connection. | |
| The HST will 'shrink’ up, tightening the connection. | |
| Note: Once you shrink HST it, it can NOT be un-shrunk. | |
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| Here are three different examples. The top LED is a 5mm LED that we will connect to a group of loose fiber optic filaments. In the middle example we connect a 32 strand cable to a 3mm LED. The bottom a 2mm LED that will be connected to the 64 strand cable. | |
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| After you've guided the filaments or cable into the HST, you'll need to apply heat to shrink the tubing. While some use a heat gun, we use a candle. Here are a few tips, and any time you work with an open flame, please be careful! | |
| ~ Wave’ the HST over the flame using a side to side motion. | |
| ~ DO NOT allow the HST to touch the flame! | |
| ~ DO NOT stop the HST over the flame… keep it moving! | |
| ~ Extend the HST beyond the base of the LED, this will give you a better “seal” after it shrinks and further protects the LED. | |
| ~ Keep the ‘space’ between the Fibers/Cable to a minimum. If there is too much space, and it should shrink or bend, this will prevent the light from making it to the fibers. | |
| ~ Keep the HST moving… especially when shrinking the fiber side. You do not want to melt the fibers! (The HST will shrink BEFORE you melt the fibers, the key is: KEEP IT MOVING!) | |
| ~ Sometimes it helps to wrap a piece if tape around the fibers and the HST AFTER you’ve shrunk the HST. This will help hold the fibers in place. | |
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HAPPY (and safe) SHRINKING! |
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Special thanks to Kevin Kelly for contributing the photo's. Kevin also contributed the Leader's Nose Project. |
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