lugano
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Hey Jon, that EL wire fits some of my thought patterns - would you provide more info about it ? I really appreciate the effect. Please tell us more about it.
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Hey Jon, that EL wire fits some of my thought patterns - would you provide more info about it ? I really appreciate the effect. Please tell us more about it.
Lugano, the ElectroLuminescent wire is pretty cool. Actually, it sometimes goes under the name 'Cool Wire'.
It's available from places like: http://www.thatscoolwire.com/
or http://www.elbestbuy.com/index.html
There are plenty of others, including PC supply shops. But these guys can help with long run orders and correct transformer sizing. Just email them for advice.
There is also flat version of the stuff, which should look pretty nice as well.
To run mine, I installed a series of large capacity transformers and a suitable 2amp power supply under the floor of the HT (it’s a crawl space / Infinite Baffle chamber), along with a automation controlled outlet (so I can turn the things on and off).
I ran the power feeds from the transformers into the room in the rear, where you see the two strands of EL wire going up the Auralex Bass absorbers in the corner.
They then branch and go along the back wall valance and side valances and terminate at the front of the room.
I purposefully did not do the front end of the room, as I thought it distracted more than helped. I really do keep that end as dark as possible with a front PJ.
To mount the EL wire, I used clear plastic J-Channel’s in 8’ lengths. I got these from a supply store that sells bulk items, in this case, 6’ long lengths of price tag holders that I then trimmed for my purposes.
The J-Channel is attached to the valance back such that the curve of the J is flush with the bottom of the valance. The EL wire is stuffed in there before attaching and the plastic J-Cannel keep everything nice and straight.
In some of these shots, it looks as if there are ‘dark’ spots in the EL, but it’s just the wire has curved up out of the J-Cannel and I’ve been too lazy to go straighten them out. It looks better in person than with a long exposure shot.
Here’s a nice broad shot of the room showing the wire:
Attachments
Additional EL mounting options:
These guys offer some nice surface mount kits, so you don't have to roll your own if you don't want to: http://www.elbestbuy.com/newlwimosy.html
These guys offer some nice surface mount kits, so you don't have to roll your own if you don't want to: http://www.elbestbuy.com/newlwimosy.html
MiTT
Super User
The whole lighting thing is something I'm obviously passionate about. I work for the second largest lighting company in the world - Cooper Lighting. I'm the Director of Product Development for the Architectural Lighting Group. It's ironic that given my job I've got those cheap little LED candles on the back of my speakers, sort of like the cobblers children going shoeless I know...
As I'm starting to develop plans for my dedicated room downstairs lighting will be a key component. I like the light ropes that Jon is using, and will be employing some similar looks using some LED cove lighting that we are developing at our RSA facility in Van Nuys. Same general look, it's just that you won't see any apparent sources, just a glow from the cove areas. I'm also working on some overhead lighting that will likely be flourescent based, custom fixtures similar to the installed work of a sculptor named Dan Flavin who uses light as an element in all of his work. My development team at our Neoray facility in New York is working on a recessed fixture line that mimics the effect of a very sharp edged bezel that feels like a window on an infinite space when illuminated. Hard to describe, but unforgettable once you've seen it.
Here is what some of his work looks like from the Denver Art Museum.
As I'm starting to develop plans for my dedicated room downstairs lighting will be a key component. I like the light ropes that Jon is using, and will be employing some similar looks using some LED cove lighting that we are developing at our RSA facility in Van Nuys. Same general look, it's just that you won't see any apparent sources, just a glow from the cove areas. I'm also working on some overhead lighting that will likely be flourescent based, custom fixtures similar to the installed work of a sculptor named Dan Flavin who uses light as an element in all of his work. My development team at our Neoray facility in New York is working on a recessed fixture line that mimics the effect of a very sharp edged bezel that feels like a window on an infinite space when illuminated. Hard to describe, but unforgettable once you've seen it.
Here is what some of his work looks like from the Denver Art Museum.
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Tim, sounds like some very cool plans for your room. But it sounds like you have a bit of the cobblers children syndrome, being barefoot and all 
You are correct that cove lighting with no apparent source is quite nice. And I’d love to know more about your new flush fixture, PM me with info if you’d like.
The EL under the valance is invisible when off (that room is so frigging dark, it’s hard to see anything ), and when on, is just a soft glow with no apparent fixture
I also use some CCFL's (2' long) in various colors to backlight artwork or custom tables elsewhere in the house, and mount them such that they are invisible, all you see is the glow.
BTW- Have some Cooper products in the house, nice stuff. When will your track heads include stuff like Z-Wave or insteon so I can individually address each head and make it do great stuff?
You are correct that cove lighting with no apparent source is quite nice. And I’d love to know more about your new flush fixture, PM me with info if you’d like.
The EL under the valance is invisible when off (that room is so frigging dark, it’s hard to see anything
), and when on, is just a soft glow with no apparent fixtureI also use some CCFL's (2' long) in various colors to backlight artwork or custom tables elsewhere in the house, and mount them such that they are invisible, all you see is the glow.
BTW- Have some Cooper products in the house, nice stuff. When will your track heads include stuff like Z-Wave or insteon so I can individually address each head and make it do great stuff?
Pcar928fan
Well-known member
Any thoughts on doing a Starry night sky in my theater when I get around to adding to the house in a year or two? Probably lots of things will change by then but I will have 4 8' X 8' ceiling sections that are up at about 11' that I will want to do that effect to. The area around them and out to the side and back walls will be at 9.5' or 10'... I will also have hidden cove (rope style) lighting all around the 8' X 8' sections and can lights along the side and a few strategically located in the lower parts of the ceiling as well as rope lighting around the riser section in the middle of the room...
K
karma
Guest
Tim, sounds like some very cool plans for your room. But it sounds like you have a bit of the cobblers children syndrome, being barefoot and all
You are correct that cove lighting with no apparent source is quite nice. And I’d love to know more about your new flush fixture, PM me with info if you’d like.
The EL under the valance is invisible when off (that room is so frigging dark, it’s hard to see anything
I also use some CCFL's (2' long) in various colors to backlight artwork or custom tables elsewhere in the house, and mount them such that they are invisible, all you see is the glow.
BTW- Have some Cooper products in the house, nice stuff. When will your track heads include stuff like Z-Wave or insteon so I can individually address each head and make it do great stuff?
HI Jon,
I think your room is absolutely spaectacular. I love it and find it inpirational. I do agree that maybe this thread has uncovered a very neat sub-hobby out there that we didn't know much about. Pretty neat.
Sparky
