This video showcases three unique and practical lighting projects using LED strips. The first project is a work light that provides soft, shadow-less light and is made by combining LED strips with a dimmer circuit and a weighted metal base. The second project is a wall light that uses diffusion sheets to soften the light and make it more comfortable to look at. The third project is a room lighting solution that uses tin foil to scatter the light and create a soft, diffused glow. All three projects are designed to be functional and visually appealing, and the video provides step-by-step instructions on how to make them.
1. The project involves making three unique lighting projects using LED strips.
2. The first project requires a thin sheet of aluminium to cut two long thin lengths.
3. The aluminium can be cut by scoring grooves with a craft knife and bending it repeatedly until it breaks free.
4. The two aluminium pieces can be joined together using a spare piece of aluminium with screws and nuts.
5. A dimmer circuit is needed to adjust the brightness of the LED strip lights.
6. The dimmer circuit requires a power jack soldered to its input terminals and two loose wires soldered to its output terminals.
7. The LED strips can be stuck to the aluminium using their adhesive backing.
8. To prevent the cement from getting to the electronics, blue tack and electrical tape can be used to shield the power socket solder tabs and the dimmer itself.
9. The aluminium strip can be inserted into a plastic mould and secured with screws.
10. Pebbles can be added to the cement for visual effect.
11. The second project requires aluminium for heat dissipation.
12. Angled aluminium is needed for the second project.
13. The power sockets can be wired up in parallel to allow for daisy chaining multiple lights together.
14. A toggle switch can be used for a nice tactile feel.
15. PCB standoff pillars and screws can be used to mount the power sockets and switch to the aluminium sheet.
16. The LED strips can be soldered together in parallel.
17. Electrical tape can be used to prevent short circuits with the aluminium.
18. Clear A4 acetate sheets can be used to diffuse the light.
19. The acetate sheets can be sanded down on both sides to make them super frosted.
20. The acetate sheets can be glued to the aluminium using a fold-over edge.
21. The third project requires aluminium tubing.
22. A bolt can be used to thread the aluminium tubing for mounting.
23. The aluminium tubing can be trimmed down to roughly 11cm.
24. A hole can be drilled through the end of the aluminium tubing.
25. Angled aluminium is needed for the third project.
26. The aluminium angles can be mounted to a large sheet of cardboard using nuts and bolts.
27. Tin foil can be bunched up to make tiny ridges and crevices.
28. Spray mount glue can be used to attach the foil to the cardboard.
29. The aluminium angles can be clamped to the cardboard using nuts and bolts.
30. LED strips can be stuck down along one side of the aluminium angles.
31. Electrical wire can be threaded through the holes in the rods and aluminium bars.
32. Hot glue can be used to hold the wire in place.
33. The conductor inside the wire can be exposed by trimming off a bit of insulation.
34. The wire can be bridged to the LED strips using a short piece of wire.
35. The long supporting wires can be soldered to the negative and positive pads on the LED strips.
36. The long wires at the bottom of the light can be routed to a longer power cord.
37. A power connector can be added to the other end of the power cord.
38. The light can be mounted using holes added to the sides.