Cheap LED fiber optic emitter

[bsulliv]

All,

We are getting ready to open a production that includes a star drop, after much searching online a suitable low cost solution for illuminating the fiber in the drop couldn't be found, so we created our own. Here is the parts list:

Fixture
$30.00 - Par20
$16.97 - Par20 LED Dimmable Lamp $16.97 from Home Depot

Custom fiber optic snoot: Cost per = $3.42
$8.97 - 6x18 sheet of 21 gauge aluminum (makes 12, 3" square plates)
$2.67 - 3/4" strain relief conduit connector

1. Cut the aluminum into 3" squares
2. Drill a 1" - 1 1/8" hole in the center of the square using a bi-metal carbide hole saw
3. Insert the strain relief connector into the hole
4. Insert the end of your fiber optic tail into the strain relief and tighten

Total cost is about $51.00 per unit if you have to purchase everything new, but who doesn't have at least a few birdies kicking around

 

[JD]

Cool! About the only thing I would add has to do with the LED lamp. Some have a single source, some have a group of smaller LEDs. The single source lamp will have a better efficiency hitting the end of the fiber bundle.

 

[Sayen]

I love projects like this, and for some reason fiber optics are always really fun to work with. Thanks for sharing it!

 

[Kelite]

Very cool, Brent. Thank you for sharing the step-by-step as well as the photos.
Very nice!