RC4 Wireless 2-dim Prop

Jakob B.

Member
Hi all,

For our show, an actor needs to walk around stage with a kerosene practical lantern and will turn on the lantern onstage. We have a RC4 wireless 2-dim which hides very nicely in the base of the prop.

I was wondering which low-voltage light source would look best for the job, if you guys have done this before. I'd like to run the dimmer and LED off of a 9v battery, and we will want dimming capability.

thanks!
 
What's the distance from the audience? Cause anything amber will work.
 
Hey Jakob,

The most important thing is to find a light source that you like -- the right color, brightness, and so on. Find a few contenders to give us an idea of the look you're going for, then submit an RC4 Support ticket and tell us what they are. We will help you find the best way to drive it with your RC4 dimmer.
https://rc4.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new
Mention this thead in your ticket, we'll remember you.

Thanks!
Jim
RC4
 
RC4 is pretty on point with this kind of stuff.

You will need their equiptment , a led driver and the leds themselves. Something like this. These are all small pieces not for anything specific to this. The led is an amber LED. but if it were me I would remove the glass/plastic from the lamp and gradient paint it and use a white led.

Good luck and please post pictures of your process or final design.

List of possible items.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VGV3O/?tag=controlbooth-20


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKX813U/?tag=controlbooth-20


http://www.rapidled.com/mean-well-l...EMIjtWUZAZJYbw1ZNwEUGziazOW-FUPcaAiA2EALw_wcB
 
Superbrightleds.com is a good resource for things like that. They sell a lot of difference LED products and have great information on them. Sometimes I purchase from them sometimes I find something I like better elsewhere, but I usually start at their site to get an idea of what's out there.

Keep in mind if you're going to use any kind of high power LED you're going to need a cooling solution as well. If you're lucky and the prop is metal sometimes you can use it as the heat sink.
 
As an experienced RC4 user I suggest getting some key info before getting too deep in the project. How long is the item going? How bright is the object (is it used for lighting the scene or is it glowing)? How big is the item that you are putting the electronics and will this prop be easily accessed for daily battery charging and turning on and off at the end of a day (people tend to forget this)?
With these questions answered you can go about figuring out your ideal bulb (one that has no circuitry before the bulb or one that is dimmable is ideal) then calculate the size of your battery pack (remember you will be turning it on before the house is there and won’t be turning it off until the show is done [the rc4 draws very little current, but should be thought of] and then on the long 10/12 rehearsal days). Toss an on/off switch where your able to for ease as well as quick disconnect for the battery. I have been fond of USB battery packs (2.4A output and a rugged case that’s easy to charge and has little risk of over drawing the battery) as long as your light source is less than 5volts. If space permits 12v options are nice and car accessory lights give a nice light. Remember that rechargeable AA batteries are ~1.2 volts when fully charged and alkaline AA batteries are 1.4 volts (the difference between a 10 and 8 AA battery holder). Going LiPo is an option but is a higher startup and carries more of a fire risk if they get damaged or improperly charged or can be rendered useless if your math is wrong and they are overdrawn (stupid 10/12s).
Any further questions shoot me a PM, or shoot Jim an email as they are really helpful.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back