I have just recently completed building myself a couple of light boxes and I am very pleased with the results. If anyone is interested in me building one for them, PM me and I can discuss price etc, one thing is for sure, they are going to be at least a third of the price of imported ones, and IMHO work just as well. The two attached images will give you some sort of idea of my construction. My method of construction allowes the light box to fit over the front of the telescope/dew shield, much like a cover so one does not need to balance it on the scope.
I use a 12v lighter type connector for the power, and each LED is rated at between 6000mcd and 12000mcd depending on the size of the box required.
If interested please feel free to ask any questions.
IceTrade Classifieds is a free service provided to IceInSpace members to help encourage and promote astronomy in our community.
In my attempts to improve these, I have come across an external plug in type dimmer that works a treat. So now when I do a box with dimmer, it will not be hard wired, but instead the plug in dimmer will be used. This will give the individual the choice of either dimming or straight in power. I tested it on my non dimmed TOA130 light box and the dimming appeared to be very linear.
hi Pete
thats a great idea my light box is working a treat my flats have never been better keep up the great work and service you provide love it
cheers Pete
Thanks Pete. The beauty of the external dimmer is if it dies, just replace with another and no need to pull the box down to re-wire a new one. Also cheaper which is also a plus.
It looks like I might be having an operation on my right hand in the very near future, possibly as early as this week. The finger that was broken earlier on in the year has not healed and is more bent than I am Also I have acute arthritis at the base of both thumbs, and there is a procedure that removes the offending bone that is apparently very successful, so I am going to discuss that as well, and if okay will get the right hand properly worked over in the one hit. Obviously this will adversely effect the ability to build light boxes for a while as I would have the finger in a splint and the thumb in a brace for a few months.
Just for information, I am booked in for this procedure on 11 January. Apparently the wrist and hand are in a cast for at least 6 weeks, then a brace followed by remedial physio, can take up to 12 months to get full use again, bloody hell that is nice to know....
hey Pete hope all goes well with your OP and I am sure it will just had my knee done a week ago full replacement so as soon as I can get down the stairs and to my observatory I will be happy all the best to you and have a wonderful Xmas
cheers Pete
Hey Pete, thanks for the thought, I am scared crapless, don't like the idea of having one hand totally useless for a few months. Mind you if the pain goes and I can eventually get pretty good use it will be worth it..
Hope you have a great Xmas, and enjoy the "new" mobility.
hi Pete
it will be well worth it I wish I got my knee done ages ago and as for the pain its not all that bad the trick is listen to the doctor and don't over do it if it is hurting even just a little stop and rest it up .
I have only had my OP a week ago and I am moving around ok and it is getting better by the day I still have a long way to go but you will be fine my friend before you know it you be looking back on it and saying the same and back into making your fantastic Light boxes .
cheers Pete