Floppy Disk Bag Retrofit: EL Wire

by imanalchemist in Circuits > Wearables

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Floppy Disk Bag Retrofit: EL Wire

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Since many of my classes this term will be at night and after seeing how cheap EL wire is, I decided to add some to my bag, since many of my classes this term will be at night. This will also increase visibility when using it as a bike bag.
What You Will Need:
EL Wire: To illuminate the edges of the standard matrix you will need 10' of 2.2mm wire
DC-AC Inverter: the EL wire I ordered came with an 3V (2AA battery) inverter but you can build
your own using the wonderfully written instructable How to Add EL Wire to a Coat or Other Garment
Screws: see the third step for more info.

Thread the EL Wire

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The EL wire fits snugly under the knots around the outside corners, I went around the edges, to illuminate the general shape; However you can easily thread it however you want or create your own designs.

Attaching the Inverter.

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Because I am using the included inverter, I am going to attach it to the bag using its own assembly screw. Since the screw is too short, I bought a few of different lengths to try out, I also bought a washer to prevent the screw punching through the disk when pulled.
If you are building your own inverter, then you can attach it using nuts and bolts, duct tape or any other method, including this one. I'm sure you can figure it out, you're smart people.

Drill

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Drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw

Unscrew

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Remove the existing screw from the Inverter housing.

Rescrew

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Using the new, slightly longer screw attach the inverter to the inside of your bag (don't forget the washer) The too-long-cord problem can easily be remedied with a simple chain stitch or complicated soldering.

Show Me

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Show me what you guys come up with!