Post by thread:EL Backlighting revisited

Hey, Last week I posted a question regarding EL backlighting. I just got a phone call from a company called AuroraLites. He already has the artwork for a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 panel and he will sell panels for roughly $10 each. If anyone is interested I'll post the website and phone number ( it's at home right now ). I had backed off the idea of using EL backlighting because of the expense of having panels made. But at that price, I think I'll reconsider. Eric

From: Eric Oliver <spam_OUTericTakeThisOuTKEDCOENT.COM> >Last week I posted a question regarding EL backlighting. I just got a >phone call from a company called AuroraLites. He already has the artwork >for a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 panel and he will sell panels for roughly $10 each. If >anyone is interested I'll post the website and phone number ( it's at home >right now ). Please do :) >I had backed off the idea of using EL backlighting because of the expense >of having panels made. But at that price, I think I'll reconsider. I've been working with prototype EL panels for about a year now, what are your requirements? I cut and install the panels in TI graphing calculators, the lamps I get come in 2x3, 3x5 and 6x10 sizes, at 5, 10 and 50 dollars each. DK

Ok, Here's the link http://www.auroralites.com Auroralites Turtle Creek PO# 52628 1801 Lakeshore Rd. W. Mississauga, Ont. Canada L5J 4S6 416 230-2396 .....sales-marketingKILLspam@spam@auroralites.com > I've been working with prototype EL panels for about a year now, what > are your requirements? I cut and install the panels in TI graphing > calculators, > the lamps I get come in 2x3, 3x5 and 6x10 sizes, at 5, 10 and 50 dollars > each. > > DK I've been told that cutting the panels will cause them to oxidize and drastically shorten the life of the panel. How do you cut them ? Or more specifically, how do you seal them after you cut them ? Eric

From: Eric Oliver <ericKILLspamKEDCOENT.COM> >Here's the link http://www.auroralites.com Thanks :) {Quote hidden}>> I've been working with prototype EL panels for about a year now, what >> are your requirements? I cut and install the panels in TI graphing >> calculators, >> the lamps I get come in 2x3, 3x5 and 6x10 sizes, at 5, 10 and 50 dollars >> each. >> >> DK > >I've been told that cutting the panels will cause them to oxidize and >drastically shorten the life of the panel. How do you cut them ? Or more >specifically, how do you seal them after you cut them ? The panels I use have microencapsulated phosphors, so they do not suffer from oxidation or moisture damage when cut (so says my supplier). I haven't noticed any dimming on the panel I have had running in my calculator for the past year or so. I generally cut them with sharp scissors :) Due to the manufacturing technique, the only sealing required is for electrical insulation, as the cut edges are live, at 80vac with the inverter I'm using. I just use some 1 mil clear poly tape I found at wal-mart around the edges, have never had a problem with it shorting. I haven't tested the tape's insulating properties to see where it breaks down, but it is over 80v. Of about 30 or so panels that I've made only one has ever failed (to my knowledge), and I believe that was either a manufacturing defect or an incorrect installation (not performed by me mind you :). I had the panel sent back to me for examination and found a 1mm diameter area that appeared to have shorted internally, causing the lamp power contacts to melt through the lamp and insulation and come into contact with the calculator LCD display board. The 80v power then pretty much destroyed the calculator. The lesson learned was to insulate with non-melting materials and incorporate fuses in the inverter supply (which was wired directly to the battery via a switch). DK