Electric Boogaloo
September 15, 2006 9:26 PM Subscribe
Help me turn a string of christmas lights portable.
I am working on a costume involving a string of something like 20 feet of small, blinking christmas lights like these with a standard (U.S.) AC plug. How can I make this portable? I am hoping to construct a battery pack that could be worn as a belt to plug this string of lights into. Hopefully the charge will last 4 hours -- I can change batteries if needed. This is for a party at a roller-skating rink so it can't be too heavy or restrictive.
I am working on a costume involving a string of something like 20 feet of small, blinking christmas lights like these with a standard (U.S.) AC plug. How can I make this portable? I am hoping to construct a battery pack that could be worn as a belt to plug this string of lights into. Hopefully the charge will last 4 hours -- I can change batteries if needed. This is for a party at a roller-skating rink so it can't be too heavy or restrictive.
Response by poster: The costume is already made. It is not mine and I don't know if it would be possible to take it apart...but thanks for the suggestion.
posted by iurodivii at 10:20 PM on September 15, 2006
posted by iurodivii at 10:20 PM on September 15, 2006
I had a look at the link given by iconomy, and its a good one. Very sensible comments.
But seriously, what about the dangers of bumping into someone at the rink, or (god forbid) falling down? Wouldn't LEDs be safer?
OK, the dress is made... I wish the wearer well, and I say to you -- it's a splendid idea! Wish I could be there.
posted by metaswell at 5:42 AM on September 16, 2006
But seriously, what about the dangers of bumping into someone at the rink, or (god forbid) falling down? Wouldn't LEDs be safer?
OK, the dress is made... I wish the wearer well, and I say to you -- it's a splendid idea! Wish I could be there.
posted by metaswell at 5:42 AM on September 16, 2006
A bicycle light battery and a small power inverter would do the trick.
A palm sized 75-120 watt power inverter is available anywhere they sell camping supplies including Wal-Mart. And bicycle batteries are available in a water bottle size package to fit cages which also fit perfect in a bottle holder belt.
For lights you don't actually need an AC source just 120V so you could also get away with a battery and a DC voltage multiplier I just don't know where you'd get one commercially.
posted by Mitheral at 8:30 AM on September 16, 2006 [1 favorite]
A palm sized 75-120 watt power inverter is available anywhere they sell camping supplies including Wal-Mart. And bicycle batteries are available in a water bottle size package to fit cages which also fit perfect in a bottle holder belt.
For lights you don't actually need an AC source just 120V so you could also get away with a battery and a DC voltage multiplier I just don't know where you'd get one commercially.
posted by Mitheral at 8:30 AM on September 16, 2006 [1 favorite]
Maybe it's just me, but the idea of wrapping my body with 120V christmas tree lights just doesn't seem like a good idea. The wire insulation is not intended for continuous flexing. 120 volts can kill you. Although a battery and AC power inverter might work, I wouldn't use it on my body.
The lights you are using are wired in series to use 120 volts. You can't just unplug the bulbs and replace them with LEDs or battery type bulbs because the voltage will not be correct. You would need to remove the entire wire strand and replace it with a battery type.
posted by JackFlash at 11:13 AM on September 16, 2006
The lights you are using are wired in series to use 120 volts. You can't just unplug the bulbs and replace them with LEDs or battery type bulbs because the voltage will not be correct. You would need to remove the entire wire strand and replace it with a battery type.
posted by JackFlash at 11:13 AM on September 16, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
I'd love to see the costume!
posted by iconomy at 9:32 PM on September 15, 2006