[crypticcreator]

This is not a tutorial -- I have a new flexible foam prop that I developed. I want the eyes to light up on activation and also to add a dimming effect. I would like to know if anyone has any experience doing something like this? My plan is to embed a 1" diameter, spherical casing with an LED bulb into the foam. Then wire that to a power source and control device. I am undecided on what type of power source to use but I would like my creature to be able to run off of battery. I am also unsure of how to add the dimining effect. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions? I appreciate the help.

 

[JeffHaas]

I have a set of the Cowlacious "Universal Fading Eyes" and they're great:
http://www.cowlacious.com/products/Universal-Fading-Eyes-Deluxe.html

Seem to be out of stock at the moment but if you can get one then it'll work.

 

[crypticcreator]

Haas: This seems to be exactly what I am looking for. Thanks! Do you know if there is a demo of these anywhere that I can watch?

 

[paulcav151]

I got tired of waiting on the Cowlascious Fading eyes. They've been out of stock for months, so just made a couple sets last night. If you are handy with soldering, I can post the link. They really were very easy to make. Actually, I have the link handy now...http://www.bowdenshobbycircuits.info/fade_led.htm
And here: http://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/HalloweenTech/anemak_MakingLEDEyes.html

 

[JeffHaas]

I didn't know the Cowlacious eyes have been out of stock that long. You might want to email Carl and see when he'll have more if you're not going to go the DIY route. As an electronics project, this is pretty easy, but I got my set a few years ago before I knew how to read schematics and put circuits together.

I recorded a quick demo of the circuit and put it up on Photobucket:
Fading Eyes Demo

This is small enough to put the board and the battery into an old Altoids mint tin, and then tape inside the creature. Remember to line the inside of the tin with duct tape so nothing shorts out.

Jeff

 

[Halloween Snob]

Carl I think you should make the suggestion that we build these as a project at a future sephh meeting

 

[crypticcreator]

Jeff: This is awesome and exactly what I am looking for. Where can I purchase the circuit-board kit? Thanks for your help.

 

[JeffHaas]

The link to the kit on the Cowlacious site is:
http://www.cowlacious.com/products/Universal-Fading-Eyes-Deluxe.html

However it's out of stock at this point. I suggest you email Carl and ask when the kit is back in stock.

 

[JeffHaas]

I found a similar kit on another site, run by an Electrical Engineer in Florida:
http://www.vakits.com/product_info.php?cPath=206&products_id=1304

It's very similar to the Fading Eyes circuit on Bill Bowden's hobby page, so it should do the job too. You'll want to set up your own extensions for the LEDs so you can put them into a creature's head.