Turn LED'S into REALISTIC FIRE for your Diorama!😮🔥
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.พ. 2023
- Turn LED'S into REALISTIC FIRE for your Diorama and add REALISTIC fire sconces to your scenery the EASY WAY!😮🔥 This is an EASY step by step tutorial on exactly how to make realistic looking fire LED's that you can add to your terrain.
NASA used this tool to send rockets to the moon, now we are going to use it to add FIRE to our scenery and terrain. Perfect for D&D, Pathfinder, Mordheim, Warhammer 40k and Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Terrain wargaming boards.
Check out Dafydd's tutorial on how he programmed the Balrogs flames: • DND Flames with LEDs -...
To pick up the items I used in this video check out : www.terraintronics.com
My specific wire wrap tool : tinyurl.com/4u5p3sx
________________________________
🔔 Subscribe to my channel and click the bell for more Tabletop Gaming related craft projects! bit.ly/3F4Twrr
👍 Give this video a like and LEAVE A COMMENT to help me get it out to more viewers. Let me know what you think of the build!
❤️ Thanks to my incredible Patreon members ❤️ : / nat1videos
🔥 Or if you would like to make a once off donation to help fund materials :) www.buymeacoffee.com/Nat1Videos
📸 Follow me on Instagram
/ nat_1_videos
👊🏻 Join my Discord and let us see your work !!
/ discord
🛒 Nat 1 Videos Merch store:
teespring.com/stores/nat-1-vi...
________________________________
BUISNESS CONTACT - fairplaymgmt@googlemail.com - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
![Genshin Impact | กาชา Clorinde ไวฟุนั้น ควร C6 [เทสตัวละครต่อ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SOVaBvL7K20/mqdefault.jpg)
You can make a more realistic fire by passing 2 million volts through the LEDs
🤣🤣🤣 I’m pinning this comment !
Not for very long, funny.
Might be an idea to add a big black dry-brushed soot stain above each flame on the walls.
Yep, great idea! A bit of crushed black pastel should do the trick :)
I was just writing the same and saw your comment below me... I agree!
Never know where the great Lindybeige will pop up! Marvellous!
@@Nat1videos Where did you get the files for the Sconces?
Finally got a chance to sit down and watch! I've always been interested in LEDs for crafting, but it usually feels like such a hurdle to get started with for the first time. That wire wrapping tool really does look like a live safer LOL! Thanks for the simple and easy to follow video as always 😄
Thanks Alli!! I used to feel the same way, but honestly it is so less daunting for me now. This is why I add LED's to so many of my projects now. So easy ! Thanks for watching :D
Perfection as per usual! This is a great video guide for making LEDs less daunting!
Thanks Chris!! you have been using the Conway Castle boards too recently right?
Handy video mate, thanks!
Awesome Mel, very glad you found it helpful. So many of your videos have helped me out ;)
Thank you for this❗
I've been planning to add lights to my builds for awhile and you have inspired me to get started!
I ordered the Conway Castle boards, the hand wire wrap tool plus wire, the yellow flickering LEDs...
I also ordered a USB cable with on'/off switch and some liquid electrical tape.
Can't wait to get started! Thanks again!👍
Awesome! Have fun :D
Congrats man, your video was one of the best I've seen from ages on this particular argument, and the only one that tempted me to try to add some LEDs on my terrains. Keep this great work up!
Thank you! I am glad that I managed to communicate it well!! I am convinced that too many people see this as complicated when it can just be broken down in to simple steps. I hope your temptation lingers and you take the plunge ;)
Will definitely give it a try, still missing some equipment but we'll see 🙂
Quicker way for the flicker effect. Just buy a cheap pack of battery-operated tea lights. They're already designed for fire flicker effects. Just cannibalize them and add new wires to connect to a new power source.
Tea lights are great! These LED's just flicker.... its the same thing really. But Tea lights are great too, I have used them many times :)
Tea lights are the gateway drug, but don't offer an easy USB connection or a global brightness control. However, I'm REALLY biased :)
@@TerrainTronics "Tea lights are the gateway drug" .. Well, THAT´s something to print on a Shirt.
@@achimlichtenhagen3144 I would buy a Nat1Video's shirt that said that.
@TerrainTronics they're legal in oregon.
Got to love the efficiency of making everything work by adding a resisted short circuit that converts electrical power to heat for no reason other than to keep the battery from shutting off.
haha yeah dumb right !? ... gladly I have fixed that problem, learning as I go here, check out my latest electronics video. If you like :)
Bananas isn't it! There are smarter ways, such as pulsing current from the battery once every 20 seconds or so, but that requires a programmable solution. It's what I do on the other, smarter terraintronics products. :)
Great video and a really nice addition to a great build! I have always wanted to try out some electronics and the way you showed how to do it looks really approachable - thanks!
Thanks Dave ! I really hope more people give the electronics a try... once you pop you can't stop lol
Wow, i didnt know anyone still used wire wrapping. I remember the old mini computers that used wirewrap on their circuit boards and magnetic core memory.
Interesting usage.
Such a handy tool ! Its perfect for the diorama building community, many of whom don't want to get in to soldering etc.... Obviously knowing how to do both is ideal. Thanks for watching and commenting :D
The sconces really make this even better. Way cool.
Yeah, I totally agree! Thanks for watching :D
Fantastic info my friend ,,thankyou,,luv the fire flame process too
Really appreciate this guide! Using LEDs may actually be a viable option for me now!😁
This is awesome dude, love the idea of using electronics to make terrain more interesting!
Cheers Dene!! And now that this build is complete I can send it out to you this week haha. Have you got your next project under way yet?
@@Nat1videosnot quite, but I have a big stack of foam and I'm currently clearing out my garage to make room for me to be messy!
Yes! Next step would be to make something that moves like a water wheel!
That was ace I really need to try this. One of my worst injuries was picking up a soldering iron bt the wrong end 😆
haha been there done that... too many times lol
This is actually super useful information! I have been wanting to put lights in a few project ideas I have but am completely new to electronics. This method will make it much more simple to start my learning journey
Awesome! i'm so glad. If even one person manages to take this and start on their electronics journey then my job is done :D What project are you planning?
@@Nat1videos I have these pieces of styrofoam that look like a lantern when put together and I thought it would make a good project to turn it into a fantasy inspired lantern with some kind of light-up element inside. But I didn't know where to start with the electronics! Now I at least have a jumping off point :)
@@Pissarrospies That sounds really cool! Awesome, I'm super stoked this was helpful :D
Great video, not what I came on youtube for initially. Always good to learn something new.
Thanks Donald! We are glad to have you here though ;) Maybe you just met another random youtube rabbit hole to go down haha
The fuzzy end of a Q-Tip wetted with oil is a great flame as well. Haven't tried the hollow plastic type yet...
Great tip! That would work for sure :D
Thank you very much for the ideas I have not seen before. I have soldered before for work and it is not my thing. Thanks for offering an alternative way forward.
So glad it was helpful for you :)
Very cool way to connect the wires!! Great effect for any project. Thanks
Glad you like it! Thanks for watching :D
Neat tool, not seen that before. Excellent work, great effects. Also, I was shouting "Use a resistor!" as soon as you mentioned your battery pack timing out, so great to see that the designer had anticipated that. :)
Thank you!! There is now a new option for powering it with no resistor required, so I will be doing an update video soon :D
Flickering and Flashing LEDs do not need a resistor - there is an internal circuit
However if the supply voltage is over say 6V or so you need a resistor
really beautiful diorama ! It´s time to go back to diorama work.. i made my first diorama, and it was too small i think.. i was a lof of work cause was my first time and got tired of it LOL.. but im feeling fresh again
This is exactly what I needed !
Awesome! Glad to help :)
This is great! Thank you for this tutorial!
You're very welcome!
Super cool, man! Great job
Thanks a lot!
Man that little castle looks REALLY cool!!
Thanks so much! I have another video all about building it :)
Hell yes! This is exactly what I've been looking for.
Awesome, glad it was helpful :)
Just found this from your post on reddit. I absolutely love it!
Oh awesome! Thanks for coming over and checking it out, really appreciate it :D
I do not know why YT recommended this video, but I'm so glad I watched it. The memories of the 70s playing with electronics and wire-wrapping flooded back. You may already have discovered that if left unrestrained, the wrapping can work loose over time: your blobs of glue might have alleviated this problem, but when I was finished designing a circuit, I always would go back and dab a little solder onto each wrap to make sure it would hold in the long term.
I stopped using wire-wrap in the mid-80s as the mylar wire started to get more difficult to obtain: I didn't know that it was still around at all!
I'm glad you found the video! Thanks for watching :D
Looks awesome. Where did you get the sconce stls?
That looks great.
Thanks so much :D
Wow, wire wrap. Throwback to the 60s when computer boards were wired that way. We used battery operated wire wrap guns that were much faster.
Ohhhh. might need to get me one of those :)
Whoa! Almost missed this one. Those flames look excellent!
Cheers Karl! Pretty pleased with them, annnnd so easy to do :D
@@Nat1videos yeah it is! Gonna have to make a few 😁
!?!?!?!
I am not usually lost for words but I was blown away by the tutorial AND by the fact that you are from NI!
I am a confirmed solderer from age 11 (approaching 60) but I am venturing into wire-wrap. Thanks for the link!
Liked and subscribed for this very concise and entertaining video! Thank you!
Wow, thank you! Yes, born and bred in Coleraine lol
Your videos are so informative and well made, your channel will explode massively one day I'm sure of it ♥
Thank you! I have been hoping for that for so long, but it seems that TH-cam is a tough nut to crack. Just gotta keep making stuff and enjoying the process. Staying positive and hoping for the best :D
@@Nat1videos From what I can tell, it might be something to do with thumbnails, if you look for other miniature youtubers for inspiration you can find out that they often take out the original background and put one or 2 color (often bright) backgrounds and what they want to show in the thumbnail is often zoomed in to show details rather than displaying the whole piece, and using big bold fun fonts with colors that pop from the background.
I'm sure there are people who can explain what makes a "better" thumbnail, but I hope that I was able to provide something constructive, your videos are very well made and I want others to see them too ♥♥♥
Cool video Michael!
Thanks ! :D
Love how simple that tool makes it. Is it possible to get the 3d file for the sconces? I'm looking to do a similar arrangement, which will put on my own channel and give credit for.
Really cool, going to buy some leds now and add them to my build
Brilliant!!! Thats a result haha What is your build? I am curious to know now lol
Pretty cool flame with the polyfill. I don't think I have ever worried that my circuit drew too little current. I haven't seen my wirewrap tool for 40 years, but I can lay my hands on my roll of wire wrap wire😂
That means the tool is somewhere really really safe haha :D
Another great video with an easy process and direct approach. Thank you!
Thanks Jonathan, so glad you enjoyed it! Have you ventured in to electronics in your builds yet...?
@Nat1videos I have. Mainly for model kits way back. So I have tons of leds, wires, batteries, and other stuff.
@@triplet7788 Awesome!
This is really great and informative! I’ve been wanting to try installing lighting into my dioramas for ages now but I’m clumsy AF and afraid I might set fire to myself using a soldering iron, so this is perfect! I’m going to raid my dad’s shed to see if he has one of those tools and will give it a go!
Glad it was helpful!
06:38 would you look at that happy little flame on the right and how it's giving us a happy little smile😊
😂 hahaha Brilliant! I never noticed that. This has literally made my day !! :D
@@Nat1videos Haha yeah, it jumped right into my eye :D love it!
This video is Epic! 😁👍
Woo hoo! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Some USB powerbank also have a mode to stay on with low current draw. I got a few that work with holding the info button for a few seconds
haha I was pretty happy to be fair :D
Great video! Thanks for sharing all the cool items and tips. New sub here.
No problem, glad the tips are helpful! Thanks for the sub!
Super interesting! Thank You!
Thank you :D Glad you liked it!
This has to be the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time especially the one that made the lord of the rings Gandalf and the big creature of flame that I wish I had in my room
Thanks ! Adding lights is so much fun and it really does add some atmosphere, so glad you enjoyed the video :)
Those look great!
Thank you, fun to make too :D
I am new to your channel and this type of hobby. And I gotta say I am impressed. I will need to look at the video of the string lights tho. That was amazing in appearance.
Anyways I look forward to more videos from you.
Welcome aboard! And thanks so much for watching :D
@@Nat1videos thanks! And you’re welcome. I’m loving the channel keep the videos coming :)
Looks fantastic.
Many thanks :D
Great stuff man! Love the editing in this too 🙂 As someone who's forgot most/ all of his GCSE electronics and even back then got a D I'm looking forward to using this wire wrap method in the future 👍
I'm reminiscing now 😅 In the written exam I skipped over the highest mark question which was a circuit board diagram to complete, because I just saw a circuit board and thought "nice picture of a circuit board" and moved on 😂 Walking back home and my mate asked "so how did you do on the circuit board question?"...😐 lol
haha I have had that dreaded moment of missing a question on an exam too lol... sucks so bad when you realise. Who knows maybe you would have got a C if you had noticed lol. Gonna check out your new video, up next on my watch list ;) Have you got next weeks video planned already?
@@Nat1videos yeah it sucks nearly as much as having to do exams, glad that stage of life is long gone 😅 Aiii cheers man! Yeah, so far gone to plan with this week getting the garage sorted to be ready and able to do my first battle report on the channel for next week! 🙂
Great video. Informative and very entertaining. Thanks.
Thank you !! Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant! Another thing you can use as an insulator to prevent electrical shorts is liquid tape. Thanks for the video. SUBSCRIBED
Thanks for the sub! Nice tip on the tape ;)
Oh. My. God. This is amazing! I literally finished a diorama with my first wiring endeavors therein and, well, it was not very easy to do. I'll send this video to 2022 Me now!
haha I wish I had a time machine too on several of my projects! But hey, at least now you know and you are gonna make more stuff in the future right ? ;)
Overtime in an uncontrolled environment, you will have electroless between the wire and the pins or between the LED leg and the wire. Overtime breaking down the electrical conductivity of the circuit. wire wrapping is mainly used in telecommunications in a controlled environment. That’s why we solder things and use the proper heat shrink over it. Because a lot of us don’t live in a perfect environment.
Thank you Michael! Thats great input. I guess for me with dioramas, and it not being an important piece of machinery etc I find the ease of wire wrapping very useful, and if a circuit does go bad its as easy as spending 10 minutes re-wrapping. But this is always developing for me and what I am doing here is really documenting where I am currently with my hobby related electronics! Thank you so much for watching and your insightful comment :D
Well.............from my professional nackground in a telecom and many years as a hobbyist I think that is somewhat overstated
This was a poplar method for many years until making PCBs got easy
Amazing!
Thanks!
I model Trains, and I see a few applications for my modeling. subbed. Thanks for Sharing.
Thanks for watching! :D
I wore wrapped many circuits together.
Off backbosrds of Peekin Elmer computers where wore wrapped, and I still have my tool
Such a handy little tool, I love it ! :D
Amazing work 👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you! Cheers!
Those fires are perfect!
Thanks! Yeah, i'm pretty happy with them. Sooooo easy to do also :D
Some nice ideas and effects with the polyester mat. Cor you took me back forty five years ago when as student engineer I convinced my chief engineer to buy a set of wire wrap kit, (£150 which was big money in those days) including motorized wire wrap gun, so could quickly turn out complex prototype digital circuit boards. Used for a few years thereafter. Since then had forgotten about, good to see you can use as a labour saver and it’s cost effective. For me I use Christmas tree lights to illuminate my model railway buildings and coaches and run off 5V (the battery pack is another option). The shellac coated copper wire is easy to hide and tack in place with a hot glue gun. The DCC chips in the engines have a flicker effect for the digital outputs. Today we are spoilt with such cheap and varied electronic solutions - if you know where to look. All the best Stephen
Thanks Stephen! Yes this stuff is really becoming more and more accessible :D
*_Adding small no-noise fans so they occasionally blow in the direction of the torches(with pillow flock), banners(made of fabric), trees(with loose-ish foliage) , having loose "leaves" creep down a street or even posters made of cigarette paper just laying on the ground that at times moves a bit adds another level of immersion._*
*_Now, for more immersion, adding a soundboard is also great, as well as LCD screens in "portals", for the soundboard you can have these tiny Exciters that use the mini buildings or on the board to resonate sound(eh, that's sort of how they work), around the table you could build cliffs with 1cm tall houses so it seems further away, you could have black drapes on the walls so all focus is on the board, a tiny smoke machine for the chimneys is no problem; there is no need to stop, 999/1,000 YT channels all talk about quick&cheap&free/inexpensive terrain. Thank you for adding "more" to the terrain hobby._*
*_I'd love to see a video-series of a terrain set/board starting small and more and more is added far, far beyond flickering lights._*
*_It must be decades ago that Train Hobbyists added automated movement in streets with cars and people walking; it has developed since and is even without visible tracks._*
*_Once, a trumpet was to be sounded off every 30min in-game. There was an actual trumpet on the castle and a speaker behind it. When the trumpet went off the first time, the players were amazed; the sound came out of the trumpet and not from floor speakers. On my gaming table there is also individual speakers for the players where they sit. The sounds their characters make can be heard by all, but with greater clarity where they are seated, like Wizard spell noises. As well as all the sounds of battle, Inn chatter, animals, wind, and occasional music; from where they originate, localized sounds. Multi-colored LED's I only use at special times in the game, mostly on spell effects. Don't tell anyone, but my W40K minis also have speakers in them/on nearby terrain giving off dakka-dakka sounds when it's my turn, as well as light effects on the weapons._*
*_Once RPGs were played with plain paper, then a grid paper, then it moved on._*
*_Once we played MUD, now we can play Elden Ring._*
*_Keep moving it on._*
wow you have REALLY thought about this ... a lot ! 🤣 Amazing ideas here definitely inspired by this comment. Yeah there are enough sources on how to do crafting on the cheap, amazing resources which I use myself... but I do like the idea of seeing what is possible too! Also ideas like these are becoming far more easy ash technology catches up. Thanks for the excellent comment, I really enjoyed reading that!
Don't gotta lie to kick it dude.
Damn mate, that is legitimately impressive stuff. Some very nice ideas in there.
Wonderful and creative way to create flame-effects! I am making miniature led candles, am hoping to use button batteries for power.
That should work just fine! Good luck with your project :D
those 3V coin batteries may not have enough voltage It depends but many need 4V
Great explanation and awesome detail to add to your craft! 1 thing that could push it to 110% would be added soot via pigment or paint where the flames could touch the wall. It is a detail though that could be overdone so if it isn't added it won't take away from this great piece
Thanks! That is a really cool idea actually, I hadn't thought of doing that! I may do it on a tester piece and if it looks good a super nice detail to add so thanks again :D
@@Nat1videos It only really came to mind when you put the lights in place and I saw all the other cool weathering you had done on the building, so nothing I have tried yet either.
@@10urion It makes total sense! this is why I love this community, always ideas to glean from other crafters and elevate your terrain :D It's all about the detail ;)
Fantadtic lil gadget thanks very much.
You are welcome :D
Good video. Instructive, but with a comedy element. That clip of you screaming, then cutting to the sheep, had me laughing out loud.
Glad you enjoyed it ! haha yeah, gotta throw in a few sheep every now and then lol ;)
That's cool 🥰
Thank you :D
Only thing I would’ve done is add some “burn” to the walls where the flame would be. Just for that EXTRA bit of detail… (jk I probably wouldn’t cuz I’m lazy) 😅 I love the addition of the pillow batting to add to the flame look. Nice work dude.
Thanks dude! Yeah that would have been a great addition! Might have to get Dene to add that and send some pics, sent it off to him yesterday morning lol
Very nice 😁
Thanks :)
Thanks for the video, young brother. I know Dafydd from being on Patreon and he’s a good man. His products are outstanding. It’s really cool that you gave him a shout out. Where can I get those sconce STL files? -Rick, USMC.
Thanks so much Rick! Yeah, Dafydd is a great guy, we have become good friends! The sconces where actually designed by him too... and I have just realised i forgot to include a link in the description. I'll get that sorted asap. Are you a member of my discord server ..?
@@Nat1videos no, my friend, I am not a member. Unfortunately, I am retired and on a fixed income. I’ll talk to Dafydd about it. You just keep making these great videos! 😁👍
@@steampunk8036 So glad you enjoy them! Discord is a free community, you are more than welcome to come and join in with no obligations what so ever. Here is a link incase you are interested ;) discord.gg/Yrk9AKPg
Great info thanks.
Glad it was helpful! :D
And here i was thinking it would be a video simply saying "run it on 240v for a highly realistic fire effect"... Although, i suppose that only works once! 😂
Thank you for a highly informative video! That wire wrap tool looks extremely useful!
haha yeah... at least this way you can repeat the effect lol Thanks for watching, gkad iut was helpful :D
Is there an stl for the sconce? Love the video!
There is! Dafydd from terrain tronics designed the sconces and makes them available for free for his customers. He also said I can pass the sconces on to Patreon members :)
I saw a video where they used a tape copper looking to light up under paper. Any videos on how to make a small box light up when opened?
hey! I haven't yet... but that is a great idea, I may try that soon :)
NASA sends rockets into space?😂
Great video!
lol thanks!
Very interesting!
Cheers! Hopefully someone finds it useful :D
wire-wrap wire has a high resistance so long runs can have a high voltage drop
Good to know, thank you!
Love it
Awesome! Thanks :D
You should check out "Rusted and Busted" he made some really cool LED fog lights using a modified housing. I havent soldered in many years but its got me thinking. I came across your video looking for "flame" looking LEDs.. i wonder if this can be done with LED strips?
I am sure it could ...
And chance you have a link for the sconce 3d print file?
You may not needed to use that fat resistor to draw the higher current to keep you USB power bank on. Most power banks these days do have a 'low-current' mode in order to charge things like wireless earbuds and smart-watches, (depending on model) either hold down the power bank button for a few seconds or triple click. Try it, could save you hassle next time and the power will last longer, it's a win-win 😎
oooohhh cool tip ! Thanks :D
your completely right. this isn't something that happens with ALL power banks -- just cheap ones ;)
This is Sooo Awesome!! I absolutely love this little tool & can't wait to try this out with my Grandkids Thank You! 👍🚀💖 Oh I pulled my soldering iron out of the trash LOL!
haha yeah, the soldering iron still comes in handy :)
The wire wrapping was quite popular a long time ago. One of the main disadvantages is that it only works really well (resistant to vibrations and shocks) when the component's wires are square or flat. Only then can the wrap wire "bite" into the component's wire. On a round wire it will soon unwind.
The algorithm provides!
The algorithm occasionally delivers lol
Che tipo di scheda elettronica usi? Marca e modello
I think each light on each side should go to a secperate controller so they don't flicker in sync with the flame beside it.
Thats a good idea!
they go out of sync quite quickly
Use up all the timers on the mcu
@@lavacat720 why
@@kennmossman8701 By using up all the timers on the mcu we can have a "desynced" effect across all fire leds on like different pins
Large circuit boards intimidate me. This would be great for book nooks, and doll houses as well. Great tip. Thank you! ♥️
PS-Of course I subscribed! 😊
Yes! This is perfect for those kinds of things. Thanks for the sub :D
What is the Oms and watts on that resistor?
So cool.
Thank you! i hope it was useful :D
Great job. But you forgot the burning effect on the walls just above the torches
Good call!
S U P E R B effect! I had doubts reading "realistic fire" and LED but I was wrong! Thanks for the inspiration!
PS: Your WR tool stripper will work well longer if you use it pulling the wire in the reverse way that you did in the video, in effect keeping the blades firmly against the tool by pulling through the tool.
T H A N K S again!
ohhhh cool! Thanks for watching and thanks for the helpful tip :D Also... I just dropped a brand new video using this technique to a much larger effect with a fire breathing Dragon. Please check it out :D
Amazing!!! Love the result. The 3D printing, which you use as a cover… is that created by yourself? Could we somewhere get the files? 1000 thanks in advance and keep on!!!!
Thank you! No the 3D printed sconces are also from Terrain Tronics. They are free for Terrain Tronics customers, Dafydd has also made them available for free to my channel members and Patreon members :)
Could you pls help me where to find it when becoming a patreon?
@@jochenarndt7863 You can become a Patron here and I can then send you the files :) www.patreon.com/Nat1Videos
@@Nat1videos membership confirmed 🤩
@@jochenarndt7863 Awesome ! Thanks so much :D
What about lighting for the back of engines on space ships?
Heck yes! The same principle can be used... and don't forget you can get different coloured LED's which could also be very cool :D
On this type of thing I have ZERO talent and even less creativity. I am always fascinated with the talent of all of those who can do this stuff. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. 👍💯
Honestly not so much talent, as just being prepared to spend a bit of time on extra details. Anyone can do this if they put their mind to it ;)
Can you share more about the USB battery shut off? I've heard that the cheaper the USB battery you find (like the gas station $3 jobs) the less likely it is to have that auto-shutoff for low voltage. But are you saying that the resistor being in place allows the battery to be "tricked" into staying on?
Hello Jake. Most powerbanks use similar chips inside. These chips take the battery voltage and boost them to 5V USB levels. That boost uses power itself, so many USB Battery / Power Banks measure how much power (or current) is being drawn. A single LED or two doesn't pull enough power (current) to convince these chips that they need to continue boosting the voltage.
The resistor is a way to pull enough power to keep the battery on. It's not terribly elegant, and it *does* waste power doing so, but it is small and cheap.
In other terraintronics products, especially those that have a WemosD1 connected, we use a timer to pulse the power into a resistor. A half second pulse, every 20 seconds, convinces these chips to continue boosting power.
@@TerrainTronics Thanks for the reply! Helpful. Couple follow-up questions:
1. I'm curious how the resistor creates that constant draw... I would think that a capacitor might, but a resistor seems like it would be *avoiding* pulling on the battery. Trying to understand the logic here. #newbie
2. Do you sell the timer you mention as something standalone I can wire into my setups?
3. If we're powering reasonable amounts of LEDs with a relatively huge USB battery.... does the power waste matter much? Is it like getting 7.89 hours instead of 8 hours of the battery?
i've replied as terraintronics a few times with no luck! lets try again, even shorter this time:@@jakemckee2260. the resistor to ground is like a constantly dripping faucet/tap. keeps the water pump (battery) going. Using a harlech board is like a 8ch version of a Conwy board. The resistor pulls about the equivelent of 20 LED's... so yes, it's pretty darn wasteful, but it make using power banks easy.
I have some thoughts. Oh where to start. LOL
Ok, first, the little blue, wire winding tool.... I haven't seen one of those in decades! This is not new at all. Well, THAT particular tool is a newer design for sure as it has the wire stripper for tiny gauge wire. That's handy because it's hard to find a stripping tool that can go that small without being a pain.
But the wire winding thing is very old. I used to be a TV repairman back in the COUGH COUGH years.... I remember that several brands, Zenith being one of them, used wire winding instead of solder on most of the chassis.
This worked well... UNTIL IT DIDN'T! For small fun projects, it's ok. But for more serious projects, after winding the wire, I would put some liquid flux on the work and gently solder it using a very tiny tip and very thin solder.
Wire winding can come loose over time as well as build up gunk, causing bad connections.
As for the little sconces, those turned out so cool! I can see something like that on a larger scale as well.
As for these battery backup packs, yes, they can be a real pain in the arse for sure. I've seen the exact same issue with them not "coming on' or coming on then going off when the load is low.
But having to put a resistor to cause more of a load is bad. very... bad.... I get why this is done, but it's wasting battery power.
It should be the battery manufacturers that either rework their controller board and/or firmware to detect low loads.
They should also have a switch that will keep the batter functioning at low loads, but that doesn't so do by increasing the load. It's doable!
Those little flickering LEDs are fun. I would have never thought of using some fuzzy material to create a more "flame" look. That is just brilliant!
Hey, thanks so much for the detailed and thought through comment! On the larger scale flames thing... just wait a week or 2 haha I have a video coming out very soon and it will hopefully blow peoples socks off. On the battery problem thing, I also now have a way better solution and I will be doing an update video on this very soon to share the information. All this stuff is being figured out as i go along, so I am always certainly missing pieces of the puzzle and will always search out better solutions and bring them forward to this small community as i find them! Thanks again for watching and the comment :D
I mean, in principle I agree with you on the resistor, but honestly a suitably low value one is just not a big deal at all. It'd be nice if the manufacturers allowed us to "force on" battery packs, but I can see why they don't and why they have the no load time out circuit. Bottom line is that they were not intended for this application, so the onus is on us to work around their design, not on them to add a feature few need and which has some safety implications.
@@Nat1videos
Beginner here …
Can’t these boards just manufacture low load circuit boards?
Maybe incorporating a resistor within said board? 🤷🏼♀️
How did you get the battery to stay on? I have the same ones and they turn off after a short time if there's not a somewhat sizable load on them. Four LEDs and a board wouldn't keep mine running, I don't think.
Edit: Addressed it. Thanks.
No problem! Yes the resistor is a good option! But please check out my most recent video. I have a better solution :)
Magnifique
Thank you !
Where can I get the Conway boards??
From here :) www.tindie.com/stores/terraintronics/
Where can I buy the circuit boards and what do you call them again I didn't understand what you were saying
Right here. In this video I used the Conway Castle Boards :) www.tindie.com/stores/terraintronics/