Hi Everyone!!!
I’ve just put in an order for the new variant of “Illuminate This” boards, this will be v2.0 that has lots of upgrades to make them more reliable, easier to build, and far less bodge-tastic.
What is an “Illuminate This” board?
Well, it is a simple board that is designed to allow you to make wide area lights from LEDs we already have. We were donated TONS of surface mount LEDs in various temperatures. With these boards, you can make large panels (or even arrays of large panels) of LEDs.
For example, check out this awesome Lightbox project made with 4x “Illuminate This” boards:
Want to make a backlight canvas? This would work nicely.
Want to make a GIANT flashlight? This would work if you have a big power pack at 12v, sure!
Want to make some sort of lamp? This could work nicely with that too!
Want to just learn how to solder surface mount components? Sure! It is a great first project with low costs!
One of the design goals was to make these a functional board with only parts found ini the space. I’ve finally achieved that! You can use SMD resistors we already have, and the SMD LEDs we were donated as well.
When?
January 20th, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm
How Much?
The buy-in will be $5/board for members, $5/board + $5/per person for the build night for non-members. If you sign up that night, you can exchange your $5 entry fee for an extra kit ;). This includes admission to the build night. I have ordered a professional stainless steel stencil which is far superior to the one we used last build night.
Who can attend?
Non-Members, Members, anyone interested really.
Why?
Surface mount soldering is fun, especially with a template. This is an awesome intro do how to do it.
There are other members that can show the art of how to solder surface mount components and/or rework with an iron. While that process is awesome, and you are welcome do iron-solder these boards, I wanted to provide a place for people to learn how to do surface mount with solder paste.
Also, I want to drive up membership. I think the space is a healthy one when we have people coming to check us out. Bring your friends. This will be a VERY cheap way of doing something out of the house post-holidays. Last time we had a great time.