Frankie Roberto Posted February 6, 2011 Posted February 6, 2011 Hi all, Thought I'd ask what people do for lighting in their towns. Whilst I have a couple of old 9V system lights (like these), I don't have any 9V battery boxes any more, and have moved over to only using the newer Power Functions system. It seems that the only PF light released so far though is this one, which seems to have been mainly designed for vehicles (hence having two LEDs). Has anyone tried using it for Town-based fixtures such as streetlamps, window displays or illuminated signs? I've also got a few of these, which are included with sets branded with Power Functions, but are really self-contained, with a small internal battery and a push-button. Not quite sure what to do with these yet. Quote
brickyrob Posted February 7, 2011 Posted February 7, 2011 I have no idea, but thought I would respond so you had something to read Great discussion though, I shall watch this one with interest, as this is something I plan on looking into and implimenting into my L-city in the future. Quote
AwesomeTaylor Posted February 7, 2011 Posted February 7, 2011 There are lighting systems called Brick Lights on eBay, although they can be quite pricey. I definitely plan to add lighting to my own town, but plan on going with my own system which I will develop once I have a reasonable size to work with. I'm already designing my buildings with cable runs and battery hiding compartments! Quote
JopieK Posted February 7, 2011 Posted February 7, 2011 Well, I demonstrated my LED based lamp posts at Brick Tricks 2011 in Tielt, Belgium last weekend. I use a LEGO adapted version of an Arduino (LEGuanO) that is (possibly) PF compatible. Quote
Frankie Roberto Posted February 7, 2011 Author Posted February 7, 2011 Well, I demonstrated my LED based lamp posts at Brick Tricks 2011 in Tielt, Belgium last weekend. I use a LEGO adapted version of an Arduino (LEGuanO) that is (possibly) PF compatible. I actually have an Arduino and a ton of LEDs and electrical components. But using them within Lego feels... cheating somehow. Maybe I'll get over it. I imagine that Lego will produce a few new PF components in the years to come - including perhaps a new light piece. My ideal design would be like the existing PF light, but with a single LED, a longer cable, and less of a right angle between the LED and the cable. The cable could be thinner too (at least past the 2x2 brick, which presumably contains a resistor). Quote
LEGO Guy Bri Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 (edited) This relates to a train application, but does anyone know if the PF LEDs can attach and work to a 9v motor? The look like they can but I am not sure about voltage. Edited February 8, 2011 by Leg Godt Gud Quote
AndyC Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 This relates to a train application, but does anyone know if the PF LEDs can attach and work to a 9v motor? The look like they can but I am not sure about voltage. Sort of. The connector won't attach directly, but if you put a PF extension cable (which includes a PF<->9V adapter) inbetween you can connect the PF lights to a 9V motor or battery box. Quote
LEGO Guy Bri Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Thank you for the info AndyC and the link RubeusHagrid Quote
Frankie Roberto Posted February 9, 2011 Author Posted February 9, 2011 Try http://www.lifelites.com/ Ooh, that product looks interesting. May give that a go, thanks. Still live in hope that Lego produce a new PF lighting option... :) Quote
JopieK Posted February 9, 2011 Posted February 9, 2011 Well, Arduinos is much cheaper :) see the Train topic. Thanks to Rick (the Zookeeper) also an images of how we use Arduino (LEGuanO) for the lights: I use softPWM to make the lights (in the poles and on the house (and inside a fireplace)) flicker. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.