CupNoodle's D.I.Y GlowPad

Basically, my glowpad uses the 5V power from the PSU. so from simple calculation V = I X R, you would be able to derive the size of the resistor needed (85Ohms).

Show on the left is a bottom view of the LED, notice there is a flatside if you see it from the bottom. Connect the pin closest to the flatside to the negative. As for the other pin, it is to be connected to the 85Ohms resistor.

Basically, the construction of the circuitry of the glowpad is rather simple. Shown on the 2nd diagram on the right. Described above the pin away from the flatside of the LED will be connected to the resistor to limit the amount of current that is being passed through the LED to prevent it from fusing. Notice all the negative of the LED are being connected together and straight into the switch.

Note: remember to solder a resistor to each LED to limit the current. I have added a switch to my circuit this is to let me turn on/off my glowpad in the case that i need to leave my computer overnight. *i can't sleep with bright blue LEDs!* hehe

* Note: becareful of the hot solder iron. always be extra careful when dealing with electrical stuff. Remember Safety First!

How I did the acrylic. I have seen many different styles of processing the acrylic. There are people who uses their dremel to make shallow "drains" then placing their "sanddown" LED into the drains then using epoxy to seal them dead.

I decided to do my own style. I got a 10MM thick acrylic and decided to drill holes as big as the LED and place them right into the acrylic itself. It was hard find 10MM thick acrylic but with help from fellow modders, I got it and made a website to service out fellow modders who wants to get acrylic and don't know where to get.

I have taken my 10MM thick acrylic and drilled 4 holes into it as show in the pictures on the right.

Note:

When drilling its advice to be extremely careful
Do not use too much force or the acrylic might crack

I use abrasive paper to make the sides smoother and less sharp. As i didn't have any buffing machine with me i was not able to the edges glossy, a matt look was the best i could get.

Now that I have completed the acrylic and the circuits, its time to mount the circuits to the acrylic. i use a "L" shaped Aluminum to hide the messy circuits. I wanted to use epoxy to stick the LEDs but thought about maintenance. So I turned to my fave double sided tape. I thought it would not be able to stick well but to my surpise, all the wire and the aluminum got stuck to the acrylic like super glue. *erm almost like super glue*

BATTLE PAD PRO - To protect the surface of the acrylic i decided to buy the battlepad pro and apply it to the top of the glowpad. This also makes it possible for optical mouse to be used on my glowpad. *added incentive it makes the glowpad have this frosty feeling.

Finally i got some clear plastic rubber for my glowpad legs. These "legs" are important as they stop the glowpad from moving and protects the bottom the the arcylic from scratching.

MY GLOWPAD
250mm X 200mm x 10mm Acrylic - S$6.00
BattlePad Pro - S$9.90
Electric Circuits Components - S$5.00
ClearRubber Legs - S$2.88
Satifaction of Making Own Glowpad - Priceless