Big Balls converting to baubles

[Dreamin]

Hi, hope this is the right placefoe this type of post. I have some Big Balls from bunnings that the previous owner converted with a few pixels on them. I have a big jacaranda tree out the front and was going to hang them down by converting to baubles.

So just wanted some help with the details. They are designed to be upright, the plastic cap has holes in it. I was thinking of printing a loop and jointing that to the hole at the top and siliconing the holes up. The outside is a bit plain during the day so I was thinking of painting a pattern on the call with glitter or something to bling them up, but still get the light effect during the display. They will be hung from the hook I make, to reduce cable strain.

The only major issue I have it the cap ans water proofing that really.

Any tips or thoughts or ideas welcome.

I’ve got 6 in total and joined in 3s

 

[Dreamin]

Talking to myself here but someone might be interested.

I designed in Fusion 360 a new top based on the old stands. Getting the thread right to screw firmly was a challenge but just printed a few test prints of the ring only. Also printed with minimal supports. Worked well and put a little mark on the outside to know what side goes where. Will use something to attached the ring at the top to the tree, cable will be free from tension that way (comes out the back).

Inside I’ve provisioned 4 bullet 12mm pixels which just push in like the mega tree strip. The original lights only had 2 on them. Might test with both to see what works best. They will be hardwired, so with all that should be fairly water tight. I might seal the printed part with a spray sealer/UV clear paint.

Printed in clear PLA to test (just wanted to use it up) but will paint or use PETG or ABS for the final product and I have 6 to do.
To enhance the day time look I want to paint a pattern on the outside so the colour isn’t impeded.

Any thoughts on the number of pixels? I’m really looking forward to wiring it up and running it this weekend.

Beer for scale and celebration!

 

[scamper]

Hi, I like what you have done, I was going to suggest a flower pot attached to the ball to make it look like an ornament, but a 3d printer does the trick.
I installed pixels in balls a few years back and used 4 modules as pictured and glued them around a piece of pvc. In my case I used them as lights so upright and the pvc was all the way through the ball and used as a stand. But inserting it and attaching it would also work.

 

[Dave_Szoka]

I installed these LINK
they worked great .. Same balls as you. Just 1 per ball..

 

[OzAz]

nice idea
I've got the small balls from reject shop and have small version of what Dave suggested, provides nice even light. But I reckon 4 pixels like you have them should work fine.

The painting could be tricky making sure you don't end up with a pattern of light

 

[Dreamin]

After creating some smoke (don’t trust wiring done by the previous owner! I got your working and connected to the pixel tester. I’m really happy with them. Just have to put them in the tree!