Since this video is effectively a full job I have used timelapse on sections of it to keep it a bit shorter.
I used a control module I designed a while ago to make adding animated LEDs into props a lot easier. It allows me to use a library of effects I've built up over time to control between 1 and 15 LEDs plus provide power to other non-animated LEDs. It's programmed in PIC assembly code. The controller has all the resistors for the animated LEDs on board, plus large pads to make connection of the interconnecting wires easier in-situ.
I've used a lot of these in various technical props and set decorations on various TV and film productions. They're an ideal way to add a splash of tech to an otherwise inanimate prop.
In the past I've tended to use 4xAA battery packs with either alkaline or NiMh cells depending on the application. Now I've moved towards using USB power banks as they provide a consistent 5V supply, have all the charging circuitry built in and can be swapped quickly and easily. The use of a USB lead also allows a standard phone charger to be used to power the prop.
You can now buy me coffee and cookies via my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

11 thoughts on “How i add leds and circuitry to a tv prop. with timelapse”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars george manson says:

    Who's double sided foam tape do you usually use?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Wilson says:

    Are you able to add the control module design to your website?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Brown says:

    That would make a great mass effect paldron piece

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars shawn thomson says:

    so i have to ask. is there a list of the tv and film productions that you have worked on. i am now really interested in what you have done

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CLCKC69 says:

    Hi Clive, I just watched the 1st episode of "Mission 2110". It looked like a fun game show for the kiddies. I Do NOT SEE YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS. I BELIEVE YOU WERE ROBBED OF YOUR "GUINNESS IN ELECTRONICS".

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DjResR says:

    Here's another idea if you need to make a computer prop: use a random EEPROM chip (the old type with 8 outputs, not I2C) and use CD4060 cascaded with CD4040 to address inputs of the chip and it flashes very long pattern at the 8 outputs, also I found out that EEPROM chips (I used an old 1993 era P28F020 chip) can drive InGaN LED's with 10mA directly without buffer._

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Sage says:

    Thanks to this video, I can no longer be arsed to thread offboard wires through PCBs or perfboard – I just "splat" them onto the appropriate pad or onto an appropriate component lead. Much less futtery and, so long as lead stress is minimized, it is robust enough and works a treat.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Tobias says:

    LED's are fun. The things you can animate with them is virtually endless.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ra̅ηdo̅mṔṧy̅ḉнiḉ says:

    short the data pins

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Da ve says:

    don't ya just wish we could time lapse real life projects lmao

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Abe Coulter says:

    Where can i get these from?

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