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Creativity => Customs => Topic started by: WeepingPiano on February 07, 2012, 07:17:16 PM

Title: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: WeepingPiano on February 07, 2012, 07:17:16 PM
I had a really ecxiting an idea for a pony (and now maybe two) but I need y'alls help with part of it. I would like to put a light inside of a G1. The way their plastic is, it would have a nice, soft glow.
 
So here are my questions:
where should I put the switch?
where should I put the cord? (I don't think battery power is an option, and a cord would fit the design, if it is necissary)
is there a way to make it so the bulb is replaceable?
what kind of light would be best?
and finally, what is the best way to go about this?
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: carlabarla on February 07, 2012, 09:07:17 PM
i would say use christmas lights, like the little led ones. stick the cord through a leg and cut a hole either on the side or through the bottom for it to come out of.
and unfortunately i cant help you with anything else.. but i cant wait to see it once you do figure it out :D
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: jupiternwndrlnd on February 07, 2012, 10:02:35 PM
I haven't wired one yet...tho I have plans for one.

with the plastic you need to be sure that the lights you use don't get hot...otherwise you might have some melted pony, and thats bad

good luck!
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: TickledPink on February 08, 2012, 01:04:48 AM
I've been trying to figure this one out forever...looked up all sorts of instructables and I fail every attempt. Maybe someone experienced in this will help us out! *camps in thread*
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: M!ndy on February 08, 2012, 02:24:46 AM
LEDs are the way to go: They don't get hot and rarely (if ever) need to be replaced.

Basic circuit running isn't all that hard once you know what goes IN to a circuit, I'm sure if you look it up you'll find more information on it than you know what to do with :)
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: Buddafly on February 08, 2012, 03:11:08 AM
I don't know if she's on here, but a member on the TP makes light up TAF ponies out of G3s.  I bought 2 from her recently-

http://www.mlptp.net/forums/show-tell/93710-show-tell-taf-dancing-butterflies-sugarberry.html

she has the wiring go up through a leg, and the battery pack sits on the outside with a switch on it.  I know that's not the effect you're going for, but it could be a start :)
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: sd_dreamcrystal on February 08, 2012, 05:28:27 AM
I remember those TAF ponies! I wanted to do a certain kind of light-up pony myself but the way I'm going about it is a little... um... tricky. Since I don't know how to do circuit wiring for certain kinds of led lights, I had to get some non-exciting led micro christmas lights XD
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: kCherry on February 08, 2012, 06:24:18 AM
I love light-up ponies. I was sooo close to winning CSA's stunning Styling Christmas Custom. XD I also have plans to light up some ponies. Thanks for starting this thread, WP! I'm sure it will become a very useful one!! :cheer:
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: jeapos88 on February 08, 2012, 06:31:45 AM
here is a light up pony I made at Christmas, I ran the lights up through a hole in the foot of the pony then carefully pulled the lights out of the holes, I used the battery pack as a base, not sure if this is what you are looking for, hope it helps!


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Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: Colorscapesart on February 08, 2012, 06:34:58 AM
where should I put the switch?  These days, a lot of light options have the switch built into the cord.  It makes it easy :)
where should I put the cord? (I don't think battery power is an option, and a cord would fit the design, if it is necissary) You can cut a discreet hold in one of the back legs.  It's a good idea to cut the hole out just above the hoof, that way the cord can come out with the pony is still flat on its hooves.
is there a way to make it so the bulb is replaceable?  Depends on the lights you are using.  If the pony's head isn't glued on, it should be fairly simple to pop off the head and change as necessary.
what kind of light would be best? LED for the win.  As mentioned above, they are small, bright, and cool in temperature (I ran a week long test on Glitter Ice and she never really got that warm)
and finally, what is the best way to go about this?  slowly.  Have you game plan and all the steps laid out.  Purchase your lights, bring them home and play around with them.  Think about every step before you start. 

Hope this helps a little, can't wait to see your custom, it a neat idea!
Title: Re: Wiring a pony for lights?
Post by: creampuf on February 08, 2012, 07:39:40 AM
Cool! I've been hoping to do a light up pony for the Light it Up Autism Awareness Day! This info will definately help!
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