Color Changing Fiber Optic LED Holder

thingiverse

This connector links 3mm color-changing (or standard) LEDs to a CR2032 battery and trimmed sections of 1/8" (or 3mm) solid core side-glow fiber optic cable for a color-changing wearable project. There are four distinct holes surrounding each LED, which allow the fiber optic cable to be attached in various configurations. I purchased fiber optic cable at this website: http://shop.fiberopticproducts.com/Solid_Side_Glow_Fiber_Optic_Lighting_Cable_SGS3%C2%A01_8?search=sgs3 and 3mm color-changing LEDs at this site: https://www.amazon.com/Multicolor-Flashing-Changing-Electronics-Components/dp/B01C19ENH8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_469_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z24NZ540QVXHV0DB596V To assemble, slide the LEDs through the holes in the connector as shown in the images, with the negative (short) lead through the bottom of the holder and the positive (long) lead through the hole in the side of the projected finger. Then wrap the positive lead up and around through the notch in the finger, and pass the negative leg up through the hole in the bottom of the holder and down through the adjacent slot. Slide the battery into place with the negative side facing downwards, and the LEDs should illuminate. You may need to flex the connector slightly to remove the battery. When the LEDs are turned off, you can store the battery in the connector with the positive side facing downwards. Cut your fiber optic cable into lengths of about 6", making sure to cut the ends cleanly (an exacto knife is helpful) and place the ends into the holes that surround the LEDs. You can use the other holes to attach the holder to a headband, bow tie, or some other wearable item. If you're doing this project in an educational setting, this project can be used to discuss light and total internal reflection.