EL Wire Whoop Gate

thingiverse

Tiny Whoop Gate Base for Making Lighted / Non-Lighted Whoop Gates I used nine foot EL wire from Amazon, which allows the wire to pass through the loop twice, making it slightly brighter. This design also enables assembling the hoop while detached from the base, making assembly easier. The gate can be mounted on dual PVC feet for on-the-ground use or can be mounted on a PVC post using the center hole in the base. The holes can also be used to zip-tie the gates at various positions on PVC poles. Required materials include: * 1/2" PVC from Menards for the base: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/rough-plumbing/pipe-tubing-hoses-fittings-accessories/cpvc-pipe/flowguard-gold-reg-cpvc-water-supply-pipe-sdr-11/cts120050600/p-1444426394192-c-8566.htm * 3/8" OD tubing from Menards for the loop: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/rough-plumbing/pipe-tubing-hoses-fittings-accessories/hoses-tubing/polyethylene-tubing/sioux-chief-3-8-od-x-25-polyethylene-tubing/901-03103w0025m/p-1470660864282.htm * EL wire set from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJ3MY23/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00 * Alternative lights (not tested): https://smile.amazon.com/YIHONG-Battery-Operated-Firefly-Centerpiece/dp/B01LPZQKKC To assemble the gate, follow these steps: 1. Cut a 59" long piece of 3/8" diameter tubing. 2. Tie a screw that fits loosely in the tube to some string or fishing line. 3. Feed the screw with line through the tube. 4. Tape the fishing line to the end of EL wire. 5. Pull EL wire through the tube until two inches are exposed. 6. Un-tape the string from the end. 7. Tape the end of EL wire to the rest of EL wire (about 2-3" of EL wire should be exposed, forming a loop). 8. Feed the rest of EL wire into the loop. 9. Feed the loop into the gate base. The PVC pipe fits very tightly into the gate, and it helps to put a tapered end onto the PVC pipe for easier insertion (an oversized pencil sharpener works great for this). Version 11: Expanded horizontal holes make it slightly easier to insert PVC into the gate. Added vertical stand PVC base and endcap. The base design was created to be placed on the floor or on a PVC post, with the new parts being a Y base with vertical plug for mounting the gate at any height desired. The Gate Y Base uses the same 1/2" PVC as the gate itself, so the feet from the gate can be reused as arms of the Y base.