Giant Christmas Lights - 500mm

thingiverse

At the request of user UBMARC https://www.thingiverse.com/ubmarc/designs I made a bigger version of my Giant Christmas light https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4661305 It was fun to design and the results are amazing! Thanks, UBMARC! This design contains all you need to create giant lights based on 10W RGB spotlights, IKEA Strala or LEDs strips. I recommend going with the Strala version with a 350 lumens light. The LED strips version is also interesting when used with RBG or Neopixels strips. <b>*** Please note: the IKEA Strala is not meant to be used outdoors. </b> <b>Printing</b> The printing is simple. The bulb itself is 360mm high and NO SUPPORT IS NEEDED at all, but I recommend using a brim. Any of the parts need support! <b>Assembly</b> Begin by testing the threads. Screw the bulb to the base, ¼ turn at the time. If it gets stuck, go back and forth a ¼ turn. If it gets really stuck DO NOT FORCE IT: you will break the bulb (I did!). I increased the clearance on this one. Notice the bulb is thicker close to the threads. You can use a wide rubber band to get more grip. I added plenty of clearance on the threads, you should not have any problems. You need two M3x12 screws to attach the hook to the socket. Start by making the threads in the hook first using a M3x8 screw. You then should be able to attach it to the socket using just a screwdriver bit with your fingers. You may also use a Right Angle Attachment on a drill. https://www.amazon.ca/DEWALT-DWARA120-Right-Angle-Attachment/dp/B00C0VSNKQ The spotlight and IKA Strala options are straight forward, just look at the pictures. For the LED strips you need a strip about 180mm long. I suggest you test your LEDs/bulb combination to determine how much glow you want, depending on the filament used. Some transparent filaments may let the glow of each LED showing and this may be less interesting. The LED holder has two holes for the wiring. You use the one in the middle. As shown in the picture, this is where you start sticking the strip. The first turn is a little tricky. Begin by peel off 5mm and stick the strip slightly to the holder. Wrap one turn to figure out the angle then begin peeling and sticking. For a better voltage distribution, I like to connect the positive to one end and the negative to the other end of the strip. The bottom cover is held in place with four M3x10 screws. <b>Hooks & wiring</b> I used some 16AWG speaker wire ( https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B006LW0W5Y ). The pictures are self-explanatories for the hookup inside the hook. You need three M3x10 screws and three M3 nuts. You may also use the “solderless” hook if you want. Notice how the zip tie is placed to hold the wire connectors close to the hook. Yes, the water will enter the connector, unless you live in the north like me