LED poi, powered by 2xAAA batteries! Spinny lights! Light up the night!

thingiverse

First of all, WATCH THIS VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76OVStXA5N0 This explains poi like a pro! I've finally come up with the best design yet for spinning poi that lights up the night. Nothing beats it, trust me. Originally, Pacific Islanders used things on fire to create this art form, but my version is way safer and just as cool. These were printed in glow-in-the-dark Hatchbox PLA, which is super versatile. I can turn them on for a short time, then turn them back off, and keep spinning all night long! The batteries will last an incredibly long time - between 75 to 100 hours on a single set of AAA batteries! First, I tried to take a video in the dark at the park down the street from me, and guess what? I drew quite the audience. These poi are a hit! So, why do I think this design is a winner? It's simple, yet effective, and it lights up the night better than anything else out there. The rules specifically say to "Make a 3D-printable design that incorporates LED lights for wearing or using during those warm summer nights." And let me tell you, this design does just that - and more! This is my third attempt at designing and printing LED poi, but this one is by far the most decent. I've also designed smaller versions with a single LED facing outwards, but this one uses the rope to hold in the battery compartment, making it super secure. I did try another design with nine LEDs poking through a poi ball, but that was too harsh on the eyes. This version uses a single LED pointed at plastic from the other side, and trust me, it works like a charm! While my original design used a cheap battery box with a switch from Ebay, I've also included an optional wiring diagram and instructions for a DIY version using a paper clip. To build this poi, you'll need some basic materials: a single LED, rope (I used glow-in-the-dark Harbor Freight rope), a soldering iron, super glue, two batteries, the correct wiring, and an optional battery box with switch. Easy peasy! Actual cost of materials for me in the US was: * 100x white LEDs on Ebay: $1.31 + free shipping * 100x UV LEDs (black lights) on Ebay: $3.29 shipped * 100x RGB diffused LEDs, common anode: $7.77 shipped * 3-way switch for RGB LEDs: 10x for $2 * AAA battery boxes with switches and wires: $0.77 each * Harbor Freight 1/4" glow in the dark rope: $4 You can build this same thing by ordering some rope from Harbor Freight and a few LEDs and a battery box with switch for under $10! Using RGB LEDs, you'll still be under $15 for the pair. My next design will involve an ATTiny85 microchip, but unfortunately, those didn't arrive in time for me to use them in this contest. Still, this one is perfect just the way it is - get printed and get spinning!