Light painting LED orb

thingiverse

My daughter and I have been experimenting with light painting by leaving a camera shutter open in a dark room for a long time while moving various kinds of lights in front of the lens. We discovered one popular tool is an 'orb tool', a string of lights you swing in circles to produce interesting photographic effects. While making orb tools by taping LED strings or modifying flashlights can be easy, I wanted something with more character and visible from all sides. This project creates a cylindrical light source using inexpensive LED tape and a 9 volt battery, which can be safely attached to paracord and swung around for interesting light painting patterns. Please note the importance of caution when swinging a bright light in a dark place. To print this tool: Printer: OB1.4 Print settings: Rafts: Any setting works fine Supports: Not needed Resolution: 0.3mm Infill: 50% Post-printing supplies needed are a 9 or 12 volt LED light tape, preferably with a self-adhesive backing, a 9-volt battery clip (use an old toy and take the clip apart), one 9-volt battery, paracord, solder, and a soldering iron. To assemble: 1) Wrap the LED tape around the printed form and trim the excess tape at marked safe cut points. 2) Solder the wires from the battery clip to the tape with care to maintain polarity. 3) Thread one end of paracord into a hole from underneath the tool, pull a loop through, then push it through the other hole. 4) Securely attach the 9-volt battery inside, tying a knot at the bottom to prevent losing anything. 5) Attach the battery clip to the battery and secure the LED tape by leaving slack for easy removal of the clip when you want to turn off the light. Use the tool: attach the battery clip and swing it in circles. You can carry this orb around without added complications for interesting results in 'light painting orb' searches.