Patton - Custom DIY Rear Light

thingiverse

A custom DIY rear light for the Patton.I wanted a solid red light on my Patton that didn't blink all the time and also increasing the visibility overall so I designed this mount for a 5V neon led strip which doesn't require data just positive and negative.This project requires some DIY tinkering such as soldering and gluing, only start this project if you are comfortable with that or know someone who can help you (soldering is a good skill to learn!).I bought the 5V Neon LED strip on AliExpress here (5V DC 1 Meters): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004218996953.html , you might find a Neon LED from other sources but check dimensions it should be 6mm wide and 12mm deep.I soldered my own stereo plug which I bought here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32890251734.htmlPrinting:You can print with whatever material you choose but personally I choose TPU95A, I prefer this part being a bit flexible so that it doesnt crack or break, I think it will be very durable that way.Line Width: 0.5Walls/Perimeters: 3Infill: 25% GridAssembly:1) First check the required length of the LED strip by inserting it into the mount and checking for the line where you have to cut.2) Cut the LED strip at the appropriate place.3) Take the end-cap from the piece that was cut away, this should be easy to pull off but you might have to use a small tool or knife to cut the hot glue first, you are going to use this piece so try not to make a hole in it.4) Put some transparant silicone at the end of the LED strip that you are going to use and then install the end-cap over it for waterproofing.5) Put some glue in the channel of the mount before installing the LED Strip there, I recommend using either transparant silicone or E6000 which will both be soft and rubbery when cured, I used E6000 for this application.6) Install the LED Strip into the mount, start with the wires coming through the hole so you don't have to fiddle with that after.7) Optional: There will be a gap between the start and the end of the LED strip, you can fill this with transparant silicone which will carry the light and make the gap appear much less.8) Optional: Put some silicone on the other side where the wires come out9) Either cut the original stereo plug and solder the positive and negative pins to the LED or solder your own stereo plug, don't use an audio plug as those have too thin wires, I have provided a simple schematic.10) If you want to test the LED before installing it on the wheel you can test it by providing 5V to the tip and negative to the sleeve.11) Optional: Put some electrical tape over the wires to give them a layer of protection.12) Install the light onto the Patton and enjoy.