Where can I get some fiber optics strands? I'm clueless on this, but would like to start using it in my building. What exactly do I need? Is it all clear, and you use color LED's as the source, or does it come in colors? I would appreciate any help and advice from some of you guys who are currently using this stuff in your builds for lighting!

This is where I get my FO from. Great service as well.
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/The-Fiber-Optic-Store__W0QQ_armrsZ1
I would suggest using clear FO with colored LEDs. You may get a better, brighter color than using a colored FO and a white LED.

I've used the Fiber Optic Store (http://thefiberopticstore.com/FOS-mainpage.htm) before. I usually get jacketed cable and remove the outer shell to use single strands where needed.

Typically you butt the end of the cable (maybe 1/4" in diameter) against a white LED attaching with shrink tubing or electrical tape. Slit open the jacket (http://thefiberopticstore.com/Projects/Tips/cutting-cable.htm) when you get close to where you want individual strands and route these as needed. After inserting through the plastic (assuming you've drilled this out) clip off the excess and mushroom the end (http://thefiberopticstore.com/FAQ/endglow/flaring.htm) with a heat source to keep from slipping back through and to provide a wider point of light. Secure the strand with epoxy or white glue (CA will make them brittle)

The end can be tinted any color you wish. I like using white elmers with a bit of food coloring.

More FAQ (and answers!) (http://thefiberopticstore.com/FAQ/index.htm)

I made a light "manifold" out of styrene here to secure individual strands (that I had separated from a cable). It's neat stuff.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/t/steveplj/fs/b27.jpg

Plastruct is a common supplier, but be sure to check your local dollar store! Chances are very good that they will have some cheap-o fiber optic toys for the kiddies. For about $10 in junk toys, I've gotten the equivalent of closer to $50 in various diameter fiber strands!

I picked up a FO lamp last year at Walmart in toy clearence aisle for 5 dollars. They were about .5mm FO but a bit on the soft side.

I picked up a FO lamp last year at Walmart in toy clearence aisle for 5 dollars. They were about .5mm FO but a bit on the soft side.

After Christmas Walmart closed out their Fiber optic trees. I got a 36" fiber optic tree for for $5.00. A bonus was the colored lights from the light box when projected on the inside surface of a light globe gives a nice plasma effect.

Tim,

Another cheap source for fiber opitcs is also on eBay. Go to 'All Catagories' and type in UFO lamps. Here you'll find this cheesy FO lamp for about $4-5.00. I would guess and say there are about 200-300 strands, maybe more, about a foot long. The only down side is they are all the same diameter which is of the smaller size. I'm not fimiliar enough with FO to guess as to the point size.

Too, as an added bounus, you get some blinking LED's as well. I don't recall how many nor the colors.

Check it out and see what you think.

Carl-

I have been using this stuff from a seller on E-bay called wiedamark. They sell a cable called Starpack 48. It is a jacketed cable with 48 strands in three sizes .75, 1.0 and 1.5 mm Its very fine quality cable, much better than the novelty lamps use. It is meant for use in Bars, restaurants and such to do fancy starlit ceilings.

Tim: I got mine here:http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/

Fast shipping nice folks. good prices.

Steve

I've used the Fiber Optic Store (http://thefiberopticstore.com/FOS-mainpage.htm) before. I usually get jacketed cable and remove the outer shell to use single strands where needed.

Typically you butt the end of the cable (maybe 1/4" in diameter) against a white LED attaching with shrink tubing or electrical tape. Slit open the jacket (http://thefiberopticstore.com/Projects/Tips/cutting-cable.htm) when you get close to where you want individual strands and route these as needed. After inserting through the plastic (assuming you've drilled this out) clip off the excess and mushroom the end (http://thefiberopticstore.com/FAQ/endglow/flaring.htm) with a heat source to keep from slipping back through and to provide a wider point of light. Secure the strand with epoxy or white glue (CA will make them brittle)

The end can be tinted any color you wish. I like using white elmers with a bit of food coloring.

More FAQ (and answers!) (http://thefiberopticstore.com/FAQ/index.htm)

I made a light "manifold" out of styrene here to secure individual strands (that I had separated from a cable). It's neat stuff.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/t/steveplj/fs/b27.jpg I use Fiber Optic Store http://thefiberopticstore.com/FOS-mainpage.htm High end fibers in all ranges.
Randy

Steve you ever gonna show us your Big FS-1 lit up?

Steve

Steve you ever gonna show us your Big FS-1 lit up?

Steve

I'm saving it for my 3/4 life crisis.

I buy from fiberoptic products sometimes too, same good results.

I also sell LED/fiber optic lighting kits over at starshipmodeler.biz.

Thanks!

-John C.

This is where I get my FO from. Great service as well.
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/The-Fiber-Optic-Store__W0QQ_armrsZ1
I would suggest using clear FO with colored LEDs. You may get a better, brighter color than using a colored FO and a white LED.

Based on the two rec's, I just ordered the strand pack -75' each of four diameters. I'll have it in the next few days.

I've only dealt with glass FO before. This stuff is plastic through-and-through. Can anyone tell me the diff? Apart from being easier to cut than glass, I expect that the plastic FO has shorter life or is easier to snap? Or... ?

Haven't used glass so I can't compare.

This is plastic and will get brittle with CA glue or heat. Use white glue or epoxy to secure individual strands.

Because it melts you can use this to "mushroom" the ends with a heat source (flame, soldering iron, or your favorite source of heat).

I like to use white LEDs and butt the end of the jacketed cable to one LED securing with shrink tubing or electrical tape. I also get good results using food color mixed with white glue to tint the ends.