When we first saw [Ginko Balboa]’s vase of ice and fire, we weren’t that impressed. Until we realized that the whole vase was a glass, copper, and solder circuit with LEDs sandwiched in between. The tutorial starts with [Ginko]’s technique for etching a custom board for the base circuit. It gets interesting with the construction of the LED circuit.
First a glass bottle was scored in a pattern and shattered, leaving a jigsaw puzzle. Two differently colored LED light strips were desoldered. Then, from the bottom up, the glass was taped around with an adhesive backed copper tape, and soldered together. Every now and then an LED was soldered between the carefully separated areas of the circuit. Some LEDs were soldered in one way, and some the other. This way the vase could be rotated on its base to select a different color. Once the outside of the vase with the LED circuit inside it was finished, another cut bottle was put in the center and soldered in a final position, making the assembly waterproof.
The final product is really interesting, and we’re scratching our head to figure out if there’s anything else this technique of circuit building could be used for. Ideas?
Very impressive build!
While I don’t see this particular way of building things being anything but decorative, I think that the possibilities are still worth considering. For example, imagine a stained glass chandelier built this way, or a wall sconce, or any other interesting and beautiful way of lighting up an area. I can see a lot of potential with this, and I’d love to try my hand at it.
Yes this could be done with a lot of decorative lighting fixtures.
I have a buddy who slumps recycled glass to make decorative items. He’s been experimenting with metal inclusions. We’ve discussed including electronics into his stuff. The problem there is that any metal left exposed (not encased in glass) oxidizes and pits really badly in the kiln, making electrical connections really difficult.
This looks amazing and it’s even cooler with the back story.
So what do the resident HAMs think of the feasibility of custom stained glass art antennas using the solder joints as radiators?
The vase would have to be enormous, especially for HF wavelengths.
Perhaps a fractal[1] antenna? Might even look interesting.
[1]
Gaah. Link was:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal_antenna
Might be feasible for UHF and higher, though I wonder how decorative it would be if built into a shape that makes a decent antenna.
I don’t know enough about fractal antennas to comment on your post, [tomás zerolo].
Would it be possible to make some sacrificial glass “nodes” where metal protrudes or comes very near the surface, but is still covered by glass. The glass could then be broken and ground to reach the metal for a solder point? Just spit-balling
Reminds me of a lamp my friend broke as a kid and superglued back together. It looked great until turned on, projecting a mosaic of light onto the wall.