[sdiy] still more modular UI epitaph or epiphany

[Amos]

Yes phosphorescent pigments will glow under blacklight also... in that
situation they are being charged continuously and will discharge
continuously also; although depending on the pigment they may not be
as bright as true fluorescents.

As for EL panels, I have worked with them and they do illuminate at
lower voltages, although I am not sure exactly how low.  I can make
some measurements in the near future and let you know what I find.
There is definitely a voltage threshold below which they are dark;
above that there seems to be a fairly linear voltage/brightness
relationship.  You may find that you need to increase your signal
levels considerably to drive the EL panels using audio.  I am also not
certain of the effects of low frequency AC on the panels; all the
purpose-built EL drivers I am aware of operate at frequencies above
500 Hz.  There may be a frequency threshold below which the lamps will
not illuminate; or it may just be a matter of power efficiency.  Very
interesting concept, nonetheless.  It is certainly true that LEDs are
more readily driven with audio signals, but honestly LEDs are so 20th
century... ;-)  Bring on the new tech!

Speaking of which, investigate LEC (light-emitting capacitor) panels
as well... they are shielded with a ground plane to avoid the nasty
EMF generated by conventional EL panels, which EMF might cause
problems with your signal path unless it is well isolated.

Cheers,

Amos

On 1/18/07, Anthony Bisset <abisset at dspaudio.com> wrote:
>
> Greetings again from the underworld,
>
> In my quest for a modular interface that makes improvisation and real
> playing (para-knob twiddling) possible I realized EL lamps could be very
> useful.
>
> Imagine a bunch of modules covered in EL lamps but only 3 active modules
> interconnected and generating audio. if you stood back you'd see 3
> modules lit up pulsating with with the volume and frequency changes being
> made in the audio and they would be entrained... but also possibly
> deviating, depending on what modules were involved.
>
> by lighting the entire module and driving the light from the audio
> frequency + volume, we'd have immediately associative module indicators
> that would more quickly let us analyze a patch, see in the dark and know
> which cable is connected where.  not to mention a disco for our
> fintertips.
>
> Most EL will start emitting light around 60hz and continues up to 8khz
> or more (so i'm told).  Some of it changes color as the frequency
> changes... but so far i've only been told of minor shifts, green to blue,
> that sort of thing.
>
> Ideally someone could find or convince a manufacture to create a new type
> of Lamp that combines various metals in some configuration that will give
> a rainbow of colors directly related to frequency and brightness
> related to voltage.
>
> I don't have any test samples of EL lamp material yet, so i'm unsure if
> for dark rooms that I must drive it with anymore voltage than 1-8v...
> i know the specs show 100x this amount, but i'm easy, since i work in
> the dark, if i can get light emitting at 400hz with only 3volts that's
> good enough for the first prototype.
>
> Anyone have any experience with this material?  What can i expect?  Is it
> too much work for the result?
>
> -anthony
>
>
> On Thu, 18 Jan 2007, Amos wrote:
>
> > On 1/17/07, Nicholas Gregorich <nicksdsu at mac.com> wrote:
> > > Jupiter 6!  What have I won?  :)
> > >
> > > Nick.
> >
> >
> > why, Bonus Points, as promised!  Useful all over the world, except for
> > certain countries in which you will need to exchange them for Kudos.
> >
> > Well-spotted, sir!
> >
> > Runners-up will receive a handsome collection of Props.
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Amos
> >
>