Idea for power lines on a model

Projects General Guidance
1

Hey all

Got asked to do another charity job (I don't mind tbh).
They want some Pylons on a model with the cables between them 'pulsing' with the flow of electricity.

Any ideas?
I have yet to find any super-tiny RGB strip.

I think the Pylons will be about 300mm tall, so that gives you an idea of scale.
Obviously the cable won't be scale, but it needs to not look stupid.

1-2mm would be great, but that is asking something for RGB

I did think of bare fibre optics? But they don't shine out the sides.
Maybe sanding the sides of the fibre? Just throwing it out there

I was just going to run it off a Nano or something.

2

Hmm

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007572746672.html

3

Try searching for EL wire or glow wire.
Leo..

4

I thought EL wire was solid illumination? I wanted to simulate movement

5

What about trying this?

6

WS2812 size 2020 inside translucent tubing.

Thick plexifiber, scored, strobing light.

7

Flexinol isn't illuminated

I found some 2.7mm wide rgb strip on AliExpress. I'll try that

8

Give a link, I'd like to see it.

9

Ultra Narrow 2.7mm WS2812B 160leds/M Smart individually addressable Digital Led Tape RGB full color led Strip Lights DC5V /12V

AliExpress/Google

10

@tigger
Are you working with @baffled2023 ?
If yes please provide a link.

11

The link was on the long side so I didn't.

Just copy the script as is and enter in Google search.

You could have done the same and for clarity, I haven't got a clue who Baffled2023 is.

15

I hadn't seen those yet, a bit expensive. There are in 2020 package (WS2812C) which are a bit more friendly in pricing. I have used and soldered them, pretty good quality. Not waterproof though.

18

Flexible LED filament
This stuff might give you the effect you're looking for if you were to slow pulse it.

Screenshot 2025-07-11 at 12.01.29 PM
Screenshot 2025-07-11 at 12.01.29 PM1566Ă—1084 141 KB

19

2020 is 2mm x 2mm post #6

1 Like
23

All replies here will be exclusively dedicated to assisting @baffled2023. Any further infantile squabbling will result in account suspension.

3 Likes
24

Ordered some of the RGB narrow strips - various types

I will report back

1 Like
25

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