Color Changing Fiber Optic LED Holder

thingiverse

This holder connects 3mm color changing (or regular) LEDs to a CR2032 battery and cut lengths of 1/8" (or 3mm) solid core side-glow fiber optic cable for a color-changing wearable project. There are four different holes surrounding each LED, which allow the fiber optic cable to be attached in different configurations. I purchased fiber optic cable here:(http://shop.fiberopticproducts.com/Solid_Side_Glow_Fiber_Optic_Lighting_Cable_SGS3%C2%A01_8?search=sgs3) and 3mm color changing LEDs here: (https://www.amazon.com/Multicolor-Flashing-Changing-Electronics-Components/dp/B01C19ENH8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_469_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z24NZ540QVXHV0DB596V) To assemble, slide the LEDs through the holes in the holder as shown in the images, with the negative (short) lead through the bottom of the holder and the positive (long) lead through the hole in the side of the projected finger. Then wrap the positive lead up and around through the notch in the finger, and pass the negative leg up through the hole in the bottom of the holder and down through the adjacent slot. Slide the battery in with the negative side down, and the LEDs should light up. You may need to flex the holder slightly to remove the battery. When the LEDs are off, you can store the battery in the holder with the positive side down. Cut your fiber optic cable into lengths of about 6", being sure to cut the ends cleanly (an exacto knife is helpful) and place the ends into the holes that surround the LEDs. You can use the other holes to attach the holder to a headband, bow tie, or some other wearable item. If you're doing this project in an educational setting, this project can be used to discuss light and total internal reflection.