03-28-2021, 02:01 PM
Yeah, a LOT of work went into that! 
The requirement for filming (meaning no "flicker" allowed) really complicated things. It meant I had to use only linear dimming. If that's not a requirement, you have more options and it becomes a bit easier.
#1 Don't wire ANYTHING unless you know EXACTLY what your circuits are doing. The most important thing is knowing how much current will flow in *every single wire* -- NO EXCEPTIONS! Even low voltage circuits can start fires if things go wrong. Lighting design requires some basic electrical engineering know-how and this should never be skipped!
I would use 5mm LEDs in "warm white" (3000K) or "natural white" (4000-4500K) for fiber optics. Place every LED on its own dimmer to control the brightness. The biggest mistake most people make is having the lights too bright. With individual LEDs you can make your own dimmer using a small potentiometer (pot).
For the engines, I used LED strip lights. These require heat sinking so I made a custom aluminum plate. With this setup you shouldn't need any cooling fans though I installed them in the Galactica anyway. Fans were present in the original so this was more authentic. And, I tend to over-engineer everything. LOL
The requirement for filming (meaning no "flicker" allowed) really complicated things. It meant I had to use only linear dimming. If that's not a requirement, you have more options and it becomes a bit easier.#1 Don't wire ANYTHING unless you know EXACTLY what your circuits are doing. The most important thing is knowing how much current will flow in *every single wire* -- NO EXCEPTIONS! Even low voltage circuits can start fires if things go wrong. Lighting design requires some basic electrical engineering know-how and this should never be skipped!
I would use 5mm LEDs in "warm white" (3000K) or "natural white" (4000-4500K) for fiber optics. Place every LED on its own dimmer to control the brightness. The biggest mistake most people make is having the lights too bright. With individual LEDs you can make your own dimmer using a small potentiometer (pot).
For the engines, I used LED strip lights. These require heat sinking so I made a custom aluminum plate. With this setup you shouldn't need any cooling fans though I installed them in the Galactica anyway. Fans were present in the original so this was more authentic. And, I tend to over-engineer everything. LOL
Charles Adams | www.StarshipBuilder.com | Follow me on Facebook
Author, MODEL DESIGN & BLUEPRINTING HANDBOOK, Volume 1 SECOND EDITION NOW AVAILABLE
Author, MODEL DESIGN & BLUEPRINTING HANDBOOK, Volume 1 SECOND EDITION NOW AVAILABLE