Aero-Nuts.com recently introduced their new line of aircraft, car and boat lighting using electroluminescent light (EL) wire. This wire is extremely flexible and can even be knotted if necessary. Constructed with an internal copper wire that is coated with phosphor and wrapped in plastic, the EL wire is very thin (1.33mm), but wonderfully bright with 360 degrees of radiance. Available in colors: red, green, white and blue, each color can be ordered in one-meter or longer lengths for $1.50 per meter. Power to drive the lights comes in two forms: The first is a very small 3V system using two AA batteries weighing 1.3 ounces (39g) and capable of driving three to four meters ($4.00), the second is a 9V-14V driver weighing 2.3 ounces (67g) allowing use of 11.1V LiPo batteries of varied capacities ($5.00). In this configuration the driver can power up to 20 meters of EL wire. Both drivers provide switching between constant, slow and fast flash.
Aero-Nuts.com ships from Hong Kong, but shipping is reasonable at about $8.00 for 3.3 pounds (1500g). Look for distribution of the EL wire and drivers in the U.S. in the near future.
by David R. Vaught
