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Product:
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FlexiGlow Dual Bubble Light Kit |
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Price:
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$35 (CAN) / $23 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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FlexiGlow
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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March 19th, 2003
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Controlling the Sonic Driver is taken care of by the control knob. Turning the knob to the left and
right effectively adjusts the level of sensitivity from high to low respectively. By completely turning
the knob to the right, the FlexiGlow Dual Bubble Lights will remain in a constant ON state. The control
knob can also be taken apart for mounting in alternative location. Once disassembled, tracing the inner
diameter of the nut will provide the proper hole size to be drilled. The Sonic Driver module is rather
compact which makes it ideal for tucking away within the case. As previously stated, the Sonic Driver
can be utilized in part to bring sound activation to other FlexiGlow based products such as bubble
lights, standard cathodes and FlexiGlow EL Cable. The Sonic Driver features a total of 4 cables: Power,
Control Knob and 2 quick snap cables for attaching drivers of devices you wish to configure for sound
activation. A tiny microphone is embedded into the black housing of the Sonic Driver which allows the
unit to respond to music.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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As previously mentioned, the FlexiGlow Dual Bubble Light Kit comes already pre-assembled and all that is
required to attach the Molex connector to your PSU. The included information sheet is extremely
straight forward and provides a diagram for proper connection of the unit. In order to use the Sonic
Driver add-on, the power connection wire from the Bubble Light Driver is to be attached to the 1 of 2
designated available connections on the Sonic Driver box. The Sonic Driver is then attached to the
power source via Molex Adapter. Once connected, I noticed the abundance of wires necessary to power
the cathodes along with the Sonic Driver. This issue is mainly contributed by the fact that the Sonic
Driver doesn’t act as an Inverter/Driver for the cathodes and acts solely as a sound add-on. A hybrid
solution of the driver along with a sound sensitive module built in would definitely cut down on cable
clutter.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Upon powering of the FlexiGlow Dual Bubble Lights, I was surprised at the amount of light being given
off from a single LED in each tube. The ultra bright LEDs do a good job of illuminating the acrylic
rods and effectively reflect off the many tiny bubbles creating a new cool lighting effect. This effect
almost gives off the appearance of water yet the bubbles are simply many air pockets intentionally left
during the machining process. I was anticipating a bubble pattern to be spread throughout the area
where the acrylic rods reside, yet this was not the case and this result was only achieved on
reflective surfaces as the above images indicate. The overall color was rich and bright and managed
to light up objects several feet away. The Sonic Driver Sound module was tested with MP3 & video audio,
CD audio and streaming audio. Performance was in sync with each media that was tested. I did notice
that the Sonic Driver sound module does not pick up low tones very well, even at the most sensitive
setting. After 48 hours use, both the Sonic Driver module and standard 12V Driver were barely warm
to the touch. One minor aspect I did encounter was a slight un-even distribution of light amongst the
cathode tubes since there is only a single LED embedded onto one end. This isn’t overly noticeable yet
a LED embedded onto each side would give a fully even distribution of light but may increase cable clutter.
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Conclusion:
The FlexiGlow Dual Bubble Light Kit brings yet another innovative lighting option to the masses. The
overall construction and attention to detail of this product is great along with the ability to utilize
the cathodes in a sound sensitive setup with ease. Aside from the unique bubble effect, the FlexiGlow
Dual Bubble Lights also carry some other new elements such as one of the first dual 6" units I have
seen. While the bubble lights hold their own set of positive features, there are in fact some negative
aspects as well. The three position switch uses a sub-standard design, which makes it hard for mounting
and lacks any quick snap connections found throughout the rest of the kit. The Sonic Driver works as
advertised and despite the embedded microphone, the performance was impressive. The cable clutter
produced by the combination of both units makes it hard to manage within a case. It would nice to see
this kit improved by including a hybrid sound sensitive module and 12V driver to eliminate the need for
2 devices and additional cable clutter. Overall, I’m rating both the FlexiGlow Dual Bubble Light Kit
and the Sonic Driver an 8.5 out of 10 and
would definately recommend these products to consumers seeking a traditional lighting solution with a
new twist. If you have any questions regarding this review
be sure to visit the FlexiGlow website for
more information or discuss them in our forums.
NOTE: MTB has been informed by FlexiGlow that Canadian residents can locate the FlexiGlow Dual
Bubble Light Kits at Bigfoot Computers.
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Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- Good illumination
- Cool bubble effect
- Dual 6" cathodes
- Quality construction
- Quick snap-on connections
- Sound sensitive module add-on
- Connect up to 4 cold cathodes
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Cons:
- Sub-standard 3 Position switch on cathodes
- Additional cable clutter when used with Sonic Driver
- LED only on one side of Cathode
- Two units required for sound activation
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