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Product:
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FlexiGlow EL Cable & Standard Cold Cathode Kit |
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Price:
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EL Cable $45 (CAN) / $30 (U.S), Cold Cathode Kit $35 (CAN) / $25 (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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April 1st, 2003
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Rating:
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FlexiGlow EL Cable:
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Rating:
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FlexiGlow Cold Cathode Kit:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Gavin from FlexiGlow for sending
the FlexiGlow EL Cable & Standard Cold Cathode Kit for review.
Introduction:
Earlier this month, MTB had the opportunity to be one of the first websites to evaluate a new product
concept entitled Bubble Lights. FlexiGlow based out of Hong Kong not only caters to the PC Modification
industry but also branches out into Signs, Architectural, Advertising, Model Builders and Automotive
Modifications, some of which the roots of case modification concepts were born from and continue to
be used today. Case modders are always exploring the concepts of interior case lighting by evaulating
new methods using a variety of products and experimentation. Today in MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
FlexiGlow's Electroluminescent Cable and 12" Standard Cold Cathode Kit; two products designed to bring
illumination to a modified computer case.
Specifications:
The FlexiGlow EL Cable is available in 1.5, 3, or 5 meter lengths in Red, Green, White, Blue or Yellow
color options. EL cable is not only used in the case modification community but also often used in set
design for movies and displays due to low heat and flexibility. The FlexiGlow Standard Cold Cathode
measures 12" in length and is available in Red, Blue, Green, Ultra Violet, Dual Red Blue, Dual Red
Green and Tri Red Blue Green color options. Here are some specifications for each product as stated on
the FlexiGlow website:
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FlexiGlow Electroluminescent Cable - Key Specifications:
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| FlexiGlow Electroluminescent Cable: Manufactured by FlexiGlow |
| 2.3mm, 3.2mm or 5mm diameter cable options |
| Flexiglow Cable comes in easy to install standard kits |
| Flexiglow Cable can be cut and re-connected at any point and installed around curved or on flat surfaces |
| The inverter in the kits can power up to 10m of Cable. It also has an On/OFF/Flash switch and a dimmer dial |
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FlexiGlow Standard Cold Cathode Kit - Key Specifications:
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| FlexiGlow Standard Cold Cathode: Manufactured by FlexiGlow |
| Up to 80% brighter than standard Auto neon’s |
| Acrylic casing with a thickened internal diameter to prevent breakage |
| Lightly tinted casing for improved colour |
| Only 10mm in diameter small enough to fit anywhere |
| Custom end cubes with Velcro strips that enable easy mounting |
| Inverter is sealed inside a durable black plastic box to prevent short circuit and accidental damage |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The FlexiGlow EL Cable ships in basic transparent plastic bag with the items simply placed inside. The
Standard Cold Cathode is wrapped in bubble wrap and ships in a cardboard tube with plastic end caps to
ensure no damage during transit. Full retail packages are also available for both items. Included in
the FlexiGlow Cable package is a section of EL Wire, an Inverter, Molex Power adapter and an instruction
manual. The unit received for review measures 1.5 meters (150CM) in length and 2.3mm in diameter. As
mentioned above, longer lengths and thickness are also available.
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FlexiGlow EL Cable instructions
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Click image for larger view
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The included specification sheet contains plenty of useful information such as, Operating & Installation
instructions, Warranty and Technical instructions and a detailed explanation on Electroluminescent
Technology. The rear side of the sheet also provides diagrams and instructions on how to connect
multiple instances of EL wire. A small inverter box houses the necessary connections and wires for the
FlexiGlow Cable to function.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Branching off the end of the inverter box is a total of 5 wires, an ON/OFF/Flash switch used to toggle
modes. A dimmer knob is used to control the level of brightness of the FlexiGlow Cable and a power
connection which plugs into a Molex Adapter. Two quick snap cables are designated for attaching combined
lengths of FlexiGlow from 1 to 10 meters. Exceeding this limit will damage the inverter. FlexiGlow also
emphasizes that the inverters and EL cable are designed for exclusively indoor usage. The overall
construction of the ON/OFF/Flash switch is the same as that found on the previously featured
Bubble Lights, a simple push button design would benefit
this feature much more and allow for easier mounting. The overall size of the housed Inverter is
comfortably small which allows it to be hidden from view within ones case. Users will have to provide
their own method of securing the inverter box since no additional Velcro or double-sided tape is
applied to the base or included in the package.
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