something to diffuse led light?

[mcjam]

Anyone have a good idea for something around the house I could use? I
converted an automotive-like lamp to use 4 leds. It looks like 4 leds in
there instead of one light. Would be cool if I could diffuse it somewhat.

Frosted glass maybe? bubble wrap? I'm experimenting..

 

[Jon Kirwan]

Waxed paper? Sand the inside of the lens?

Waxed paper works very good on a small scale. I've used it
to diffuse light entering into a fiber optic cable with
excellent results, in a pinch.

Grinding the LED surfaces with rough sandpaper comes to mind,
too, though I've not attempted that and it can't be as good
as waxed paper. But then, if the wax melts....

Pot the LEDs into some plastic resin mixed with alumina
powder?

For a quick test, I'd be back to wax paper or else parchment
paper though.

Jon

 

[Mark Kelepouris]

Waxed paper works very good on a small scale. I've used it
to diffuse light entering into a fiber optic cable with
excellent results, in a pinch.

Grinding the LED surfaces with rough sandpaper comes to mind,
too, though I've not attempted that and it can't be as good
as waxed paper. But then, if the wax melts....

Pot the LEDs into some plastic resin mixed with alumina
powder?

For a quick test, I'd be back to wax paper or else parchment
paper though.

Jon

Yep, try a couple of layers of Baking paper at a distance

Mark

 

[Rich Webb]

Anyone have a good idea for something around the house I could use? I
converted an automotive-like lamp to use 4 leds. It looks like 4 leds in
there instead of one light. Would be cool if I could diffuse it somewhat.

Frosted glass maybe? bubble wrap? I'm experimenting..

Maybe etch the LED surfaces or the inside surface of the lamp with
something like an "Air Eraser"
<http://www.paascheairbrush.com/Etching_Striping_Tools-AEC-K.html>

It's not likely to qualify as "around the house" but if you do already
have an air compressor, a mini-sandblaster can be a useful addition to
the tool kit.

Better picture
<http://www.micromark.com/Paasche-Air-Eraser-Mini-Sandblast-Gun-Set,9117.html>

 

[shrtrnd]

Fresnel lens, that's what they were designed for.

 

[Ecnerwal]

Anyone have a good idea for something around the house I could use? I
converted an automotive-like lamp to use 4 leds. It looks like 4 leds in
there instead of one light. Would be cool if I could diffuse it somewhat.

Frosted glass maybe? bubble wrap? I'm experimenting..

Around my house I'd grab some Mylar drafting film. Your house may vary.
Piece of plastic milk jug might work OK. Anything will cut down the
total light output somewhat.

 

[tuinkabouter]

Op 7/20/2011 6:48 AM, mcjam schreef:

Anyone have a good idea for something around the house I could use? I
converted an automotive-like lamp to use 4 leds. It looks like 4 leds in
there instead of one light. Would be cool if I could diffuse it somewhat.

Frosted glass maybe? bubble wrap? I'm experimenting..

Is this allowed in your car?

 

[mcjam]

tuinkabouter submitted this idea :

Probably not, and certainly not if he was in Australia.

Don't worry it's not going on the car. Its just a sign.

 

[asdf]

Anyone have a good idea for something around the house I could use? I
converted an automotive-like lamp to use 4 leds. It looks like 4 leds in
there instead of one light. Would be cool if I could diffuse it
somewhat.

Frosted glass maybe? bubble wrap? I'm experimenting..

A ping pong ball, or half of it.
Sanded PMMA (Perspex) should also do the work.