ELP Light Box

[AaronSmall]

Rick (and anybody else with one),

You mentioned many times how you use an EL Panel for flat frames.  I went ahead and got one and rigged up the electronics to run on my 12V system, but I was wondering how you attached yours?  Did you build some type of backer structure to hold the panel?  Mine has the consistency of thick paper, but it tends to roll up as it was when it shipped. How do you deal with the edges for the round telescope?

Thanks,

Aaron

[AaronSmall]

Perfect.  I was assuming some plastic, but the acrylic makes a lot of sense.  That way it doesn't fall apart if it gets wet.

[astroman133]

Aaron,

I sandwich the EL panel between sheets of opaque acrylic. In one of the pieces of acrylic I cut a hole that is just a bit larger than the dew shield of my telescope. I also glued two small cubes of acrylic onto the large piece with the hole. I basically hang the sandwiched panel over the end of the scope. The two cubes of acrylic help to keep it in place.

I hope that makes sense.

If not, I can attach a photo.