Light Box

What is it

The light box was a small piece of electonic that I designed with the help of my father when I was in grade 11. I had no real experience with actually building of electronics, but I had a lot experience using electronics and a good understand of the theory behind it. It started as most things do with an idea. I was influenced by a simple winamp plug in that had these flashing lens flares in sync with the music. The idea was simple: louder the music the brighter to the lights. The technology required could be found easily--I had an example in my room, a light dimmer. With resistors, opi-couplors, and silcon controled recdicifers I was able to make my device. As input it takes an audio signal. As output there are two indipendant standard house sockets. The louder the signle on the audio the more power came out of the sockets. Later we added opamps to help control the audio signle coming in, and amplify it when required.

How is it used

At school dances I plugged various things into from common table lamps to outdoor and indoor christmas tree lights. Flood lights worked very effectively. Presently when I have it set up it is most often in my room with outdoor christmas tree lights. The only problem is the opamps need a 9v battery to run, and it can run down if I don't turn the circut off when not in use.