Diffuser Layer Installation
Last updated
Last updated
This kit includes a LED separator grid and diffuser sheet. The diffuser sheet doubles as the welcome sheet - it's just a paper square outlined to cover the 3D-printed separator grid. These two components are simply stacked on the LED Matrix and held down when with Core Array is installed.
A diffuser grid is included, and is stacked on top of the LED Matrix. Cut the diffuser from the envelope or a sheet of paper to match the size of the seperator.
This step is optional, and you can substitue other diffusion layers and experiment with different materials. The benefit of the diffuser layer is two-fold. When the LEDs are off, the core weaving stands out much better against the white background without the distraction of the LEDs. The diffuser can also soften the LED brightness, and helps mix the Red/Green/Blue elements better.
In the kit are two thin diffuser sheets. They are meant to be installed between the Core Board and the LED Matrix board.
An alteranative to the following instructions is to cut the diffuser sheet to a suitable size and tape it to the bottom (back) side of the Core Board.
Cut four of the left over single pin headers to install in J3, 4, 5, 6 positions on the LED Matrix, just above and below the LEDs. The top end of each pin needs to be trimmed off flush with the top of the plastic header spacer. Like this:
Solder in the pins from the bottom side of the LED Matrix. Then trim off the excess pin protruding beyond the solder joint.
Now trim the diffuser sheet to fit in between the pins you just installed to retain the sheet from the top and the bottom. The left and right retention is provided when the Core Board is installed.
When all of the boards are assembled and stacked, the difffuser sheet is trapped in place.
You can experiment with more than one layer, or different materials. If you'd like to make a grid or experiment with structure around the LEDs, each LED is 5x5mm and the spacing is 6.75mm center to center. Here is a sample part to start with at OnShape:
Once the Onshape page loads, right-click in the lower left corner, and the part name, to export the file as an STL.
