How far can rope light be seen - big star project

[ptone]

I'm looking to build a set of 3-4 stars for a large tower at work (its probably - a 150ft high)- I'm thinking the stars will be around 10ft across and tall. I'd love to use LED, but the cost will be too high - looking at the Flextec ropelight from 1000bulbs.com

A couple questions:

If I use the stock ropelight - on a clear night, how far is it visible? I'm hoping to get about a 5 mile range - should I go with the SuperBright variety? How much will color effect visibility?

I'm planning on using 1/2" PVC conduit with suitable amounts of bracing and zip ties. These will be against a building - not free standing.

Here is a quick pic of the layout I'm looking at - showing to a certain extent how only portions of tubing will be lit.

-Preston

[Mactayl]

1/2 inch PVC is knda flimsy I would go with 3/4 inch at least since it is much more rigid and will hold it's shape better as for how far can you see it, that is a good question probably pretty far as long as there is a clear line of site. Good luck on your project.

BTW you may want to paint the PVC pipe the same color as the background it will be placed on

[kychristmas]

C'mon, that Bell tower is begging to be the structure for an amazing Megatree

[DesertRat]

Based on my military experience, on a moonless cloud covered night the flame of a BIC lighter can be easily seen from 5 miles away. It isn't much but it can be seen. Comparing your lighted stars to that you should get really good visibility, not sure at what distance you can tell what shape they are. Good luck.

[kostyun]

At the size/distance you are looking for - I would highly reccommend using C9 incandescent bulbs for the project.

[ptone]

Just FYI this project was built (actually built the entire project, stars, controller, etc in a matter of just a few weeks - my first attempt at any blinky).

Used incan ropelight due to budget. Could actually see it from 5 miles or so, but couldn't see the star shape at all.

Lots of build photos and a video in this thread:

http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...tars-for-tower

-P

[griffixdc]

great job liked your design and placement next time maybe use 2 strands of incandescent mini's per wire of for the stars so they can be extra visible and have more shape..although the smaller your shape= less distance you can see the shape as it really is...the larger and more spacing the more detail can be seen at a distance.

[chelmuth]

I was gonna post that it had been done yesterday I just couldn't remember where I saw the thread. But there it is.. I thought it looked amazing. Wish I had a ginormous tower around here to play with.. Good Job..

[griffixdc]

I was gonna post that it had been done yesterday I just couldn't remember where I saw the thread. But there it is.. I thought it looked amazing. Wish I had a ginormous tower around here to play with.. Good Job..

yeah wish you had pictures of it lite or videos of it

[chelmuth]

There is a video in the thread in post #6 of this thread..