Sorry to bump an old thread but Ive been researching side glow cables for several months. Little background- I have practically no experience in this field.
I am extremely interested in the automotive field and Ive noticed a several recent cars incorporating light pipes, light guides, and side glow cable. A few example are the headlights of cadillacs, the tail lights of dodges, and especially the tail lights of volvos.
I am Interested in fabricating my own personal tail lights tail lights to incorporate side glow fiber optic cables. I have know how I will mount the cable in the headlight and Ive chosen this cable as it is the thickness that I am looking for.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:X:RTQ:US:1123
I have two questions though and answers or pointers will be greatly appreciated.
What should I use as a light source? When I started my research I had LEDs in mind but do they make leds with great enough output?
Keep in mind that it will be replacing my running lights and unless its absolutely necessary I dont want to modify the electric components already in place.