Firewalker Shoe Build

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Z1nG
 
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Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by Z1nG »

Hi, I'm new to the forums and to this area. My expertise in this area is limited but I'm looking to challenge myself and build these pressure sensitive LED's for my shoes! Is there anything I'm missing from the list below that I would need to complete the Firewalker Shoe Project?

I ordered these parts from adafruit:
  • 2 ea. 3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST $3.90
    1 ea. Mini Solder spool - 60/40 lead rosin-core solder 0.031" diameter $5.95
    2 ea. Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Weatherproof Strip 60 LED -1m $59.90
    1 ea. Pressure-Sensitive Conductive Sheet (Velostat/Linqstat) $3.95
    2 ea. FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible $49.90
    1 ea. Stainless Medium Conductive Thread - 3 ply - 18 meter/60 ft
And these additional parts from Amazon:
  • Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 3 oz
    Elenco TL-6 Standard Alligator Lead Set, 10-Piece
    Xuron 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter
    BAZIC Assorted Dimensions 227g/0.5 lbs. Rubber Bands, Multi Color
    J&L 60 Watts Soldering Iron, UL listed
    3M Wetordry Sandpaper, Very Fine Grit, 9-Inch by 11-Inch, 5-Sheet
    Dual Duty XP Heavy Thread 125yds
    Singer Assorted Hand Needles

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Looks like a complete list - except for the shoes of course :)
Have fun, and be sure to post photos of your completed shoes!

Z1nG
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by Z1nG »

I ordered 2 1m Neopixel strips and I received 1 2M neopixel strip. Is this supposed to be cut in two?

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Is this supposed to be cut in two?
Yes. There are cut lines between each led.

Z1nG
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by Z1nG »

For the silicon adhesive, can I use it to cover the exposed electrical leads (The copper colored stuff) to make it more water resistant? Is there anything else I can do that would help to make sure the wire doesn't come undone from the soldering?
http://imgur.com/ywC6q4v

Thanks for your help!

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Common hardware-store-grade silicone adhesive is acidic and can damage circuitry. But an electronics-grade adhesive can be used to for sealing and strain-relief.
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... _615769_-1

In your photo, I see a lot of bare wire near the connections. It looks like solid-core wire. Solid core will break with repeated flexing in an application such as this. Once it breaks loose, it is likely to cause a short circuit and damage something.

Z1nG
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by Z1nG »

If I wanted to change the wire what would be the best way of desoldering the joints? I've been using the soldering iron with a little squeeze bulb, the one they sell at radioshack.Will it still work if there's a thin layer of solder on the flora/neopixel strip when I resolder a new wire to it?

Z1nG
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by Z1nG »

Plus what type of wire do you recommend?

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

I'd use stranded wire, about 20-22 gauge would be good.

A little bit of solder on the pads is fine. In fact it makes things easier. To solder stranded wire:

Start with a small blob of solder on the pad.
Strip about 1/4" from the end of the wire.
Twist the strands tightly.
Heat the bare wire with your soldering iron.
Melt some solder onto the wire and make sure it flows in between the strands. (this is called 'tinning')
Place the tinned end of the wire over the solder blob on the pad.
Heat both until the solder flows and bonds the wire to the pad.

Z1nG
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by Z1nG »

Awesome, thanks!

Would this wire be ok?

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... e=22+gauge

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Firewalker Shoe Build

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Would this wire be ok?
That should do it!

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