LED Throwie

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LED throwies
LED throwies

An LED throwie is a small LED attached to a coin battery and a rare earth magnet (usually with conductive epoxy or electrical tape), used for the purpose of creating non-destructive graffiti and light displays.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

LED Throwies were devised by James Powderly and Evan Roth working together at the Graffiti Research Lab during a fellowship at Eyebeam OpenLab in 2006. The technology, like everything from the OpenLab, is open source and in the public domain. LED Throwies were designed as a new kind of graffiti art to be used on ferromagnetic surfaces. Part of GRL's original campaign involved distributing throwies to a group of people, who were then encouraged to throw them onto a metal sculpture called Alamo, located at Astor Place, Manhattan, New York City.

[edit] Modifications

The following are some of the modifications that have been applied to throwies:

  • Clay, or another sticky, putty-like substance has been added to create a "stick-anywhere" Throwie.
  • Throwies have been made with Velcro instead of, or in combination with, a magnet.
  • Adding an on/off switch or a pull tab can prolong battery life.
  • Flashing LEDs, effectively blinkies, can also improve battery life.
  • More than one LED can be arranged around the battery.
  • To achieve better light distribution, some have ground the top off of the LED so that the light is more diffused.
  • Photoresistors have been used to limit or turn off the circuit in the throwie when light shines on them, which can extend battery life dramatically.
  • Chirpies are another variation on the theme, incorporating a piezoelectric transducer and an alternating circuit, although this device is more controversial.
  • Replace the magnet with a small piece of styrofoam, dip them in wax to seal them, and throw them into pools, bathtubs, or other enclosed water areas for Floaties. It is strongly discouraged to use Floaties in lakes, streams, or oceans because of environmental reasons. The lithium battery will leak in water, collecting them is less probable than with throwies, and they are likely to be eaten by marine animals.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Graffiti Research Lab. LED Throwies. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
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