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Posted

Following my earlier post I decided to reroute my light cabling through the bottom of the cabinets.

I had to drill a hole and ensure that it wasn't above the foot in each corner of the base.

Then I finished it off with a spare bit of trunking I had which disguises the hole.

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

Very pleased with results. No more unsightly cables hanging around behind the cabinets.

@Saburo, here's my post about what I did with my cables.

@Gakken, that looks really cool.

Posted (edited)

I got 2 sets of lights from Lowes.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_696-24994-HTP904E_1z0y4gq+1z10d2u__?productId=3316942&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1%26page%3D2&facetInfo=Integrated%20LED

It's 8 bars that are really easy to install.

I could do with maybe another set on the sides for the middle shelves, but it would be hassle and more wiring to deal with.

They are nice because you can rotate the bars in the little arms, and you can change colors/strobe them.

Thanks for the information, I'll check it out that lighting setup. The color changing lights does appeal to me, but not sure if I would use it all that much or would I...?

If you are handy with wires and solder, you can also string up flexible LED strips. These can be cut to size and placed creatively in a number of ways. I've seen a few clever Detolf set ups while researching this myself where some owners hide the LEDs to create a nice effect. Here is one link to get you started:

http://www.sideshowcollectors.com/forums/how-to-display-your-collectibles/33999-lights-detolf-44.html

You can see Gakken's display on that page, and there are other great examples throughout to spark some ideas.

The all-in-one packages are good, but will require wire management too look good in a Detolf display case. The DIY method has more flexibility, but requires a little more planning and know-how. For instance, I've been procrastinating on that step for my DIY lighting and still have a small workshop going. My plan is to angle the LEDs on some material (corner molding, vinyl trim, balsa wood...something) and hide them from the outside while directing the light onto my valkyries/figures. I was going to then run the wires through a cable channel similar to what The Old Man has set up for his display. I liked how that worked.

Anyway, I'll try to remember to snap some pics as I go along. :)

Thank you for the link and information. I would be down to do a DIY custom setup. I am in the initial planning stages of the how to setup the detolfs. Yes, please post photos of your WIP, it will help greatly with ideas.

^Very cool. I've been thinking off and on about trying to get some type of lighting solution for my shelves as well but it's been pretty low on the "things to do list".

I'm interested in seeing what everyone here comes up with so I can copy and assimilate some ideas. :p

-b.

Hahaha... I am doing that same thing. :D

Thanks for the love fellows!

Yeah I was a little worried on the 30th where I could snag it with the wire, but it fit nicely around the outside wing edge and gave it a nice tilt.

I usually make the front string longer to droop more so I can see the top of the plan in a down slant, though with my VF-11 I kind of like it more of a flat head-on look.

I usually tie two knots and pull to make sure it's secure. Then replace the shelf. Instantly more space for more! haha.

Saburo - if you go the LED route set that I showed you I'll give you some more tips. I basically picked it because it was the easiest install I could fine, and it seemed to be the brightest. Mounting the lights just take some sticky that is provided, then you push the bracket on, and insert the light tube.

All that you have to do at that point is mount the panel to plug in the tubes to the main control and get the wires out of the way. I elected to only do the top and bottom rows and slant the light up so I didn't have to deal with running wires all the way down and out. I'm lazy :D

But it's pretty damn bright. I love leaving it on and killing all my lights.

The easy mounting really appeals to me, and also looking at the possible failure of the light. Having a self contained system that I could just buy a replacement would be great.

Following my earlier post I decided to reroute my light cabling through the bottom of the cabinets.

I had to drill a hole and ensure that it wasn't above the foot in each corner of the base.

Then I finished it off with a spare bit of trunking I had which disguises the hole.

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

Very pleased with results. No more unsightly cables hanging around behind the cabinets.

@Saburo, here's my post about what I did with my cables.

@Gakken, that looks really cool.

Very nice setup, I like that is really clean! The light bars are on the back of the shelves, it keeps the view of the figures uncluttered. My question is since the lights are in the back, how well does it illuminate the front of the figures.

I am planning to buy 4 Detolfs (that's all I can fit into the area). I'll have a fun weekend project, building, setting up the lighting, moving them into place and setting up the Valks. :)

Edited by Saburo
Posted

Detolf #3 check!

post-29332-0-51288000-1413480567_thumb.jpg

No doubt hours of rearranging valks fun is ahead of me. 😃

@Saburo

Having the LEDs are the rear does mean that the front gets less light but it all depends on how you arrange your stuff.

Personally, I like the backlight effect, but there's no reason why you couldn't use the same method (cables etc) and have the LED strips more central or at the front.

Posted

Detolf #3 check!

attachicon.gifimage.jpg

No doubt hours of rearranging valks fun is ahead of me.

@Saburo

Having the LEDs are the rear does mean that the front gets less light but it all depends on how you arrange your stuff.

Personally, I like the backlight effect, but there's no reason why you couldn't use the same method (cables etc) and have the LED strips more central or at the front.

Thanks for the information Old Man! I like the LED light bars in the back so they aren't not seen from the front, less obstructions when viewing. Although when I think about it may not be so bad having them in the front. Another question, with the LEDs mounted in the front are the wires long enough to do the same cable management setup as you did?

I was planning to get black detolfs, but after seeing your white ones I am re-thinking which color I should get.

Posted (edited)

wait, what is going on in this picture?

He's using those grey/white clamps as adjustable shelf pegs it looks like. Clamp the vertical post and use the other side as the shelf support. Repeat 4x per shelf.

Edited by wmkjr
Posted

Thanks everyone.

Thanks for the information Old Man! I like the LED light bars in the back so they aren't not seen from the front, less obstructions when viewing. Although when I think about it may not be so bad having them in the front. Another question, with the LEDs mounted in the front are the wires long enough to do the same cable management setup as you did?

I was planning to get black detolfs, but after seeing your white ones I am re-thinking which color I should get.

Yep, the cables are plenty long enough. That's on the ikea LED strips anyway.

Also, just FYI there are no lights on in the pic other than in the cabinet. Just so you know how much light the valks get with the lights at the rear.

Posted

I think this should work. FB friends have seen it already but thought i'd put it up here...Left the new Arcadia VF19 in the box.. i don't think there anymore room left.

*snip*

Very nice. What struck me, besides just the sheer number of Valkyries shown and not shown in that clip was how "clean" everything looked. I felt like I was looking at a museum or store display vs. someone's home and that's awesome.

-b.

Posted (edited)

That's awesome kicker! Thanks.

Do like an hour long video of all your stuff haha

Edited by Gakken85
Posted

Thanks for sharing that video Kicker! Despite loving Macross 7, I feel bad that I only have two Valks from the series. I really need to get more M7 valks. Oh, and storage space as well.

Posted

You should make one long video, insert chapters for each series/scale, insert appropriate bgm for each chapter, then package it with a beautiful cover art and the title "Kicker's Kick@ss Collection!

Posted

I think this should work. FB friends have seen it already but thought i'd put it up here...Left the new Arcadia VF19 in the box.. i don't think there anymore room left.

Hey Kicker that's a friggin impressive M7 lot you have there! Thanks for posting the vid of it all! was great! im super jealous too! B))

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