N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 11:47:41 AM

Title: Fibre optic cable
Post by: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 11:47:41 AM
Does anyone know where I can source an 1850mm length of, say, 2mm diameter fibre optic cable? The intention is to cover it with some form of black tubing or paint it black and affix a plastic block at one end. The idea is to stick the block to the instrument panel of my motorbike, run the cable through to the rear light and then, at night, I can see at a glance whether the tail/brake light is working.
Around 1985 these used to be sold as a commercial item and I had one then. Brilliant idea but so simple. OK, bulbs these days are probably more reliable but it doesn't hurt to check.
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: Jim Easterbrook on February 05, 2021, 11:50:14 AM
Clever idea. I could use one of those on my pedal cycle.
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: zwilnik on February 05, 2021, 12:02:30 PM
https://www.amazon.co.uk/End-glowing-fibre-light-diameter/dp/9875321249/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=fibre+optic+light+cable&pd_rd_r=9ade3637-1b9a-4605-8d55-16c80b4b6920&pd_rd_w=eUuPO&pd_rd_wg=QIpV9&pf_rd_p=cd9132d2-f159-4363-880a-030b3e94826d&pf_rd_r=M16V8FBQW8VC9KJ6A2RW&qid=1612526459&sr=8-12 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/End-glowing-fibre-light-diameter/dp/9875321249/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=fibre+optic+light+cable&pd_rd_r=9ade3637-1b9a-4605-8d55-16c80b4b6920&pd_rd_w=eUuPO&pd_rd_wg=QIpV9&pf_rd_p=cd9132d2-f159-4363-880a-030b3e94826d&pf_rd_r=M16V8FBQW8VC9KJ6A2RW&qid=1612526459&sr=8-12)
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: guest373 on February 05, 2021, 12:03:54 PM
similarly available from ebay, beaten to the post.
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: chrism on February 05, 2021, 12:34:03 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 11:47:41 AM
Does anyone know where I can source an 1850mm length of, say, 2mm diameter fibre optic cable? The intention is to cover it with some form of black tubing or paint it black and affix a plastic block at one end. The idea is to stick the block to the instrument panel of my motorbike, run the cable through to the rear light and then, at night, I can see at a glance whether the tail/brake light is working.

And my first thought was that you wanted to make a shedload of platform lamps :D
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 12:49:50 PM
Thanks, Chaps!
@zwilnik (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=8) link used to buy :thumbsup:

Quote from: Jim Easterbrook on February 05, 2021, 11:50:14 AM
Clever idea. I could use one of those on my pedal cycle.

Definitely

Quote from: chrism on February 05, 2021, 12:34:03 PM

And my first thought was that you wanted to make a shedload of platform lamps :D

Stupid boy, Pike :P ;)
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: guest311 on February 05, 2021, 12:53:25 PM
HB offers a service where, for a box of Bonios per week, he will run along behind you and if your light goes out he will throw you off your bike to tell you.

unfortunately I've not been able to get him to differentiate between rear lights on/off, brake lights on/of or indicators on/off/on/off/on/off  :-[
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 02:06:02 PM
Might also be an idea for buffer stops, although how I'm going to run all those cables from the Preston red light district to my bungalow remains an issue :hmmm:
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: Steven B on February 05, 2021, 02:12:55 PM
You can also get fibre-optic with a waterproof PVC coating:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLEXIBLE-Fibre-optic-lighting-cable-in-2-mm-3-mm-black-PVC-waterproof-tube/223592897620?hash=item340f2cdc54:g:RToAAOSwhQhY3nWG (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLEXIBLE-Fibre-optic-lighting-cable-in-2-mm-3-mm-black-PVC-waterproof-tube/223592897620?hash=item340f2cdc54:g:RToAAOSwhQhY3nWG)

2m for £3.67, 10m for £17.

Steven B.
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: guest311 on February 05, 2021, 02:18:25 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 02:06:02 PM
Might also be an idea for buffer stops, although how I'm going to run all those cables from the Preston red light district to my bungalow remains an issue :hmmm:

you tight bugger, run it from your own signal / red lamp.

I don't know, it must be true what they say about northerners being tight carefull with their cash  :smiley-laughing:

stay safe, if you all get covid, who are we southern gits going to have to moan about !
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: stevewalker on February 05, 2021, 02:43:48 PM
Quote from: class37025 on February 05, 2021, 02:18:25 PM
I don't know, it must be true what they say about northerners being tight carefull with their cash  :smiley-laughing:

Nay, that's t'other side of t'Pennines.  :D
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 03:23:57 PM
Quote from: class37025 on February 05, 2021, 02:18:25 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on February 05, 2021, 02:06:02 PM
Might also be an idea for buffer stops, although how I'm going to run all those cables from the Preston red light district to my bungalow remains an issue :hmmm:

you tight bugger, run it from your own signal / red lamp.


No way, José :no:
I could end up with a queue of dirty old men at the door asking 'How much?' :o
Title: Re: Fibre optic cable
Post by: guest311 on February 05, 2021, 04:04:47 PM
SO

what is the answer ?

>:D

you got to make a penny or two  :smiley-laughing: