Using EL sheets (Electroluminescent Lighting) to illuminate your gauges

[MacGyver]

I am planning on using this material for my gauges. I thought I would share this with the rest of the forum.
Electroluminescent Lighting (EL) is used by Ferrari and other automotive manufactures to illuminate their gauges. It’s not cheap, (nothing is for our builds) but offers even illumination, Stays cool and is available in different colors.
All you have to do is cut this stuff with a pair of scissors in the size you want. All you have to worry about is to insure you leave a strip for the connections. Attach it to the inverter and attach it to your light switch .

[ITALIANKNIGHTRIDER]

how much, is not cheap

[bartman]

where do I get it from? I want to play with some... >

[murcie-me]

There are some available on Ebay, but if you want a larger sheet, you'll pay close to $100. Just Google it, there are lots of electronic stores that offer them. I get mine through my work, and just pay the wholesale price.

[TwilightZ]

could you print/screen the gauges and such directly on this to save a couple steps

[Mr Ferrari]

I love this lcd display and this technology since you can use software to change the screen to display anything you want and however you want it to..




Its much the same concept as this Mercedes lcd display..





Hahahaha..
The LCD "Smart Gauge" dashboard interface of the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids
Smart Gauge with "EcoGuide" uses an all-digital, LCD screen instrument cluster that offers one of four data screens to allow the driver to choose the information level displayed during their drive. Whimsical animations even display "growing" leaves on a vine to demonstrate good driving habits--so that the more efficient a driver is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines, creating a visual reward for the driver's efforts.

[TwilightZ]

how much do the lcd displays run

[MacGyver]

how much, is not cheap

A4 sized panel (about letter sized) Will light most gauge panels along with the inverter about 90.00 give or take

[MacGyver]

where do I get it from? I want to play with some... >

Do a search for EL Panel or EL Sheets. You will find many distributors. Most likely they all come from China. Where else!

[mmbrazil]

Hey Ferrari,
Where is the first LCD display from?

tks