Gecko Condo!

[Ratman667]

I figured it out! instead of 5 leds per cage, I will use only 3. Wire six strings (of 3 LEDs wired in series) in parallel with a 100ohm, 1/4w resistor in each string.

This configuration will also allow me to put a light switch for each cage, instead of one to turn on all 6.

Here is the calculator I used.

Screen shot:

 

[gitrdone0420]

Wow, I dont understand this kinda stuff. Im glad I have you around to figure it out for me =]

 

[Allee Toler]

Wow, I dont understand this kinda stuff. Im glad I have you around to figure it out for me =]

Haha. I totally understood it ALL unfortunately. Lol! I took electrical engineering classes every year in high school.

 

[project1]

i had a whole thing typed up then saw the 3rd page lol anyway yea i like that set up!! thats niffty for a switch on every cage. i buy my leds pre-wired to a resistor then i can avoid all the math. once you have hooked leds up one time you will realize thats it pretty simple now and days they come with a resistor in the package or pre wired. now you will half to decide how to postion them.

 

[Ratman667]

i had a whole thing typed up then saw the 3rd page lol anyway yea i like that set up!! thats niffty for a switch on every cage. i buy my leds pre-wired to a resistor then i can avoid all the math. once you have hooked leds up one time you will realize thats it pretty simple now and days they come with a resistor in the package or pre wired. now you will half to decide how to postion them.

Soldering in a resistor isn't that big of a deal. I will only need twelve, one for each string.

With the blue, there will be one in each of the rear corners and one in the center. I will probably do the white the same way, I haven't decided yet. The last led in the string (the dimmest) will be the one in the center.

 

[Ratman667]

I went today and got the stuff I need to build the rest of the structural part of the cage.

I might have to go back to finish the doors, but i doubt it. I know that I will have to go back for some molding and wood stain. I think I will wait 'till I order the heat tape and thermostat to get that tho.

Now I just have to wait until Sunday so I can get everything put together...

Oh, in case you are wondering, total cost to date:~$276. I'm guessing around $400-$450 for everything. It's kinda expensive, but I'm not cutting any corners.

 

[gitrdone0420]

Lol, I cannot wait for this thing to be DONE! =]

 

[little98dime]

looks great so far. keep it up.

 

[Ratman667]

Today, I got the sub-flooring in. That took most all day.

Side note: If you plan on undertaking such a large project, I reccomend that you have access to a radial arm saw or some other power saw. I went at it with a miter box and hand saw.

I got started on the last five doors, but ran out of wood. I'm going tonight to get a chalk line (for cutting the tempered hard board) and about 4 or five 1"x2"x8' boards, so I can finish them up.

I won't get any more work done today, as it's starting to get dark and the gnats are really bad.

Thursday, I plan on getting the last of the doors made and installed, the ceilings and flooring cut, holes drilled for wiring the heat tape.

I have decided to paint the interior, so I will try to get that done as soon as I get the tile cut. That will be next pay check, as I have to rent a tile cutter. I could have gotten them cut at Lowe's, but I don't want huge gaps...

Next project, I', making sure I have all of the supplies I need before I start. I'm getting tired of having this thing sitting in the middle of my floor.

Oh, I almost forgot, I have decided not to use L.E.D lighting. This project is already over budget, so I can't afford it.

Anyways, I'm getting closer to being done, just taking a little while.

 

[gitrdone0420]

So when do I get to do the paint job ? =P ;-)

 

[project1]

that sux i too am at the doors but being so close to the holidays i keep getting pulled away by the wife for other things so its taking more time than i thought looken forward to see how yours is to mine lol its a good design you came up with !! much more compact than what i had drawn up thanx again! be sure to silicone up your edges corners ect!! to prevent moisture and insect damage!

 

[Ratman667]

that sux i too am at the doors but being so close to the holidays i keep getting pulled away by the wife for other things so its taking more time than i thought looken forward to see how yours is to mine lol its a good design you came up with !! much more compact than what i had drawn up thanx again! be sure to silicone up your edges corners ect!! to prevent moisture and insect damage!

Tonight, I'm gonna make Melanie help me finish up the doors. I will get everything done except the trim, but that really isn't that important.

Tomorrow, we are going to try to get the floors and ceilings cut and installed. We have a full schedule, so it may not happen...

 

[gitrdone0420]

I felt very useful being able to help! =]
I got to drill holes and screw on brackets! Yay! =] Lol, I cant wait to paint it.

 

[Ratman667]

some more progress

I got some more work done yesterday. I got the rest of the doors screened and mounted and got the ceilings and subfloors in. All that is left is:

putting on trim - should be done by the end of next week

cutting the tile - will be in two weeks. I have to rent a tile cutter...

Painting - Can't paint until I get the tile cut...

Install and wire the heat tape - should be ordering it in two weeks

I figure, I get everything done, set it up and give it about a 48 hour "test" run before I add the leos.

In case you are wondering what it looks like now:

Whole thing (I have enough molding to finish most of the doors, but will be getting the rest of it on my next off day that isn't a holiday)

The inside (Don't mind the great stuff pushing the wall out bit. I'm gonna cut some of it out, so it sits flush)

 

[gitrdone0420]

If you buy all the stuff to finish it in two weeks, how are you going to buy me a christmas present?

 

[project1]

looks nice i am finishing the red leds and i am goin to try and get to doing the doors tomarrow but i also need to do my brakes on my truck soo not enough time that and modern warfare 2 isnt helping lol yours is coming out pretty nice you have made more progress than me i cant put my ceilings in mine till i figure out if i want to use heat tape or use my uths that i have now.
heres some test run pics for half the leo cages leds

 

[Ratman667]

Yea, yea. We don't need proof that I can't properly use a square. lol

Yours looks good. What dimensions did you go with?

 

[gitrdone0420]

Wow, Sean, your cage is coming along really nicely. I like your LEDs.

 

[Tony C]

Great cage designs, I'm seriously considering something like one of these instead of a traditional shoebox rack.

 

[Neo.Reptiliac]

With the doors being screen like that, do you think you will be able to hold in enough humidity and heat?