Making an LED Backpack Using Trailer Lights
I love biking in the city, at night, wearing all black. A dangerous trifecta. Less so with this LED trailer light backpack mod.
On August 31st, 2010, I was in an accident that could have taken my life. I don't know if I have a guardian angel looking after me, but I walked away unscathed. Take from that what you will.
My accident wouldn't have been prevented by a few extra LEDs. However, on the 10th anniversary year of the crash, I thought about how I could prevent anything similar happening as I ramp up my riding time. While I could be wrong, I feel that reflective garments prompt a delayed reaction from drivers. Light first has to bounce off of them, then register in the driver's brain as an obstacle. This takes a moment since drivers are looking out for red lights rather than reflective surfaces they rarely come across. Garments are better than nothing, but not ubiquitous enough to be the eye-catcher that bright lights are. Plus, I like electronics and soldering. Not that that had anything to do with my decision...
If I were to do this again, I would mechanically fasten the lights to the backpack via rivnuts or sewing. I've had success with E6000 for crafts. I recommend it for some high-hold projects, but only after testing it first. Will I use more food-related tools when working with it? Time will tell.
The longest part of this project (beyond the video) was making design decisions. Adding lights was easy, and will be for those with basic electronics knowledge. I want to make complex projects on this channel. Still, I believe there is value in embracing the small things. Oftentimes, they're the most meaningful. Through Hardware Unknown, I aim to inspire makers in ways I wanted to be inspired as I began my journey. I hope this project demonstrates that you absolutely can make something wonderful, no matter your skill level. Designing a rocket or programming an app is great. If you love doing that, do it! Just remember... if that's not your cup of tea, that doesn't make your projects any less valuable. They are yours, they are important, and the world wants to see them.
I want to see them.
Join me.
-- Parts I used --
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through links in my descriptions and comments. This helps me finance future videos at no additional cost to you. If you choose to support me in this way, thank you.
Trailer lights: https://amzn.to/3hWsgl1
Battery: https://amzn.to/3e6L5Bb
E6000: https://amzn.to/3APEK6I
90 degree power cable: https://amzn.to/36uaYGU
Dual Lock, adhesive: https://amzn.to/3k368Iw
Dual Lock, no adhesive (3M part SJ3441):
https://ebay.to/30NC75j (by the foot)
https://ebay.to/2CjqFVR (by the yard)
Not normally offered outside of 50yd rolls.
-- Attributions --
Music (in order):
1) Description
2) Artist
3) Download
100 Steps by Le Gang from Soundcloud under CC BY 3.0
/ thisislegang
https://bit.ly/2ZcvskF
https://bit.ly/2OGVg23
Merry Bay by Ghostrifter from Soundcloud under CC BY-SA 3.0
(Lengthened beginning/end riffs)
https://bit.ly/3gvIpeW
https://bit.ly/2CcRIBF
https://bit.ly/2E3zKmb
Strangers by Le Gang from SoundCloud under CC BY 3.0
/ thisislegang
https://bit.ly/2DhI0yp
https://bit.ly/2OGVg23
a lofi try by miroleon from SoundCloud under CC BY-SA 3.0
(First minute cut)
https://bit.ly/3alpz8E
https://bit.ly/30L6p91
https://bit.ly/2E3zKmb
The Forest by B3NJ4M1N from FreeBackgroundMusic under No Copyright
https://bit.ly/2Cjy7Q8
https://bit.ly/31Rv2Sl
https://bit.ly/2VXQYYe
Graphics and Footage:
1) Description
2) Download
3) Artist
lighted tunnel road by Daniel Jerez from Unsplash
https://bit.ly/2WBvctq
https://bit.ly/3fYOoJD
metal nut by Scrudje from Shutterstock
https://shutr.bz/3jnY6qU
https://shutr.bz/32APreD
medical equipment by Andrey Kirievskiy from Pexels under No Copyright
https://bit.ly/3k7XpCe
https://bit.ly/3i5vhOj
Sound Effects:
1) Description
2) Download
3) Artist
4) License
Car Crash by squareal from Freesound under CC0 1.0
https://bit.ly/3k8eb4y
https://bit.ly/2Pf0D95
https://bit.ly/2CQOdRS
Door Slam 2 by lyd4tuna from Freesound under CC0 1.0
https://bit.ly/3juwNeL
https://bit.ly/3hd7xrc
https://bit.ly/2CQOdRS
BleachHit by eardeer from Freesound under CC0 1.0
https://bit.ly/3jxyhF0
https://bit.ly/32FohTY
https://bit.ly/2CQOdRS
Ambulance siren by stereobrother from Freesound under CC0 1.0
https://bit.ly/3gAdoqV
https://bit.ly/2PgEsz4
https://bit.ly/2CQOdRS
MICU beeps by jgeralyn from Freesound under CC BY 3.0
https://bit.ly/3k3H3dT
https://bit.ly/3i3Gbo6
https://bit.ly/2OGVg23
hospital_IV_machine.wav by gezortenplotz from Freesound under CC BY 3.0
https://bit.ly/2Dxs9M8
https://bit.ly/2EA0ElJ
https://bit.ly/2OGVg23
Male Heavy Breathing.wav by fadyhaddad from Freesound under CC0 1.0
https://bit.ly/3k6imO0
https://bit.ly/3gmNff5
https://bit.ly/2CQOdRS
Outtake Beep by slappy13 from Freesound under CC0 1.0
https://bit.ly/39ei7LI
https://bit.ly/3fP6r4A
https://bit.ly/2CQOdRS