My Take on Brainiac
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After seeing the Fractal Chandelier page which also included a lamp version entitled “Brainiac” and my increasing displeasure with the overpowering fluorescent lighting in my office, I knew it was only a matter of time before I would break down and take a trip to the hardware store. As it turns out, I made it seven days from idea to implementation. Not too shabby. I went to Lowe’s with a couple of co-workers and set to the task of finding the various components. |
First I made sure I could find the appropriate light bulb. The lowest wattage bulb I could find at Lowe’s with a standard base (with the exception of the fluorescents which I was trying to escape and the 3w flame light bulbs which I felt might be annoying for a place of business) were 15w appliance bulbs. Since the lamp base that I later picked out (Design Trends Satin Nickel Swirl Table Lamp Base)only allowed for a 150w bulb, that allowed me to only have 10 bulbs. If I attempt to do this again, I will have to find lower wattage lightning as you can only be so creative with ten lights. As it turns out, Lowe’s barely had enough two way lampholder adapters (from Cooper Lighting) to accomodate the 10 bulbs on the floor anyway. Total cost for the 10 bulbs, 9 adapters and base = $68.70.
My first attempt at arranging the bulbs went ok. I tried the 90 degree angle approach of attaching the socket adapters. 10 bulbs just weren’t enough to pull it off. thejiggse upon observing my creation had a brilliant suggestion. Why not try a more flaired-out, deer antler approach? Take two (also the image up and to the left) looks quite a bit better. It also looks like the class icon for my current DAoC character.
Anyway, I had fun putting the light assembly together and am enjoying my freedom from depressingly over-bright fluorescent lighting. My co-workers seem to at least be amused by my new lamp as well. Perhaps at some point I will put one together for home use.
You know 150W is just a suggestion.
This reminds me immediately of This game from experimental gameplay
Comment by ndpants — April 6, 2006 @ 6:46 pm
very nice
Comment by aktreefrog — April 6, 2006 @ 6:55 pm
Matt informed me that he (and I am sure all of my co-workers) would be…less then thrilled…should I be the cause of my office building burning town. I wanted to stick with the code.
Comment by roclar — April 6, 2006 @ 6:58 pm
That’s pretty cool, buddy
Since my halogen lamp just took another dump, I might try that out myself.
On a scale of “Candles” to “OMG DAYSTAR!” how bright is your little collection?
Comment by DrFaulken — April 7, 2006 @ 9:37 pm
Not very bright, I wouldn’t want to read paper/books by it. Lets call it “slightly brigher then average candle-lit dinner”. Its bright enough to cut the darkness in my office but doesn’t really seem to provide much light unless its overcast/dark outside. There are other options for the bulbs though. You could use low-watt but much brighter fluorescent bulbs if that sort of lighting doesn’t bother you. They have warmer fluorescent lightbulb replacements such as some listed here that could also increase the light output. And as ndpants said, 150W is merely a suggestion.
It would also be fun to start with a 4-way light socket ala the Nimbus design in the original link. Not only is it rated for much more Watt loving, its also mounted into the ceiling allowing for more stability for more adapter lightbulb weight.
Comment by roclar — April 8, 2006 @ 8:49 am
Should get white lightbulbs instead of yellow, that would improve the lighting as well.
Comment by aktreefrog — April 9, 2006 @ 4:11 pm
They are white lightbulbs. I wanted to use clear bulbs, but Lowe’s only had one package where I was looking at least.
I got a response from Cooper Lighting about three or four socket adapters:
Bummer. For my next creation, I might have to figure out a DIY for multiple sockets or find a different vendor.
Comment by roclar — April 10, 2006 @ 12:13 pm
[...] This is still very much in the rough stages, but I had to try something after enjoying my lamp in my work office. The placement of the bulbs is definitely going to change. I am also not sure if I want to use the decorative flicker flame bulbs or something a little more traditional for more lighting. But it does show some alternatives to just using the dual socket adapters. [...]
Pingback by roclar.net — May 19, 2006 @ 9:30 pm
[...] a power plug. While I am not sure that light sockets are in less demand, I imagine a chandelier or lamp with a few Plasma Light Bulbs could be fairly entertaining. Unfortunately, few details are [...]
Pingback by roclar.net — April 24, 2007 @ 4:39 pm