Ellumiglow Lighting Technologies Blog

Case Study: How Parallel 13 Used VynEL™ to Unlock a New Category in Fashion

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:17:00 +0000

Introduction

In the world of wearable technology, innovation often means merging function with fashion. Parallel 13 (https://p13designs.com), a cutting-edge apparel company focused on technology-forward garments, sought to redefine illuminated apparel by integrating Ellumiglow's VynEL™ technology. This partnership resulted in a groundbreaking line of illuminated clothing that blends safety, style, and sustainability.

The Challenge Parallel 13 wanted to push the boundaries of traditional apparel by incorporating lighting elements in a way that was sleek, flexible, and durable. Previous attempts at integrating illumination in clothing often resulted in bulky designs, limited functionality, or compromised comfort. To truly revolutionize the category, they needed a lighting solution that was ultra-thin, flexible, and seamlessly embedded into fabric—without adding unnecessary weight or stiffness.

The Solution: VynEL™ Technology After extensive research, Parallel 13 found the perfect fit with Ellumiglow’s VynEL™ lighting. Unlike traditional LEDs or fiber optics, VynEL™ is:

Ultra-Thin & Flexible: It conforms to the natural movement of fabric, making it ideal for wearable applications.
Soft & Comfortable: Unlike rigid LED strips, VynEL™ feels like part of the garment rather than an attachment.
Low Power & Durable: It operates efficiently on minimal power, making it suitable for everyday wear without bulky battery packs.
Weather & Wash Resistant: The integration process allows the garments to withstand normal wear and tear, including exposure to the elements.

Implementation & Results Parallel 13 incorporated VynEL™ into multiple product lines, including fashion-forward jackets, high-visibility workwear, and safety-enhanced activewear. The results were immediate:

Expanded Product Category: With illuminated fashion no longer constrained to novelty items, Parallel 13 positioned itself as a leader in the growing market for tech-integrated apparel.
Increased Customer Engagement: The unique lighting feature attracted both fashion enthusiasts and safety-conscious consumers, increasing social media traction and brand awareness.
Enhanced Usability: VynEL™' seamless integration meant users could enjoy stylish illumination without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Looking Ahead As Parallel 13 continues to innovate, the partnership with Ellumiglow remains instrumental in developing new illuminated wearables. With advancements in flexible lighting, the future of fashion-tech is brighter than ever.

Conclusion The collaboration between Parallel 13 and Ellumiglow showcases how the right technology can unlock entirely new product categories. By leveraging VynEL™, Parallel 13 has set a new standard in illuminated apparel, proving that fashion and function can shine together.

For more information on VynEL™ and how it can transform your next project, visit Ellumiglow.com.

Case Study: Illuminating Van Life with Caravan Woods and Ellumiglow

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:03:00 +0000

Introduction

Caravan Woods is redefining van conversions by offering high-quality, modular van conversion kits that maximize efficiency, aesthetics, and comfort. One of the biggest challenges in van life is creating a space that feels both functional and inviting, without compromising energy efficiency. To enhance the ambiance and sustainability of our van conversion kits, we partnered with Ellumiglow, a leader in advanced lighting technologies. This collaboration has allowed us to integrate innovative lighting solutions that not only elevate the interior design but also lower power consumption and overall costs.

The Challenge

Van life demands smart, sustainable solutions. Traditional lighting options in van conversions often result in high power draw, excess heat generation, and a design that feels rigid rather than inviting. Our goal was to create a lighting system that:

Provides a warm, natural ambiance
Consumes minimal power to preserve battery life
Integrates seamlessly into the design of our van kits
Is easy to install and maintain

The Solution: VynEL™ Lighting by Ellumiglow

To solve these challenges, Ellumiglow’s VynEL™ lighting was the perfect solution. Unlike traditional LED strips, VynEL™ offers a seamless, flexible lighting experience that enhances the mood of any space. Caravan Woods integrated VynEL™ technology into key areas of the conversion kits, such as:

Under-Cabinet Lighting: Creating an inviting glow without harsh glares.
Accent Wall Panels: Giving a sleek, modern aesthetic without taking up valuable space.
Floor and Step Illumination: Enhancing safety while providing a unique, futuristic look.

The Benefits

Ultra-Low Power Consumption – VynEL™ lighting uses significantly less energy than traditional LED strips, extending battery life and reducing the need for larger power banks.
Aesthetic Appeal – Soft, even illumination enhances the warmth of the van interior, making small spaces feel more open and inviting.
Heat Management – Unlike standard LED solutions, VynEL™ emits minimal heat, keeping van interiors cooler during warm weather.
Cost Savings – By reducing power consumption, travelers save money on battery capacity needs and long-term energy costs.
Easy Installation – Integrated directly into our van conversion kits, eliminating the need for complex wiring or modifications.

Customer Reactions

Since integrating Ellumiglow’s lighting technology, customers have raved about the transformation in their vans:

“The lighting makes such a difference! The soft glow feels like home, and I barely notice any battery drain. It’s a game changer for van life.” – Jake R., Caravan Woods Customer

“The seamless integration of lighting in my van has not only made it more beautiful but also more functional at night. I never have to worry about finding a flashlight anymore!” – Sarah P., Digital Nomad

Conclusion

Caravan Woods is committed to pushing the boundaries of van conversions by integrating cutting-edge technology that enhances both functionality and design. By collaborating with Ellumiglow, we’ve introduced a lighting system that transforms van interiors, reduces energy use, and creates a more enjoyable travel experience.

As the demand for off-grid living grows, Caravan Woods and Ellumiglow continue to innovate, bringing sustainable, stylish, and efficient solutions to the van life community. Explore our conversion kits and lighting solutions today at CaravanWoods.com and Ellumiglow.com.

13 Easy Ways to Conserve Energy While Everyone’s Home

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:30:00 +0000

We’re all spending more time at home these days. That means computers, TVs, A/C units, and appliances are running almost constantly – and our electricity bills are reflecting that. We’re opening the fridge door more often, lights are being turned on and off throughout the day, and our outlets are working overtime.

To help you manage your household’s energy use and keep those power bills low, we asked energy conservation experts living in Denver all the way to those living in Hawaii to share their favorite energy-saving tips and tricks. Here are 13 easy ways you can start conserving energy at home today.

Prevent energy waste by unplugging electronics

1. Even if you turn them off, electronics in your home can still be using electricity if they’re left plugged in. To save energy, do a quick audit of what you have plugged into each outlet in your home. Then, unplug what you can or consolidate items using a power strip so you can easily turn everything off with one switch. – Greenily

Save energy while regulating the temperature indoors

2. If you’re considering getting new windows as this year’s home improvement project, make sure you consider getting ones that are triple pane. Not only do they provide superior energy efficiency and comfort in the winter, but they do so in the summer as well. A much cooler and comfortable home coupled with lower air-conditioning costs will be the result. – Denver Replacement Windows

3. Instead of regulating your indoor temperature with your furnace or AC unit, take advantage of your HVAC fan, ceiling fans, and natural sunlight. Turn on your house fan at your thermostat, which allows air to flow through your house. Just make sure you adjust the thermostat temperature so that the air condition or furnace doesn’t kick on. If your home needs to heat up, open shades on the south side of your home; and if your home needs to be cooled off, make sure those south side window shades are drawn to keep heat out. – Healthy House on the Block

Conserve energy while doing laundry

4. Machine dryers use up far more energy than you’d expect — in fact, Energy Star reports that typical dryers use more energy than washing machines, dishwashers, and even refrigerators. So, next time you’re doing a load of laundry, try opting for air-drying by hanging your clothes, laying them out flat on a towel (this is best for items like sweaters that may stretch when hung), or putting them on a collapsible drying rack if you’re tight on space. Skipping the machine dryer also has major benefits for retaining the quality of your garments, as dryers are just as hard on what’s inside of them as they are on the environment. – Conscious Life & Style

5. You could also line dry your clothes outside! Not only will you save energy at home, but sunshine will help brighten your whites and treat stains! – Tiny Yellow Bungalow

6. Empty the lint filter in your dryer after every use. Even a small amount of lint build-up reduces the dryer’s energy efficiency. – Ecoimpact Consulting

Switch to energy-efficient lighting and electronics

7. Just as Nest has allowed simplicity through automating your thermostat, the same type of automation exists today through your Amazon Alexa (when using compatible Ambient Series LED Controllers). Consider setting up your home to dim the lights at sunset, or wake up gradually with light to mimic a sunrise. Not only does it help conserve energy, but it also provides a more comfortable, more enjoyable home experience with a light switch that never has to be turned on or off. – Ellumiglow

8. The light bulbs in your home are one of the greatest consumers of electricity. Our recommendation is to convert to LED. Even changing CFLs and fluorescent tubes will reduce electricity and eliminate mercury in our environment. – Century Lighting

9. Use ENERGY STAR certified battery chargers for a variety of cordless devices. On average, they will use 30 percent less energy than standard models. ENERGY STAR certified chargers also have the potential to save Americans more than $170 million annually while preventing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 200,000 cars. Of course, 1 Green Planet Electronics Recycling can recycle and properly dispose of the old chargers. – 1 Green Planet

Think outside the box and conserve energy during mealtime

10. Stay cool without air conditioning. Instead, cool your body with watermelon. Not only does it work like a charm in cooling your body, but it is also a healthy, low-calorie food that keeps you hydrated and feeling full. Talk about a win-win. – Minnieveggie

11. Hawaiian Style Microwave. When working in the yard, or being outside at a park or the beach, try this easy tip to warm up your hot lunch entrees just in time for your lunchtime break/picnic. Place your meal in a sealed Tupperware container (right out of your cooler or refrigerator) exposed to the sun on the dashboard of your vehicle. Give it a couple of hours and your lunch will be piping hot – keeping you from having to warm them up in the kitchen. – Kuwili Lani

Reduce energy consumption by sealing up any leaks

12. Heating and cooling comprise almost one-third of home electricity in the US. To drastically reduce energy consumption at home, ensure your home isn’t leaking air through gaps in windows, doors, or insulation. While investing in a smart thermostat to proactively manage your temperature settings is extremely effective, you’ll still be wasting energy and money if your house is leaking that air! For step-by-step guidance to identify and seal up leaks, check out the WattDoesItUse Go-To Home Energy Efficiency Checklist To Save Energy & Money. – WattDoesItUse

13. In most homes, the low hanging fruit is proper air sealing. For Dvele’s conservation first technique, the air sealing is a critical prerequisite function for both health and energy efficiency. An energy audit can be performed by a BPI Building Analyst or HERS Rater to determine the best bang for your buck on air sealing. – Dvele

Originally published by Redfin

Product Announcement - Pixel-Free LED 360 - A Tube Light To Replace Neon

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 02:24:00 +0000

There are certain products that we get pretty excited about, and there's other products we get pee-your-pants excited about. Today's product announcement is the latter, so if you want to see one of the coolest products of 2020, keep reading.

Pixel-Free LED 360 is a brand new product for a new decade, but that replaces decades old technology; NEON. Over the past decade, LEDs have replaced so many lighting sources like incandescent bulbs, halogen, florescent bulbs, and even old-school Edison Bulbs. But what LEDs have struggled to find the perfect replacement for is Neon. Neon's unique 360 degree characteristics have made it a very sought after replacement, but also extremely difficult to master. Until now, the best anyone has been able to achieve is a 270 degree glow, but no light has achieved a full 360 degree perfectly diffused glow.

Pixel-Free LED 360 LED Tube Light achieves all the sought after effects, providing a perfectly diffused (no hot spots), light throughout the entire line, that is so versatile that it's perfect for designers, retail, trade show, commercial, residential, and many more.

Now, just about anyone can work with Neon like effects without knowledge of glass blowing, harmful gases, and expensive machinery. Pixel-Free can be customized from our factory to nearly any length, and provides a beautiful Neon-like appearance from EVERY angle.

For information on how Pixel-Free LED 360, or any LED strip light product can be used on your next project, please contact us at info@ellumiglow.com or call 877-615-6556.

LED Faux Neon Effects Made Easily With Pixel-Free LED Trim

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:59:00 +0000

Ellumiglow offers many different types of lighting technologies for all things signage - from video walls, to custom LED-based faux-neon lighting, RGB mixable lighting tubes, all the way to the cutting edge of Laser Wire side-emitting laser cabling technology that’s easy to integrate into the most challenging of substrates, textiles, and surfaces.

With the new Pixel Free LED Trim profile strip, a neon-like illumination element that measures a thin 4mm by 10mm (4mm illumination area, side emitting), custom illuminated displays can be created like never before. The copper tape is cuttable ever 25mm, allowing for less design constraint when creating custom channeling and planning cable routing. The special diffusion layer within the LED Trim strip completely eliminates any hot spotting or visible points of light (one of the most common complaints with LED strips, especially with design specific applications). The shallow depth of the lighting element allows it to be installed into substrates and recessed more easily, since it does not additional diffusion to obtain a perfectly diffused appearance.

This LED lighting strip is available in multiple white color temperatures from cool to warm white, as well as red, blue, green, and yellow. Pixel Free Trim operates at a highly-efficient 24VDC, making it compatible with many existing LED power systems. It does not require the use of AC power for illumination at the strip, making it a safe solution to use for custom sign solutions. We do recommend some basic knowledge of LED wiring and soldering skills when on-site assembly and installation is required.

We do not recommend bending the lighting element with a radius of less than 30mm, since this can stress the internal lighting components and the copper PCB strip. This is a smaller diameter when compared to similar types of faux-neon LED based light strips.

Introducing VynEL™ Flow - The World's First Stretchable, Washable, Bondable Light

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 20:21:00 +0000

Lighting, since we have been introduced to the incandescent light bulb over 100 years ago, has been known as a fragile, fixed bulb that emits a bright light to its surroundings. When you think about it, not much is different from today’s LEDs, only the size has become much smaller. The “bulb” in an LED is still rigid, and still relatively fragile. As great as LEDs have become, we see a different future of light, the future where light can be applied to anything and everything. The future where lighting doesn’t have to make you squint or turn away, but to be taken in by its beauty.

We are excited to introduce the new generation of lighting technologies; the generation of integrated light. The VynEL™ lighting generation. VynEL™ lighting system takes the traditional light bulb and squashes everything we know about it. Rather than a rigid surface that is meant to be in a fixed position, VynEL™ lights are flexible, and encouraged to be moved. Rather than a single bright pinpoint of light, VynEL™ lighting’s evenly lit nature exudes a pleasant light to look at, which can be nearly any shape, size or color. Don’t even think about throwing an incandescent bulb in the washing machine... but VynEL™ lighting is made so you CAN wash it. Instead of a rigid, glass bulb, our newest iteration, VynEL™ Flow uses space age materials to provide bounce and stretch so it can be integrated into activewear and remain one with the clothing and comfortable to the user.

These differences make VynEL™ Flow lighting system the true path towards an integrated future of light. We are currently looking to work with manufacturers in the following industries that share a vision for a greener and brighter future: outerwear, sporting goods, athleisure, bags, footwear, safety, helmets, board sports, water sports, automotive and aerospace. If you would like more information on the VynEL™ Flow lighting system, or have VynEL™ lighting specific questions, please call 877.615.6556 or email info@ellumiglow.com.

VynEL™ Flow, VynEL™ Sport, VynEL™ Flex, VynEL™ Form, VynEL™ Wear

VynEL™ Lighting And How To Apply To Fabrics, Textiles And More

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:01:00 +0000

So…you’re looking for a way to add some snazzy, flashy bling to your next costume (and bicycle if you’re in Portland) and you’ve decided that plain old glitter and streamers isn’t going to cut it anymore. Perhaps you’ve even tried using readily available EL Wire or LED lights, and found them to be too dim, too fragile, or not flexible enough for costuming and custom garments.

Maybe you’re not a typical consumer - but a designer in architectural safety wear, or a textile designer for sports and activewear - and need a way to introduce night-time visibility solutions into your latest product line beyond using reflective fabrics and materials.

Enter VynEL™.
VynEL™ is the world’s most flexible, customizable, and brightest stretchable, washable and bondable light source available today. Made from NASA grade materials, it’s two to three times brighter than other products in its class, more flexible, and even water resistant! This makes it great for use in applications that need a lighting solution that is flexible, thin, and provides even illumination across the surface of the lighting element.

When applying this thin, flexible illumination device to the garment or textile of your choice, there are a few different ways this can be accomplished. The easiest way to attach the strip to any garment is to sew it on. An advantage of stitching VynEL™ to any material is that it can be attached cleanly with any readily available sewing machine and normal thread. When sewing, be sure to sew only along the outer edge of the lamp - sewing further in than this will damage the electrical components within the strip, and cause it to malfunction.

The other method frequently suggested (especially in high-mobility applications) is to heat-bond the light to fabric. Heat bonding VynEL™ to fabrics allows the illuminating surface and cable to become completely unified with the garment that it’s being applied to, allowing it to be installed behind seams and openings without the need for additional fabrics and materials.

Whatever your need for custom lighting integration - let us light the way! (pun intended)

Do not hesitate to call or email us. We can be reached at 877.615.6556, or by email: info@ellumiglow.com.

Meet Tinko :: A Revolution In EL Inverter Technology

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 18:19:00 +0000

One of the most common complaints we hear about EL Wire is not necessarily the wire itself, but the inverters. Nearly every el wire inverter or battery pack that has been made to date uses a very high frequency (generally over 1500Hz), which tend to make a loud humming noise which is in our audible range, and can be annoying in quiet environments. This is because most inverters are never really in tune. They rely on providing a wide range of applications, which is great for broad markets, but when trying to narrow down to a specific product, every inverter that has been built to date has fallen short.

In the past, we’ve relied on cheaper overseas inverters that have achieved illumination, but have habitually been poorly made, with cheap components making them unsuitable for mass market appeal. While they are fine for loud environments, like concerts and more, typical overseas inverters that make a loud humming noise can drive people nuts. In quiet environments like in home, this can be extremely annoying, and in retail spaces or bars, cause negative impact on customers. In addition, in order to achieve their illumination at the max levels, overseas inverters typically cheat and rely on ramping up the frequency to very high levels (sometimes up to 5000Hz), which not only degrades the EL Phosphor very quickly, but also makes the inverter sound like a dog whistle. Overseas inverter manufacturers are intending the product to be a “throw-away” item, so they do not expect their inverters to last longer than a few months. Which is also why the price has been driven down to absurdly low levels, in order to compete on a global scale.

Ellumiglow has a different approach. We value the environment, safety, and want to make products that last. In an effort to further Electroluminescent technology, we have been hard at work creating the thing holding EL lighting back from the masses; a robust, quiet, and compact inverter. Our approach is to make the best powering devices and inverters we can, to not only make Electroluminescent materials illuminate as long as possible, but also to be infinitely safer, reduce noise up to 95%, and increase reliability. In Engineering these changes, EL materials like VynEL™ lightingall of a sudden have the ability to be integrated into countless products, because the lighting element can last as long as the products they’re being integrated into.

We are excited to introduce our lineup of compact inverters, made specifically for wearable applications, called Tinko. Tinko uses a high tech approach to an old problem, and comes in 4 variations, depending on your specific need; Tinko Hush, Tinko Tour, Tinko Mood, and Tinko Roam. Let’s dive into how each one operates. Tinko Hush is the world’s most compact and quiet inverter on the market. Its small in size, but not short on power. It can power up to 36sqin of VynEL™ or up to 12ft of EL Wire. Next, the Tinko Tour is made specifically for applications like bikes. This builds on the Tinko Hush platform and outputs the brightest light out of any EL Inverter on the market. On this one, we cranked it up to 11! Tinko Mood is for applications that need to push a button to turn on or off, like stage performances, or even if you want to blink or fade your EL material. Tinko Roam is our newest inverter which builds on the Bluetooth 4.0 platform and allows your garment or EL application to be controlled through your smartphone.

The Tinko lineup is specially made to power very specific applications beautifully. We tune and engineer each Tinko inverter to a very precise application in order to be as efficient, bright, and quiet as possible. This makes it perfect for wearable applications like outerwear, athleisure, safety, outdoor products and more. The entire Tinko Lineup runs on 5V, and uses a Micro USB connection. Like millions of power bank (cell phone charging) batteries already on the market, simply find the battery capacity you need and you’re off and glowing. For more information on Tinko EL Inverters, or how to incorporate a custom Tinko Inverter into your product lineup, please contact us by emailing info@ellumiglow.com or call 877.615.6556.

New Summer Hours

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 17:16:00 +0000

We are excited to announce our new summer hours in our showroom! We welcome visitors in the Pacific Northwest including Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Eugene, Salem and Bend Oregon to visit Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. Designers looking for ideas for showroom lighting or retail lighting, feel free to stop by. We have a number of LED's, Laser, and Electroluminescent lighting pieces to show real world scenarios of how lighting can help enhance and bring focus to your products.

For more information or to make an appointment to meet with one of our lighting experts, please call 877.615.6556 or email info@ellumiglow.com.

Pixel-Free LED - A Hybrid Light That's Part Neon, Part Awesome

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 04:51:00 +0000

One of the biggest requests we hear at Ellumiglow.com is, "we want something that looks like Neon, but isn't Neon." We heard you and that's why we created Pixel-Free LED. The world's first and most versatile light strip that's perfect for stage performances, retail and trade show displays, safety, signage and more. Neon looks cool, but the chemicals used are harsh, difficult to work with, fragile and require advanced knowledge of glass. Pixel-Free LED is easy to work with and customize, bright and even changes colors (with RGB).

Flexible, diffused and customizable, Pixel-Free LED strip lighting checks all the boxes for today's most popular requests. Many times, custom display and production companies spend a great deal of time and resources to diffuse LED hot spotting in their displays because today's high end clients don't want to have to subject their customers on the harsh reality of today's bright LEDs. Instead, Pixel-Free LED offers pleasant, direct view lighting solutions in an affordable, easy to use package that's ready for installation without having to alter designs to get rid of hot spotting.

For more information on Pixel-Free LED or for wholesale opportunities, please contact info@ellumiglow.com or call 877.615.6556.

Come Visit Our New Lighting Showroom!

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:22:00 +0000

If you are interested in the latest lighting technologies, want to learn how to incorporate #lights into your next product idea or project, then you owe it to yourself to come visit our storefront in Inner SE Portland, Oregon. We've been hard at work creating some fantastic displays that showcase how to use all of our products. Coming soon to our blog are the behind the scenes look at how we made our EL Wire & Laser Wire® displays, #PixelFreeLED Infinity mirror and more.

Our office address is located across from Montage at 222 SE Alder St. STE 1, Portland, OR 97214 - We're open from 9am to 4pm Mon - Fri, and hope to see you soon! Here's a couple sneak peaks of the work in progress.

If you would like to make an appointment to discuss how to #integrate lighting into your product line, we would love to talk. Please call us at 877.615.6556 or email info@ellumiglow.com.

What Makes EL Wire Different From Laser Wire™ Systems

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 22:24:00 +0000

We get the question often, what's the difference between Electroluminescent Wire and Laser Wire™? They're both accent lights, right? Well, that's about where the similarities stop. Let's dig into the differences here. We also created a quick video showing the differences side by side (below).

EL Wire has been around since the early 2000s, and is a thin wire that is powder coated with the element of Phosphor. Specialized voltages and frequencies excite the particles inside, creating a beautiful glow. The inside is made up of a copper core wire, and small angel hair wires which create a positive and negative charge for the electrodes to pass through. EL Wire can be cut to nearly any length and can be bent to nearly any shape.

Laser Wire™ systems on the other hand are using specialized optical fibers which transmit light down an extremely thin tube. The entire diameter of the wire is 0.9mm, and the lighted element inside is less than 0.2mm. That's about the size of a human hair! When specialized lighting elements converge on the tip of the wire, light is transmitted down the entire line. As opposed to optical fibers which transmit 99% of their light upon the first foot and has a severe drop off of light after, Laser Wire™ has a very even glow over the profile length. Currently, Laser Wire™ cable is made in 3 different profiles; Accent, Pop, and Super Pop. Accent is meant to be evenly diffused up to 10M in length, while Pop is about double the brightness, but meant to diffuse light evenly up to 5M. Super Pop is the brightest profile but only meant to shine up to 1M in length.

The main difference between Laser Wire™ and EL Wire falls in the applications they are able to be used in. EL Wire, because of the relatively fragile nature of the product, is not meant to be used in permanent fixed situations because the wire will go out over time. Excessive UV exposure, heat, moisture, and shelf life all play into the eventual demise of the electroluminescent phosphor. On the other hand, Laser Wire does not degrade in water, sunlight, and can be embedded into nearly anything; woods, metals, and plastics can allow laser wire to be permanently installed for years of use. If the light goes out over time, simply replace the module and it's working again in no time, without having to tear out the existing application. The brightness threshold for EL is around 150cd/m, which can be visible at night, but in lighter environments its difficult to see. Laser Wire™ cable emits a brightness of between 750cd/m and 1500cd/m, which can be visible in normal lighting conditions. Because there is no core wire inside Laser Wire™ cable, the cable does not retain a memory and is far more flexible.

For more information on Laser Wire™ systems or how to integrate into your next project, please contact info@ellumiglow.com.

Introducing Auralux RGB LED Strip Lighting

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 23:25:00 +0000

We are excited to announce the beginning of a new era of LED Strip Lighting, including the addition of our Auralux line of high output RGB LEDs. The new Auralux 3535 RGB LED puts out a whopping 1320 Lumens per meter, with a narrow 110° beam angle. This makes it ideal for retail applications, stage performances, and more. Designers love these strip lights due to the rich colors the upgraded chip puts out. We put this video together as a side by side comparison to our already bright Auralux RGBW lights.

For more information on RBG or RGBW lighting, or RGB LED Controllers, please contact info@ellumiglow.com.

Ellumiglow Partners With Lumilor To Distribute EL Paint Across North America

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Ellumiglow is proud to announce the partnership to distribute Lumilor EL Paint through its authorized channels. With a proprietary twist on EL Paint, Lumilor manufactures a specialty mixture which allows a multi-stage application process to add light to just about anything.

ABOUT LUMILOR
Lumilor, based out of Medina, Ohio is a company specializing in Electroluminescent coating applications. Back in 2009, founder Andy Zsinko, an aftermarket painter and the mastermind behind Lumilor was sharing a beer with his pals when he came across the realization that there had to be another way behind glow in the dark paint applications. With short lifespans and disappointing brightness, he knew there had to be a way of controlling lighting. Thus the start of Electroluminescent Paint.

ABOUT EL PAINT
Electroluminescent (or EL) Paint is exactly how it sounds. A paint based application that allows you to add light to nearly any material. Helmets, cars, bicycles, buildings... If you can dream it, you can light it. Because of the specialty nature of the product, trained professionals should use this product. But for a limited time, gain access to 45 FREE Training Videos that walk you through each process, with the purchase of any EL Paint Kit.

What To Know About LED Video Walls

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 21:00:00 +0000

LED Video Walls are spectacular when used in retail environments, stage performances, and events, but the knowledge gap between them seems to be extraordinarily complex. From send and receive cards, to the video processor, and that's before you get to the actual videowall led. In this post, we hope to explain some of the working components of them to make understanding the process of LED Video Walls a little easier.

What To Look For In An LED Video Wall

The main question we get when dealing with digital video displays is what spacing (we call it "Pitch") do you need between LED's? The rule of thumb we like to say is 1:1. 1mm spacing per 1m (~3ft) from your viewing distance. If it's a small retail display, the most common distance from viewing the display is probably 2-3M (6-10ft), or a pixel spacing of 2mm - 3mm. If your spacing is farther apart, the resolution will appear lower. If your spacing is more (closer together), you may not notice the additional spacing and the cost will increase.

Sending Cards Vs. Receiving Cards?

All video wall panels require both a sending card and receiving card. Some manufacturers will include the send card inside their video processor (explained later), but they will need the both to operate. The Send card operates by sending data to the receiving card, and acts as the brain of the operation. If you have multiple displays, or sections, the send card will tell what content to play on each section. In contrast, the receiving card will decode what the send card tells it to do, and creates a 1:1 pixel location, generally starting in the upper left corner.

Video Processor

If the send card is the brains of the operation, think of the Video processor as the heart. It is the lifeblood of the video content and required for playback to occur. Some programs simplify the setup, but overall they work in a similar fashion. Add content; either images, video, text, and tell it where to play.

Triggers

Where it gets complicated is adding triggers, like motion sensors, or other external actions. Generally custom solutions are required when looking for motion activated devices. For more information on LED Video Walls or custom video wall solutions, please contact info@ellumiglow.com or 877.615.6556 for more information.

How To Use LED Strip Lights

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 23:35:00 +0000

Light is a thing of beauty. Whether installing them under a cabinet or front in center stage, lighting can enhance, create, illuminate and completely transform a space. LED lights are a large part of the lighting revolution that we are currently in, which started about 15 years ago. Now there's an LED replacement for nearly every facet of lighting. One of the biggest revolutions of lighting currently are LED Strip Lights, which illuminate linear spaces in a number of industries. LED Light Strips today are a far cry from their inception, as they offer as good, if not better lighting options than any other form of lights.

Great Lighting Starts With Great Components

When LED's first came out, there was soft market acceptance due to a low CRI (Color Rendering Index), which causes colors to be distorted. It's more common in the food industry, but CRI spans across stage performances, design, retail spaces and more. In the early 2000's a CRI of 60 was common, however currently LED Strip Lights produce over 80, and in some cases over 90 or 95CRI. This makes a huge difference when clients are looking to keep colors as accurate as possible, and provides a rich, inviting light for any environment. This advancement of components has brought LED Strip Lighting into mainstream markets and allowed the opportunity to light spaces that were too small to receive light previously.

LED Types

5050 LED's are not as common in today's strip lighting world as they used to be. In 2000, the 5050 LED was seen as the perfect chemistry of LED as it provided mass amounts of light in a relatively tight package (50mm x 50mm). Today, there are a number of great other LED packages, like 3528, 2216, 5630 and more, which provide strip lighting with different properties. 5630 LED's provide a massive amount of light in a tight package, making this a nice choice for uplighting in commercial offices, residential buildings and more. These strip lights can provide over 600 lumens per foot, which is the equivalent to a 60W Incandescent bulb. 3528 SMD LED's now offer extremely high CRI choices, up to 90CRI or 95CRI and are a great LED choice for designers.

LED Strip Lights have become an integral part of lighting design for good reason. For more information or custom lighting projects, please visit ellumiglow.com.

Introducing VynEL™ - Specialized EL Lighting For Wearables

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 01:10:00 +0000

We are excited to announce the next generation of wearable lighting. Say hello to VynEL™, a specialized space age light that integrates into just about anything. VynEL™ can be heat bonded directly to fabrics, textiles, sporting goods, space travel, outdoor goods, safety gear and much, much more.

What is VynEL™?

VynEL™ is similar to EL Tape, but far more flexible, heat resistant, waterproof, and more. VynEL™ can be customized to be applied in numerous products and provides a safety element to practically anything it touches.

For more information on VynEL™, visit: Ellumiglow.com :: VynEL™ - Specialized Lighting For Active Illumination

Introducing Tinko: The World's First 5V Smart EL Inverter

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 22:13:00 +0000

We are proud to announce the worldwide premier of Tinko: The World's First 5V Smart EL Inverter designed for wearables.

What's so special about Tinko?
First, Tinko is the first EL Inverter designed in Portland, Oregon and manufactured in the USA that is made for wearables. Thus having a small form factor, quiet, efficient, and made with quality components are all factors on why Tinko will soon be used in every EL Wearable in the near future.
Second, Tinko is made far differently than most EL Inverters. Rather than using a giant inductor like most inverters, Ellumiglow's proprietary design allows for near silent operation, making it possible to install into jackets, hats, and other garments we hold close to our bodies.
Third, because it runs at 5V and comes standard with a USB A-Type Connector, pairing Tinko with any number of cell phone charging batteries makes swapping power simple.

Use Tinko for camping, running, hiking, snowboarding and much more, and never be without personal illumination again. For businesses looking to OEM Tinko, please contact us at 877-615-6556 or info@ellumiglow.com.

Laser Wire Displayed in Mashable's Deadmau5 Webcast

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:55:00 +0000

Since the release of Laser Wire™, there have been multiple questions regarding the appearance on camera. Typically EL Wire on camera shows up a bit lackluster as the brightness output of the EL Wire is not nearly strong enough for most video applications. Laser Wire being about 4x a bright with much more vibrancy does show up much better on both still along with video applications.

Tune into the Deadmau5 Webcast on Mashable by click on the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/mashable/videos/10154242991744705/

Inside Look At OpalDrive : The Worlds Most Robust Laser Wire Module

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:41:00 +0000

Want a sneak peak inside the world's most robust Laser Wire module? Check out our video below.

Inside you will see all the operation modes, neat tips and tricks to maximize the potential, and a brief insight of the multitude of uses of the OpalDrive Laser Wire module.

Packed full of features, OpalDrive features Battery and Install Mode, Blink, Fade, and Constant On lighting modes.

Battery Mode: Depending on the color, OpalDrive will last as a standalone unit for up to 26 hours (with Red module - Blue and Green approx 8-10 hours)! In blink mode, red lasts up to 2 full days before needing a recharge!

Install Mode: Switch over to install mode when using for an extended time, for retail installations, trade shows, events, POP displays and more. Install mode also hooks to any external 5v source for an easy way to provide interactivity to your OpalDrive module, whether connecting to DMX, Arduino or more.

Blink, Fade, Constant Modes: Depress the button on the back of OpalDrive for 1.5sec to cycle through the modes. Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn the device on and off.

Whether using for Trade Show Displays, Retail Installations, Events, Costuming, Safety and more, OpalDrive is the all-around perfect device for many applications. For more information on Laser Wire, OpalDrive or custom lighting, please email info@ellumiglow.com, or visit: ellumiglow.com/laser-wire.

Introducing OpalDrive: The World's First Laser Wire System

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:51:00 +0000

We are excited and proud to announce the world's first Laser Wire System called OpalDrive. A complete package for retail, trade shows, events, productions, wearables, safety and more. Laser Wire is a super thin (900um ~ 0.9mm) lighted wire that lights up 360° beautifully. If you are familiar with EL Wire, Laser Wire addresses each drawback of EL Wire and makes it better. It's thinner, brighter, more flexible, doesn't hold a memory, lighter, consumes less power, more vibrant colors, ability to integrate into wearables, fabrics, wood, metal, and more. The future of lighting is here, today. Check out some images below of the vibrancy of Laser Wire and how it can be used.

To find out more information on Laser Wire, OpalDrive or how to purchase, visit the link below.

http://www.ellumiglow.com/opaldrive-laser-wire-5m-system

Laser Wire Retail Packaging Lighting Demo/Install

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:39:00 +0000

POP Displays are there to attract attention. Sure companies these days are using LED's, and EL Wire, but have you seen any using Laser Wire? Maybe not today, but over the next few years, many companies will start using this fantastic lighting technology for many reasons:

1. Size - They say size matters, but in the lighting world, it really does. Being able to tuck your lighting elements and hide them into places is of huge importance to the retail industry. Seeing wires or bulky circuit boards are rarely desired, so having a clean, neat lighting element to enhance various facets of a lighting installs are needed in the industry. Laser Wire by Fibrance addresses these issues using an overall diameter of about 0.9mm.

2. Flexibility - Most wires have an internal wire membrane inside which keeps the wire relatively rigid, and keeps a memory. For areas where straight lines are needed, this simply is not acceptable. Making a wire with a memory straight can be an undertaking, but when using Laser Wire by Fibrance, your issues are solved. Because there is no internal core, the wire does not keep a memory like other products. When comparing the flexibility to any other wire source, the lack of core makes the wire extremely flexible and able to be used in countless retail applications.

3. Brightness - When attracting attention, people are naturally drawn to glowy, blinky things (that's the technical term). Seeing the brilliance of Laser Wire by Fibrance needs to be seen in person, as there's nothing on the planet quite like this.

Below is a quick demonstration on how to incorporate Laser Wire by Fibrance into your next lighting project.

For more details or questions, contact us at info@ellumiglow.com or call 877-615-6556.

LED Neon Flex Replaces Neon Technology

Thu, 28 May 2015 19:44:00 +0000

Neon lights and signs have been popular advertising and promotional tools for many years, and it’s pretty easy to see why. Nothing adds that dramatic, eye-catching effect quite like neon lighting. Neon lights and signs have managed to stay relevant for decades, but the technology used to create these mesmerizing lights is now being replaced. Many companies, large and small, are now replacing traditional neon tubes with an innovative light source called LED Neon Flex. This lighting is known for its flexibility, literally and figuratively. It offers safety, ease, and quality at a lower cost than traditional neon tubing. The flexibility and sleek design of this tubing expand the possibilities for the design of neon lights on buildings, signs, and more. Neon Flex lighting is guaranteed to provide all the drama of traditional neon lights with less hassle and at a more affordable price.

LED Neon Flex lights are safer than traditional neon lights, for people and the environment. Traditional tubes contain potentially harmful gases like mercury and neon. They are contained in glass tubes, which always have the risk of breaking. Neon Flex lights are wrapped in a flexible polymer, eliminating the risk of harm due to breakage. These lights are even cool to the touch! Most importantly, these lights do not contain harmful gases. Instead, these lights are created using light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Neon Flex lights are easier to work with, install, and are even easier to package and ship. This is because of their sleek, space-saving design. Neon Flex tubes are thinner than traditional tubing, which can allow for more detailed lighting design. And much thanks to the wonders of LED technology, there are even a wider range of animation options. Neon Flex lights are also available in more colors than traditional neon lights. Colors can even be customized or made to change. This neon lighting will shine brighter and clearer, great for ensuring that signs are noticed from afar. And because Neon Flex lighting uses less energy than the traditional neon technology, these lights provide higher quality lighting at a lower cost. These flexible neon lights have the potential to pay for themselves in no time, and there will be no need to worry with maintenance.

Because they are virtually maintenance-free, companies are able to eliminate the cost of replacement and/or damage. LED Neon Flex lights will soon replace all traditional glass neon tubing because they shine brighter, clearer, and longer.

3rd Annual Tron Costume Contest Coming Up! Stay Tuned

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 05:21:00 +0000

Programs! Get your costumes ready. We had so much fun that we need to do this again. This year, we're expecting our best Glow in the Dark Tron Costume Contest turnout ever! Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for more information on the upcoming event.

This year we want submissions from parents, kids (with parents permission of course), and anyone from around the Grid. Make sure to submit your best photo for your chance to win some cool prizes (TBD). All entries accepted through Halloween and get your friends to join in on the fun to help pick the winners.

Last Chance Burning Man Light Sale!

Sat, 10 Aug 2013 15:28:00 +0000

As Burning Man 2013 is quickly approaching, making sure you and your bike light up on the Playa is one of the keys to a safe festival. We want to make sure everyone has a safe Burning Man, so we are extending our Burning Man sale through August 19th, so everyone has a chance to illuminate themselves on the Playa.

Because there are very few outside lighting sources at Burning Man, making sure you are seen is the only way to ensure your safety. Carefully crafted EL Wire and EL Tape costumes are a great way to illuminate yourself and provide a cool costume in the darkness of the moon.

EL Tape Costume Kit at Ellumiglow.com

Each EL Wire Kit or EL Tape Kit comes with everything you need to get your costume into high visibility action, and all the tough stuff is done for you. Simply plug in your EL products to the battery pack and start glowing! All of our kits come with pre-soldered connections so there's no guess work involved, just select your favorite colors and start glowing!

EL Wire Kits

Our last chance Burning Man sale is going on through August 19th, simply enter coupon code: BM2013 at checkout for your special discount. See ya'll on the playa!