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This is the A-head

Part II: More Hacking Techniques

From the measurements in Step 1, roll out and connect together sheets of
the wire mesh to make a rectangle of the desired size. Make sure that the
metal mesh strips are securely fastened together. The mesh will serve not
only to support the LEDs but also as an electrical return path (ground) for
the driving current. The dual use of the mesh will greatly simplify the wir-
ing. You can see what this might look like in

Figure 8-3

One you have connected the strips of wire mesh together, you will need to
connect the LEDs to the mesh. The long leg of each LED needs to be electri-
cally and structurally held onto the wire mesh. Begin by bending the leads
of the LED as shown in

Figure 8-4

. Bend the short leg toward the flat side

and the long leg toward the other side. You may need to change the height
at which you bend the legs of the LED to accommodate your individual
setup, but make sure that the longer leg is bent close to the LED body.

Now take the LED with the bent legs and attach it to the wire mesh at
evenly spaced points, as previously identified. Attach the short LED leg to

Strip of wire mesh

"chicken wire"

Bare wire

connections

LED location

Figure 8-3: Wire mesh setup

Unmounted LED

LED with bent leads

1/8"

1/4"

Figure 8-4: LED bends