Make a Lighted Name Plate Out of Keyboard Keys

This Instructable will show all of you how to make a lighted name plate out of some scrap keyboard keys and a few electronics.

Let's get started!

Here is what you need to complete this project

-Some translucent computer keys, i found mine on an expensive microsoft keyboard broken in the trash
-a battery pack, i used a 2 AAA
-An LED, you could use more i assume, i just used one.
-a switch, so you can turn it off.
-a bit of wire, i used scrap wire
-an altoids tin, or similar tin

My first step was to modify the altoids tin to make it so it can stand up on it's own. I did this by taking the lid off, flipping it around and putting it back on. I think it works pretty well!

Next i took the top of the tin to arrange the letters and then i glued them together. This allows the letters to be easier to handle later. After gluing, set aside to dry.

The circuit is pretty easy, it's just a led, switch and power supply.

After it's all soldered together you can hot glue it to the bottom of the tin so it stays secure.

Next you want to get the letters and put them in the tin and then fill all the open spaces with hot glue.

This is a really messy process, i'm sure a better option is around. I used about 3 sticks before i thought it was good enough.

After the glue cools, turn it on and enjoy!

After it's all done, find a good place to put it a project like this should not be left in a box!

some ideas for improvements:
-an led behind each letter
-thinner profile so you can wear it.
-sound activated, blinks with the beat!

thanks!