Modding case hovering with leds?

Hey, i want to make the effect of the case floating, like the neons under cars.
Im not sure how to go about this, it would be easy with cold cathodes, but i want to use leds. Can anyone think of an easy way to do this? I was thinking of an acrylic sheet under the computer attached to the base with leds inside, then forsted around the edges. Then the feet mounted onto this.

Any ideas would be much appreciated
Thanks

 

That sounds like it'd work nicely. You'd want to use multiple, very bright LEDs for the best effect, too.

 

just had a thought the acrylic should be about 5cms in from each side so it isn't visible but the light is?
has anyone out there done something like this?

 

Its up to you. If its 5cm inwards from all sides, it wont be anywhere near as bright as a cold cathode, in which case I wouldnt frost it. You know... frosting makes most of the light hit the surface, instead of passing through? If its flush, you'll be able to tell its a piece of plastic, but will look better in the dark.

 

hmm the only problem with using a ccfl is that i wouldnt want it to smash. i guess a ccfl would be a nicer effect only how i would mount it so it was safe yet still plenty of light coming out...
will have to think about this.

 

Hmm...

 

how aboutfour of these:



Should be plenty of clearance for a ccfl

Followed by:



middle cut out and bent over the ccfl. might make an interesting affect

 

hopefully it will let enough light out

 

I did the plexi and led thing for my UFO effect. You can see it in my project log here. The cathode will definitely give off more light, but the leds look alright. I need to "frost" the plexi a little more for a better difused look.

 

thanks all,
only thing is i am windowing the bottom of the case now... (stupid ideas i have) so i will do a similar thing to deviate as it worked nicely for him except with a piece surrounding the window so you cant see it through the window.
if that makes sense...