Lightwave Digits

Numbers carry stories.  The year you graduated, an anniversary date, a birthday milestone.  I wanted to design something which could be used to celebrate those moments, not just as a static display, but as glowing, interactive pieces of art.  Whether it’s a special ‘10’ for your anniversary, or keeping score of your favorite team or board game, these digits can be rearranged endlessly, letting you update your display in seconds.

LightWave Digits is a modular numeric display powered wirelessly via magnetic induction. Just place a digit on the low-profile USB powered inductive coil base and watch it light up instantly.  Arrange the numbers in any order & they will remain lit as long as they stay on the base.

Functional & Technical Overview

LightWave Digits consists of 3 parts:

1. A light conductive block which contains an inductive receiver coil, capacitor and a LED module;
2. A numbered outer shell which houses the transparent block.  Numbers 0 to 9 are provided, including one blank so that you can customize your own;
3. A inductive coil base to generate the voltage for the receiver coils.

Design Highlights

The base is designed to minimize thickness while maximizing power transfer, so each glowing digit shines brightly. Thanks to the translucent interior, the LED’s glow diffuses & shines out of the number from the darker outer shell. 

Potential Uses

Use LightWave Digits for a dramatic countdown to the new year, an illuminated table centerpiece displaying your favorite date, or a wireless scoreboard at your next game night. The possibilities are endless.

Parts List

Assembly & Printing Tips

For best display effect, print the LED carriers in Translucent or Transparent PLA, or ColorFabb HT (best) at 0.25mm layer height and infill at 100%.  The wireless LEDs are mounted in the holes provided at the bottom of the carriers, with the LED facing towards the top, as shown in the photo below:

The inductive coil enclosure & digit shells can be printed in PLA or PETG.  The digit shells just slide over the translucent LED carriers:

The inductive coil fits inside the inductive (top) enclosure, with the solid copper wires originating from the transmitter PCB shaped to fit, as show below.  Don't bend the wires at sharp corners or it might effect the performance of the inductive coil.  Make sure the coil fits flat against the inside circular channel located on the enclosure.  The transmitter PCB should be mounted in the center.  Use a bit of hot glue on the coil & PCB to make sure everything stays in place.  Insert the UCB-C adapter PCB in the side slot on the base with screws & nuts. Solder the RED wire to V (5Vdc) & the BLACK wire to G (ground) on the USB-C adapter board.  The full assembly should look similar to the photo below:

Place the base cover over the inductive coil assembly, aligning the posts with the holes on the cover. Secure both pieces with (4x) M2x6mm screws.

Place the Lightwave Digits on top of the inductive base for maximum brightness.

In Summary

Numbers are everywhere, but they rarely get the spotlight they deserve.  LightWave Digits elevates your favorite numbers from mundane to magical. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with color transitions, or mirror the digits for a more futuristic effect. If you love blending art, function, and a dash of technological mystique, give these inductive-powered numerals a try!