seven segments away

I have moved from the land/lava thing on to another use of the LED chains in the environment,but I may return to the rock art aspect of it again.This project is a large scale 7 segment display which i envisage to be in the grey sea,glowing brightly,reflecting on the water and illuminating below.The first attempt at this is to create a big number, a number base (10) with an exponent or smaller number to the right(26) like whats on the signs at service stations

 
 The segments are connected by thick perspex brackets  that the background will be visible through,these are reinforced to minimize the sulpture shaking in the sea breeze.

 Rough test for the segments to figure out the height.

 These are the led chains all running...thats 3000 leds!

 A shot showing the initial problem I had with different shades of red ,Now I have 12-13 of the same model of led chain,with the more orangey colour.

 The light covers disperse the leds into beautiful geometric patterns.

 planning out the number two,which will be secured with perspex bars,so it looks like its floating in the air(hopefully),All these bits are susceptible to the wind blowing .

 

The chains lenght (5m) worked out quite well,as each chain fitted perfectly into the back,only with the 6, d id I have to add about 30 lights to illuminate the number properly.

 

The large number 10 is built now from light covers that were being dumped out of DLiadt college,I have ordered about 12 lights all the same colour,unlike the lava sculpture,where it didnt matter.  I figured out the scales and sizes of the segments, keeping in mind that sculpture needs to be turned on in the water,I have to be able to get at the lights ,.There are different kinds of seven segment displays,so I picked one type to copy.
Including the frame which supports the lights, and the exponent number,its about 10-11ft  tall.
A few more tests have to be done in the sea to check on how bouyant the frame is,as its made of wood,it should not float in saltwater,but if it does a couple of breezeblocks should  do the trick.