> As the parts are assembled, There will be opportunity to install some
> circuitry inside the sphere, but no chance for a trapdoor for
> batteries. I'm thinking one or more LEDs, likely with a small PIC or
> something for dimming/flickering effects. Once the sphere is closed, I
> expect to never open it again.. No battery doors, and I don't think
> using contacts to the base would work, as a sphere has no locating
> points to reference.
>=20
> Whether internal batteries are charged, or if the lights only operate
> when sitting in a base, either way could be OK. I suppose a small PV
> panel inside MIGHT be an option, though it will probably only ever see
> indoor lighting.
>=20
> While it is important to make it "nice", low cost is also a concern..
> I hope I have given all the important parameters without unnecesarily
> limiting creative possibilities..

I would have thought some form of coil could be incorporated for contactles=
s charging or operation. Instead of a battery, how about a supercap which s=
hould give reasonable length of operation time with flashing LEDS, even wit=
h some on for a while.  A supercap would allow it to be removed from the ch=
arger base to roll around the table or floor. With several coils arranged i=
n a pattern like a pentagram or similar then it wouldn't matter what the ex=
act orientation on the base is.

--=20
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--=20
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