- 4 or 6 microlights (photon freedoms = A+, but any will do)

- small zip ties

- nail clippers or precision scissors

- thin solid or twined nylon string

- 2 keychain rings (usually come with microlights)

Orbits are great for multiple reasons. They look really cool, sort of like a live Spirograph. They are easy to use. They allow you to give yourself light shows. They create amazing patterns!

What lights should I use?

Lights are really up to you. I suggest photon freedoms because they allow a wide range effects with only a few lights. Inovas also make for good orbits. See the link below for more information on photon freedoms and Inovas. You can use the cheap, color changing keychain lights, or individual colors.

The first step to assembling an orbit is putting together the lights.  Here you will need your clippers, zip ties, and lights.

Lining up the lights all comes to personal preference.  You can either alternate the lights (face up, face down, face up, face down) or keep them the same way (all face up).  To tie them together you need to use zip ties.  Run one zip tie in from the top, and link the first two lights together.  The next zip tie should be run from the bottom and link the second and third lights.  Repeat this process until the last light is linked with the first light.  Keep in mind the most important part of an orbit is balance!  Don't use an odd amount of lights!

Each orbit requires that you use two strings that are identical in length.  The strings should be balanced as much as possible, just like everything else on the orbit.  For 2 light orbits the strings will be fed through the same lights (because there are only two).  For a 4 string orbit the strings will be fed through opposite lights.  Take one string and feed it one way through light 1 and light 3.  Make sure they are equal in length.  Feed the second string through light 2 and light 4 going the opposite way.  You should now be able to use the orbit by just holding the string (after some balancing).

Measure out a distance from the edge of each string, and tie off a knot.  Once you've tied off a solid knot that is not moving, even with a lot of pressure, tie another knot around your keychain.  Use the keychain ring to use your orbit.