The NearLite system works through induction. The NearLite controller box sends a current through the ribbon cable that is specially manipulated inside the controller to form a coild. Then the current goes through this coil, a magnetic field is created then interacts with the light tag. This interaction induces a current on the light tag that turns on the LED. It is really that simple.
While the concept is simple, the actual design of the system was not. The LEDs that chosen to be included with this system are very efficient and bright. If you have the customizable Light tags, the LEDs can be replaced rather easily, but different LEDs have different efficiencies and brightness. other LEDs may not be as bright. Also the ribbon cable we use is not a standard gauge. While it is not necessarily hard to find, it is harder to find than the standard ribbon 24 gauge cable. If for some reason you decide to create your own coil with a different ribbon cable try to find the same size, we would be glad to sell this to you. If you use thinner gauge ribbon cable the NearLite system will not run as efficiency and may get warm.