(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best rope lights

Awesome find, I’m a fan!

Do you know if the blue wire coming in was meant to be plugged into the wall, or to be attached to the other lights somehow? It looks like an AC connection (because of the chassis ground) but I don’t see anyplace for AC-DC conversion. Do you see any sort of module between the grey and the start of the LEDs, or is it just connected directly?

It’s tough to tell what exactly is going on inside the white packaging that says “SloanLED” but my guess is they just take 12V DC. If you can hunt down some specifications on that then that would be best, but if it were me I would honestly just start by seeing if it works by putting 12V right across the white wires (check the fine print on your laptop power supply, or any sort of “wall wart” that plugs into the wall and has a barrel jack on the other end to see if it has 12V).

Orrrrrrr if you don’t feel like guess and check is your game, skip it and just buy some of these to replace the existing LEDs:)

JOYLIT Flexible LED Strip Lights DC 24V White 6000-6500K No-Waterproof 6500K Super Bright 300 Units 5050 LED Tape Lights 5m https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073QNMS5J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_g9XrDbXPV5RTQ

I hadn't frankly read up on them all too much until just now. I should really do more research :). The brand I bought has a comparison chart telling me you're right. Our lights are sufficient. If I get the chance I'll probably buy some that are a bit brighter but as it stands I really like the way they look and they're quite functional.

After I looked into the purported output though, I'm still a bit confused. One thing I've found is that lumen output isn't a truly quantifiable number. Yes, it's scientific but there are various other factors when it comes to led strips. The ones I bought are listed at 164L/Ft. At 36 leds/ft that breaks down to ~4.5Lm/Led. I couldn't find an output on the ones you linked, but these are rated at 15Lm/Led. My strip also has 600 leds per 5 meter strip while the brighter ones have half as many at 300. All in all, I have a feeling the second link will be brighter than the ones I bought, but on paper it says the opposite. These look pretty bright as well but again, are only advertised at 25LM/Led. Worst case scenario you buy two or three rolls at $10 a pop and just give them a go.

I don't think I linked this before, but if you want to use a standard switch and dimmer (as opposed to a wall wart) these are pretty slick. Just make sure to match the current requirements to however many feet of light you have.

I have not used those specific ones (I looked at the specs, should be fine), but yes, $18 for 5 is a very good deal!

As far as LED strip those are the ones I got:

30 LED / METER:

https://www.amazon.com/Aclorol-Individually-Addressable-Programmable-Non-Waterproof/dp/B07BGSZLGX/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2ANNEXM84Q95&keywords=ws2812b+led+strip&qid=1563212133&s=hi&sprefix=ws2812%2Ctools%2C144&sr=1-6

60 LED / METER

https://www.amazon.com/Aclorol-Individually-Addressable-Programmable-Non-waterproof/dp/B07BH37JGC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=36ERKIO6X2IRZ&keywords=ws2812b+led+strip+60%2Fm&qid=1563212170&s=hi&sprefix=ws2812b+led+strip+60%2Ctools%2C141&sr=1-4

(you do not always need 60 LEDs per meter!!)

​

Power Adapters:

4A:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4HYWAM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

2A:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777HWN87/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

And to keep it all clean:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XNR1ZVL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

I pulled all those from my Amazon orders! Hope it helps.

Something like this might work for the main strip:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FZHD06/ref=twister_B016K7JPSO?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I've used the red one from this link before and had great luck with it. Note though that it's flexible, so for this you might either have to pull it tight to keep it straight, or attach it to something else that is stiff (like a wire or a rod). But it's battery powered, and can be shortened to any length you need.

I could even see it being possible to glue something like wire to it, and also using that for the arcs of light around the top.

Best of luck!

Depends on the lighting set up you have. We have a four light ceiling fan with standard size sockets.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JYG7CH/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_FQYYDbNASFWHN

One of those.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Black-Light/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0vxhr

One of those.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P4TYVK/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_2YYYDb5VF2GRE

Two of those.

Really wish I could talk to someone about:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D7RKJYS/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_j81YDbF0B5PB8

These are great when rolling but really F* with the photography.Are great for the eye wiggles, though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07333C2WR/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_ua2YDb3PR9HJZ

Hope that helps with at least providing a starting point.

-PLUR~R

This is the el wire- excuse mobile

Lychee Neon Light El Wire with Battery Pack, 15 Feet, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EENNHMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wb-.zbMXQ6FDS

And I'd recommend using some scotch or painting tape with a fifteen foot string to trace out the path you want to glue down. It will make it much easier, but it does take a while.

Also, use gel glue. It's shock/water proof. I'd recommend 2 of those if you're using a full face helmet

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue 4-Gram (1363589) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y49R7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qe-.zbFH9CXFF

What's up guys!
Still trying to find something better, battery-wise, but overall I like the aesthetic of it. Here's what I bought:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B013FZHD1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I attached the battery pack on the side of the Boosted battery with gorilla tape (duct tape) and used hot glue around the board to stick the lights. Here's a pic of the back of the board.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0EaUVYwJYZESVF6cnJIM3lzWEE/view?usp=sharing

If you have any suggestions about it, let me know. I'd like some feedback

Here's my parts list, took me 3 months to find and acquire most of the parts

• Zeal60 PCB
  
• 67g Clear Zealios
  
• Hot Swap Sockets
  
• Clear Stabilizers
  
• Tric60 Case
  
• WS2812 LEDs
  
• Custom Cable
  
• Midnight Dawn Keyset
  
  The hardest part was figuring out how to compile the firmware to add the underglow functionality, as the PCB needs to be modded to support underglow. There's a decent amount of documentation out there, for my first build it was a frustrating, but extremely rewarding experience. I don't regret it one bit, please let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FJ1WD9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0n7eAbRWKB241

idk if they work with google home, i feel like they wont tbh. the app and alexa setup is a little tricky but once set up it works great and i highly recommend

Sanwo according to Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H8215J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


So far I like it, it has a bunch of music sensitive and non music modes, and it's pretty bright too!

https://hackernoon.com/the-best-tv-experience-philips-ambilight-clone-f164e392266a

Something like this is your best bet.

If your not good with soldering you can use something like this.

Dont worry if the label on the connector is wrong, copper is copper.

I get my Led strips from alitove on amazon. They sell different pixel density.

Any 5v power supply(once again alitove) will be sufficient, I recommend a 10a one. You can use it to run your RPI and your leds. The hdmi switcher and hdmi to rca can run off your tv power if your tv has usb plugs.

I second this!

These also work well, but be sure to look around on Amazon and Ebay. I was able to find a deal and got a 12 pack for like $8 last year.

https://www.amazon.com/KingTop-Battery-Waterproof-Centerpiece-Decoration/dp/B01M7R8H9J/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1501776281&sr=8-8&keywords=led+string+lights

https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-AC-HUEPS-M1-Hue-Advanced-Lighting/dp/B018YZ0H1O/?tag=georiot-pcg-20&ascsubtag=pcg-285341811-20

The Hue+ is a great choice for adding lighting. If your mobo has an RGB(W) header, the following are also good add ons.

https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Bright-Lights-300LEDs-Ribbon/dp/B00HBMN4YO

https://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Non-waterproof-Flexible-Lighting-Multi-colored/dp/B00KQHQJ5C

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4RE5046643&cm_re=phanteks_rgb-_-11-984-008-_-Product

DIY: Easy to make with EL tape or EL wire. You can solder it up yourself or buy a lot from a site like Adafruit

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GZY715Q/ref

https://www.adafruit.com/product/676

Credit: /u/MollyOlyOxenfree

Source

I bought this kit and installed them myself. The led strip has an adhesive backing that made it super easy

lychee EL Wire Neon Glowing... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FZHD06?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The nine feet is like exactly the size you need to wrap around my pack! You can also cut the wire too size! Here’s some tips, figure out where you’re gonna wire the power source considering that you’ll have a bag of water inside.
Then I bought a pack of sewing needles at a craft store with some black thread. I pre punched the holes where I sewed the wire on with a pin (one you’d wear on your shirt or wherever like a circular pin) then just wrap it up a bunch of times.

On amazon there are tons of different wires you can get, I know for instance you can get a battery powered device that has a splitter for 5 different wires you can get. I just didn’t get that because I’m assuming the batteries go out quicker. Anyway if you have any questions I can probably help you out.

In this PC we used something like this - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JO98O64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8z3-yb9GWFK5P and they work great

I've done this in the past by buying LED strip with stick on backing from AliExpress, and designing and building my own ATtiny85 based PIR controller, but these now exist so I would just buy one of these and some LED strip and be done with it, then use any power supply with enough current to power the strip. You can even buy full plug and play kits ready to use out of the box..

LED strips. That one is daylight white, but you can get them in other colors or even RGB with a remote to change the color. it also doesn't come with a power supply, so you'll need a 12v power supply to go with it, the little plug in wall transformers work, the whole strip draws less than an amp. Note that while this claims to be safe to touch, exposed electronics are always a risk in a public place, you might want to look for waterproof ones that are covered in silicone. I don't think I've seen a strip like this that can't be cut, usually in 4 inch lengths.
edit Found some waterproof ones that I've purchased in the past.

Thanks!

lychee Neon Glowing Strobing Electroluminescent Light El Wire w/Battery Pack for Parties, Halloween Decoration (Orange, 9ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013FZHD1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CB19AbB3J7SX8

Powering EL wire along the side.

I would love to know this as well. Maybe these?

Easy to make with EL tape or EL wire. You can solder it up yourself or buy a lot from a site like Adafruit

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GZY715Q/ref

https://www.adafruit.com/product/676

You didn't specify how big you wanted, but may I suggest "Addressable LEDs"?
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/the-magic-of-neopixels
.
You will need to be able to solder wires.
Here is a 1 meter length strip, 12mm wide is ~ 1/2 inch,
6.9mm is ~ 0.27 inch between centers
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61oiR3Lo5rL._SL1000_.jpg
.
Here's a closeup of all the details:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Nxr4h0WHL._SL1000_.jpg
adhesive to mount the strip
when you want a short piece to fit, you cut to length and then rejoin with 3 wires.
See the 3 colored pads? See the Arrows?

Software? look at "Adafruit_NeoPixel" library, there are several examples
Here is an incomplete example of filling a whole string
// Fill the dots one after the other with a color
void colorWipe(uint32_t c, uint8_t wait) {
for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) {
strip.setPixelColor(i, c);
strip.show();
delay(wait);
}
}
.
$22 144 pixels, Not Waterproof Black flexible PCB
https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Individually-Addressable-Programmable-Waterproof/dp/B019DYZNO6/
$21 for power to the strip
https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Adapter-Converter-Charger-5-5x2-1mm/dp/B01M0KLECZ/

Looks cool. How would you recommend powering this one?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZLHYB2/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1TKJ58FB1MIIY

LED light strips come in 16ft portions and you can cut them to whatever size you want. They are also very cheap!

LED STRIP HERE

110VAC to 12VDC ADAPTER HERE

they plug right in and are super cheap to replace.

Unfortunately, I cannot see any RGB headers on that board listed in the manual, which means you'll have to get something like the NZXT Hue+ if you want software control over the RGB components.

You can use a manual solution, but I cannot speak for its quality.

Hopefully someone else can jump in and give you a breakdown on your options.

With this set up will I run the power from the buck converter to each strip individually or run it through each strip into the next? I'll be using this strip cut to size: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LSF4Q0A/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

And could you link me to a buck converter like that? I'm not failure with best sites to buy that, other than amazon.

Music LED Strip Lights 6.6FT/2M 5V USB Powered Light Strip 5050 RGB Light Color Changing with Music IP65 Waterproof LED String Lights Kit with IR Controller by DotStone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZLHYB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_26zDAbSPC8BH5



Honestly - the music part is pretty lame

Hi. I have a question about tape. I recently moved into student housing so all of my furniture was provided for me, but I can't damage it. What I want to do is mount an RGB Strip (like this) to the sides of my head board to add some flair to my bedroom. Is there a double sided tape out there that will last a decent time, and not damage the headboard when the strip comes off?

I've had them for over a year and they still work luckily.

RBG Backlight

I have one of these, it's pretty decent.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B06XYZ56HG/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're very good. All the colours and loads of modes.

Thank you for that! So just to confirm as a sample strip THIS would work right?

Thanks! They can go a variety of different colours! ANSCHE 150cm(59inch) TV Led Backlight Kit, 20 Modes Colours Bias Lighting USB Led Strip RGB for TV Desktop PC, Stick-on LED Rope Color Changing Background Ambient Lighting Decoration Mood Lights Waterproof https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XYZ56HG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9drYAb91ZWN6M

It’s this LED strip.
I don’t plan on running the entire strip on jumper wire. How many LEDs be safe to run through?

I used a led strip like

https://www.amazon.com/CHINLY-Individually-Addressable-Waterproof-waterproof/dp/B01LSF4Q0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=ws2812b&qid=1562179299&s=gateway&sprefix=Ws&sr=8-4

Paired with a esp32 (basicly a faster arduino since a normal arduino was a little slow)

https://www.amazon.com/VKLSVAN-ESP-WROOM-32-Development-Dual-Mode-Microcontroller/dp/B07T6J3PXZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=Esp32&qid=1562179449&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

I got them from Amazon, the brand is JOYLIT: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073QNMS5J

They're dirt cheap (eight dollars for 16 feet) and super easy to work with. Just cut the length you need (in multiples of 6 LEDs) and solder wires to the pads, then put 24V across it. No need for resistors or anything else.

For a costume like this you don't want LED's. You want EL Wire

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Battery-Parties-Halloween-Decoration/dp/B00EENNHMM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414607288&sr=8-2&keywords=el+wire

Agreed on the hanging bulbs. If you really want the centerpieces to be illuminated, you could try threading some battery-powered LED string lights through the foliage.

Looks like el wire
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EENNHMM/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687762&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003J99JW4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0RK2D6KV6E0T1BNMHXTQ

This wouldn't be super hard to DIY, or have a friend with electronics experience hook up. This controller produces crazy patterns when plugged into this LED strip. You could mount it with double-stick tape. The hardest part would be finding a source of 5-12v power on the wheel to connect to the lighting controller. This guy just connected to the USB charger, but his LEDs were lower-power and only do solid colors.

Sure, I've got three of those and just bought two more strips - this one from Amazon is cheap and works well: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQHQJ5C/

Also, the pinout on the GLEDOPTO controller is f'd up and printed wrong, see the last image in my post for the proper wiring order to get it to show up with the proper colors in Hue.

https://imgur.com/a/ZZ7i4Z9

I got it from amazon dude: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ANSCHE-Backlight-Background-Decoration-Waterproof/dp/B06XYZ56HG/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1536849575&sr=1-1&keywords=ANSCHE+150cm%2859inch%29

what do you all think of this led light strip? I want something that can work as a music visualizer and some programmed light modes.

I found this thingie on Amazon. Good? Bad?

https://www.amazon.com/Nexlux-Wireless-Controlled-300leds-Non-Waterproof/dp/B07333C2WR/ref=pd_bxgy_60_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07333C2WR&pd_rd_r=f55e4f31-f264-11e8-bf9b-571f7e12ada0&pd_rd_w=5nhsf&pd_rd_wg=XtSEi&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=ZN0RYV3N8MPQ94ZBE6BJ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=ZN0RYV3N8MPQ94ZBE6BJ

mmh both products seem ok, but VERY expensive... look around on ebay or even Amazon.. https://www.amazon.com/CHINLY-Individually-Addressable-Waterproof-waterproof/dp/B01LSF4Q0A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500484866&sr=8-3&keywords=addressable+5050 are a quarter of SuperBrightleds pricing...

Any of them, in that price range, they're all probably made in the same chinese warehouse tbh.

This is highly rated, and you can use a smartphone, or alexa.

https://smile.amazon.com/Nexlux-Controlled-Wireless-Waterproof-Smartphone/dp/B072FJ1WD9/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1517678373&sr=8-6&keywords=app+controlled+led+strip

Which Arduino do you think I should use? I plan on using these LEDs for the project. Do you think the Molex cable power the whole thing?

Huh? Elwire is about a cheap as you can get.

$11 from Amazon

I got these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQHQJ5C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're RGBW with 60 led's per meter. They're powered/controlled with
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075YS3THJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$25 USD total and I still have about 2 meters left.

https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B06XYZ56HG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?smid=ALMYP3YX7TASF&psc=1


Troppo tamarro?

Hey. you are correct for your approach for the cage. You need something sturdy to form the cage. For the lights, you will needs this

I would suggest dangling the string vertically. use fishing wire to attach it to the threads.