Question about LED Strips

[Guest]

I've never used an LED strip before, but I really want to get one.  I think that is one of the last things my setup needs to be completely finished.  

Since I've never used an LED strip before, I don't really know how they work.  I've seen some RGB ones with a controller that look pretty sweet, but do I have to use all of the 15-30 feet that comes with it?  Can I cut the strip and use some of it in my computer, while also under my desk and behind my monitors, while keeping the RGB functionality, or do I have to buy a separate strip for each?  Also, is any RGB LED strip good, or are some better than others?  Thanks 

[viliuks]

Using LED strips is easy, only you need some soldering skills. So If you want you can cut the led strips at marked places, solder some extender wire and place the leds in the case, under the table. Anywhere you want if you really want to.

 

EDIT: some rgb leds can change color automatically (hard coded) or some use a remote. I would use a remote one. Its pretty much better. It has 3-4 wires if I recall instead of 2 for simple non rgb leds. So its more soldering too.

[Fictionvl]

Yeah you can, but the wireless receiver can be used in one place sadly, I think I'm not sure about that.

LEDs are fairly easy to work with, some wires and a solder and you can then hook them up to a molex connector, that or you can buy premade ones some where

[Guest]

Using LED strips is easy, only you need some soldering skills. So If you want you can cut the led strips at marked places, solder some extender wire and place the leds in the case, under the table. Anywhere you want if you really want to.

 

EDIT: some rgb leds can change color automatically (hard coded) or some use a remote. I would use a remote one. Its pretty much better. It has 3-4 wires if I recall instead of 2 for simple non rgb leds. So its more soldering too.

Well that's good news.  I'm not the best at soldering, but soldering a few places per strip shouldn't be too hard.  Is there a good tutorial for multiple 'zones' that you would recommend, or do you think I will understand what to do once I see it in person?

[viliuks]

Well that's good news.  I'm not the best at soldering, but soldering a few places per strip shouldn't be too hard.  Is there a good tutorial for multiple 'zones' that you would recommend, or do you think I will understand what to do once I see it in person?

I don't really know any tutorials, I learned how to use led's mainly by myself. When you buy them they are usually grouped as 3 in the strip, and at any side of the 3 you will see a dashed line where you can cut. If you get leds coated in resin just peel of the resin from the copper connectors to solder.

EDIT: Just when measuring the lenght of wire to extend the leds, cut more then you need.

 

 

Pic how to cut. And as you can see you solder wires in between the copper connectors. I like to use colored wires for easy use.  

 

 

[Guest]

I don't really know any tutorials, I learned how to use led's mainly by myself. When you buy them they are usually grouped as 3 in the strip, and at any side of the 3 you will see a dashed line where you can cut. If you get leds coated in resin just peel of the resin from the copper connectors to solder.

Okay, sounds pretty easy.  I'm gonna see if there are any in-store, if not I'll try Amazon.  

[viliuks]

Okay, sounds pretty easy.  I'm gonna see if there are any in-store, if not I'll try Amazon.  

I edited my post, but anyways, feel free to PM me for help or tips how to solder

[Guest]

I edited my post, but anyways, feel free to PM me for help or tips how to solder

I ordered them, hopefully they should come tomorrow.  I decided just to go with red instead of RGB for three reasons.  I'm not going to be changing my color scheme, I think it is easier and less of a hassle to set up, and it's a lot cheaper lol.  I'm so pumped

[viliuks]

I ordered them, hopefully they should come tomorrow.  I decided just to go with red instead of RGB for three reasons.  I'm not going to be changing my color scheme, I think it is easier and less of a hassle to set up, and it's a lot cheaper lol.  I'm so pumped

Hehe! Well good luck on setting those badboys up! Just plan ahead where you want them placed. And as before, feel free to PM me, or just quote my posts here.