Converting 3V LED stars to 12V in custom colours

I paid about $11 for mine. The search keywords are led neon star. Your higher cost may be due to the extra postal charges being applied to incoming US mail.

Big Clive

I've been looking on ebay for the stars but the only ones that I've found are like $13 or more. Is that a standard price? What search terms did you all put in?

Connor Strothman

Thanks Clive - sounds great, can’t say fairer

RDM

I'll consider that. At the very least I could provide the base code with delay routines and example patterns.

Big Clive

Shall do! Normally such devices come with a cautionary note saying not to use on USB with the batteries in place. But oddly not the ones which I purchased. Bah!

Andrew Donaldson

Agreed, could supply a hex file, (similar to other projects eg meteor lights) I’m happy programming and know there are some others on here very capable too. Ok yes need a pickit to load it but clones are very reasonable, and adds another dimension for people to explore

RDM

When you strip it back into the active area it affects the light distribution. It's better to tuck it down the stem slightly, and also gives a second go if the termination fails.

Big Clive

Just let the people you've gifted them to, know not to use batteries and USB at the same time.

Big Clive

The downside of releasing it as a PCB is that it is designed to be programmed in PIC assembly code.

Big Clive

When you put the connection on is it possible to strip the plastic back a little further so that the star joins more neatly rather than turning down the stem. Hope that makes sense

EDIT: Ahh no special characters A r value between 100 and 1000 should suffice. Or if you’re worried about the dissipation, maybe clamp two in parallel 🦾next to the 5V input because that would see the highest voltage drop in the system🎁

Cerity

Could... but requires more inputs. Re purposing cheap import⭕️ circle of consumerism 😁 aluminum also more expensive than the existing frame... i think he said the hardware cloth (small wire mesh) and the aluminum frame were the most expensive parts of the DoV display Regarding reasons NOT to choose plastic🦾 think BC mentions the council displays the tree lights inside.... maybe not this year but given even un treated PET and PP plastics can survive years outside with solar UV, i think the mostly nocturnal display will survive the season without breakdowns 🎁🎊

Cerity

I've gifted some of these this year, but now I'm concerned. Both about the resistor values and the recipient/s running these off USB whilst there are still batteries residing in the holders. Oh Ghee!

Andrew Donaldson

This feels like a job for aluminium channel and 3d printed corners. You could make stars as big as your tape allowed.

Now I know who to ask about Christmas Tree lights. Mine were all crap and broke.

Jeremy Travis

Hi Clive looks good - was wondering you eluded to releasing the Dept. of Villainy controller for home build on the livestream on Sat. I know you said was still a work in progress with a few mods needed but not anything major. Wondering if you are still thinking of that as part of this series ?

RDM

Ahh 🦾 success, also must have known. More watched in the last 24 hours, you cause trends 🎊😈

Cerity

Ta 😁

Cerity

The keywords are LED neon. But avoid the electroluminescent wire, it's not bright.

Big Clive

It should run the 3V stuff OK with a suitable resistor.

Big Clive

Do you have a link for the tape❓ i tried several incantations for waterproof 12V low voltage LED tape, and they all come up as the fairground style. Your opaque sheath is very nice diffused illumination⭕️

Cerity

Best department ever

Michael Thompson

Very nice. For direct conversion would a single Li ion 18650 for instance work instead of the AA pack❓ The villainy runs amok this year 🎊 😈

Cerity