Neopixel strips for sabers. Question about 144 LED Strips.

oneeyedgiant

Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Nov 30, 2017

• #1

Hi guys. I recently bought two sets of 144 WS2812B 5V RGB strips from Ebay (the vendor appears to be an electronics supplier based in CA- USA). They came in sealed bags wrapped around a thin spool. They looks great except they appear to have been spliced in the same spot on both strips. Is this normal? I thought that it would have been one, long PCB. The splicing has created a bigger gap between the LEDS. One is slightly larger than the other.

 

andrew25rs

Well-Known Member

• Nov 30, 2017

• #2

Yea that’s normal. Though the solder job could be slightly cleaner that’s pretty much how they all are. It will be noticeable once all put together but it’s really not that bad.
There will most likely be other things that bother you more than that. Even with the things I don’t care for about neopixel every person I’ve shown the blades to has absolutely loved them.
The key to hiding these things is all in the diffusion. Don’t be afraid to go a little extra with it. These blades will still be plenty bright.

 

oneeyedgiant

Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Nov 30, 2017

• #3

^^^Thanks!! I will give it a shot and see how I like it.

 

S

slimsaber

New Member

• Dec 2, 2017

• #4

Still you will have shadow lines upside down in all the blade, no difussion solve that problem with neopixel.

The less problem for you is the strip resolder.

 

Last edited: Dec 2, 2017

usajdm

Sr Member

• Dec 3, 2017

• #5

Shouldn't be a problem to unsolder, then resolder them closer together.
Robert

 

S

scifiwolf

Well-Known Member

• Dec 3, 2017

• #6

I asked one of the smiths about it on Facebook who was doing extensive testing. The solder gap isn't visible with all the diffusion going on. Back-to-back strips, tissue paper or film wrapped around them, inserted into a white foam tube, inside a trans white blade. It will be mega bright and mega even. Don't bother cutting and resoldering that joint.

 

oneeyedgiant

Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Dec 7, 2017

• #7

Thanks guys. I'm still waiting on parts from TCSS. I will report back. Thanks again.