Pixelpiper
Super Freak
Pre-tin the wires too, just easier.
Lights for Detolf
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Pre-tin the wires too, just easier.
I can see that. I got everything put together and tested it. They all lit. Got to installing it and had issues with the wire twisting when I didn't want it to. I got 3 lights up and in when I thought I should test. I tested it and now one of the strips didn't light. One of the connections came loose. I had to take it all down.
What a pain in the *** to keep the wire from twisting. I'm gonna give it another go tomorrow. After my nerves settle.
What a pain in the *** to keep the wire from twisting. I'm gonna give it another go tomorrow. After my nerves settle.
I decided to give it another go and SUCCESS!!! It looks great. I may try to tackle the display next to it tomorrow.
aau10
Freaked Out
Awesome reply pixelpiper! This should also be up on the first page of this thread and all the threads talking about lightning!
Very helpfull/usefull
Is there anyway of connecting the wires to the strips without soldering? If so, how?
And how do I connect the wire to the 12vdc power supply?
Also, the "daisy-chained" connection is the assembling method used by aau10?
Like this:
Again, awesome diagrams! Thanks!
Yep, I used the Daisy chained connection!
Violent_Jay
Just a little freaky
By clips you mean this?
[ame="https://www.amazon.co.uk/2-Pin-Connector-Adapter-Single-Color/dp/B00B5915MM/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1378566749&sr=8-48&keywords=led+pin+connectors"]https://www.amazon.co.uk/2-Pin-Connector-Adapter-Single-Color/dp/B00B5915MM/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1378566749&sr=8-48&keywords=led+pin+connectors[/ame]
Can I plug the LED strip to one side of the clip and the wires to the other side?
Something like this: LEDstrip[CLIP]Wires[CLIP]LEDstrip[CLIP]Wires
So If the power supply has a DC jack I can plug this [ame="https://www.amazon.co.uk/CONNECTOR-FEMALE-EASILY-CONNECTED-ADAPTER/dp/B00EJKCKAU/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1378866958&sr=8-42&keywords=female+connector+led"]https://www.amazon.co.uk/CONNECTOR-FEMALE-EASILY-CONNECTED-ADAPTER/dp/B00EJKCKAU/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1378866958&sr=8-42&keywords=female+connector+led[/ame] to the jack and the positive and negative wire to the other side? Will I need to solder/twist/other method the wires to the female connector or they will simply work by just plugging in?
Also, since I don't know anything about soldering, is this a good method to solder the wires to the LED strips?
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrmKpUaGvOM"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrmKpUaGvOM[/ame]
that's how i soldered mine. worked great.
Pixelpiper
Super Freak
Generally, I also solder in a similar manner to that shown in the video.
Here are some thoughts based on the video.
1. Skip the scissors if you have a wire stripper with integrated cutter - I highly recommend Klein strippers.
2. LEDWholesalers LED ribbons don't have any plastic over the copper pads, so you don't have to waste any time pre-melting any plastic. They also come in 5m rolls (multiple 1m lengths soldered together)
3. For tinning wires, either CLAMP the soldering iron down (don't do it loose like in the video), or secure the wires down with tape or clip. The last thing you want is a hot soldering iron in your lap.
4. If you're using tape, not any tape is "good" - don't use duct tape, the adhesive is quite strong. Instead, use a lower tack masking tape, like painter's tape.
5. If you're right handed, please hold the soldering iron in your right hand and put down the work pieces in the orientation you need them before you start soldering. The guy in the video is obviously ambidextrous.
6. If you're careful you should be able to put down a tiny little dot of solder on the ribbon pads much neater than the video shows. Put down the iron first, heat up the pad and then touch the solder to the pad right next to the iron.
7. When working with really short lengths of wire, you can use some needle-nose pliers to hold the wires instead of burning your fingers. Curved/bent ones work great.
Here are some thoughts based on the video.
1. Skip the scissors if you have a wire stripper with integrated cutter - I highly recommend Klein strippers.
2. LEDWholesalers LED ribbons don't have any plastic over the copper pads, so you don't have to waste any time pre-melting any plastic. They also come in 5m rolls (multiple 1m lengths soldered together)
3. For tinning wires, either CLAMP the soldering iron down (don't do it loose like in the video), or secure the wires down with tape or clip. The last thing you want is a hot soldering iron in your lap.
4. If you're using tape, not any tape is "good" - don't use duct tape, the adhesive is quite strong. Instead, use a lower tack masking tape, like painter's tape.
5. If you're right handed, please hold the soldering iron in your right hand and put down the work pieces in the orientation you need them before you start soldering. The guy in the video is obviously ambidextrous.
6. If you're careful you should be able to put down a tiny little dot of solder on the ribbon pads much neater than the video shows. Put down the iron first, heat up the pad and then touch the solder to the pad right next to the iron.
7. When working with really short lengths of wire, you can use some needle-nose pliers to hold the wires instead of burning your fingers. Curved/bent ones work great.
Pixelpiper
Super Freak
And I forgot my most important LED tip: Test everything before installing/taping/gluing into your fixture/shelf.
That doesn't just mean light it up for a split second. Do at least a short burn-in test and run the LEDs for a few hours if possible. LEDs can fail and the best result is if they fail early so you don't have to tear anything down to re-do them. This is of course also the time to test all your wiring/soldering.
That doesn't just mean light it up for a split second. Do at least a short burn-in test and run the LEDs for a few hours if possible. LEDs can fail and the best result is if they fail early so you don't have to tear anything down to re-do them. This is of course also the time to test all your wiring/soldering.
golfpro1286
Super Freak
Finished with this case finally... Covered wires and led with simple black felt to match my other boxes. Think it came out great! Sorry again all I have for photos is an iPhone so looks 100x better in person!
Finished the wiring and set up on my 2nd detolf. Have them both connected to one transformer and controlled by a remote control. Love the look of this.
kl241
Super Freak
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Yes they changed them. I had to take mine back too. I really hope they get the message that people have a preference on color temps. Really they should have just offered both options so the homemakers can use the warmer yellows and others can use the cool white.
Balithe
Just a little freaky
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Hi guys !
I just received my Poison Ivy Premium Format and i'm still waiting for her buddies : Man Of Steel PF, Batman PF and Superman PF.
Well, i bought 2 Detolf but i don't know how to light them now that they stopped the production of the white leds.
I'm French, is there any other solution to the old Ikea leds ?
Thank you
I just received my Poison Ivy Premium Format and i'm still waiting for her buddies : Man Of Steel PF, Batman PF and Superman PF.
Well, i bought 2 Detolf but i don't know how to light them now that they stopped the production of the white leds.
I'm French, is there any other solution to the old Ikea leds ?
Thank you
Pixelpiper
Super Freak
Go back pages and read them.
IKEA still sells WHITE LEDs. They don't sell bright (cool) white LEDs because most people don't like them (this forum excepted) as the look very artificial and stark.
There are dozens of lighting options besides getting LEDs from IKEA.
IKEA still sells WHITE LEDs. They don't sell bright (cool) white LEDs because most people don't like them (this forum excepted) as the look very artificial and stark.
There are dozens of lighting options besides getting LEDs from IKEA.
Finished the wiring and set up on my 2nd detolf. Have them both connected to one transformer and controlled by a remote control. Love the look of this.
that looks amazing!!
I will try to put lights in my detolf this week, I am reading some of pixels advice, is this lights I am supposed to get?
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Waterproof-Flexible-300leds-Changing/dp/B00ASHQQKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379856229&sr=8-2&keywords=led+lights[/ame]
And since that is 16ft can that extend to my other detolf?
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Waterproof-Flexible-300leds-Changing/dp/B00ASHQQKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379856229&sr=8-2&keywords=led+lights[/ame]
And since that is 16ft can that extend to my other detolf?
I will try to put lights in my detolf this week, I am reading some of pixels advice, is this lights I am supposed to get?
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Waterproof-Flexible-300leds-Changing/dp/B00ASHQQKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379856229&sr=8-2&keywords=led+lights[/ame]
And since that is 16ft can that extend to my other detolf?
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Waterproof-Flexible-300leds-Changing/dp/B00ASHQQKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379856229&sr=8-2&keywords=led+lights[/ame]
And since that is 16ft can that extend to my other detolf?
Willing to trade a set of cool white dioders from barlighting.com for a set of Ikea cool white dioders. These barlight ones wont fit in my big cabinet and the light is a little different (actually brighter) as well. Pm me if interested. Thanks! 
Last edited:
egel
Super Freak
Can't really find a general Detolf thread, but I got a question.
Thinking about getting a set of clamps to alter the height of my Detolf panels. I came across someone a while ago mentioning 6 mm is good, but that was ages ago. What kind of inside diameter is best?
Thinking about getting a set of clamps to alter the height of my Detolf panels. I came across someone a while ago mentioning 6 mm is good, but that was ages ago. What kind of inside diameter is best?
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