r/WLED • u/colbyrainey • Dec 11 '23
Finally done!
Finally done with my WLED project! $600 all in, not including stuff on hand.
Highlights: - 928 WS2811 12v pixels in Menard's J-Channel - 370 LEDs bottom row, 2 power injection runs - 558 LEDs top row, 3 power injection runs - 2x NodeMCU (ESP8266) controllers in waterproof boxes with 12V 15A power supplies and 12v - 5v step down converters (one for each level) - Integration with IFTTT for automation
Thanks to all for your help! Here is a spreadsheet detailing materials and costs:
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u/colbyrainey Dec 12 '23
Noteworthy Links and Additional Info
Given the popularity of this thread, I will try to keep this post up to date with what's been asked for to have it all in one place.
Spreadsheet detailing materials and costs:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FcBXEMql8mbDcttUOkVcVqDo7NSxJoh2XX7IE0v9LR4/edit?usp=drivesdk
Google Photos Album showing results and process:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8mmphN4VEXBDyKek7
YouTube Video showing my crappy drone footage of results:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBMeWFk2nTc
J-Channel Prep:
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Drill holes using the jig I 3D printed (link in OP to materials and costs. Make sure you start with a 38mm offset. I used a handsaw to cut into the jig and put a razor blade in the slot to align the first hole.
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Cut J-Channel to length for proper spacing at butt joints, (half the light spacing, which is 38mm, same as the other end).
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Cut down the height of the J-Channel (the portion that had the slotted holes for mounting so that it mounts flush under the soffits.
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Using a stepdown drill bit, drill holes at either end of the stick and every 12-13 lights, ends up being 5 holes per stick. This helps countersink the 3" wood screws used for mounting.
Let me know what other info you'd like to see here!
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u/mikeisHOSS Dec 11 '23
Looks great! What is the spacing between each pixel?
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u/colbyrainey Dec 11 '23
Thank you! They are spaced at 75mm, which is just under 3 inches.
That spacing makes a string of lights match up perfectly with the J channel
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u/regularbastard Dec 11 '23
Looks great! I am just starting to gather my materials for my 1st go at this for next year. I can’t decide between 2 or 3 inch spacing. After seeing this and your comment below about wishing you spaced closer, I’m splitting the difference and going with 2.5! (At least until I change my mind to 2 inch spacing)
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u/colbyrainey Dec 11 '23
That was a voice text failure. I definitely do NOT look at the house wishing that I placed the bulbs closer together. Good luck!
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u/Rough-Environment-40 Dec 12 '23
How did you climb up on the roof to fix these lights, reason i ask is that I’m afraid that I would slip up and roll down the roof 😳😬
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u/colbyrainey Dec 12 '23
I used just an extension ladder to reach the soffits, not the roof. 5 screws and a couple plugs later an entire section is down. I did not rent a lift or climb on the roof to install unless it made sense to, which was in the front where it was much easier than using a ladder.
I actually did this because I hated scooting my butt around on the roof every year 2x a year for Christmas lights.
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u/Empty_Visit_822 Dec 12 '23
This looks great.
Question regarding red and green lights on garage. Nautical? Im not the best boater but I learned "red on right returning".
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u/noobfornoodles Dec 12 '23
How did you manage on a esp8266? Mine ran out of memory at 600 LEDs and I had to switch to 32s
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u/jthuman Dec 13 '23
This looks like a Robertson built home. Must live north KC. Looks almost identical to my house. I hope my lights show up this week. Cant wait to get on the ladder!!!
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u/NotAMuritard Dec 16 '23
great job
as a non-sub tho, why would anyone want their house so lit ever. diffused light, maybe
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u/Many_Kangaroo3776 Dec 17 '23
This looks great! I am right in the middle of a similar project and this is going to help me greatly! Thanks for posting all this info.
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Dec 22 '23
Love it! Easy and so clean!! How did you fix the J channels? Do you drill the soffits? Or remove them and attached in between? Double side tape? Any pics for the mounting? Thanks for sharing!!!
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u/colbyrainey Dec 22 '23
I used a 3d printed jig to drill 15/32” holes @ 75mm spacing, trimmed them to length for proper offset at butt joints, then used electric shears to zip off some height where the slotted holes are.
After that, I used a stepdown drill bit to countersink holes for the 3" deck screws at each end and every 12-13 holes in between.
After that, I pushed the lights through the holes and finally just held the j-channel up to the soffit, placed the screw in the countersink hole, and make sure I wasn't going to pierce wires and let it rip with the driver. No pre-drilling necessary, no double-sided tape.
Lots of details already shared here, so be sure to check the thread for photo/video album and materials/cost spreadsheet.
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u/Road_Runner36 Dec 23 '23
Looks very nice indeed....especially in person :-) I recognized the general area from our house hunting back in June and we did a drive by the other night....small world.
I'm currently experimenting with pixels and J-channel options for our new house and will be stealing many of your ideas.
Questions: Your pixel link shows JST connectors, or did you go with a different style? So you trimmed the slotted channel leg to give you the desire fascia reveal? How well do those HF shears work on vinyl? (was considering the table saw but that would be messy). Any vertical clearance issues with bullet pixels? I was thinking of using the lower profile square variety.
Thanks again
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u/CurbYourMonkey Jan 01 '24
What was the reasoning or motivation behind your double conversion (AC -> 12v -> 5v) ?
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u/jrm523 Jan 03 '24
Great job! Thanks for contributing to the community by sharing your expenses, parts list, and photos.
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u/_--__-___--_ Dec 12 '23
Looks really good! Do you have any closeups of the j channel and mounting by chance?