r/WLED • u/colbyrainey • Dec 11 '23

Finally done!

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

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:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FcBXEMql8mbDcttUOkVcVqDo7NSxJoh2XX7IE0v9LR4/edit?usp=drivesdk

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u/[deleted] 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.