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Learning the ropes

intermittech edited this page Nov 24, 2020 · 29 revisions

Don't know yet how to solder? Unsure how to connect your LEDs safely? How to find the perfect power supply?
No worries, we have collected a few helpful links for you to learn more about these and more topics:

WLED specific tutorials

Resource Maker Type Info
Beginner's guide to freak'n cool Holiday LEDs DrZzs Video (23:22) Excellent guide for getting started with WLED!
How to Set Colors and Effects, Save Presets, Make Sync Groups, add a Button, & Macros for Scheduling DrZzs Video (23:39) Learn about some cool additional WLED features!
Make your LEDs dance to music! DrZzs Video (11:30) How to install LedFx and connect it to WLED for quick sound reactive effects!
Getting started with WLED tynick Article Complete and excellent guide on how to flash and get WLED up and running!
WLED with QuinLED-Dig-Uno Install Tutorial Quindor Video (11:13) Initial flash and setup of WLED on QuinLED-Dig-Uno board
Integrating WLED into Home Assistant Quindor Video (8:22) How to use a WLED node in Home Assistant
Holiday LEDs Step-by-step with WLED & Home Assistant KPeyanski Video (20:38) Complete and great wiring, installation and HA setup tutorial
HOW-TO: Holiday LED Strip Lights, Home Assistant and WLED KPeyanski Article Same as the above video, but in text form!
Smart Ping Pong LED Lamp - Quick&Simple DIY bitluni Video (18:19) Construction, wiring and flashing of a cool looking and easy to make lamp
ESP8266 based LED controller for WS2812b strip. WLED Firmware + OpenHAB (in Russian) Room31 Video (17:04)

Digital LED knowledge

Resource Maker Type Info
Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide Adafruit Article Everything that's important at a glance. Highly recommended for newcomers to digital LEDs
Digital LED Power Usage Quindor Article/Spreadsheet/Video Helps you plan the power usage of your installation
Power calculation and injection live stream Quindor Video (2:24:52) Tons of great questions and answers. Live calculations, drawings, 5v vs 12v, strip comparisons, etc.
Difference between LED strip types The Hook Up Video (14:41) What is the best LED strip for your project?
7 Common LED Strip FAILS and How To Avoid Them The Hook Up Video (12:14) Make your project look much better!
Power Injection demystified Spiker Lights Article What is power injection and how much do I need?
Common(sharing) Ground / Multiple power supplies Article When using more than one power supply.

Tools & Skills

Resource Maker Type Info
How to Solder Beauty and the Bolt Video (9:50)
Soldering new leads to LED strip Quindor Video (8:24)
Soldering Tutorial Part 2 EEVblog Video (34:05) Detailed tutorial on soldering, see parts 1 and 3 for even more info)
Voltage Drop Calculator Tool
Another Voltage Drop Calculator Tool
Pixel/Bullet Voltage Drop Calc Tool 5 and 12V
Combined Wire Gauge Calculator Tool
Wire Size/Ampacity Tool
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