DIY LEDs - The write-up

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Untwisted to retain flexibility.

I may be imagining this, but I'm pretty sure that twisting the pairs has beneficial effects and is something you'd want to do anyways.

think i could use cat5?

Probably even smaller gauge than the other stuff you were thinking about.

What about thermostat cable? Didn't Stu use that?

Also, if you're worried about undoing the whole thing, use that split flexible corrugated conduit instead of the hard stuff - you can pull it right off the cables if you have to take the thing apart.

 

[Skeptic_07]

A couple of HDMI cables might work. Those look thick.

good idea... and i can get those relatively cheap in 10' runs.. where to get the female connectors though?

 

[Skeptic_07]

thermostat cable.. not too shabby at all.. two runs of that a wall wart with a long wire would probably work.. I can probably just use the round connector on that.. but the 5-conductor cable? hmm.. well i know i can buy some serial connectors and solder them up but idk how good that'll hold long term

 

[Skeptic_07]

for anyone who doesn't already know where to find the cheapest hdmi cable anywhere.. 22awg HDMI cable that is for a 20ft 22awg hdmi.. you can get cheaper ones there. i always cringe when i see someone walking out of best buy with a $50 6' HDMI cable :lol:

edit: lol what about component video/audo cable?? color coded.. 10 conductors..

edit again: bang

 

[The Grim Reefer]

thermostat cable.. not too shabby at all.. two runs of that a wall wart with a long wire would probably work.. I can probably just use the round connector on that.. but the 5-conductor cable? hmm.. well i know i can buy some serial connectors and solder them up but idk how good that'll hold long term

I saw Lowes has some 4 wire cable that might make more sense.

You could run them through this stuff to clean up the look

http://cableorganizer.com/wire-loom/

 

[dnahas]

Good idea with buying the hdmi from that one site, but I also know they will custom make just about any cable you want. It may be worth asking them.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

for anyone who doesn't already know where to find the cheapest hdmi cable anywhere.. 22awg HDMI cable that is for a 20ft 22awg hdmi.. you can get cheaper ones there. i always cringe when i see someone walking out of best buy with a $50 6' HDMI cable :lol:

edit: lol what about component video/audo cable?? color coded.. 10 conductors..

edit again: bang

The RCA cables seem like a great idea. Going to have to look into that.

 

[akindbro4u]

I may be imagining this, but I'm pretty sure that twisting the pairs has beneficial effects and is something you'd want to do anyways.



twisting the pairs electromagnetically isolates them. Very good idea if you are using pwm, next to power.

 

[Skeptic_07]

I may be imagining this, but I'm pretty sure that twisting the pairs has beneficial effects and is something you'd want to do anyways.



twisting the pairs electromagnetically isolates them. Very good idea if you are using pwm, next to power.

plus the added benefit of not confusing the wires as much.. i wonder what would happen if you like.. confused two of the grounds between meanwells and leds... :eek1:

 

[akindbro4u]

plus the added benefit of not confusing the wires as much.. i wonder what would happen if you like.. confused two of the grounds between meanwells and leds... :eek1:

as long as current is the same more than likely nothing

 

[Skeptic_07]

right.. i should mention, though, mine aren't all going to be running at the same intensity at the same time and using two different drivers. eln-60-48D and eln-60-24P .. disaster waiting to happen! :lol:

 

[widmer]

Grim it's funny to see you here recently, are you moving from the T5's to LEDs?

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Shhh widmer we're not allowed to tell anyone.

 

[stugray]

"twisting the pairs electromagnetically isolates them."

Twisting "pairs" is used in differential signals like RS-422 or LVDS ( modern fast harddrives ), but twisting the wires THEN twisting the ends together does nothing other than increase current capability.

"What about thermostat cable? Didn't Stu use that?"

Yes, I use the thermostat wire even for soldering to the stars.
MAINLY because it is what plugs straight into the TYCO connectors you can get at HD.
They sell 2 & 3 conductor quick disconnects. I use them on all of my LED projects.

Stu

 

[widmer]

We don't want one of the major religions on RC to get shaken up as one of their religious icons transitions to a different faith? :lol:

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

The MH crowd has already lost one of their biggest advocates (ME!) so it's about time there was a major T5 convert.

 

[ReefEnabler]

Stu do you mind postIng a pic of the disconnects youve been using?? I used the automotive 1 conductor type but not really happy with em.

 

[stugray]

These:

They are for ballast quick disconnects in with the wire nuts.

Stu

 

[The Grim Reefer]

Shhh widmer we're not allowed to tell anyone.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The MH crowd has already lost one of their biggest advocates (ME!) so it's about time there was a major T5 convert.

I ain't swigged the koolaide yet but it's mixed in the pitcher and I am waiting for the ol lady to get home with vodka and ice cubes.