DIY Permanent Christmas Holiday LED Light Installation. WLED and ESP32 Controller. Boot Issues.

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  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
  • In this video, I detail a DIY installation of permanent Christmas lights (or accent lighting). Specifically, I discuss controller issues and switching to using WLED running on an ESP32 processor. All components in this video are personally purchased. LED strings and channel were purchased from ETOP with other components mostly purchased from Amazon.
    Installed approximately 205 feet consisting of 285 RGBW LED modules. Each LED module is rated at 0.9W maximum (spec from manufacturer). The LED strings are 12Vdc powered.
    LEDs: ETOP
    Power Supplies Included With Kit: Meanwell LRS350-12
    Power Supplies I used: XP Power MFA350PS12
    Questions? Let me know. Thanks.
    Items I purchased from Amazon on this project listed below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    DC/DC 12V to 5V Converter: amzn.to/48CrXEZ
    DC/DC 12V to 5V Converter: amzn.to/3RGxFi0
    ESP32 with Ethernet: amzn.to/3NDCXtl
    ESP32 with Ethernet: amzn.to/3RCAqky
    Fuse Block: amzn.to/3MskP5h
    Enclosure: amzn.to/3QFl6US
    DC Current Clamp Meter: amzn.to/45XkkXF
    Rigol Power Supply: amzn.to/4621puS
    Meanwell 12V 350W supply: amzn.to/41CbyOu
    Metal Screws: amzn.to/40kzpnc
    Butt Joint Connector: amzn.to/3Bajq0L
    ETOP Contact Information:
    AliExpress ETOP 150 feet kit: www.aliexpress...
    Alibaba ETOP: www.alibaba.co...
    ETOP email: sales03@etop-led.com

КОМЕНТАРІ •

  • @frankie53250
    @frankie53250 Рік тому +1

    Hey Dan . Im installing a system similar this but it comes with a transformer and controller already all wired up and ready to plug n play . It's 48v system so they say you don't need power injection unless it's over around 250ft. I want to use a different controller and app but I have no idea what controller will work best and a nice user friendly working app

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Рік тому +1

      Interesting, I have not seen 48V systems (I am relatively new to this). A 48V system would allow much more power to be transmitted down a long run with minimal voltage drop.
      I have been impressed with the WLED software running on the ESP32 processor. You could check: wasatchpixels.com and drzzs.com both have WLED/ESP32 controllers.

  • @mblogler
    @mblogler 6 місяців тому +3

    Can I just say that I really appreciate the scientific approach you are taking in your build! Any future improvements planned?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you. The system as described in the last video is still running and has been working well. I did add a small system to a shed in my backyard that is WiFi connected and that took a little work to get going reliably.

  • @prabhnoorkang1171
    @prabhnoorkang1171 2 місяці тому +2

    Hey I bought the 200ft kit from estop, had a question about the power injection. The kit comes with a 50M wire would that be enough for 4 power injection? Assuming power injection every 45ft I would need 45ft+90ft+135ft+180= 450ft so that how much wire I would need ?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  2 місяці тому

      What gauge of wire did they include? Mine was about 18AWG which I think is kind of small. My install was probably excessive for power injection :) I purchased 14AWG and primarily used that. Is your install a single run of 200 feet? I believe most installs use a single additional power injection wire and tap into it multiple times. If you were to do that, I would not feel comfortable with 18AWG.

    • @prabhnoorkang1171
      @prabhnoorkang1171 2 місяці тому +1

      @ thanks for the reply, so yes it’s a straight 200ft run, starting from the junction box at one side of the house to the other side. They are including 50M 3 core RVV wire, I think I will purchase a 2pin 200ft 14AWG as you recommended but my question now is what would you to tap into the wire multiple times ? They include t connector but how would you continue the run ?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  2 місяці тому

      Have you received your parts? In my kit, there were several strings of LEDs that included tap wires. This made connecting to the power cable straightforward. See attached picture: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qSK9OTcvAdvvF8vqaAScbaQUEciBOTVQ?usp=sharing

    • @prabhnoorkang1171
      @prabhnoorkang1171 2 місяці тому +1

      ⁠​⁠@@DanPattenAudioG33kHey haven’t revived them yet still on the way but wanted to figure it out before it arrives.
      I checked out the picture so yes that’s where it would be tapped but then how would you continue the 14awg wire to the next injection point ? Thanks in advance

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  2 місяці тому

      I cut the 14AWG wire, twisted back together with the tap leads added. Used this "Butt Joint Heatshrink Connectors with Integral Solder" How is that for a name? Really quite handy part. Using a heat gun, the wires are soldered and sealed in one step.
      Link: amzn.to/3Bajq0L

  • @prabhnoorkang1171
    @prabhnoorkang1171 Місяць тому +1

    Hey i purchased 200ft kit from etop and having a issue with the last 3 tracks saying blue. first it was only the last track reminding blue then I added 2 more track in the middle of the system now the last 3 tracks are remaining blue, what can be the issue ?
    Is this something to do with Surplife app configuration setting ?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Місяць тому

      Have you set the total number of LEDs in your string? In "settings" there is page called "Num of lights setting" where you need to configure LEDs per segment and how many segments.

    • @prabhnoorkang1171
      @prabhnoorkang1171 Місяць тому +1

      @ thanks for the reply, ya I’ll give it a try. How would I know how many segments there are ?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Місяць тому

      @@prabhnoorkang1171 Segments are a programming style issue. I would start with one segment and then enter in total number of LED pucks.

    • @prabhnoorkang1171
      @prabhnoorkang1171 Місяць тому

      @ ok thanks for your help, and to confirm you don’t think this is a signal issue? as although there is multiple power injections this is all on 1 run for the signal.

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Місяць тому

      Sounds like your LED number setting is wrong. Did you try adjusting the setting? This would be my first guess.

  • @scottlosee6091
    @scottlosee6091 Рік тому +1

    Nice investigative work, Dan! I wonder why Zengge is limiting the power. You probably don't care, since you now have created your own, but it would be interesting to know why.

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Рік тому

      Good question. Maybe they designed for a particular LED or module that does not have thermal capability or enough current capability. It is odd.

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Рік тому +1

      I'll attempt to contact Zengge and see if they have any input.

  • @jefffitzgerald1948
    @jefffitzgerald1948 2 місяці тому +1

    Great videos! After watching your videos i decided to purchase the etop 150ft kit. Just curious if you've had any issues with heat since switching to the new controller. I'm just curious what gauge wire comes with the kit and whether it's sufficient enough?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  2 місяці тому +1

      I am guessing supplied wire was 18AWG. I think this is too small for a single long run. I purchased 14AWG for the long run.

  • @_jmiz_
    @_jmiz_ 2 місяці тому +1

    Do you still have the LED specs from the manufacturer? When I emailed ETOP about the 24v system they said the LEDs were .74 watts. I like that yours are almost 1 watt.

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  2 місяці тому

      I never got an actual specification sheet. I was informed via email that they were 0.9W which I was able to confirm.

  • @glm4955
    @glm4955 9 місяців тому +1

    Hi Dan, excellent videos and thanks for posting.. I'm doing a exact similar installation. Couple of questions, did you resolve the peak portion of the track installation in video 1? Did you buy or fabricate the end caps? Any issue with data line and need of a booster?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  9 місяців тому

      Thanks for kind comments. The manufacturer supplied end caps and corner pieces. I still need to make peak pieces. I have not had any problems with the data (no data booster needed). I am still running with what I detailed in the video except I did make my own carrier for the ESP32.

  • @mstefan800
    @mstefan800 Рік тому +1

    Hey I’m having the same issue with that controller. It seems like the brightness is a lot higher with the preset effects vs making your own patterns for some reason. I contacted the supplier about this and the white control. Nothing was resolved due to language barrier

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Рік тому

      I am going to attempt contacting them about this issue. Really is odd to limit data stream like they are. You will never be able to obtain full brightness and full color spectrum. Odd.

  • @HopeJackson-y3d
    @HopeJackson-y3d 3 місяці тому +1

    Hey Dan, I'm fairly new to this and I am looking to install this product on my home. When it comes to the power supply itself, and connecting everything to it, is there a simpler solution/setup to this product or is it absolutely necessary to have the enclosure, with the fuse box, etc.? I am really just looking to hook this up on my home in a safe, and simple manner as a beginner. Thanks for your help! :)

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  3 місяці тому

      Not necessary to use the fancy enclosure :) The enclosure does prevent accidental exposure to 120VAC. If you are doing a smaller system that uses a laptop type power supply (no exposed high voltage) you would be just fine. What controller/power supply you planning on using?

  • @DawtComm
    @DawtComm Рік тому +1

    Do you have images of your latest look on the house with the power upgrade you mention? Thinking of going arduino as a controller with wled preprogrammed.

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  Рік тому +1

      I have not taken any still photos of the difference. However, it is a dramatic difference. I now have much wider color choices and the LEDs are much brighter. I am currently just running all white and only have them turned to maybe 75%. I'll take a couple of phots.

  • @paulvandril8580
    @paulvandril8580 4 місяці тому +1

    Hi Dan, I have learned a great deal from your videos. I have installed two systems on the house but I want to take advantage of the brighter leds. If I ordered the 12v Wasatch Pixels Duo Controller do I need the converter? If so do you have item number for the dc to dc converter?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  4 місяці тому

      Thank you. If it were me, I would get the 5V Duo controller and use an external switching regulator to drop down from 12V to 5V. This will reduce heat on the ESP32. However, I believe Wasatch has new version of the Duo that has integrated switching regulator (rather than old linear type). Not sure on the model number for new version. If the new version is available, no need to worry about external switching DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter link is in the video description.

    • @paulvandril8580
      @paulvandril8580 4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for getting back to me. I ordered the 12v version and hope that does the trick. Your video gave me the confidence to install the system and now have friends asking for my help. Thanks again

    • @paulvandril8580
      @paulvandril8580 4 місяці тому +1

      @@DanPattenAudioG33k I ordered the 12v unit. I will give in a try. Does the unit come with an app to control it or are you using the WLED app??

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  4 місяці тому

      @@paulvandril8580 I am using WLED to control the ESP32.

  • @shawnbk1
    @shawnbk1 2 місяці тому +1

    What chip type did you use in wled?

  • @rickyciaccia1061
    @rickyciaccia1061 3 місяці тому +1

    I'm going to be starting my install soon and have purchased etop lights and the Wasatch Pixels Quad+ Controller. I was curious on what app you are using to control everything.

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  3 місяці тому +1

      I am using WLED. It has been working well for me.

    • @rickyciaccia1061
      @rickyciaccia1061 3 місяці тому +1

      @DanPattenAudioG33k what size screws did you use to go into your aluminum soffit? I'm thinking of going with #8 X 1" hex head tapper

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  3 місяці тому

      This is what I used:
      amzn.to/40kzpnc
      It is a #8x1" quick metal self tapping screw.

    • @rickyciaccia1061
      @rickyciaccia1061 3 місяці тому +1

      ​@DanPattenAudioG33k Thanks I was looking at something similar but I was worried about the stainless and aluminum causing galvanic corrosion..I'm still on the fence

    • @rickyciaccia1061
      @rickyciaccia1061 3 місяці тому +1

      Just received my order and I must say it looks good...I even had them donit in a custom color and still was here in 10 days. Just asking of you had any issues with anything so far that I should be aware of or shouldn I do anything special with the track during installation?

  • @badnam008
    @badnam008 3 місяці тому +1

    Hi Dan, I am having trouble understanding how you've everything hooked up in the junction box. I've able to understand most of it, however there are multiple red wires coming from the left power supply going into the fuse box. Are these coming from the power supply or are these from the 3 power injection strands?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  3 місяці тому +1

      These power supplies have multiple connection points (4 positive and 4 negative). They are all in parallel. So there are 4 wires red and 4 wires green that are smaller gauge instead of one bigger wire. Does that help?

    • @stevemartin7760
      @stevemartin7760 3 місяці тому +1

      @@DanPattenAudioG33k Did you find that it was useful to run individual Red wires for taps, or could you have just used one wire and tapped off of that one as needed? Can the power supply handle that; all the voltage and amperage from one connection point off of the Power Supply?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  3 місяці тому

      @@stevemartin7760 The separate power supply wires (tap wires) ran in parallel with the LEDs (in the channel) are a pair. You need a positive and negative wire and the gauge of this wire needs to be pretty heavy. I used a 14AWG red/black pair. I believe a lot of people's installation problems are due to not having adequate gauge power supply wires.

    • @stevemartin7760
      @stevemartin7760 3 місяці тому +1

      @@DanPattenAudioG33k I mean, for your individual taps you shows on your home. did you run a red and black pair to each section. I think you did. Or in hindsight, do you think you could have just run one pair of red and black and tapped into it as needed. does that make sense? for instance, it looks like you ran three or four pair of power wires to the one side of your house. could you have just run one pair and used that one pair as needed for your taps?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  3 місяці тому +1

      @@stevemartin7760 Got ya. What I did was overkill. I probably would have been just fine with the single 14AWG wire running in parallel and tapped into it a couple of times. So I would have had two runs of the parallel wire. One for each side of my house.

  • @maikoovergaauw5093
    @maikoovergaauw5093 5 місяців тому +1

    what is that hat on the esp32 you use? It is not mentioned in the shopping list above?

    • @DanPattenAudioG33k
      @DanPattenAudioG33k  5 місяців тому

      It is made by Wasatch Pixels. wasatchpixels.com/product/wasatch-duo-controller/