Hello !
I have recently purchased a 4-meter long NeoPixel strip (60 LEDs per meter). My goal is to cut "mini-strips" made of 3 LEDs and reconstitute the whole strip by soldering them together.
I tested the entire strip when I received it and it worked perfectly. Also, when I cut the first 3 LEDs with the connector without soldering anything they worked. But when I connect a second "mini-strip" at the end of the first one only the first mini-strip works... And after that I desoldered the connector and resoldered it in the same place and now nothing works...
I must say that I check that the connections are made in the right order, and I also checked the input/output direction of the strip.
One of my hypothesis is that maybe the soldering temperature I use is too high and damages the LEDs (350°C). Is it possible ?
Thank you in advance.
Benoit.
Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
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- adafruit_support_rick
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
Please post clear pictures of your assembly and soldering
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
Here are the pictures ! The first one is the assembly I want to realize (with more "mini-strips", but I want to make it work with two at first ).
connector to first strip: end of first strip:
The two other pictures are photographs of the connections: connector to first strip: end of first strip:
- adafruit_support_rick
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
That should work. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of your connections. You may have a bad solder joint.
350ºC should not be too hot. In fact, it might be a little cold, if you're using lead-free solder.
350ºC should not be too hot. In fact, it might be a little cold, if you're using lead-free solder.
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
I have already checked that, the contacts are all good...
I think I will try with a new section of the strip, maybe I broke some pixels without knowing...
I think I will try with a new section of the strip, maybe I broke some pixels without knowing...
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
Ok, that seems to be it...
I have replaced the "mini-strips" and now everything works correctly !
However I have one more question: since I connect my mini-strips with wires (whose length can change), do I need the 30ohms resistor just before each "mini-strip" ?
I have replaced the "mini-strips" and now everything works correctly !
However I have one more question: since I connect my mini-strips with wires (whose length can change), do I need the 30ohms resistor just before each "mini-strip" ?
- adafruit_support_rick
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
No, you should only need one resistor between the arduino and the first mini-strip.
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Re: Problem when cutting and resoldering NeoPixel strip
Ok, everything works ! Thanks a lot for your useful advice !
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.