LED Christmas lights.

[Terranova]

I know I'm probably gonna take ding to the man card for bringing up Christmas lights on GJ, but I'm asking because I want to mod them.

I have multiple strings of red, blue, green and white LEDs that I have inherited from my FIL (RIP) with his controller software/hardware. We moved into a house a year ago and I want to customize the length of the strands to fit exactly where I want them without extra lights. I've searched, I've read, tried to learn, experimented and haven't met enough success for my liking. I'm squarely in "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" land.

Yes, there are web sites that are dedicated specifically to this subject (Christmas light displays) but they always shy away from explaining how to mod things cause either it's "too dangerous" (B.S.) or they're trying to sell you something you don't have/want.

Can anyone tell me, in no uncertain terms, how to go about shortening the lengths of LEDs I already have by using a resistor in line?

T

 

[Mustang51js]

I would think you should be able to just cut them, do they have a transformer on them built in to the plug or is it straight 120volts.

 

[ForceFed70]

It's not easy. Most strands are made in a series parallel configuration. You'd need to shorten it in sections. If removing a section doesn't give you the perfect length, you'll need to start replacing lights with a correctly sized resistor.

I wouldn't attempt to modify your light strands.

 

[The Cobbler]

I've seen rope lights that could be cut at predetermined locations , but any string sets I've seen are integral . no idea about calculating resistor values

 

[paranoid56]

wrap extra lights in electrical tape so you dont see them easy.