THE BEST Soldering Tutorial - LED Strips and More - Complete Walkthrough

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

🚨 AMAZON’s BEST DEALS (updated daily): bit.ly/3VWZKVS ☑ Check out my sponsor to begin your FREE 14 day trial to Aura: aura.com/chrismaher Good quality solder makes ALL the difference. The one that was recommended to me and what I use in this video is widely considered to be the best on the market. It has a flux core which has eliminated the need for me to add flux separately. All solder is not created equally and your experience soldering will more than likely be very different than what is shown in this video if you are using something else. The other thing to mention that I forgot to cover in the video is that a clean tip is very important so make sure to clean often. (links below) Best Solder: amzn.to/3r6smMA Tip Cleaner: amzn.to/4bNcFiU Wire Stripper: amzn.to/3x9RGF0 Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3BKMlWv OR amzn.to/3jxx1mB Solder Smoker Absorber: amzn.to/3Kx6K4T OR amzn.to/3rbHCYp Helping Hands: amzn.to/3v19YG3 Colored Silicone Wires: amzn.to/3Keoel3 Black and Red Silicone Wires: amzn.to/3DTFARN Heat Shrink Tubing: amzn.to/3733zSH ESP8266 Board: amzn.to/3DMYFVT ESP32 Board: amzn.to/3jkvdwM LED Lights: amzn.to/37t5OP6 LED Lights AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnBQWTD Spotless Regular LED Diffuser Channel 1m Amazon: amzn.to/47aIujz Spotless Regular LED Diffuser Channel 2m Amazon: amzn.to/3QoHeDb Spotless Corner Diffuser 1m Amazon: amzn.to/3DFhRpf Spotless Corner Diffuser 2m Amazon: amzn.to/3Krqw2q ============================= Support My Channel Directly: Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ChrisMaherDIY Buy me a Coffee: paypal.me/ChrisMaherDIY ============================== LED Tutorials: Installing WLED on esp32: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6mkiK2Dm9Kqh5o Installing WLED on esp8266: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommyfpxtiLKjp9U Link to some of my full DIY LED how-to project videos: LED Board and Batten Accent Wall: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGKWh3-fgJx0hbc LED Music Visualizer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWWoq39_Zst5pLM LED Baseboard Trim: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5ybeaF9rcuEp5I RGB Lamp Hack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3-zg5Jvbd1_h7s Corner LED Light using Pex pipes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHrFha2LeZd4as0 DIY Govee Glide using only paper: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGqvpJyHdrd5l9U Simple Corner LED Project: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHOYeaSNnbKLhNE DIY Customizable Light Up Images: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKLCq6V7mMeLfqc LED Strip Diffuser Ideas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmqQl5yNn7VnaLs DIY Hexagon Project: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmrbeKx4acabr7s DIY Edge Lit Designs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpC3pXuhd6dmrKM DIY Black Acrylic Floating Shelves: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJTWhICqi8SippI Unboxing Videos: Best Diffuser Channels (same ones used in this video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4SuoJJ-mbCJj6M Lytmi Neo 2.0: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaXLXniaesuGn9U Govee Lyra Floor Lamp: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHeniq1pbL-ijrc Govee Glide Hexa Panels: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3W8hqmcmMpnqq8 Govee Glide Light Bars: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2TNe6ybYsuMpa8 The best way to help support my channel is to like, comment, make sure your subscribed and share my videos with as many people as you can. The other way is to use my links above as I get a small % at no extra cost to you if you buy something. Thank you all for the support!

[@josephpk4878]

I don't know how many LED soldering videos I've watched, where the person either has the camera across the room, or has their hands over the piece while they're working on it. This is exactly what I wanted to see. Thank you.

[@jameskimball762]

Thats because he understands professional video making! Well said, and well done.

[@2ndPlayr]

Hands down the chillest, easiest and most understandable tutorial I've seen so far on soldering. I learned something about myself while watching and the soldering right after. Thanks you so very much for this Chris!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Lol you are very welcome and thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you liked the video! I appreciate the kinds words as well!

[@MrQueSientes]

Agreed

[@j_cruz_56deuce26]

@@ChrisMaherDIYBest video I’ve seen , I tried the link for the solder gun and it’s no longer in stock . Is there another link you recommend .

[@el_jaliskillo4417]

True shit

[@el_jaliskillo4417]

What temperature do you use

[@Lady_Hiccups]

Adding the part about the protective coating at the end really completes the video! I just bought some that has it without realizing. Glad to know it's so simple to remove.

[@barrettready1713]

By far the best wire soldering video this is so helpful well worth a follow for this

[@nancypakou]

Chris I legit used to solder circuits boards for a living. In my expert opinion, this is a great tutorial!

[@dragon_storm_4830]

Omg, this video has made me feel so much more confident in doing some soldering with my current project. Thank you so much.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome and thank so much for watching! Glad the video was helpful!

[@fanaticdavid]

I want to get started with WLED but soldering is still a foreign thing to me. I'm saving this tutorial for later because it's simple, thorough, well-illustrated and well-explained. Thank you so much!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! My biggest advice is to get good solder. That will make all the difference!

[@jimmyyxe]

Thank you for this. I need to learn to create some new art and this has me feeling better about trying to solder it all myself

[@prilealsilva]

Just finished connecting two strips for my gaming room/office. Very tense because it was basically my first time doing this. But cannot thank you enough for all the tutorials.

[@jeremylawson6648]

duuuuude this might be exactly what i’ve been looking for including the other light boxes and stuff. love it

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and glad you liked the video!! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@vangeeson]

Thanks to this tutorial i overcame a frustration soldering LED strips and it enabled me to mass produce a little DIY Simracing gadget.

[@DaveDolphinOK]

This really is the BEST soldering tutorial... can confirm

[@jasminec.s.3977]

This KZbinr is great at explaining the topic of "how to solder", I would like to see more on the history and what made it (i.e. soldering) so popular & who came up with this idea 💡 I never understood how soldering worked, but this video made me understand things a little more clearly regarding the technique of soldering and why soldering is used, after watching this great video... Plus, the announcer had a very clear and smooth narration voice! The background music also had a nice, relaxing & good vibe to it!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words!! Yeah that would be fun to know! More of the history. But glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@tookitogo]

If you really want to understand electronics soldering well, I wholeheartedly recommend this series (about an hour in total, an hour WELL spent!) from Pace Worldwide, a manufacturer of superb soldering equipment. They used to offer soldering training (mostly for the defense electronics industry), which is what these videos were created for. They’re old, but IMHO unparalleled in their clarity and how they not only explain what to do, but why to do it, and what to look for as you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHq3ZaWXa7KiZtU&pp=iAQB The series is also available in a few other languages, and there are also further series on repair and rework.

[@dluik]

Great vid and i have now successfully soldered my first LED strip thanks to this. I made the mistake of using a fine pointed tip on my iron but then swapped it over to a flat head like you use and it worked perfectly. I am in the UK so your suggested product links I had to reverse into a UK equivalent. Maybe you can update your affiliate links to make a bit of cash from us UK viewers that want to follow your steps. Happy to share the products I purchased from Amazon UK. Massive thanks again for the great vid!

[@salsal435]

You are really getting good at making these videos. Thank you!!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much! Appreciate the support buddy!

[@jordanrininger9212]

New to this and was very frustrated trying to solder my LED strips..... watched your tutorial and nailed it the very next try. thanks a ton :)

[@MS-gn4gl]

Hands down the best of those tutorials on here. No fluff trash nonsense.

[@tensiondriven]

I'd love a video about what to do when something goes wrong - common problems / solutions - for example, on small LED strips, what to do when the copper pads burn off.

[@bradsanders407]

Too bad there wasn't anything saying what to do if you dont have a professional grade soldering iron when you only have a couple of strips to solder.

[@Shakes_The_Clone]

Chris, this was outstanding. Thank you simplifying what all the other soldering videos I’ve watched have made into a convoluted nightmare.

[@onearmfrog]

This needs to be the first result on KZbin. Period. Such a good tutorial. Thank you for this 🙏

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks souch for watching and glad you like it!!

[@JoeyArispe]

thank you so very much!! you have a calming voice as well.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome and thank you for watching! I'm glad you liked the video!

[@whatsupwithsteve]

Awesome! I've been doing simple led strips on my custom cabinet projects and have always wanted to branch out into something like this! Your videos are great and invaluable for anyone who might want to play with this, thanks..:)

[@oldyellaltz2055]

Great job on the video helped me understand more on soldering thanks a lot 👍🏻

[@Bfiggy0527]

Omg Thank you. I have been struggling to solder for such a long time. Thank you again.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome! Glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@leightonlawrence8832]

I got it first try after watching this. Thanks breh

[@maekee]

Thanks, this gave me the courage to try myself

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Awesome! Hopefully it went good for your first time! For sure took me a while to get comfortable but now Its pretty simple!

[@MarkGhali]

close-up of this is a amazing! Thank you

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Appreciate the love and glad you liked the video!

[@GabesITCorner]

Thanks to your tutorial, I improved my soldering skills. Good job!

[@FahimRaiyan21]

You're the best man..." You can do it" ... This line sure motivated me.. I successfully connected led strips thanks man 🥰🥰

[@budgetpact]

I thought I knew how to solder, but this video showed me so many new tricks. Thank you! Do you have any experience with or examples of scratching through the backing, and soldering wires to the strips from behind? I'm trying to press mine flush against a surface and it'd be way easier if i could pre-place everything then solder it all together 😅

[@craigjamroz7585]

THANK YOU!!! SENSEI 🙇🙇‍♂🙇‍♀ ... 😂YOU ROCK BUDDY!

[@palillo2006]

Congrats, I came here to learn how to solder, and now I want to make a LED strip project. I am not even mad. lol

[@annie655]

OMG - this project is going to be so much easier and neater now - Thanks Chris. 🍎

[@annie655]

Chris, are you left or right handed?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words! I am right handed! I dont think I stressed it enough in the video though but the solder is what makes all the difference in the world. Good luck!

[@adanascencio3924]

Great video! Thanks

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@winterpull]

Thanks so much. Just those ‘little tips’ helped immensely

[@keerohzproductions3671]

Any possibility you could make a video on how to install LEDs in a work van with a dimmer? How to tap into battery for power, what are the best materials to use, style options, etc. There is little to no videos out there at your quality. Im sure it’d be a hit with all the trades men out there using ford transit vans or even work trailers. Your channel is incredible man! Thankyou

[@JoeBurns-w9k]

Explained perfectly .. Show us more!

[@Tro25]

Thank you for a great video. I never solder before and know I feel comfortable doing it after watching your awesome tutorial.....Thanks for the links to the products you use.

[@justanothernoobe]

Bloody awesome video - I need to repair some LED strip indicators on my motorbike and have struggled with plastic strip melting etc., ... - this makes it all so bloody stupidly obvious! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thanks so much for posting this - you've no idea how helpful this is 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! I'm glad you liked the video!! You are very welcome my friend!

[@yoseflugashi9820]

Thanks for this great tutorial. I'm hoping to try soldering soon when I have some more time for some project ideas.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Your welcome buddy! Its definitely a skill I think is worthwhile learning. I was also able to fix a wire on our car that broke using some solder so its not only for led strips lol!

[@meh6953]

Thank you, for the helpful video.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome! Thanks so much for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@greennvy2905]

Very informative video. Thank you Chris.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and glad you liked the video! Appreciate the support!

[@andreiciurea6546]

I would love to see a tutorial for a 6 pin led strip. Those are probably where soldering is needed the most and I think that you would need a different technique due to how much closer the pins are. Thanks for the vid!

[@nibbit1969]

You make it look so easy! Great video!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much buddy! The solder makes all the difference!

[@nibbit1969]

@@ChrisMaherDIY As a subtitute teacher this helps a lot. Only the best for my kids!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Finally, someone explained what the heck that silver dallop is that people soldering always add 😂. I finally could understand the process instead of it looking like wizardry, lol. I don't have a soldering gun or anything but you've made this very approachable for if I do want to use one for my own LED lights. Thank you!

[@gregormartynus6178]

Are all the recommended products up to date? I’m ready to buy using your links, just want to make sure you didn’t find better products since you created the video first 😊

[@Goose6251]

Such a good video, now I can do the led projects I want to do and tailor it to what I need instead of whatever length and brand the straps come with. Thank you so much man, easily earned sub

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! I'm glad you liked the video!

[@Chief_Warthog]

Hi Chris great upload, I have a problem when trying to solder. When i try the solder just makes little balls and never stick, Any ideas what i`m doing wrong? Thanks

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Hmm, great question! What type of solder are you using?

[@Chief_Warthog]

@@ChrisMaherDIY Sorry i forgot i`d ask you this, I don`t know it does not have any branding on it. I bought it as a kit soldering iron and solder Thanks for the reply.

[@swaggerchri5]

Excellent, simple, well explained video.

[@holdemNE1]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting.

[@colin7415]

Brilliant video, thank you. Question: I'm using separate flux and solder, it is easier using a combined product?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and great question! So I actually have never tried the separate flux and solder. When trying to solder for the first time I just searched for what solder to use and the stuff I linked in the video is what so many people said was hands down the best solder they had ever used so that is what I started with and have had no problems at all. So my guess is using flux and solder would more than likely be a similar experience from what I have had with the combined option but that is coming form someone who has not done it the way you are doing. Are you having any trouble doing it your way or is it pretty easy and things flow and stick like they should?

[@puneetgoyal500]

Thank you so Much for a detailed video. I tried and it worked So happy Thanks ❤️

[@papaidolatrine2499]

Thank you! Great help

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome and thanks so much for watching!

[@Taner-Aydın]

I have a few questions. 1) Instead of using a 5 volt adapter, is it okay if we connect the mobile phone adapter from the mini usb input of the ESP 32 and give it voltage? 2) When we use a telephone adapter, is there a need to apply voltage to other points of the module? 3) How many pins of ESP32 did you connect the green wire to?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching! So I have successfully powered the esp device using an old phone charger which would eliminate the need for the converter. You could then just power the led strip directly with the 12v power. You would still need to connect the gnd to the gnd of the 12v power supply though. I just connected the green data wire to 1 pin of the esp32 module. I believe it was the d4 or d2 pin.

[@captainog5509]

I have been looking at soldering videos all day today and by far this is the best one I have seen! Thank you for this!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it! You are very welcome!

[@psyfusion]

Best tutorial I’ve seen yet, always looking for good videos to send to folks when they ask for help and Tin outta Tin on this video😉 You definitely LED us through the processes.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words! Glad you liked the video and that means a lot! Thanks so much for the support!

[@brucecraighead8528]

A great video thank you for sharing, it has been very helpful

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Awesome! I'm glad you liked it and thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@MrQueSientes]

Excellent how to video. I love how detailed, thorough and concise your explanations were. It always helps to go step by step instead of jumping to the finished product. It's very helpful to someone like me who likes to follow steps in a certain progression in order to make things work. I also enjoyed the close up. I am a visual person so the close ups definitely helped. I will certainly be subscribing to your other videos. Great job and thanks for creating!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video and glad it was helpful! I'll keep making them! Thanks buddy!

[@chefbennyj]

Thanks Chris! Another great video!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Your welcome and thanks so much for watching! Appreciate the support buddy!

[@RodzChris]

great video and easy to follow, just having trouble myself when going to attach the wires to the already tinned led strip, the copper pads come off from the led strip with the wire ATTACHED, not sure if im leaving my iron on too long. Can i still solder the wire onto the strip with no top copper pad, having trouble having my solder stick to the strip with no pad, would flux help me with this problem thanks any help

[@davidgusky2391]

Chris, I'm wanting to create a wildfire scene at night. Unlike a campfires, the colors are mostly orangy-red and flickering slightly. I have photos of what I'm trying to accomplish. Thanks for sharing your work on the channel!

[@bluetorch13]

You are my favorite channel this year! awesome videos. One quick tip that I see you completely ignored: Use flux! that will change your soldering life.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad you are liking the videos! Appreciate the kind words buddy! Are you able to see if the solder I'm using has flux? It says this in the description: Core / Flux Type: Rosin Core / 44 Flux (3.3%) amzn.to/3HIRjod

[@bluetorch13]

@@ChrisMaherDIY you need to apply flux to the contacts with a little brush and to the wire before you apply heat+solder wire, it will flow super nice and quicker (so less heat time needed, less chances to melt/damage), also less chances of cold solder joints.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

@@bluetorch13 thanks again! Do you have a flux that you recommend?!

[@nathan80999]

I agree with bluetorch. As soon as I started using flux, my soldering become much better, quicker, and easier. I got some from harbor freight a long time ago at beginning of pandemic when supplies were low. I don't suggest it, but it's better than only what comes in the solder.

[@paulbrown2941]

Great videos Chris, I'm not sure which pin to use for data on my ESP32 board, mine doesn't have a D2 or D4 printed on the board? The pin on my board says G15? Any ideas thanks

[@lphavisuals.7046]

I've got the same issue. Any update?

[@DennisWarner]

Chris, awesome video on how to solder wires together. I’ve always been afraid of trying soldering but with this tutorial I’m buying all the supplies and giving it a try. Thanks again.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

That's awesome!! Hope the experience is a good one for you! I'm sure after a few practice tries you will have perfected the art!

[@DennisWarner]

@@ChrisMaherDIY lol. I had a Nanoleaf strip (with six pins) and I tried this today. The reason I said I “had” is because 6 pins are to close together and I messed it up bad. I did the wires really good.

[@uhN0id]

Amazing tutorial! Been a long time since I've soldered anything so this was a great technique video. I was using those little plastic clamps for connecting my strips and they kept causing flickering down the line and when I squeeze the clip I can see it stop and the strips even get brighter so I am hoping this will be the fix!

[@TheGuillemBA]

Thanks for these tips :)

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

You are very welcome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@thailandretromods]

Chill. Short helpful. Perfect

[@frankperfecto1059]

The two soldering irons you put in the description ,are good and same quality? Im ready to order the tools. Also what are the differences in ESP32 30P and ESP32 38P? Also what is AWG in the silicon wires?(which AWG do i pick?) Just gotta look for the right leds now and help with the questions .

[@paulierox7341]

excellent tutorial!! I am the worlds worst solderer lol.. Lots of useful techniques

[@kelgar1]

Thank you, this really helped me out 🎉

[@PabloJM93]

Great mate! Really helpful

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Glad it was helpful!

[@vman4220]

Man your videos are so awesome thanks so much

[@HughsReviews]

I’m looking to add lighting to a small wall mounted display cabinet and I want to use Govee strips because they’ve worked great for me elsewhere but they don’t make strips in the 15-18 inch range I need. I want full customizability so each row is a different color. But I can’t find that from Govee. I’m open to all suggestions! But I want something that’s gonna last and work great.

[@SunDevilThor]

I just tried soldering for the first time and sucked horribly at it. But now after re-watching your video, I feel like I will be a bit better next time. I knew the trick about tinning both the gun and wire, but I missed the part of holding the gun under the wire until it was heated up enough to take the solder from the top. I also did not try the push in method from the edge of the strip. Hopefully now, I'll get it work and not want to rip my own hair out.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and thanks for the comment! Yeah, in my experience, the type of solder you use makes the biggest difference in the world. The one I use in this video came highly recommended and has been amazing to work with!

[@rayalapisco7043]

Hey Chris, do you ever have issues with connecting to WIFI on these boards? I have 2 esp32 boards in separate rooms and it seems like I can only get one at a time to connect in the WLED app. I have to go into the WiFi the board is sending out to control the other. I’ve tried a WiFi extender and wiping the board and reinstalling WLED and I’m still having issues.

[@darkpharaoh542]

Alright I got all the things - most of it from the links in this video - I have the same Kester solder and soldering iron. I am excited to add this to my minimal skillset. Any guidance on temp settings for the iron?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and that's exciting! Appreciate the support buddy! I generally have my iron between 550 and 600 degrees F. Seems to work well for me around those temps!

[@-djs]

Great tutorial Chris, when I first got into LEDs I pulled apart an old broken VCR and practiced soldering on that till I was ok... Ish! That last video using the SK6812'S was great and I'm definitely going to use them instead of my old rgbww analogue strips I've just binned, but for the areas where I don't need a warm white I've been looking at the new SK9822 strips, apparently they don't suffer so much voltage dropping problems but they also have clock as well as data, do you know if having that clock connection means I'll have more control over the speeds? Or is it something else?. Appreciate your thoughts.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Practice makes perfect! Even though I still don't love to solder, its not as bad as I built it up to be in my head lol. I'll have to take a look at those new SK9822 strips! I see they have the 4 pin setup with the clock connection. I did a quick google and have no more idea now than I did 10 minutes ago on what the benefits of the clock connection or how it would be used. There has to be some reason its there and some way that makes it better! I'm going to keep trying to learn about it to see if its something that would work good on new projects! Thanks as always buddy!

[@-djs]

@@ChrisMaherDIY Ha ha, that's exactly what I've been doing! I'm sure somewhere on google we'll find the answer, Thanks Chris.

[@carolinacabrera747]

Clean explanation and straight to the point, excellent video!

[@youthio86]

What are you using to house the circuit boards in please. I keep pinching my partners tupperware containers. I'd like something a bit better. Now ordered led lighting for my kitchen project ☺ so this video will come in handy.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Lol tupperware! That's actually a good idea! One other thing you can use that I've seen others recommend is soap boxes. They come in many different colors and sizes! amzn.to/3DWS63e Let me know how your project turns out! I'd love to see the finished results! I'm wanting to do something in our kitchen as well!

[@ale_pil_9277]

Hi Chris, thank you so much for your videos, they are very helpful and well explained. I have a question about welding. With this type of LED strip every 50 cm they have a soldered connection. Currently for my project I would have to divide the 5m into two strips of 2.5m each. Reconnect the two strips as you did in another video with the Govee M1 strip, is it possible? Is it necessary to insert an additional power injection after connection?. Thank you in advance for your kind reply.

[@itsratso.]

nice video. i bought a soldering kit and have started practicing. one question that seems to have multiple conflicting answers? can this be used to connect ANY brand or type of led strip? specifically i want to turn corners with govee rgbic strips (the three conductor type). there are some people that say you can cut and splice rgbic, some say you can't, some say you can with the regular rgbic but not the rgbic pro, i know you have cut and spliced the m1. it would seem like electricity doesn't know the difference between a copper pad and a cut copper pad connected together with a wire, should it?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks for watching and great question! So in my experience, I would say you can cut and solder wires to any govee led strip and it should work just fine. Like you said, electricity doesn't know the difference. Every time I have cut a govee strip and soldered them back together using wires it has worked. Now I'm sure if you try for example putting 30 or 40 feet of wire in-between the 2 sections then maybe you would notice something just from the voltage having to travel all that distance but I don't think it would be noticeable with smaller sections of wire length if that makes sense.

[@SpyrhoTheOneManArmy]

Hi Chris I'm trying to solder philips hue light strips but they have 5 pins so hard to solder them cuz the pins so close to each other I also have an issue with solder feels like the pen temprature dips and the verry end tip seems to not get hot? you got any tips?

[@MrGetYouLoud]

Another great video, I’m definitely subscribed now! I had a quick question for you when you have a minute, I started a car audio and electronics channel a few months back when my wife and I closed our mobile audio/video shop after about 10 years in business, so I’m fairly familiar with electronics, soldering etc. but I was wondering if the ESP 32 module comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or just Wi-Fi, I am looking to use it in my vehicle after plugging it into the computer etc. because of the better options that WLED offers compared to the chintzy modules out there. I did notice that it mentions that it is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable I believe but I can’t find anywhere that says whether or not it is built-in I don’t mind adding a module to it I just want to make sure I order everything that I need! Anyways hit me back when you get a second thanks again man, And keep up the great work!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and for the support buddy! So from my understanding is they do not have Bluetooth. However, they emit their own wifi signal that you can connect to and I'm not 100% sure since I have not tested it out but I think you could connect to the devices wifi signal and be able to control it that way. I've got this question a few times so I should really test it out and see if it does work that way since there are a lot of use cases where you will not always be able to connect it to wifi.

[@paolaome1355]

Hey Chris this is ND amazing video. My husband and I are trying a light project but so far soldering has been very hard, is there any suggestions for tip size for our soldering iron or something? Thank you!!

[@teslabolt007]

Awesome video. Can you be more specific on how you hid the wires along your wall?

[@wadetomczyk8043]

Good stuff

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you liked the video!

[@JoseCampz]

Great Video ! If i make three of these can i connect them all to the same power supply?

[@ThePerfectionist1]

Great tutorial clearer than egg whites! Appreciate you dude! Do you have the Links to all the items needed on your description? Links to the soldering machine and wire etc would be dope!

[@Evermysticdesigns]

hi Chris, im a big fan of your work and trying to get into it.. I had no experience in soldering and tried to cut and connect 5 strips by soldering exactly how you shown in your video... I came face to face with few problem number 1. Soldering tool youre using has a beveled half moon cut on it, i tried to find the same but couldn't find exactly type you're using, where did you get this one ? im using pointy one and it makes my life hell, also it doesnt really warm up through the wire down to copper plate so copper plate solder is always hard no matter how long i keep my tool over the wire on top of copper plate , so frustrating , please tell me a tip on how to avoid this headache thank you very much brother , keep posting

[@BinaryDisastr]

Sadly I can't go practice what I just learned. I'm terrible at soldering but feel like I learned enough to get better fast after watching this great tutorial. I am curious about what you use for diffuser on your larger projects like the lights on either side for the TV? 6:47 I know of the aluminum strips with diffuser for smaller stuff like the light under the TV at the same time stamp.

[@DennisWarner]

Hey Chris I’m trying to cut and solder Nanoleaf (6pin) led strip. Can I use a thinner gauge wire or do LEDS require the 18 gauge?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks as always for watching buddy! They don't require 18 gauge wires but usually the thicker the better in terms of voltage drop and safety. But i think most govee led strips use 20awg wires coming from the controller. (might even be 22awg. they are pretty thin)

[@DennisWarner]

@@ChrisMaherDIY the 6 pins were hard to solder I soldered one wire to 2 pins lol. It could be it was my first time soldering.

[@justmag9055]

Looks fun

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks again for watching!

[@MaTiCeK]

Amazing tutorial. Thank you.

[@nappyjim]

Great video. I've already had some experience soldering but I'm always nervous still and wondering if I'm doing it the right way. I have two quick questions for you. One, are you ever using flux, why or why not? My other question isn't a soldering question.. I've seen other videos where they're connecting a logic level shifter to the ESP board first. I was trying to do research but couldn't tell are the ESP 32 boards and esp8266 putting out five volts on the data pins?

[@keepitdialed]

nappy, any tips/success using flux? I'm wondering too.

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. Great questions! So I have never used flux. The solder that I use and recommend (Kester) has always seemed to work very good just as is without having to do anything else. Ive seen a lot of those videos as well and I have never used a logic level shifter and I dont think the output pin for data is 5v. As long as the data line going from the controller to the first LED is not super long, then the data signal seems to make the journey just fine. Now in some projects, when I have had a longer data line, the data signal was not strong enough so I used s little resistor which fixed the issue or just used what's called a sacrificial pixel which boosts the signal. So all that to say, its certainly not going to hurt anything using one but in my experience, they are not always needed.

[@normangoodger9047]

@Chris Maher, In this video you noted that on the ESP32 Board you connect the data wire to D2, and in the WLED APP, in LED setup you enter 2 to enable the data pin if I recall correctly, and in the sound reactive build, your wiring the D35 pin. in WLED sound setup, you enter 35. Now there are other D? pins on the ESP32 module you've been recommending in most of your videos, can you use those for added LED segments in WLED as long as they are properly powered? If you can, how many other D Pins for LED Segments can used with a single ESP32 chip and how many LED segments can be managed with WLED on one chip.. If you've done any testing or are familiar with "D" pins that would work for this, might be worth a video and some feedback here would be great. Thanks

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much for watching and great questions! You can certainly use other pins on the esp devices for connecting other led strips to. Its something I have not utilized very much so i'm still very much learning the ins and outs of it all. I did find this information helpful on the WLED page as far as recommendations: kno.wled.ge/features/multi-strip/#:~:text=For%20good%20performance%2C%20you%20can,a%20total%20of%204000%20LEDs. I'm still not sure on what's the best pins to use or if it even matters since you can assign the data pins in WLED. But at some point I do want to get more familiarized with this functionality and will for sure make a video on it!

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

Thanks, and superb. Are you using flux?

[@mpalatsi]

Love your videos! Question, is there any enclosure you'd recommend to protect the ESP32 board?

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much! I really have not used an enclosure but I know some people in videos just use like a plastic soap travel container for housing the esp board! I thought that was a great idea if needed!

[@michaelmnmnguyen]

Thank you. Great tutorial.

[@danilo352]

This is great! Thank you very much. Do you know how to combine LED strips and DMX? I’ve found ways to make all of them the same color/intensity, but I’d love to hear if you have ideas on how to work with individually addressable strips. This is for a church stage design. Thanks man!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Thanks so much! I have not played around with DMX yet but hopefully at some point I will branch out and check it out! Hopefully down the road I can be of more help on this topic!