Permanent Holiday Lights | Permatrack | WLED

[@JamieStuff]

I'm glad to see a "regular" length video. While I love it when I can catch a live stream live, I rarely have time to watch an hour (or more) long video.

[@nickbailey202]

Oh man, after the debacle of three Christmases ago where I bought everything, yet couldn't get anything at all to work, I swore I'd never come back to this idea again. Idea again. But now all this progress you've made makes me want to try again! You're a criminal mastermind sir.

[@ESmith]

I can’t watch these two hour long marathon videos my guy. 18 min is perfect.

[@kevincostner8536]

Glad do see you returning with the “normal” videos. Sadly i’m no have much time to catch those lives hahaha. Thanks Doc. Greetings from Brazil.

[@DrZzs]

Thanks. I’m doing my best. I don’t care what anyone says, I thought Waterworld was a decent movie.

[@kevincostner8536]

@@DrZzs HAHAHAHAHAHA 😂 agree!!

[@Nighteyez21]

@@DrZzs Yea, Waterworld was decent, but still not on par Street Fighter or Mario Bros

[@EsotericArctos]

Nice update video. I haven't seen many new updates to "holiday LEDs" so it's nice to see it done :) One thing I will note, from a safety perspective, I would not use multiple fuses on the same circuit. 1 circuit should be on one fuse. If something shorts, multiple fuses would need to blow before the power was cut and you could end up with smoke and flames before that happens. It's like wiring in your home, 1 circuit goes to one breaker, same with your LED's, 1 circuit per fuse :)

[@softballbyfat]

I'm glad I found your channel. This will be my project for 2023.

[@motorsportguy]

Perfect timing! I was just planting to add “professional” Christmas lights for next year. Got holiday lights quoted for my last house and was like ekk!. Now I have a project that is for all holidays Bs just one!!! Thanks!! Woohoo

[@arcadioferrer8850]

Out of all the videos that I have seen this had been the best video to explain what to do with the lights , Thanks to you now I know where to go to buy and do it at my house.Thank you for that. Looking forward to see more videos.

[@DrZzs]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dmac2269]

You have really made this as easy as possible! Love your videos

[@DrZzs]

Thanks so much 😊

[@pmf5427]

I'm very happy your update includes/suggests renting a lift. Was the best decision I made when I mounted my lights based on your original video.

[@DouglasFish]

Imagine if we had WLED years ago! and congrats on finding a way to monetize on this. That controller board is legit as well

[@louisviciedo]

Dr Zzs, you have really made this as easy as possible! Love all your videos & look forward to them

[@DrZzs]

So glad!

[@TheJugg1er]

Just finished installing Permatrack on my own house. Looks great, and all ready for Halloween!

[@cartmanbruh23]

I understand the title has the word 'permanemt' in it but does it really mean that you don't take it down after the holiday season? Dumb question but it's one of the evaluation criteria for me..

[@TheJugg1er]

@@cartmanbruh23 yes, it stays up all year. No need to take anything down. It’s designed to be put up once and left alone.

[@rickyticky6915]

Maybe you can answer this question, I live in a gated community and I’ve looked at other company and they were so much more $ but the pixels were flat so you couldn’t see it from the street. How does the aesthetic look on these? How close (feet) before it’s becomes noticeable that there’s lights?

[@TheJugg1er]

@@rickyticky6915 I installed mine at the back of the overhang, which means they're a little more hidden when not on, but perhaps the best answer I can give you is that my Fedex delivery guy didn't even know they were lights or even really notice them, until I pointed them out when we were chatting about something else. You need to get pretty close to see anything since it's just a quarter inch of the bulb that sticks out of the track.

[@salta199]

Sono invidioso del tuo cappello 🤩😅 WLED è fantastico ✌️👍

[@elhogue]

Great info! I wish I had known about the signal booster when I did my install last summer. It would have saved me a lot of time and a little money.

[@DrZzs]

Took me a few years to figure it out too. Thanks to Quindor for providing the solution with the data booster.

[@patrickharding8851]

@@DrZzs I dont see the data booster on the Permatrack page. Any links?

[@patrickharding8851]

I feel like I almost have the confidence to do this. My only hang up is power injection. Just not sure how and when to do it. I need to go measure where I want my lights I suppose, and figure out how many lights it is, and then decide on the power injection locations, etc... Thanks for making this much more affordable, and easier to understand for the masses. I have 4 or 5 neighbors now that have gone with the big name permanent LED companies, and they have dropped between $4k and $6k for their lights, and they still dont know how use them, and they cant do anyything nearly as fun as your systems do with WLED.

[@TristynRusselo]

you try things out first, play with it, inject at the end of long strips if they get dim at the end.

[@jeremiahworkman9159]

The end caps are great to have--prevents bees and other insects from making nests in your tracks! But, I just homemade some with some sheet metal and spray painted

[@DukeDave1]

Thank-you this is good instructions for doing this project.

[@jdsullivan21]

Thanks for all your hard work explaining this to everyone. Do you have any videos showing the difference in the bottom facing and side facing pixels at night?

[@jamesmartel4326]

Yea or side facing the house)

[@barry.anderberg]

You can also brush the data booster with silicone conformal. You could literally run it under water with that stuff. I used to use it back when I built drones so they would be safe if they landed in wet grass, fell in a pond, etc.

[@mdkreh]

Love the simplicity of this project! At the 12 minute mark, when do you need to connect power to the power injector board? Was your project small enough that it did not require additional power connected?

[@KeyBored101]

Brilliant! This will make it possible for a lot of people to get this done

[@tlm94]

11:25 when using the data booster do you not need to use power injection to boost it? Thanks in advance

[@kupua]

Dang you’re the best 🤙🏽 awesome instructions.

[@calebjpryor]

Love my permatrack! Keep the good stuff coming

[@JayNYOne]

Any thoughts on how to add some sort of diffuser so that you can't see the individual LEDs?

[@phils744]

I love you're videos, I also do the 40 thing, because it's necessary. I don't have the luxury of being "Dr Zz" earning from Healthcare, doing you're own stuff (rock on dude) I enjoyed watching converting the bug to electric. It's a different world being able to capitalize on it is great, let's not forget to grandfather people from 2016 for free

[@jagergerg9771]

That looks really good. Great video.

[@cknight44]

This helped me so much! Thanks.

[@georgewomack6588]

Awesome video. I live in Utah. The light systems here are super crazy pricy. I love your systems. I want to be an installer for you here. I got a quote for my house from a light company and it was 9K. My house is 3500 sq. ft. I want to set up my house with one of your systems. I have done yard lights on some houses.

[@DrZzs]

Email me. [e-mail]

[@OriginalRed5]

Just placed an order!! great video!!

[@MrDraper38]

What was the cost of this house? Materials and labor. Thanks

[@88hitcombo]

Exactly what I'm looking for... Even had a solution for color (since my trim is the same color as yours). But it's OUT OF STOCK on the website. ☹️

[@kewltune4683]

Your house look like solar panel installer nightmare but perfect for WLED project! =D

[@DrZzs]

amen! no south facing roof, and very steep slopes.

[@caseycardwell3308]

Did you just screw the power supply into the roof? How weather proof are these?

[@ronm6585]

Good stuff DrZzs. Thank you.

[@paulsessions9751]

Not going to lie, I think I want do this, this way also seems easier than the other ways I have seen

[@kennethbutler8271]

I want to make some leaping arches with strips, and 200 PVC what would you recommend ??

[@vinferrante3676]

GREAT video and so glad the tracks and system are easy to estimate and install. One question: If the pixels are designed for this track why so much extra wire between pixels in the track. I can understand some wire in case there is a bad pixel one day but it seems like there is a lot of wire with 2" locations.

[@jasonparker1454]

i dont think the pixels are designed for the tracks - its just the number of pixels not and individual cable length inbetween.

[@raymondknapp6247]

I am really excited about putting my house in lights. I thought I saw that there was a software package for determining number of controllers, power supplies and hardware for a whole system. Can you get me more information on this. Thank you for your help. I want to be able to put in dimensions and get information I need. Have a great day.

[@Nick-bc2lm]

Nextdoor app, people been asking for light installers. Been sharing your videos. I did this 2 years ago. Best thing I ever did. So many different themes to pick from. Only wish I could make my own and upload. Maybe there is a way? Someone chime in? Also see there are new drivers... ive gotta look into these.

[@DjSkki]

I've been watching 👀 for a while now and I think I'm ready to venture off into this new world 🌎 but I was wondering if there's a way I could speak to you either by phone and or FaceTime to get a better understanding on questions I'm hung up on??

[@DrZzs]

Ask your question in led-lighting-diy- Channel on discord! discord.gg/8gvF67h Our LED masterminds, the PixelHeads, generally hang out there and can answer your question(s) swiftly.

[@LITUPLED]

Is all this stuff certified for use in Canada from a business perspective?

[@rbjohnson78]

@DrZzs Any way you could test out the triple led modules, similar to Jellyfish Lighting. Supposedly they are much brighter.

[@jcsmith725]

Where are your 110v outlets? I want to do this (badly) rather than paying one of the companies to come do it. I did a temporary setup a couple years ago for christmas and it looked fantastic. However I want power closer to the strips so I don't have to run visible extension cords.

[@thesuperknot_]

I should have gone 12V from the beginning. Redoing my Permatrack pixels this year in the hot July sun was something else.

[@DrZzs]

Why do we do this to ourselves??!?!? I still have my original 5v pixels up from 2017. They work, I'm not gonna mess with them.

[@thesuperknot_]

@@DrZzs it required so much power injection and a low amperage and limited effects that putting up my 12V version was cathartic. But what am I gonna do with 400 5V pixels?

[@rtubedtube3938]

Hi, Very informative. Looking to do this to my house this year. Where did you place the controller and how did you hide the cables that are outside the trac especially going down to another roof line?

[@DrZzs]

Have an LED related question? Be sure to ask your question in led-lighting-diy- Channel on discord! discord.gg/8gvF67h Our LED masterminds, the PixelHeads, generally hang out there and can answer your question(s) swiftly.

[@johnfogg7858]

Nicely done!!! THANK YOU!

[@kcoop99]

Did you cover installation of the power supply and dig quad in a separate video?

[@DrZzs]

I didn't show it in detail here because the video was already getting too long. The way I have it wired up in the Test Rig is basically the same way it was installed. We just put it in a plastic box and screwed the box to the soffit too. Do you have specific question about how to connect the power supply?

[@kcoop99]

@@DrZzs don't you run all the power injections from the dig quad now? Do you prefer to "home run" the power?

[@eurovisionandfriends]

These pixel led strips can be controlled by an ESP8266/ESP32 too ? Why not using a Falcon F16 controller ?

[@DrZzs]

yes. They can be controlled by any ESP-based device and they could be controlled by a Falcon or Kulp controller. If you use a digquad (or other WLED device) you can integrate it into an xlights-based show.

[@cartmanbruh23]

Thanks for the such a detailed video. We highly appreciate. Is there a way to attach the tracks to the brick instead? I would like to install these but to the outside windows...

[@DrZzs]

you'd need to drill some holes and put masonry screws in the brick to hold the mounts. But ya, it can be done.

[@NORCALhawk8693]

Are there any issues with having the power supply and the controller in the attic with cold and hot temps during the different seasons? More worried about the high temps in the summer frying the controller

[@DrZzs]

No, shouldn't be a problem. I have a power supply and controller in my attic. I haven't measured the temperatures but it's probably not much different than being in a sealed plastic box on the eves. Inside the attic or the garage is actually a good place for power supply and controller. Hope that helps.

[@eatinglightning19]

For best results, I’d place your psu somewhere with air flow. It’ll last a lot longer.

[@NORCALhawk8693]

Yeah I’m in Idaho and the summers get to 105ish so I’d imagine the unconditioned attic would get much hotter. I currently have my whole set up on a piece of plywood in the open. Not inside a enclosure

[@MrLipi128]

What is the best way to set up a house display and then a yard display? I’m planning on having a dig uno in my attic for my house lights. Would that then communicate with a dig quad for my yard lights in my garage somehow? Thanks!

[@geanblaylock]

Id like to order a system for my house but when i email i get no response. THANKS

[@dennispedersen7460]

It sounds so much more elaborate and difficult than if you would use the Govee POL option…… or am I wrong? Govee, in my opinion is a awesome option to the Twinkly lights that, with a good long run, still has a price tag that is expensive!! And still after watching this video…. I’m confused….. what is the difference between this option and that of Govee and Twinkly?

[@jasonparker1454]

which protocol does the wireless controller uses? artnet? ACN? something different?

[@DrZzs]

It runs WLED. There are a couple options. E1.31 and/or DDP I believe.

[@Melinko7902]

I have a detached garage, any chance you have a video covering that?

[@uSlackr]

Very helpful. From what I can see you didn't show how the power injectors were run. Do you run the extra wires in the channels along side the pixels until you get to the injection point?

[@TheHardatoenail]

Can you still use bullet pixels? I already have the pixels, just ordered 150' of permatrack. Spent about 10 mins trying to get my jig right and drill into j-channel then rushed inside and ordered permatrack haha

[@ZoeyR86]

I'm doing a diy setup right now. I have 2 sets of pixels strips 60/m 1 set faces back at the wall the other face out to the street, and I'm using sk6812 RGBNW. With power injection every 2 meters. For power injection, I feed a some 14ga at 36v down the track and use small DC to DC 3A bucks converting to 5v every point. It's 15$ for a 10pcs of them on Amazon and

[@MP-lg6xh]

I have a single story with a flat roof line. I'm concerned the visible led lights might bother me. How do you feel about the side hole option on the permatrack?

[@DrZzs]

It really just depends on whether you want it shining down or out to the street.

[@Razorgirl]

Is it possible to use solar panels (like those used for fairy lights) as the power source?

[@lawmanlawreaper]

Big question how do you get the cheap labor to work ? :) what motivation tool did you find works the best?

[@bobbyvittore2420]

Where did I get your data repeater? Thanks for the tutorial.

[@JonathanRootD]

Are these bulbs easy to replace? If one bulb goes out does the whole line die?

[@DrZzs]

They are LEDs. They are supposed to last 50,000 hours. You shouldn't need to replace them ever.

[@kcoop99]

If one dies, the rest of the line will die. That's good and bad in the fact that you know which one burned out!

[@StephenWelch]

What are your thoughts on doing the downstairs overhang as project in itself for price and not getting over your head. Then coming back to do the upstairs, overhang as a separate project.

[@BrotherPeon]

I am interested in what you do for a case or cover for the power supply and controller.

[@DrZzs]

any weather proof box you can find

[@gradmihaialexandru3445]

Hello Dr Zzs I like what you made ... I like each video from you. I have allot of information to learn from you (I like). But I have a question for you: Can I do same thing with a addressable led strip (to do not see free space , I am sure yes) but cane I put for example, like in your home the 5 sectors , to start and stop after a PIR sensor see moments around the house ? to start and stop after 30-60 sec, after do not have signal ? A kind of wake-up light in the evening/at night when I'm walking near the house and I'd like it to light up the path. A kind of wake-up light in the evening/at night when I'm walking near the house and I'd like it to light up the path. To set the effects from WLED app and use the Dig-Quad ! If you think you can support me from the point of view of functionality, configuration of necessary devices (I am the electrician), and I do the settings and configurations and wiring , I would be very happy ! Please write to me or tell me how I can reach you by email or where I can write to you. I'm sure you're very busy, but I'm willing to somehow redeem your lost time by explaining and helping to get this project working (we discuss these aspects in detail in private). my email: g o i o m i h a i a l e x a n d r u around y a h o o . c o m

[@dcavaudio]

What do you recommend for open soffit applications? Ranch style home. Side of home have only fascia;2x8” to mount to.

[@dcavaudio]

GREETINGS. Just following up with my inquiry.

[@dcavaudio]

Hello….

[@davethenerd42]

How do I get a Digi Quad? Site says sold out.

[@radradryan]

Tips on pushing square pixels through permatrack with side holes?

[@JIgsaw2120]

Hey Dr. I don't have that option to adjust pixel count. I doing the 1st step now and not sure if y'all updated it. It doesn't want to move past 30 pixels why?

[@DrZzs]

The place to change the pixel count is now in the Hardware output section.

[@Xclusive615]

Jumping the wire from one peak to another peak did you just leave the pvc wife exposed or did you put it in something??

[@hernanpacheco3016]

Given the shortage of data boosters, Can I use a single Pixel as a booster about 7 feet and will give me the same results?

[@gleaminx]

I'd love it if someone went into great detail on segments.

[@frankcoffey]

The HOA did not see this coming!

[@randomgameclipz4995]

Hi, im just getting into preparing for my first vsry basic lights setup. Bought my first dig quad and wondering is the show stored on the dig quad or do i need a computer on all the time? Thanks for making the videos informative and fun.

[@Racontact]

Its stored on the dig quad, however u need a phone or computer to execute changes to the “show “. No it doesn’t need computer on at all times.

[@Smithswoodengraving]

Where did you get the data boosters from?

[@DrZzs]

I should have some in the DrZzs.com store. If I don’t now, I will soon.

[@MS-rs8le]

How much did you pay overall! $2000 or more?

[@yyyiyi]

What is the max length from data channel to first led pixel?

[@DamonBaier]

I am having a very hard time trying to get the ESP32 board to connect to my wi-fi. I purchased the Permatrack back in February and it is all up. It is all wired and has been injected with power, but I can only control the board when I am in my house. I have tried to reflash the board, but it does not seem to work for me. I can only work on this with my daughters computer as mine is a company tablet and they do not let us plug anything from the outside in to it. Is there a way that we can get together to get these amazing lights to work properly with the ESP32 board? I am surely up for a phone call or for you to be able to connect to my daughters computer to reboot the board and try your magic with it. I am really wanting to get this done ASAP as my daughter leaves for college in the next couple of weeks so we don't have that much time to get this figured out.

[@DrZzs]

Sounds like wifi signal strength problem. Reflashing won’t change that. Which controller are you using? I’d recommend the external antenna version. If that’s what you already have then would it be possible to run an Ethernet cable to where your controller is? Or can you move the controller closer to your wifi router or to a place where you can run an Ethernet cable?

[@DamonBaier]

@@DrZzs I do not believe it is a signal strength problem. I say that as I have both of my garage door openers on my wi-fi network along with my ring camera. All of those devices are alomst exactly as far away from the router as the controller is. I also have taken the ESP32 board downstairs in my basement and tried to set it up again within 5 feet of the router and it still does not seem to connect to it. I do have the external antenna version so that should not be the problem either. Is there a way to use an Ethernet Cable to set it up first and then log on to the wi-fi after that? I ask as I could just bring the ESP32 baord back downstairs to the router and try that if it would work. I can tell you that I can control the lights from my phone, but only when I am at home. For instance, I can sit downstairs next to my router and control the lights with my phone, but if I go down the block a short ways, I cannot as the app tells me that the system is off line. To me, it seems like the ESP32 board is attached to the wi-fi from my phone and not the wi-fi from my home router. Any suggestions that would wipe out everything to start the syncing process all over again?

[@matthewcechner3432]

Really struggling to troubleshoot why it’s not working…figured I’d post on here as I’ve watched the majority of your vids but unable to determine problem. Power supply is functioning, I have power to controller (>12 v ish), I am also reading power through the lights themselves. The WiFi is not being recognized by my phone. And the lights are not lighting up. Data is on first relay and the flow is on the correct side of the individual express able led lights I bought. I’ve tried two strips and neither work

[@DrZzs]

The best way to get some support is to join the discord channel. Link in the description. It is really hard to troubleshoot via comments. There are lots of people who are experts in the discord channel.

[@mr_tantrum5051]

I have a double-wide garage with an arched roofline above it and no soffit (just a slight overhang of the shingles). What would be your approach to mount lights here? It is such a large spot that I would not want to omit mounting lights there.

[@rcbchannel74]

Looks like your sold out again. I am thinking of doing this or go with J-track and falcon since most of your stuff is not in stock. Great video though.

[@wyattesplin9067]

why are there 30 holes if it fits 23 pixels , really interested in this . just curious

[@marccampbell7396]

First off just wanted to say love all your vids very informative. Been wanting to get into this holiday lighting for some time now! I have been buying sets of the rgb ws2811 pixels a few at a time with the 3 poll male and female weather tight connectors. I have most of the hardware and mounting as well now just need to get a list of the 12v power supplies and control boards I'll need and any other type of board I'll need to get started. Was hoping you could help me? Please and thank you for your time. Have a great day and happy holidays.

[@cavy7377]

Sooo how would you do a rounded section in your roof line ?

[@DrZzs]

hmmm, that's a great question. There is some pixel mounting plastic strip stuff out there. You could use the old j-channel too if you put some relief cuts in it. Come to Discord and show us some pics of your house. That'll be a fun problem to work on.

[@BobSmith-xo7yc]

Why do you only test one color? I have had the same leds where r,g, or b didn’t work.

[@voyher]

Is it better to only use 5v on nodemcu? I have the 1117 but board says 10v max?

[@mikeregan1436]

i am waiting on permatrack to become available in the mean time, I ran led lights along my garage and downstairs windows. I have noticed on a daily basis an led burns out and I have to solder in a new one, this is fine on the lower floors but a concern for the second floor, I have tried connecting the controller to a UPS to stabilize the power but still got another burned out led over night, do you have any suggestions to prevent this?

[@DrZzs]

Available TODAY. Please check, it sells out soon.

[@graphguy]

Out of Stock?

[@Racontact]

I wish you had any setup for strips vs string. Strips look more stealth but they are a pain to install.

[@DrZzs]

I did an install for my Sister's house in LV with strips and aluminum channel. The video is here on my channel some where. I think it was early 2020.

[@Racontact]

@@DrZzs thanks ill check it out

[@kupua]

What do you recommend for peeps who have gutters installed?

[@DrZzs]

Every roof I've installed on has had gutters. The gutter is on the outermost edge of the soffit, so there's room behind it to mount the track. I've also seen people screw into the bottom of the gutter. That doesn't end well. Don't do that.

[@kupua]

@@DrZzs so mounting it downward(?) I presume and its shows good? Or should I say glows

[@explosiveenterprises1479]

where do i find the specs of the perma track? Width and total depth of it? Looking at installing in AZ but we dont have much for eaves

[@DrZzs]

there are pictures with measurements on the website. it's about 1.5" wide and 1.5" tall and 46" long. That width includes the length of the tabs, which are about 0.25" wide. Does that help?

[@explosiveenterprises1479]

@@DrZzs absolutely thank you

[@cryangallegos]

I'd advise staying away from Permatrack, the owner is super shady. There are other options from more reputable sellers that don't ghost their customers and disable comments.

[@kcoop99]

@@cryangallegos which company? I'm genuinely interested.

[@cryangallegos]

@@kcoop99 RGB-MAN

[@colchesterelec5105]

great video, thanks for the effort you've put into you're vid's over the years.. I'm and electrician (UK) and have been installing ws2812/11 leds for several years now..I've always favoured the 12V strings due to smaller PSU's... those ws2812/11 connectors on the ends of the strings are notorious for failing here in the UK...if we don't solder and use adhesive lined heat-shrink they will corrode and fail very quickly...and don't get started on the horrid scotch lock connectors (the ones with the push down connection)...the joys of what is normally a wet country ..except this year has been extremely dry.....wish we had a product like permatrack over here would save me hours of drilling holes in aluminium & stainless channels...I've been using some the high power 30W ws2811 driven lights recently ...great for wall wash lights that can obviously synced to the rest of the installation...again thanks for all you're vid's dude.

[@DrZzs]

I could see those JST's being bad in a wet environment. I've seen people use some kind of dielectric gel in them to stop corrosion. Haven't tried that myself. If you want to import a bunch of permatrack to the UK for your installs email me and we'll chat.

[@jovanventura8726]

Dang where's the Dr. z coupon code for $50 off a pack?

[@PeeBeeJellyfish]

Could we get an update video on syncing music with w/led. It’s been a couple years since the last video and wondering if there is an easier method yet. Love this video by the way. Every year this process seems to get easier and easier and I think that’s largely because these videos get simpler every year. We’re half way through our install currently and couldn’t have done it without your videos. Thanks!

[@DrZzs]

Yes, let's do that. SR-WLED is making great progress, and we now have controllers that come with mic installed.

[@chrismco89]

On one of your earlier videos, you didn't inject power when using 12v. I thought that was the reason we were using 12v. So we didn't have to run more wire.

[@DrZzs]

We probably didn’t need power injection on this install either. We did it because the track was going to be inaccessible and while we have the boom lift we thought we aught to go ahead and power inject since it was minimal work up front and would be a ton of work if we had to do it later.

[@Xclusive615]

If I am wanting to run approximately 2000 12 volt lights what size power supply would I need??

[@dudeinskibro1]

Anyone have ideas how to do this w/o sofets? My gutters attach directly to my rafter tails. No facia board between the two, no sofets. Thanks in advance!