Power your LEDs! Cosplay & DIY Batteries Simplified.

What are the best batteries to power your LEDs? Learn how to select the best power source for your shiny shiny LED lights!!
If you find my vids useful - support me on Patreon!
➡️ / zibartas
And here's your Zibartas Discord invite! If you like DIY/nerdy stuff, you should check it out!
www.zibartas.com/discord
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Amazon referral links for the parts I mention:
CR2032 Battery Holder (Single - 3V):
amzn.to/4b3eZSE
CR2032 Battery Holder (Double - 6V):
amzn.to/47BtFFr
Battery Holder 2x AA (3V):
amzn.to/3tXGMD8
Battery Holder 4x AA (6V)
amzn.to/3vJYj2s
10000mAh 2.4A Power Bank:
amzn.to/3vJYj2s
Battery Holder 2x AAA (3V)
amzn.to/3tZWkq6
Battery Holder 4x AAA (6V)
amzn.to/4b2zwXf
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Links to LEDs for use with the batteries, lol
Analog Single Color Strips:
amzn.to/48VwYZg
DENSE Analog RGB Strips:
amzn.to/47FEw19
DENSE Addressable/Digital 144/m RGB Strips
amzn.to/3vPGpek
Addressable/Digital LED Strips (Neopixels):
amzn.to/425JVNY
Different form factors - from strips to spots, rings, etc.!
EXOTICS:
Chip on Board LEDs (f.x. I use 50cm long ones for my wings):
amzn.to/4b4mCYM
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Find more goodies on my social media accounts:
x.com/zibartas
/ zibartas_cosplay
/ zibartas
Also, I have a website:
www.Zibartas.com

[@moogamooga2100]

Stumbled onto this in my very first "how do I start my first cosplay" search. You explain things very well while still keeping it light. I 100% agree with 6dayslost: seeing a video in which you make something specifically (such as a gauntlet or weapon) and then seeing HOW you install the LEDs would be super helpful. Thank you for being awesome! :)

[@cesalio45g]

I ran into this video by accident while doing research on how to build a Tron Legacy costume. After this video, I became a follower. This easy to understand video, along with your other LED videos, gave me great ideas on how to create and power the lighting source for the TL Costume without the use of Electroluminescent Tape/Panels. Please keep these videos coming.

[@McCurleyFries]

I am so glad I finally saw how an LED strip can be connected straight to a battery! Thank you for this video. I will now look at how I can do the dual-4-AA-pack :)

[@Kurt634]

Thank you for all this talk on LEDs! Putting together circuits is definitely something I need to learn more about for future projects, it would be cool if you could do a video on more complex circuits and how they work? Like is it possible to add a voice modulator and a motor into the same circuit as the LEDs? Also maybe doing like a mini quiz or something showing what circuits would work and what wouldn't and why? Looking forward to your video about powering large numbers of LEDs :) also great intro 😂

[@PastaCosplay]

That was super helpful and fun to watch! Thank you! I would personally love to know how you power your bigger LED builds, especially when there are servos involved. Keep on rocking!

[@6dayslost610]

id love to see smaller projects done in a series of videos, or even a single video to show how to do certain cosplay items. For example, make some kind of gauntlet with led's. First video showing the creation of the gauntlet, second showing the led installation. Learn on something small to get the concept that I can then use in a larger scale. Love what youre doing and look forward to more content!!!

[@VagrantSix]

Wanted to say thank you so much for a straightforward and easy-to-understand video. Greatly appreciated!!

[@s.e.287]

I stumbled onto your channel and thank you so much for the high quality content and editing! You're going big - I can see the 100k plaque already!

[@tiny1badger]

This is super freaking helpful! I’m glad you broke things down for total newbies (like me lol) I can’t wait to see more content from you :D

[@paullafaele]

Yes please, a video on how to set up addressable digital led’s would be great 👍🏼 Great info/lesson, thanks!

[@camdynkellett6782]

This was really great and helped me understand exactly what I needed for a project I’m planning! One thing I’d like to see in future videos like this would be the inclusion of rechargeable AAA, AA and even 9v batteries… they do hold a bit less, but stop 8batteries at a time ending up in a landfill, also if you are using these for a long term project, rechargeable batteries will only be a one time cost and save you a trip to the store… In my mind a no brainier! Once again thanks so much for the simple, but informative video! Definitely earned a subscription ✊

[@kathyanderson689]

Beautifully explained. Thank you!

[@jollywallie29]

One of the best explinations on youtube. Excellent vid

[@Mozler469]

I've never done cosplay and don't intend to, i've stumbled upon your video while searching how i can determine power requirement for my project with arduino and addressable LEDs. Your video is super helpful and easy to understand for beginners. Thanks a lot!

[@sandeepsinghchawla916]

Okay, this has helped me sooooo much!! I was worried about lighting my prop and here we go!! Thanks :)

[@justinashby3762]

This was perfect. Thanks! Very entertaining as well!

[@xptheboss4961]

ive watched 4 different videos about the topic and none of them explained it as easy and simply as you did

[@aaronreynolds8587]

Sooooo helpful! Thank you for making this stuff so easy and accessible for us newbies. I would love for you to tackle a video on the basics of setting up an Arduino for programming LEDs for simple props.

[@Zibartas]

Thank you! I actually did make some videos, like the "NO CODING" animated LEDs one :)

[@channelz570]

Very clear and great explanation! Keep doing these kinds of videos!

[@ashleystone5917]

Hardest part for me on making light up props is finding ways or places to hide the power bank

[@sandeepsinghchawla916]

Im gonna face this problem

[@KPMOgre]

Have you tried building your battery box into something like a butt-plug? Totally concealable power.

[@ederdstark1128]

If you cant hide it- make it part of the aesthetic. Make them look so good it's worth having on display. Another idea is contructing a functionable feature as part of it. Or combine both ideas. Funtional art is VERY hard to do but VERY much wanted

[@Animekippgirl]

I'm trying out lights on a cosplay for the very first time and know next to nothing about batteries, voltage and electrical in general. Answered some basic questions and a little more! Thanks!!

[@AndreTKemp]

Nice video, man! Useful information and helpful as I'm hoping to use more electronics in my projects 😊 Hope you're safe and well ✌

[@Skymone]

Man, have I used up many button cell batteries in my cosplay career. Need to try some of the other ones! Thanks :D

[@cttj]

Incredibly clear and concise!

[@Lollipopstud]

Never really thought I could use my power bank to power led’s, that just made some projects easier.

[@XxBunnytailxX]

Thank you so much, this was the easiest 101 to understand I've ever watched

[@kunstler7188]

Thank you sir, extremely helpful!

[@elementsoffire9518]

Now I really need to know what to use for a large number of LEDs :O I'm going to build big wings, but with neopixels. Thank you for your great videos!

[@rashadfoux6927]

Brilliant. Thanks dude. Finally understand how batteries work together to power devices.

[@Zibartas]

Great to hear! I'm happy you found it useful!

[@frylok8822]

great explanation, thank you

[@chadellett4696]

Excellent content 👌

[@GTouch25]

That’s very informative thanks 🙏🏻

[@davetaylor2088]

Great vid mate. Thanks.

[@kheperacosplay5901]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@SevensBox]

Thank you, awesome video

[@johnsmith-fz3qk]

Brilliant. Thank you sir 🤝

[@wolfreicherter748]

I did learn something and I want to know more about wiring and LEDs and setting it up. Good visual aids.

[@GoldenPants64]

awesome video. i was only here for the 12v part but it answered many other questions i didnt have yet lol.i really wanted the vertagear light kits for my chair, then saw the wheel kit as well and cant bring my self to spend $600 on some lights. found 2 different kits of rgb leds for under $100 and have so many spare 18650s from drill batteries and a 3d printer. should be a fun rewarding project to attempt and worst case i just use the leds under my desk with the plug lmao.

[@Leefranklin217]

Excellent explanation on LED and battery use

[@nerdbia16]

What’s the white box thing that he’s putting the wires into?

[@BojanS55]

Very beautifully explained 🙌

[@FellightC]

Like always super useful :D but this is prop my favorite so far since I learned so much about batteries' lifespams :D

[@FellightC]

Will you make a video on making a good circuit for leds? so you can all bring them to one power source even if they are shattered over different armour pieces

[@gusmaiawork]

thanks for the tutorial, Shaggy!

[@mikekiske]

You just saved my day. Thanks.

[@rathpropsrathacelcosplay6117]

I really love this videos, even if i am studing an engineering, they are so usefull. I am planing to do this kind of videos on the future, but on spanish to introduce some people to lights in cosplay. but that when i improve mi self, and your videos help so much

[@UsagiLunnaya]

I don’t understand in this thread, but I just love to listen to you and watch your views = 3

[@DjInTheGrooveAlexBarrios]

Great video! I came up with an idea to make a limpo stick with LED lights but don't know we're to start.

[@celestialinfinity]

Loved the intro it was funny lol

[@Incredible43]

Great videos on adding LED's I'm new to this and am working along with your videos and was wondering if you could do a video on wiring LED's to push button and toggle switches? Thank you so much, back to it for me, so much fun

[@nogardniwt]

Wow dude I hate electrical and you made understanding a little bit way easier. Thank you

[@laloweed]

I seen a video where a guy used LEDs to light up his face mask and even make it smile! I want to do something similar and after watching this, I'm suspecting he used large batteries?? I don't even know but I'm still encouraged!!

[@sportshighlights030]

Thanks 😇

You can also put a resistor im series of the LEDs, so that they for example only get 2mA, which still can be bright enough. For the powerbank, there usually is a minimum load required (20-100mA). And if you want to drive more than 3 LEDs from a powerbank, look into getting a cheap buck converter or linear regulator.

[@DukeRaven]

Ah man, I saw some RC like batteries right at the start of the video and was hoping you'd cover how to use these for LEDs etc. Maybe in the future?

[@Casperdroid5]

You can also use a boost circuit to boost the voltage to 12 volt (or higher)

[@peircedan]

For reliable consistent LED circuits one needs to use a current limiting resistor in each parallel branch.

[@db0nn3r]

Dude awesome video, thank you. where’d you get those led ring boards?

[@nvembrace]

Hello and love the video. I wanted to ask if I can use the coin batteries (recommend something light and small?

[@irisbodypaint4754]

omg thats listen all so comlicated 😮😮😮🤯 thank you very much for explaining , as you recomend in many videos the powerbank for beginners, can i use it for led stripes ??

[@carlpowers7291]

I would love to see a video on how to use or what you have to have to use digital led’s

[@nealbaker8578]

A miss at 2:50 "LEDs are 5 volts..." not always the case. While supplying 5V to an LED will light it up, the majority of LEDs operate somewhere between 1V and 1.3V. One must also remember voltage drop in their system. This is why 5V is leaned on in this manner, as most people are looking to power 3 or more LEDs in their array. As well, with the advancement of LEDs, the RGB leds are 3 diodes in one (another reason 5V was miscategorized), as three one volt diodes in one package, all lit at the same time, would not be operating the package efficiently. Much of the power issues can be solved through a current resistor, but refer to the datasheet on your product to be sure you are not overloading or under loading your LED. Finally, newer, smaller LEDs and resistors are out there... as seen with the neopixel ring. Each white "box" on the ring is 3 separate LEDs in one package, with a small microprocessor that give each of the colors in the LED and address to be called upon in a program AND resists the current to allow for a variety of power options. These LEDs generally have a power, a ground and a signal wire, as opposed to other LEDs that may run a simple power and ground. Final note... LEDs tend to operate best under Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This, simply put, is the act of having the power go on and off so quickly that the eye translates it as dimness, rather than full on and full off. Dimness can be achieved through power reduction, but is not best for the LED. Remember Ohms law when diving into LEDs, as it will be your guide... and use an online calculator, as there are many.

[@amandagreene7211]

I would like to see your version of led/fire flow fans

[@mathewtyb1729]

thinking about those rings of LEDs on a pair of gloves. could be cool pulling up to a rave with glowing gloves that give feedback to the music it hears

[@shibbylebassist]

It's worth noting that you can use a (few) current limiting resistor(s) to make a 9V battery last longer, depending on what kind of circuit you're making. I made an Iron Man glove build that used 3 different LED circuits in parallel with a resistor attached to each LED in series (so that they wouldn't burn out). Worked for a solid 2 convention days without needing to change the battery (~20-30 hours). So there are ways to make 9V batteries last longer. Solid guide though! Deff took a couple tips away from this

[@iAREBIGCAT_]

thats good know!

[@anarchyamp]

Good video

[@mikefa5891]

Glad i came across your informative video. Just a couple of question: 1) is the 5 volt output a standard on all power banks even though they have different Amp capacities such as 10,000 or 20,000? 2) Does it matter whether the power bank has quick charging abilities?

[@GTouch25]

Do you have a specific video on how to make a rechargeable battery module, or a complete pcb circuit drawing that I can use to connect to any addressable LEDs strips 5V & 12v? Thank you

[@robertmartinez2072]

Hello, I was wondering if you can do a video or have a video on how to power on multiple led light strips at the same time via Bluetooth or a master on switch for the LED strips

[@jillscott997]

I’ve been trying to see how to power the new speedybee meteor programmable lead strips. For my DJI drone.. maybe you can give a tutorial on this subject

[@MrKozlicek]

Great video, very informative. Your entire series on LEDs is exactly what I was looking for. Quick question though - my project is mostly stationary so it would make sense to power it directly from the outlet. What is the easiest thing I can do in this case if I'm using a LED strip?

[@Zibartas]

Oh that's so good to hear! I think a wall adapter would be the best move - you can get power supplies that deliver a lot of 12v or 5v current (depends what kind of LEDs you're using). You can find them in AliExpress fairly cheap if you just search for "12v power supply" or something:)

[@MrKozlicek]

@@Zibartas great. Thank you for the quick reply. I'll look into your suggestion and see what I can find :) thanks.

[@tafkardesign]

Can you use a step up converter to get the 5v power bank to 12v for a 12v led strip?

[@kellyfrances9435]

You've got me convinced to want to try digital LEDs, but I've only ever worked will simple 9 volt LED strips. I'm trying to find a 5 volt that goes with the digital LEDs you mentioned in your video, but the link in the description isn't working. How do I find a 5 volt power bank that goes with the Wesiri WS2812B LED strips you use? Thanks Zibartas! You're my cosplay idol!

[@eldraco252]

would you mind explaining how i can use a 5v powebank to supply power to a 12v led strip? i am not sure how to use a step up converter

[@PeaceDeliverer]

Nice good to know video!) I want to connect small 5 or 6 led bulbs strip with 2 AA Batteries can i just cut an led strip and connect it to the switch and to battery? What should i know? Any help..)

[@ArinBombastic]

thank you for the info! i have no idea how to do this sort of thing and i am going to be cosplaying Vash the Stampede this summer and would like to do the lights this year unlike last year. btw is there any way to turn on and off the lights (gonna use the strips) so then if i need them off to save the battery i could? ik i could just take out a battery or disconnect, i am just wondering if there are ones out there with a switch or button on them

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

Seen a number of your videos. Very interesting. Love that you show real world examples of what you've built. Request: do your videos shirtless please. 🤩

[@magicfibre]

Thank you for the video? If possible, could you elaborate on the power consumption of an LED strip? Does the color I use impact it? Let's say I set the color of the LED strip to red. Would it still draw around 60mA, or would it drop to 20?

[@johnsonguitarsongtutorials4887]

Hi ,great video.Is it possible to connect strip to a solar type battery source. Also using rechargeable batteries ,will it be advisable. How long will gatemotor type 12v battery work On 3 similar strips ? Thanks .

[@mmmpie]

i'm curious about using old small capacity power banks for custom LED circuits

[@edschussler2467]

Battery powered customizable LED strips (eg. paper backing with motion detector for temporary use in a show case.

[@dissectingthestackchannel4824]

Excellent video, though I was wondering if you could confirm something for me about using powerbanks and 12v LED strips. I've got a set of color-changing that I want to incorporate into a costume but of the 2 ideas I've been toying with I'm not sure which would be the safest to go. 1. I've got a 18650 3.7, 2400mah battery with a battery holder I thought I might use to max the longevity, but don't know if I need a resistor or which one for that matter, or if that would actually work. 2. Alternatively I was thinking of using a USB power-bank since it has the alternative cord to go from 4x1.5v(AAs) to being USB powered, but don't know if that would work. If I could get any help with this I'd be massively grateful.

[@normanmunns4743]

Brilliant but what about 5v led strips

[@miasdaddy614]

hello i have a unique project with use of single color 12v led strips in mind . but would like to find a more efficient rechargeable option. recommendations?? preferably somethin small as it will be attach some way to a wheel that may spin at speeds up 45mph

[@Mangakuray]

Can you please do a tutorial on how to attach several LED strips (cut out lengths) to a single battery pack (like the usb or 9v). Thank you :)

[@JohnCusley]

Could you connect the 12v strip lighting to the power bank? In my case I'm hoping to connect 1m of it.

[@stormw4993]

Super great video!! This might be a silly question, but how and where do you connect the powerbank to the controller(the arduino uno)?

[@Zibartas]

You can use the USB cable, or the barrel plug, or the pin called Vin (Voltage IN) - look up Arduino UNO pinout on google images :)

[@elsasilva4401]

What is that conecter with the 9v battery for the LEDs

[@futbol1972]

Any battery portable charger/power bank will work to power 50ft of rgb led lights?? I wanna pit some where I don't have acess to outlet.

[@Yttttttyt460]

Do you know of any coin cell led strips? One that is light weight please and thank you

[@kiranajayanmanthalpottiyan2639]

Hey could you tell me how can I use this witha switch ( I'm taking about using the 12v with the 9v battery). ??

[@gala83filmstaylorg7]

So I'm trying to power my 3 inch 12vlot light bar, I could use the last method? Or a 12v battery pack?

[@davidj.gallardo4553]

Zabartas, I see you haven't done an LED video in a while. Do you have any videos talking about solar power... like in backyard lighting?

[@yusufylmaz6417]

Hello! Great video and content. I have a question. I have a sp611e controller connected to a meter of ws2812s leds(# led is around 60). I get electricity from 4 series connected disposable batteries. for some reason, if I switch the color to white and hold it for more than 10-15 seconds, the remote controller stops working. The light is still on mind you, but I can't do anything with the remote controller until I stop the connection from the batteries. Do you know how I can fix that?

[@MrDenseno]

what if i need to power a full 5meter long led strip?

[@doepduplessi8375]

Is there a way to contact the 12v LED to a power bank?

[@angelejeanbaptiste745]

Can i connect a 5v led strip to a 9v adapter

[@hateonskillz318]

Did you do the digital led video?

[@thomaswambach9517]

Question, if I was using a single color 144 LED/meter strip (say to make a halo), what power supply would you recommend?

[@desertrider325]

I need the video how to power many 12v LED with a power bank.

[@almepm2345]

what id my led strip has 4pins not 2? how should i connect them?

[@pixelcatgames208]

sooo how do i connect powerbank to led tape?