User Manual

Finer Details About Flexible DotStar Strips

144 pixel/m DotStar strips are sold in one meter (RGB or white) and half meter (RGB only) lengths. Each of these

is a separate strip with end connectors. Longer contiguous lengths are

not

offered in 144 pixels/m.

30 and 60 pixel/m DotStar strips are sold in one meter

multiples.

Orders for multiple meters will be a single

contiguous strip, up to a limit: 4 meters for 60 pixels/m strip, 5 meters for 30 pixels/m.

For 30 and 60 pixels/meter strips, if purchasing less than a full reel (4 or 5 meters, respectively), the strip may or

may not have 4-pin JST plugs soldered at one or both ends. These plugs are for factory testing and might be at

either end — the plug does not always indicate the input end! Arrows printed on the strip show the actual data

direction. You may need to solder your own wires or plug.

The flex strips are enclosed in a weatherproof silicone sleeve, making them immune to rain and splashes, but are

not recommended for continuous submersion.

The silicone sleeve can be cut and removed for a slimmer profile, but this compromises the strip's

weather resistance.

Very few glues will adhere to the weatherproof silicone sleeve. Using zip ties for a “mechanical” bond is usually

faster and easier. The only reliable glues we’ve found are Permatex 66B Clear RTV Silicone (not all silicone glues

will work!) and Loctite Plastics Bonding System, a 2-part cyanoacrylate glue. Customers have reported

excellent

results with Permatex Ultra Grey Silicone Gasket Maker as well.

However,

do not

use Permatex 66B silicone to seal the open end of a cut strip! Like many RTV silicones, 66B

releases acetic acid when curing, which can destroy electronics. It’s fine on the

outside

of the strip, but not

the

inside.

Use GE Silicone II for sealing strip ends, or good ol’ hot melt glue.

2-sided carpet tape provides a light grip on the silicone sleeve; something like a Post-It Note. Or you can try

clear duct tape over the top.

All LED strips are manufactured in 1/2 meter segments that are then joined into a longer strip. The pixel spacing

across these joins is usually 2-3 millimeters different than the rest. This is not a manufacturing mistake, just

physical reality.

Rigid Ultra High Density DotStar LED PCB Bar