Modular LED Tape

[LavaASU]

I've had several shows where I'd like to use the LED tape as that stuff is cheap and looks cool. However everything we do is one-offs and we can usually do custom stuff for them. So I was considering making some 3-4' clear (or possibly frosted) plastic tubes with the LED tape, using ethernet cable/connectors/ports to connect them to a dmx decoder (for budget 1 high power one seems a lot cheaper than several low power ones). I've worked with the LED tape before, and it's massive shortcoming seems to be it's intended to be installed and never touched again (solder connections and or screw terminals, ect).

Anyone done this or have ideas of how to make it work better?

[blackisthenewblack]

I would be wary of the ethernet ports due to the current draw of 12V? LED tapes. In terms of joining them, try locking connections (this, this). That way you solder 1 connection that is permanent leaving pins of some kind exposed to plug a matching connector into. If you wanted rigid cases, I have installed it into plexi, or lightly sanded plexi to get some more bounce. Just create a little channel and glue it in. Or use plastic piping.

[Erik456]

I have also used stuff like this before. A great supplier is enviormentallights.com . Those guys are great. They have many options for connections as well.

One problem I found is trying to diffuse out the light when the source is close to the object you are lighting. Creative solutions are always available (diffusion, cotton, scratching the surface a bit, ect...)