Big W LEDs

[Matt_Edwards]

I was in Big-W and purchased their multi-function multi-coloured LED faries. they are a bit pricy at $49 for 240 LEDs. Got them home and ended up being very very disappointed to find they group all red with green and yellow with blue into strings. so either have all red and green on or all yellow and blue.
they were promptly returned.

I happened to be in KMart last night, and this time I opened the box in store. they appear to be the same. (only 3 wires exit the multifunction controller)

Not that I NEED more lights - it is just better to have some on hand.

Now that's disappointing.
Matt

[Wombat]

yeh im quite disappointed with the lights this year. they appear to be going cheap as for the controllers (three wire instead of 5) it sucks. just when LED prices start to come down they bring out this cheap and nasty crap.

Even the PartyFX ones I used to get from bunnings have been changed to the el cheapo ones :( cant win

Wombat

[daviddth]

I saw what I thought were a few great deals on LED's and had the same problems - when they were turned on they look like crap, or have really strange chasing sequences.

[Tabor]

I found BigW to have one type of led string that are really useful to me.

I have bought 120 count leds in the little plastic zip bags, they are actually extensions so they come with no controller or power supply and cost around $17.
They have them in individual colours and multi colours. There are two types of white, a warm white and cool white.
I have got them red, blue, green and cool white. (4 bags)

I have cut them in half and twist all four colours together. So I get two R, G, B and W strings out of them. Run the with one 4 ch SSR and 24VAC.

They are fairly good quality and I am pleased with the brightness.

[jpb]

I found BigW to have one type of led string that are really useful to me.

I have bought 120 count leds in the little plastic zip bags, they are actually extensions so they come with no controller or power supply and cost around $17.
They have them in individual colours and multi colours. There are two types of white, a warm white and cool white.
I have got them red, blue, green and cool white. (4 bags)

I have cut them in half and twist all four colours together. So I get two R, G, B and W strings out of them. Run the with one 4 ch SSR and 24VAC.

They are fairly good quality and I am pleased with the brightness.

120 LEDs might be a good length on mini trees. I will keep my eyes out.

Jon

[mikebrg]

I've finally made my first post !!

I've been looking at those LEDs in bigW in the bags and was wondering what they would be like. good to here the quality is ok thanks

[uziman]

Has anyone got the Big-W ones working on 24V DC? . I was planning to cut the controllers off and use my 2 - 24Vdc 20A switchmode power supplies through DCSSR's. All they seem to do is glow dim. The 24Vac power pack lights them up fine..

I bought a pile of them in the after xmas sale last year, now the packaging and styles are all different. I hate when they do that. Will have to go in and have a closer look at them 120 count ones in the bags.

[dirknerkle]

I've finally made my first post !!

I've been looking at those LEDs in bigW in the bags and was wondering what they would be like. good to here the quality is ok thanks

Welcome to DIYC! You'll find a LOT of helpful people here, and a wealth of knowledge.

-dave

[mikebrg]

Welcome to DIYC! You'll find a LOT of helpful people here, and a wealth of knowledge.

-dave

thanks Dave

I hope to extract a lot of that information.

I'm in the process of acquiring all the parts for my first board (a REN16) which I have already got from "Wjohn" with flashed PICs. It obviousley wont be ready for this year but in theory I've already started on next year.

[Tabor]

The 120 counts in the bag are very dim with 24Vdc as well, supply them with 24Vac through a 180ohm resistor and they are perfect.

To supply them with DC use around 33Vdc.

If you guys are interested I can video the Leds on my window frames to night and post it. May give you an idea of colour and brightness level.




Has anyone got the Big-W ones working on 24V DC? . I was planning to cut the controllers off and use my 2 - 24Vdc 20A switchmode power supplies through DCSSR's. All they seem to do is glow dim. The 24Vac power pack lights them up fine..

I bought a pile of them in the after xmas sale last year, now the packaging and styles are all different. I hate when they do that. Will have to go in and have a closer look at them 120 count ones in the bags.

[kkmm]

That would be a great help Mate

Cheers
Ken

[uziman]

The 120 counts in the bag are very dim with 24Vdc as well, supply them with 24Vac through a 180ohm resistor and they are perfect.

To supply them with DC use around 33Vdc.

If you guys are interested I can video the Leds on my window frames to night and post it. May give you an idea of colour and brightness level.

Cheers thanks for that, i was also thinking i needed a higher dc supply. I haven't bought my SSR's yet so looks like AC is what i'm using.

[nickb]

Thanks for the heads up on the 120 count LED strings - I finally got to Big W yesterday and bought some of the icicles to experiment with.

I'm impressed by their brightness and found that they illuminate well using a supply of 29VDC, where each individual string of 10 leds appears to be drawing about 10mA (based on the fact there are 6 strings of 10 series connected LEDs in parallel, drawing a total of 60mA - there are two sets of these, providing the total of 120 LEDs).

I'm not sure that they should to be driven much harder than this, as the sleeve in the packaging indicates the 'bulbs' are rated at 3V, .03W which theoretically means they are rating them at 10mA.

Powering them with 30VDC raises the average LED current to about 15mA - I haven't driven them any higher than that and would question their lifespan at the previously suggested 33VDC (although they appear to have a 24VAC transformer in the starter kit, providing a peak voltage of just under 34V, this peak only occurs momentarily and my experiments indicate that using 34VDC might cause too much current to flow through the LEDs).

[uziman]

I too got down to Big-W on the weekend to have a look at these new connectable lights. They will be perfect for what i want as i'm not using the power pack and 8 function controller.
I'm also glad there are more colours this year and if there not long enough just plug another set in.
I did notice that they are frosted led's this year not clear, so will need to grab a set to check if they match my previous years ones.

My 20A 24vdc power supplies have a voltage adjust trim pot on them so i cranked them up to their max which was around 29vdc and perfect. looks like i will be staying with dc supplies now.

[Matt_Edwards]

Sweet. i too purchased some of the single colour Fairy lights in the plastic bags.
I ran mine off 36Vdc with a current limiting resistor. They are quite good.
I couldn't see an current limiting resistor built into the strings.
Hope Red LEDs don't burn out.

Matt

[kychristmas]

I've been monitoring this post for nearly a week and just now realized that Big-W wasn't referring to Walmart.

Man I'm dense!

[Matt_Edwards]

Big-W stands for wait for it um "Big W"

Sorry no wally marts here in Australia. Although I an sure I have meet some of our local mart.

[Goldie]

Sweet. i too purchased some of the single colour Fairy lights in the plastic bags.
I ran mine off 36Vdc with a current limiting resistor. They are quite good.
I couldn't see an current limiting resistor built into the strings.
Hope Red LEDs don't burn out.

Matt

Matt

Whats a current limiting resistor and what size (l think l'll need to put one on the bridge rectifier)

could the resistor be in the starter kit

[Matt_Edwards]

Are you cutting the strings down to smaller lots?
My set up was, 12 strings in parallel 15ma per string - 36VDC supply
For 120 Red LEDs I used 120R 5W resistor
For 120 Green & Blue LEDs I used 2x 10R 1/2W resistor in Series


Cheers
Matt

[Goldie]

l'm keeping mine @ the 120 length, will this make a difference

[christmas-light]

Hi

I have been watching this post for some time now and a want to ask.... where do you buy your led light´s ;)

C - L

[Goldie]

a lot depends on which type l want

Icicles 24volt l get from ebay 21 metres around AUD120

fairy lights 20 metere 240 volt (roof only) ebay AUD15

fairy lights 120ct Big W AUD17.54 120 or Adelaide AUD59.00

Rope light 240 volt ebay 50meters AUD120

[wjohn]

Another update

Coles branded 126 LED strings. these are two channel strings, RGB & Yellow. Power is 24 VAC.

I take off the Multifunction controller and test the cable. The Common wire will be POS and the two strings will be NEG.

I use a 30 VDC Bench power supply and start the string off at 18~20V DC, and slowly bring the voltage up until all the LEDs are illuminated.

Once the Strings have passed the visual test, I measure the Current on both channels to get an idea of the total power budget. Next, I cut the string between two LEDs and take a current measurement to see how hard the LEDs are being driven. Nominally, I am looking for ~10mA to no more than 15mA per LED.

As the Strings are RGBY, and two channels, I like to swap the LEDs around to make the string two colours (R and G) (B and Y) or solid colour.

While it is good to get Solids from RGBY, you need to be careful. RED LEDs have a lower forward voltage:

RED ~1.7V
GREEN ~2.2V
YELLOW ~2.1 V
BLUE ~ 3.2 V

Why bother? well the trick they use is to group LEDs by mixing the colours RED and YELLOW, Blue and Yellow etc etc. When you start swapping them around, you are changing the effective Forward Voltage drop for that group of LEDs. e.g. if the strings is groups of nine LEDs, RED will be only ~16V, while blue will be 28V.

What happens the the REDs? they will conduct more current, and potentially over driving them to failure. you will need to add a current limiting resistor using the standard formula R = V - V(fwd) / I R = (24 -16) / 0.20 A = 400 ohms So a value great than 400 ohms is safe, I go 470 ohm.

A resistor needs to be added for each group (14 total) for 126 LEDs in groups of 9.

Hope this helps

[Matt_Edwards]

re Big W LED Extensions
White, Green and Blue are in strings of 10 LEDs
Red is in Strings of 15 LEDs

BTW using A similar method to John below, I ended up with 270R in each string

Today they went on to my wreath

Cheers
Matt

[scorpia]

I poped into coles today for some shopping, to my surprise they had 30% off all xmas lights.

i picked up a couple of led icicle strings for $18. not fantastic price but not to bad at the same time.

[slyfox04]

I poped into coles today for some shopping, to my surprise they had 30% off all xmas lights.

i picked up a couple of led icicle strings for $18. not fantastic price but not to bad at the same time.

How long/led count are they? Price should drop more after xmas and thats when I'm getting mine for the next yrs setup.

[scorpia]

120 multicolor led, 3.1 meters

24v, 200ma transformer

[David_AVD]

The 120 LED Big W (12.1 metre ?) extension strings are now $17.44 or 2 for $25. I bought 2 each of red, blue, green, cool white and multicolour today.

Not many left on the shelf at the Capalaba store. (mainly blue now) I doubt they'll last until the post Christmas sales.

[wjohn]

The 120 LED Big W (12.1 metre ?) extension strings are now $17.44 or 2 for $25. I bought 2 each of red, blue, green, cool white and multicolour today.

Not many left on the shelf at the Capalaba store. (mainly blue now) I doubt they'll last until the post Christmas sales.

oooh, I bought some last weekend at 17.44, no 2 to 25..

Doncaster Big W had Blue and Green, and multi. no Red :-(

[slyfox04]

might check the Big W in town. but doubt they have any in stock as they never any good stuff. Might hoard the entire shelf for my mega tree, might even get a bulk discount :P.

Coles don't have any but the multicolor sets and only 2-3 of those :(.

[Tabor]

Picked up another 16 packets today.
Ours had red, green, blue(lots) but no white.

[Matt_Edwards]

yeah - Winston Hills and Rouse hill only have Green, Red and Blue. No White and No multicolour. But at 12.50 each, enough were bought for a couple of project for next year.

Cheers
matt

[yarnos]

I've just purchased 4 packets of extenable led lights 2 X $25 but unable to loacte any transformers from BIG W:-? does any one have the specs or how can i work it out how many mAmps?:-x

Cheers

[yarnos]

I take off the Multifunction controller and test the cable. The Common wire will be POS and the two strings

What happens the the REDs? they will conduct more current, and potentially over driving them to failure. you will need to add a current limiting resistor using the standard formula R = V - V(fwd) / I R = (24 -16) / 0.20 A = 400 ohms So a value great than 400 ohms is safe, I go 470 ohm.





Does any body have any links on how LEDS lights work? and how to measure the reistance

[aussiephil]

Hi all,
been using the cool white, blue and green so far this year.
Due to questions about voltage and resistor I thought i would do some actual measurements of current versus voltage.
Quite interesting.
Equipment
2 DMM one measureing Voltage the other current
1 Bench top Power Supply adjustable to 31v

ALL READINGS ARE DC Voltages
and are for Big W LED Connectables extension sets of 120LED's.
All readings taken with string sets, the icicle sets have the same Led's per segment and should be the same.

Here's what i found
Red
120 Leds - 15 Led per Segment, 4 segments per negative.
Expected current per half string at 20mA nominal for leds was 80mA
Visibly on - 24v @0.1mA
27v - 10mA = 2.5mA/segment
28v - 29mA = 7.2mA/segment
29v - 56mA = 14mA/Seg
29.64 - 80mA = 20mA/Seg
30v - 100mA = 25mA/Seg

All Other colours are 120 Leds - 10 Led per Segment, 6 Segments per Negative
Expected current for nominal 20mA led current was 120mA for 6 segments

Warm White
Visibly on - 24v @ 0.1ma
27v - 12ma = 2mA/Seg
28v - 28mA = 4.7mA/Seg
29.32v - 60mA = 10mA/Seg
31v - 120mA = 20mA/Seg

Blue
Visible on - 24v @ 0.1mA
27v - 11ma == 1.84mA/Seg
28v - 23.8mA = 3.96mA/Seg
29.92v - 60mA = 10mA/Seg
31v - 87mA = 14.5mA/Seg
Note: PSU would not go above 31v

Green
Visibly on - 22.5v @ 0.1mA
24v - 1.4mA = .23mA/Seg
27v - 17.9mA = 2.98mA/Seg
28v - 30mA = 5mA/Seg
29.56v - 60mA = 10mA/Seg
31v - 107mA = 17.8mA/Seg
Note: PSU would not go above 31v

Cool White
None available to test - update in the future

Summary
All the tested colours are significantly underdriven at 28v DC.
Red has reached it's nominal forward current at 29.6v DC
All the others require 31v DC plus to achieve 20mA nominal current.

I don't have a strater kit at home to measure the voltage supplied normally, there is one at work though.

The Swithed Mode Power supplies driving my show this year are set to 28v DC and the blue's Greens and cool whites all look great at this voltage and I can now see they are significantly underdriven.

Conclusion
For DC use NO resistor is required for any colour when the voltage is keep under 29.5V

Hope this is of help.

Cheers
Aussiephil

[wjohn]

Aussie Phil,

Good post.

I do basically the same thing with any string that i want to use, Bench Power supply and start off with a DC voltage of 18 V, and raise it until I get I (fwd) of 10-15mA or i hit 30 V DC.

For my displays, I have kept all power supplies at 24 VDC, so my strings get modified. For the Green strings, this means dropping two LEDs per section, for a I (fwd) of ~ 12 mA.

With all the problems people have had with LEDs failing and my own 'eyeball' tests, I dont see any significant change in brightness above 15mA, and decided that it is better in the long term to keep all my LEDs below 20mA hence the 10-15 mA target range.

Had people measured their LEDs, the RGB+W floods may have been less problematic.

[David_AVD]

I've suspected for some time that the manufacturers of LED light sets use the relatively high impedance (ie. current limiting) of the supplied plug pack (wall wart to USA users) to prevent early death of the LEDs. Thin wiring coupled with losses in the controller and the poor load regulation of the plug packs is what is performing the current limiting function IMO.

I have noticed that Christmas LED strings run from a large transformer (with its stiffer source impedance) have a much higher failure rate than ones that were run with their original plug pack.

I would therefore suggest using either current limiting resistors, or constant current drivers with LED strings. For use with existing lighting controllers, the resistor method would be the way to go. The exact values can be worked out using Phil's method as a starting point and fine tuned by measuring the actual string current with the resistor installed inline.

[David_AVD]

Had people measured their LEDs, the RGB+W floods may have been less problematic.
I can see design flaws with several of the DIY designs out there. I'm not blaming anyone as these sorts of problems often creep in at the DIY level.

I'm only a newcomer to the DIY Christmas lights scene, but a large part of my working time is spent designing electronic equipment, mainly for commercial clients. I'm happy to help out where I can.

[Matt_Edwards]

Yarnos,
We have conversed via PM a bit, but I would like to welcome you to this community. I hope you have found the information you were after. With you experience in PLC work you will find this hobby easier than others that have no technical experience.

Please have a read of the Wiki above, there is soooo much information there, even the old timers find them referring to it at times.

Welcome as a fellow Sydneysider. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like and the old adage is true: there are no dumb questions, only ppl too dumb too ask them.

BTW, the stores you rang sounds like we live quiet close, so PM me if you need additional help.

Once again Welcome, I hope you enjoy the hobby

Matt


I've just purchased 4 packets of extenable led lights 2 X $25 but unable to loacte any transformers from BIG W:-? does any one have the specs or how can i work it out how many mAmps?:-x

Cheers

[aussiephil]

Aussie Phil,

Good post.

I do basically the same thing with any string that i want to use, Bench Power supply and start off with a DC voltage of 18 V, and raise it until I get I (fwd) of 10-15mA or i hit 30 V DC.

For my displays, I have kept all power supplies at 24 VDC, so my strings get modified. For the Green strings, this means dropping two LEDs per section, for a I (fwd) of ~ 12 mA.

With all the problems people have had with LEDs failing and my own 'eyeball' tests, I dont see any significant change in brightness above 15mA, and decided that it is better in the long term to keep all my LEDs below 20mA hence the 10-15 mA target range.

Had people measured their LEDs, the RGB+W floods may have been less problematic.

John
Thanks

I choose 28v so i would not need to modify any strings, all my LED and Incandescant strings are run at 28v DC this year with less than 1 in 1000 failure rate over 15 nights for the mini's

With variations in Vf all bulk use like the floods should be fine tuned based on the batch of LED's.

Cheers
Aussiephil

[David_AVD]

I just did a quick experiment on the bench with the red, blue, green and warm white LED sets from Big W. As per Phil's posted results the other day, the string's "knee voltage" is in the band of 28V - 31V (depending on the current) and varies a little with string colour.

To achieve consistent results and stick to a 10mA LED current (60mA per leg), you can add a 47 Ohm (0.5 Watt) resistor inline with each negative leg of each string. This assumes a stable power supply output of 32 Volts DC. There will be about 2 Volts dropped across the resistor.

Increasing those resistors to 100 Ohms (1 Watt) and changing the supply voltage to 36 Volts DC will also work, and gives the advantage of making your system more tolerant of voltage drop in the cabling. There will be about 6 Volts dropped across each resistor in this case.

Running LED strings without current limiting resistors on voltages very close to their knee voltage can work, but makes them very susceptible to being under / over driven. When under driven they will look dimmer than they should be, or some parts of the string may be brighter than others. When over driven the LEDs will fail prematurely.

I don't mean to stomp on anyone's good work here, but LEDs are a very different beast compared with incandescent lamps and I'd hate to see your hard work wasted by the LEDs all dying after only a few hundred hours operation.

[yarnos]

Okay, thank you to everyone who help out, but i can offer some feed back. I managed to locate some transformers at Big W Plumpton they currently have 15 transformers. I purchased 4 myself and the following specs are on the transformers.
230v-240v ~ 24v- 10va

Cheers :cool:

[yarnos]

Okay have set up them up just using the supplied Transformers ? They currently chase how would i mod them so they don't chase (blink/flash)...?

Any detail explanlations or photos ? there is 3 wires coming out of the box how would i connect them to the SSR boards ???? ( I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY SHIPPMENT YET) but trying to to get a grip of how this is going to work when the SSR send out very fast signal?

cheers

[David_AVD]

I only bought the extension strings so am not sure what power supply they use or what's in the controller exactly. So, no help at all really!

[jpb]

Okay have set up them up just using the supplied Transformers ? They currently chase how would i mod them so they don't chase (blink/flash)...?

Any detail explanlations or photos ? there is 3 wires coming out of the box how would i connect them to the SSR boards ???? ( I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY SHIPPMENT YET) but trying to to get a grip of how this is going to work when the SSR send out very fast signal?

cheers

A quick and reasonably easy way to make them stop flashing is to open the controller and bridge the output devices which are probably MOSFETS.

The more detailed explination is open the controller and trace backwards from where the lights terminate and you will more than likely find a device with three legs. This is the "switch" that turns the lights on and off.
One leg is power in, one leg is power out and the other leg is where the signal comes in to turn the "switch" on or off.
Keep tracing the circuit from the three legs. You have already found where the power goes out to the lights, you now need to work out which leg is the incoming power. The control leg will probably go to some sort of IC and will possibly be a narrower trace than the power leg.
Once you have identified the power in and power out legs, carefully solder a wire between these two points. Do this on each channel.

A benefit of doing it this way is that the original controller is still supplying the correct voltage to the lights and can easily be reversed.

Once you have your SSRs you can can cut these into the wires and allow the control to be taken over by your PC.

Attached is a photo where I have found the DC supply on a controller and connected it to a DC SSR

Jon

[yarnos]

If I am home early enough tonight I will take a photo of one of my SSRs.

Jon


Will be looking forward to see a photo as this is my first attempt to make my first mod?:-D

[aussiephil]

Actually the extension set have no controllers, just a 3pin plug at one end and a 3 pin socket on the other.

The tiny little controller on the base set appears to be fully sealed with no way to crack it open either.

My process

Cut Male plug off with about 100mm-150mm of tail left on plug so it can be reused.

You have three wires - one is the positive, the other two are the negative legs for the two groups.

Grab a 24vDC to 27vDC supply and put one wire in the positive side and touch one of the others to negative, if the lights don't light up then reverse the connections.
Still no lights then you have found the two negatives making the last wire the positive.

Don't worry about the reverse connection blowing the LEDS, most leds have a 5v reverse voltage rating giving most colours 50v reverse voltage rating for 10 in series.

I leave the female plug on just in case I want to use 2 or more sets in series.

Cheers
Aussiephil

[jpb]

and getting back to the original thread ......
Liverpool has a good selection at two for $25.

I didn't bother getting any as I have enough light strings at the moment and want to save my pennies for some LED icicle lights.

Jon

[David_AVD]

Big W did have icicle versions of those strings (had to be careful as they look identical in the pack) left too for the same price I believe.

[Tabor]

Only problem with the icicles are that I have only ever found them in white and blue.

I have crack one of the small controllers open. Its all surface mount.

Go with Phils idea of just cutting them off.

[jpb]

Big W did have icicle versions of those strings (had to be careful as they look identical in the pack) left too for the same price I believe.

My wife (and I ) has seen some 4 colour icicles that have taken her fancy. I just have to work our who is selling them. If the Treasurer says that she wants that type of icicle this obediant husband is not going to argue!

I am going to take some photos of the next house that I see them on.

Jon

[David_AVD]

Even better, ask the home owner where they bought them from!

I've never been much into icicles myself. Not much chance of them appearing in Brisbane any time soon.

The only ones that I did like the look of were the ones that "drip down" instead of chasing sideways.

[slyfox04]

Dropped into my local BigW store after work. and f3$@ me they have no base kits and only blue extension sets. I bought 8 blue, found 1 of each red, green and warm white.

Roadtrippn it to the coast on the weekend to find more haha. Apparently they arn't ordering any more in this close to xmas :(.

Will be powering these sets with 25VAC next year, hopefully they come out ok..

[Garlok]

A little of the Topic, but is anyone one Aus selling the Grinch Boards, and basic SSB. Founs the site too late for 09, but next year....

[Tabor]

PM wjohn for blank Grinch and SSR boards.

[wjohn]

50% off remaining stock from Dec 23rd onwards... a little birdie told me

[David_AVD]

On a related note, Kmart have 30% off now, but there really wasn't anything worth buying IMO.

[jpb]

On a related note, Kmart have 30% off now, but there really wasn't anything worth buying IMO.

I know you aren't keen on icicle lights but hopefully my wife will have two sets of their icicle lights in her possession by now. $24 less her Coles Myer staff discount.

Jon

[jpb]

50% off remaining stock from Dec 23rd onwards... a little birdie told me

Is that 50% off your stock ?

[David_AVD]

Is that 50% off your stock ?

LOL! I think he's talking about Big W :D

[aususer]

So I guess I'll see you all at BigW tomorrow sometime? :mrgreen:

Sheesh wjohn, had I known that two days ago, I would have stashed my warm-whites I bought - in the Mens' Shoe department as "layby" for tomorrow! :roll:

[David_AVD]

It pays to ferret around the lower and surrounding shelves too. That's where I found a couple of the multi-coloured packs. ;)

[srm]

Hi All,

I just got back from big W they are selling these for $8.73 per packet.

not much selection in colours now.

regards,

Rob.

[piesrule58]

Actually the extension set have no controllers, just a 3pin plug at one end and a 3 pin socket on the other.

The tiny little controller on the base set appears to be fully sealed with no way to crack it open either.

My process

Cut Male plug off with about 100mm-150mm of tail left on plug so it can be reused.

You have three wires - one is the positive, the other two are the negative legs for the two groups.

Grab a 24vDC to 27vDC supply and put one wire in the positive side and touch one of the others to negative, if the lights don't light up then reverse the connections.
Still no lights then you have found the two negatives making the last wire the positive.

Don't worry about the reverse connection blowing the LEDS, most leds have a 5v reverse voltage rating giving most colours 50v reverse voltage rating for 10 in series.

I leave the female plug on just in case I want to use 2 or more sets in series.

Cheers
Aussiephil

I have just purchased some of these today. I got 8 x green, 8 x red and 9 x blue ( No white, unfortunately ) for $8.73 each. I plan on using them next year on my Mega Tree and it is the first time using LED's for me.
Noticed that most of you guys prefer to run them with DC. My whole set up is run with 24V AC. Will I be able to successfully use the 24v ac, Grinch, Ren-C combination to light and dim these LED's?
Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Terry

[aususer]

Hi All,

I just got back from big W they are selling these for $8.73 per packet.

not much selection in colours now.

regards,

Rob.

Quite a few at the FoutainGate... the "opposition leader" has put a hold on treasury right now ... so I'm letting y'all know..
No whites left - but 10-20packs - plenty of red and green as at 2:00pm today! Most are "unpacked" so you might get a "lucky dip" (I think there are powerpoints over at the audiodept) - most people appear to be avoiding the unpacked ones...

BTW: multicoloured strings at Kmart are selling for $16 for 260 with controllers - non-extensions... with powerpacks.

[David_AVD]

Big W Capalaba only had 3 strings left. Only one was in a packet and none had any indication of colour. I asked about them and they gave them to me for $2 each! Even if one or more has faults, I'm still happy with my $6 spent.

If you see them without packets, ask and they'll hopefully sell them to you for a similar price.

[slyfox04]

Big W Capalaba only had 3 strings left. Only one was in a packet and none had any indication of colour. I asked about them and they gave them to me for $2 each! Even if one or more has faults, I'm still happy with my $6 spent.

If you see them without packets, ask and they'll hopefully sell them to you for a similar price.

Same with the rocky one. I managed to scrounge another white set, 1x blue. and 2x unknowns(thinking blues :().

I need 7x greens and 7x reds, 6x whites, I reckon this is gonna be hard haha. Back to the coast to see if they have more down there, boxing day sales should be able to get me a bargain.

Though may call upon someone here that lives in QLD with s store with stock of the colors I need, will pay post + extra for your time.

@piesrule58 - I think there's a thread somewhere about dimming LED's that may help. I'll also face the same issue though. All 24VAC setup.

[Tabor]

I picked up what ever I could from three Stores today.
What will one do with so many blue strings?????

Piesrule, I have run all of my leds on 24vac this year I have probably purchased around 50 of these packets and used around 30 of them this year, they have worked really well.
Pick the right resistor values for the colour or if you are lazy like me just use the same on all the colours and slightly over run the reds.

[uziman]

boxing day sales should be able to get me a bargain.


Big W here in Adelaide are not doing any midnight after Christmas sales this year.. I guess that's why they are all half price before Christmas.

Went to 3 stores today and managed to grab 12 sets of RED, 12 sets of Green, 12 sets of Blue and 6 sets of Cool White. Bargain!!:D Probably try my luck tomorrow at a few more stores.

I'm glad BigW didn't order enough of the starter kits, while every one was there looking for starter kits i was filling up my trolley with extensions and getting weird looks.
Keep an eye out after Christmas i guess there would be heaps of returns as people didn't realise they needed the starter kit to make them work.

[David_AVD]

Yeah, I had a few people say to me "you know those won't work unless you have the controller thing". I just replied "Yes, I know". Still got weird looks! :)

[piesrule58]

I picked up what ever I could from three Stores today.
What will one do with so many blue strings?????

Piesrule, I have run all of my leds on 24vac this year I have probably purchased around 50 of these packets and used around 30 of them this year, they have worked really well.
Pick the right resistor values for the colour or if you are lazy like me just use the same on all the colours and slightly over run the reds.

I don't understand. Can't I use them just as they are? Why do I need to add resistors?

[Goldie]

I don't understand. Can't I use them just as they are? Why do I need to add resistors?

Piesrule58 (and they do), the resistor is to stop them over running and burning out, l have not put any resistors on my but do have a bridge which changes the 24vAC to around 33vDC, they work very well but l am over running them slightly and willing to pay the price of burning them out

[David_AVD]

I don't understand. Can't I use them just as they are? Why do I need to add resistors?

I've long suspected that LED string manufacturers cheat (who would have thought!) by using the relatively high source impedance of the supplied transformer to limit the current to safer levels. When you use a larger transformer to power multiple light sets, you lose that advantage (cheat).

The other issue is the larger transformer may have a higher output voltage when lightly loaded that may cause a significant increase in LED current. Using resistors in each leg of the LED string will limit the current to safer levels and prevent them dying prematurely.

Anyway, that's my take on it based on experience over the last 2 years of using LED strings.

[Tabor]

Pie

Look at post 47 in this tread , Phil describes how he modifies the string and the page before he has a few measurements.

I basically do the same thing with 24Vac.

Place a bridge rectifier on the 24Vac and then a 180 ohm resistor (any value around there will do) on the positive rail.
Work out the positive and negative wires. (as per Phils procedure)
I then add a 120ohm resistor to each negative wire.
I only use the 180 ohm resistor to work out which wire is which. Remove it in normal operation.
I then insulate the resistor connections to the string with heat shrink.
I twist the opposite side of the resistor together and wire the whole thin to a couple of flying leads ready for the SSR.
I supply the SSR's with the rectified 24 Vac.

[piesrule58]

Ok, I have found the 2 negative and 1 positive wire. Can you please supply a picture or drawing of where the bridge rectifier and 180ohm resistors are placed.

Thanks, Terry

[Matt_Edwards]

Please indulge this poor shopper. Today I have been to 3 Big-w Stores looking for 2x Green and 2x Red extensions. Nil was found. I need these for next year's project (mega Tree). So if any fellow member finds they can spare 2 of each colour, I would love to discuss terms, and I can also guarantee you will make this member very happy.

BTW: Rouse Hill shops were a treat. they have little counters telling you how many car spaces are left. normally they say 396 or same other astronomically large number. today it was 0006 and 0020 etc. Big-W had NO lights! Nil.


Cheers
Matt

[wjohn]

Matt.

I have lots of blue. Hopefully I can arrange some trades. Anyone willing to help out?

[Matt_Edwards]

thanks John.
Blue was either way unpopular ( I don't think so) or they ordered 3 x as many blue as the others. last time I was at Winston Hills they had about 20 blue and i got the last 2 Greens and Reds.

Matt

[wjohn]

i cant fathom it, I got ONE red, a few Greens, and LOTS of BLUE. scared to count what i bought....

[uziman]

Was again at the shops today, so far have been to 5 different Big W's my tally is now 17 R, 17 G, 17 B and 7 CW.

Matt, i wish i knew you needed some red and greens as the last shop a went to had at least another 5 sets of each. I would of got them but i was running out of money:D

One thing i have noticed with this years 120 leds is that they are 12m long. Last years were only 6m, but were only limited to multi colour , blue and white i think.

[polar bear]

Hi Matt i have 2 sets of these red led extensions you need i bought them cos they were there you are welcome to them send me your address and i will post asap . now if you have any blue ones !!!!!!!!
Now before i blow any of these other ext i have up what voltage do they run on?
HO HO HO merry christmas:D:-D:-D

24 volt ac

[wjohn]

I HAVE LOTS OF BLUES

WILL SWAP

or pay for RED or GREENS

[Matt_Edwards]

Polar Bear thanks for the offer. PM sent

As for the operating voltage,, check out post 47 (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=94815&postcount=47)
I run my Wreath (it uses the same LED extensions) off 33 volts DC, so have to put a series R in each string.

So that leaves only 2 green to go.


Cheers
Matt

[wjohn]

i have been out to BIG Ws on the East and South-East today. only Blue and one green.

I did pick up some blue icecle extensions that I may not need, so can trade those as well.

At this stage, if ANYONE has spare RED or GREEN, I can swap BLUE or purchase.

[docjon]

For those of us who never got to Big W (me), could someone post a pic of these LED extension strings so we can see what they look like (just curious) :P

[aususer]

Hey Team,
might be worth ringing friends in Ballarat...
I was there yesterday at BW and picked up a few extensions (warm white - last set mislabelled, red and green) - my focus was more on Kmart lights (spent all my gift cards given to me on request) "for the wife" ;)

None the less, there was a stack of reds, greens and blue there as at 10:00am yesterday (and no I didn't have my iphone with me so couldn't let you all know... my phone is a work phone - and I'm on my days off)..

it appears that Ballarat people are not as keen on christmas lights as in Melbourne!
Might be something useful to know.. maybe checking "further out" might be a better opertunity for bargins.

Note to self: only buy lights in Ballarat next year!

[wjohn]

ahhh, if only.... dont know anyone in Ballarat...

[Matt_Edwards]

Cool, I happen to venture into the christmas Isle as the local BIG-W anf found several lonely packs 2x green and 2x Blue. So with Polar Bears Reds I am now set.

Cheers and many thanks to the community.
Matt

[TimW]

Eureka!

Looks like there are still stock(ades) of lights in Ballarat!

[wjohn]

Eureka!

Looks like there are still stock(ades) of lights in Ballarat!

Jokes are in the first sticky.......

[Goldie]

For those of us who never got to Big W (me), could someone post a pic of these LED extension strings so we can see what they look like (just curious) :P

Docjon

There's not much around this way, Christmas eve l went to wav gardens none, heaps of blue at fountain gate, none in keysborough, haven't tried endevour hills.

[docjon]

Thanks Goldie,

My closest store would be Forest Hill, just haven't had the time to get down there. Looks like ill be waiting for next year :) Never mind

[yarnos]

I just have returned from 4 Local Big W stores and have purchased 25 packets of the Led Strings for $8.97 but unable to locate any starter packs or transformers. I will use these packs to create my Mega tree for 2010 Xmas. Can any body provide me detailed modification instructions?

1. How is the voltage regulated thru the supplied Transformer Why is it that the same transformer can power up 120 led and can also do up to 600 led connected together without making any physical alterations ?

2. When i power these LED Strings they chase, when i connect them to the SSR board what phyiscal modification is required to be performed to make them adaptable to the SSR boards ?

3. I have read through this fabulous forum that Laptop transformers are suitable to be used for LED Strings :idea: i have access to 50 Laptop transformer with the following specs how can i calculate if these transformers will be suitable to light up the strings
specs.
Input (100v-240v~1.2a-0.6a) : Output 15v-5A

4. How can i work out how many leds the above transformer can light up ?
is there a info link or thread that provides more details on how to calculate the power supply for leds ?

cheers

[Matt_Edwards]

I just have returned from 4 Local Big W stores and have purchased 25 packets of the Led Strings for $8.97 but unable to locate any starter packs or transformers. I will use these packs to create my Mega tree for 2010 Xmas. Can any body provide me detailed modification instructions?
Don't we all wish for "detailed Instructions"
First you need to determine how tall your tree will be.
If you bought the extensions shown Goldie's photo, they are 12m long with LEDs every ~100mm
However they are really connected this way:

2 parallel strings of 10 (or 15 if Red) spaced at 200mm
one circuit offset by 100mm to the other.

this effectively gives you 6 stings in parallel 2mtres long for Blue, White and Green and 4 strings in parallel 3 meters long for Red.
Cutting them in half is probably a good start if your front yard can take a 6 metre tree! Mine can't, so I am sticking with 4 metre and will deal with the Reds as I need to.

1. How is the voltage regulated thru the supplied Transformer Why is it that the same transformer can power up 120 led and can also do up to 600 led connected together without making any physical alterations ?
LEDS take "poopy" power, one exrtention only requires 60 to 90mA. the supplied 24V 10VA transmfer is caplae of 420mA.

2. When i power these LED Strings they chase, when i connect them to the SSR board what phyiscal modification is required to be performed to make them adaptable to the SSR boards ?
I take it you mean the once with the start pack chase. We generally don't use the starter packs. As for mods I intend to parallel each string and treat as a single cct. you could use two ccts per string and maintain the chase effect.

3. I have read through this fabulous forum that Laptop transformers are suitable to be used for LED Strings :idea: i have access to 50 Laptop transformer with the following specs how can i calculate if these transformers will be suitable to light up the strings
specs.
Input (100v-240v~1.2a-0.6a) : Output 15v-5A

4. How can i work out how many leds the above transformer can light up ?
is there a info link or thread that provides more details on how to calculate the power supply for leds ?

Not for these extension packs. Check out posts 35 and 36 of this thread. you need about 27 volts.
It would be goo to use the transformes on another projects.

Cheers

[wjohn]

Thanks Goldie,

My closest store would be Forest Hill, just haven't had the time to get down there. Looks like ill be waiting for next year :) Never mind

it is empty, I went there before Xmas......

[joshlisa]

Got the misses to run around on boxing day (I was working). She managed to buy box's of 250 odd LED's from KMart. I have realised and been annoyed by the two channel sets out this year and been aware of them since they hit the stores. Had to pay top doller for a four channel set. Even the more expensive sets from Bunnings and others are all two channel. My idea is to wire the two channels together and have all four colours on/off together. This will work for some of the projects I have in stall for next year but at $9.60 per 250 LED's (that are rather bright and nice colours) I could not pass up getting a few more.....well almost 7500 LED's to be correct.
Roll on 2010.
Josh

[srm]

it is empty, I went there before Xmas......

this is interesting as this is one of the shops i went there on the 23/12 and got quite a few packs.

regards,

Rob.

[smartalec]

hi all.. i was lucky to get 12 packs at that $9 price (50% off)
i just connected one set to a 24v ac tranformer, and they seemed to look nice an bright, (semi flickering)
will i blow them if i continue to use this sort of power pack for them?
thanks in advance
alec.

[Garlok]

Corio (Geelong) Kmart is out, i grabbed the last set of multi colored LED's. Havent been to the other store in Geelong, but they had very few to Start with. BigW is also a bust, have a very small varity this year and there are onlt scraps left.

Andre

[aususer]

Don't bother Dandenong area.. expedition yesterday bupkus.. BigW and Kmart.
:(

[vk3heg]

ahhh, if only.... dont know anyone in Ballarat...

Me raided the Ballarat Big W on Boxing day at 7am.. (helps if you clean the store and can get in before the hords show up)

Came home with $400 worth of lights for $200....

Btw: The selection of lights this year at the normal haunts was crap.

Sams: Indoor crap
Safeway (got lots from them the past few years): what lights? Only deco's
Bunnings: Cheap arlec junk. Mort Bay not much better. NO LED lights
Big W: Leds and lots of leds. Got a few at the $17 ranges, and then waited for the boxing day sale.

[toodle_pipsky]

No exaggeration - no lights left here in Toowoomba before Christmas. Everything pretty much sold out about a week before the big day. Very disappointing. Oh well.

[aususer]

Me raided the Ballarat Big W on Boxing day at 7am.. (helps if you clean the store and can get in before the hords show up)

Came home with $400 worth of lights for $200....

Btw: The selection of lights this year at the normal haunts was crap.

Sams: Indoor crap
Safeway (got lots from them the past few years): what lights? Only deco's
Bunnings: Cheap arlec junk. Mort Bay not much better. NO LED lights
Big W: Leds and lots of leds. Got a few at the $17 ranges, and then waited for the boxing day sale.

Ah Hah! Your the one! :shock:
I was looking for the warm white lights.. sheesh!

Note to self: PM vk3heg PRIOR to xmas next year!! :rolleyes:

[Tabor]

Well John or anyone

If you have a good idea of what to do with blue leds, be sure to post it.

I have got 26 packets of blue and not a clue what to do!

[Matt_Edwards]

BTW. a birdie told me Big W has had a fair number of Extension returns by people who could resist a bargain only to find they didn't get the full kit.

Cheers
Matt

[daviddth]

Alas none in the ones Sue checked, Matt :(

[vk3heg]

BTW. a birdie told me Big W has had a fair number of Extension returns by people who could resist a bargain only to find they didn't get the full kit.


Had a couple of people say that they are useless with-out the started kit. I just grined and kept on putting them in the trolley. (Also got the ones that they put back)...

[David_AVD]

Yeah, I got funny looks and comments too. :rolleyes:

[smartalec]

does anyone know the wiring for these sets?
cause 120 leds i believe would be too much to use on one segment on a arch.

[David_AVD]

All the details are earlier on in this thread. (in first couple of pages I think)

[aususer]

Well John or anyone

If you have a good idea of what to do with blue leds, be sure to post it.

I have got 26 packets of blue and not a clue what to do!

I might just be back to you on that one...

I've been thinking about the last time anyone in Melbourne (and probably Perth??! ;) ) actually experianced snow at home during Christmas, so have changed my tack slightly to "ozzie"ise(tm) my Christmas experiance next year... and boycotting the seppo'/euro icons of christmas...
for a more ozzie version..

I'm thinking next year of turning my roof into something like a beach - and have santa in boardies, zinc and thongs (the feet kind) riding a wave down it... I've got my old surfboard which will be sacrificed; and plenty of blue and white LEDS (for waves) and yellow (sand) might be needed...

I'll see if I can mock up my projectplans in a graphic and post them... to get opinions..

I might have a use for your blues... or at-least given you an idea or two.

[Wombat]

Rather dissapointed looks like matt cleaned out the shops before me. Absulutely nothing left at the 4 stores I checked. Not that i expected anything anyway. Oh well Ill have to look around for something else.

Wombat

[daviddth]

Actually aususer, I did "Santas coming on a surfboard" last year. Blowup Santa on a surfboard, and like the song he was being pulled along by a jet ski (ok it was just the shell of a jetski, but most people would never pick it). :) Fun things like that help make the show different. Nothing like seeing a Holden ute "drive" across the 2x2 ledtriks lol

[aususer]

Actually aususer, I did "Santas coming on a surfboard" last year. Blowup Santa on a surfboard, and like the song he was being pulled along by a jet ski (ok it was just the shell of a jetski, but most people would never pick it). :) Fun things like that help make the show different. Nothing like seeing a Holden ute "drive" across the 2x2 ledtriks lol

Awesome! I found a guy on "e-junk" selling inflatable aussie-santa in thongs.. and that got me thinking... nice to know I am not alone on that one!
The ute sounds excellent.. got a photo?!
I've mocked up a photo for teh Blue led placement - but yet to link it.

More use for white BigW leds: I've been thinking of casting white LED's in some little rubber kangaroos - for my 6 white boomers theme... (aiming for about 16+... so I can do the "race'n santaclaus in the blazing sun"..). - also considering wiring them up to my surplus electric fence controller.... to keep "dogs" away.. ;)

Open to ideas everyone.. (sorry for the hi-jack... I'll post a new thread)
FWIW: I am building a Renard64 and Renard24... and this is my first year so not even close to finished.. so this is "dirt scratchings" so far..

[Dave Burrows]

These are my Kangaroos from 2 years ago, used 6 mm rod and bent into shape (using my daughters artist talants) than welded them together with three 30 cm rods to hold them in place than cable tied rope light to them. 1 blew up this year so i'm down to 5. Back than you could get rope light in 6 m lengths, no the shortest is about 10m. They stand about 1 m high and about 1.5 m long. Will be home on thursday if any wants a close up photo of one.

[wjohn]

dave,

nice work

[aususer]

Dave, they are awsome... great artistic talents not gone wasted!

[aususer]

In case anyone cares (and who doesn't!?!)

Big W and Kmark put their lights out last night (fountain gate at least!!!)
No bargains - and they appear to be the same build-type as last year.

Big W have some new, pretty cool multi-colour offerings this year (multi colour strings - green+red etc) but are stilll on the +$$$... :(
but given time who knows ;)

Its' beginning to feel a lot like blinky/lights are in the shops/take a look in the forums where the bargins are to be/with the leds and the incandees are a glow.. (sorry, couldn't help myself)
:rolleyes:

Welcome to October everyone!

[uziman]

In case anyone cares (and who doesn't!?!)

Big W and Kmark put their lights out last night (fountain gate at least!!!)
No bargains - and they appear to be the same build-type as last year.

Big W have some new, pretty cool multi-colour offerings this year (multi colour strings - green+red etc) but are stilll on the +$$$... :(
but given time who knows ;)

Its' beginning to feel a lot like blinky/lights are in the shops/take a look in the forums where the bargins are to be/with the leds and the incandees are a glow.. (sorry, couldn't help myself)
:rolleyes:

Welcome to October everyone!

Was just about to post the same thing about the Big W lights here in Adelaide.
Heard a rumour last week about lights going on sale. The Wife had a look today and she confirmed that they were. She took some photo's of them for me to see whether they were the same as I was at work, but I'm yet to see them. Possibly trying to stop me buying more lights:)

[uziman]

Just had a look at the photo's, from what i can see the extension strings are now 100 LED count and 9.9m long. I also noticed that they could have clear/white cable and did see purple LED starter kits.
The extensions were $12.87 I think. I will need to go in store for a closer look.

[aususer]

Just had a look at the photo's, from what i can see the extension strings are now 100 LED count and 9.9m long. I also noticed that they could have clear/white cable and did see purple LED starter kits.
The extensions were $12.87 I think. I will need to go in store for a closer look.

Oops... forgot to mention that bit! :rolleyes:
Confirm Purple...
and confirm "clear"...

200 for $AU20; 250 for $AU35; 500 for $AU49

Prices and variety can be seen on the web store (http://catalogues.bigw.com.au)

[slyfox04]

Got some photos of the BigW LED strings for this season, wire has clear insulation like those you see on ebay(looks ugly and cheap imo)

http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0112.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0112.JPG)
http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0114.JPG%3C/a%3E
(http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0114.JPG)http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0114.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0115.JPG)
http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0115.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0115.JPG)
http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0117.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0117.JPG)
http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0119.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0119.JPG)
http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0120.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0120.JPG)
http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0121.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0121.JPG)

http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0123.JPG (http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0123.JPG)


(http://intoxicationguild.jumbahost.com/uploads/diyc/IMG_0125.JPG)

[aususer]

Bugger!
Because they didn't have that "no transformer included" sticker on there last year, I got access to a stack of reduced-orice, "wrong-product" returns when PPL bougt the "cheaper" lights home only to find it had no transformer...
:( Guess its "list price" this year.

[slyfox04]

Bugger!
Because they didn't have that "no transformer included" sticker on there last year, I got access to a stack of reduced-orice, "wrong-product" returns when PPL bougt the "cheaper" lights home only to find it had no transformer...
:( Guess its "list price" this year.

Could still happen this year? People are bound to make the same mistake. I bought 8 sets at discounted retail (a week before xmas). Lol or pull the "No transformer" stickers off and put them with the w\transformer sets as both kits are roughly the same size in terms of packaging.

I got all my lights for this year from good old china, but will watch out when they discount BigW sets and grab a few. But am chasing some LED rope-lights\motifs both of which BigW charge a bucketload for.

[Matt_Edwards]

SlyFox04 thanks for the Pictures. I busted my foot up a bit and haven't been able to make it out to Big W.

I notice they have resistors fitted. Cool!
I didn't buy any with transformers last year, I also notice the transformers this year say 22V @10VA. Does any one remember what they were last year?

Last year 120 LEDs meant White, Blue and Green were connected in a strings of 10 LEDs and Red in Strings of 15 LEDs. I wonder how they are connect this year?

[slyfox04]

SlyFox04 thanks for the Pictures. I busted my foot up a bit and haven't been able to make it out to Big W.

I notice they have resistors fitted. Cool!
I didn't buy any with transformers last year, I also notice the transformers this year say 22V @10VA. Does any one remember what they were last year?

Last year 120 LEDs meant White, Blue and Green were connected in a strings of 10 LEDs and Red in Strings of 15 LEDs. I wonder how they are connect this year?

Couldn't find starter kits last year, pretty sure it was 24V. The bulb ratings though have gone down, from 3V 0.03w to 3V 0.01w. I assume that 30mA and 10mA?

Does LED's/segment depend on the string length? I would assume 10cm spacing, 10LED's/segment 100cm segments 12 segments, roughly.

[Tabor]

Aussiephil has performed a lot of voltage current measurements on the 2010 Leds from BigW.

His results have been posted over at forums.auschristmaslighting.com