Adding LED Illumination
Thinking of adding an LED light strip around the inside of my MK3 frame. Requires 12 VDC, so before I open up the P/S, can I be reasonably certain there is a +12VDC buss inside I can tap into? Is there a source on the control board if that turns out to be a better place to pick it up? Have not worked with these strips before, how do you "strip" off the clear potting stuff to get to the contacts? Trying to cut with a knife or sharp blade looks messy. Hoping there may be a chemical stripper I can dip the end in to dissolve it, thought that would require careful handling. I'm sure lots of folks here have had this problem, how did you solve it? The other needle I'll have to thread is what to do at the top of the frame. I can't stick the strip directly to the top inside of the frame because it will interfere with the filament holders (I use two to hang four rolls.) Ideas?
Best Answer by Diem:
I don't recognise that particular strip but similar ones can be fitted with crimp-on connections that pierce the insulation to make contact. Check with your supplier.
The 24v/12v problem? Cut the strip in two and wire in series to use the whole available voltage.
Cheerio,
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RE: Adding LED Illumination
As alternative look at this light bar. I love it, have it on two machines. It does wire into the PSU.
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/3267-led-light-bar-prusa-i3-mk2mk3
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Adding LED Illumination
The Mk3 uses a 24v supply so you cant use a 12v LED light strip directly.
RE: Adding LED Illumination
You aren't going to find a 12V source inside the power supply, not that you can run an LED strip on. Nor is there really anything on the Einsy that is suitable for directly powering an LED strip. I use a separate 12V power brick for my lighting.
As for how you make connections to the strip you posted, sorare designed so that a pair of contacts is inserted into the end of the strip and makes contact with bus strips that feed power to the LEDs, so are designed so that the bus strips are accessible underneath the backing. It really depends on the strip, but harsh chemicals aren't needed, that's for sure. Generally, the strips are sold with a few connectors and a power brick.
RE: Adding LED Illumination
I don't recognise that particular strip but similar ones can be fitted with crimp-on connections that pierce the insulation to make contact. Check with your supplier.
The 24v/12v problem? Cut the strip in two and wire in series to use the whole available voltage.
Cheerio,
RE: Adding LED Illumination
@diem
Good out-of-the-box thinking! I will try this. And, stripping is not as difficult as I thought it might be; with strong fingernails and dexterity, it's possible to peel back just the clear overcoat to expose the copper pads, at least on this particular brand of strip. I was afraid it might have completely encapsulated the substrate (and may for other brands), which would have been a thornier issue. Still have to decide exactly where to put the strip. I kind of like @fuchsr's suggestion above, but want something closer to the bed that doesn't get into the visual path so much. 
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RE: Adding LED Illumination
I found some similar light strips on eBay but 5V with USB connector. Power it from USB wall wart, probably make it switchable (OctoPrint) at some point.
RE: Adding LED Illumination
@diem
Thanks to @diem it was eazy-pezy to series the two halves of the strip. Here is operating on 24 VDC.
Hear ye, Hear ye! Step right up folks and get your Government salvation here! Less than $.002 per word! Amazon.com/dp/B0B8XMMFP4