Adressable LEDs-clock/data lines independent?

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
1

I have some Dot Star RGB LED's from adafruit that have 4 pins:
Negative, 5V, data, and clock

I've soldered different pieces of LED's together and some of the pieces aren't working because I didn't solder the clock or data pins well. To troubleshoot and determine if the clock or data pin is the problem, I'm using the HZ function on my multimeter.

I'm wondering if the clock and data pins are independent? If the clock speed isn't being transmitted to a section of LED's correctly, does this also mean that the data speed won't be correct? Or will the data speed be correct independent of the clock speed? Thanks in advance.

2

I'm wondering if the clock and data pins are independent?

Yes, although they both have activity on them at the same time the data is different.

If the clock speed isn't being transmitted to a section of LED's correctly, does this also mean that the data speed won't be correct?

It is expressed in a clumsy and incorrect question but basically yes. The data signal is synchronized with the clock. The clock tells the LED when the data is right to take in, if the clock or data is missing this can't happen.

3

Thank-you!