Need advice on using the right connector for an LED strip

Hello everyone,

I have I think a simple problem. I'm mounting two WS2812B LED strips on my wall that I want to plug into my Arduino on the floor not far from the strips. There will be two strips housed within two aluminum LED channels.

I'm looking for the best way to connect the three wires (+, -, data) from each LED strip to the arduino board. Since it will be likely that I will need to connect the Arduino to my laptop to reprogram it, I will need a connector that will easily take multiple connections/disconnections.

I'm planning to power the Arduino itself via the barrel connector. The challenge is to find a PCB mountable connector that will take the three wires and is easy to connect/disconnect from. Something like a barrel power connector but with the ability to accept the data wire as well.

I found this but I'd like the female component to be PCB mountable ideally.

Any ideas? Thanks!

How about the 3 wire Dupont connectors used with servos ?

Available in multiple lengths or you can make up your own to suit your installation

That sounds interesting, do you have a link to make sure I know what it is? Thank you for the quick response!

The ones you found on amazon are quite good, being waterproof and all. Usually the strip comes with 1 or 2 non waterproof connectors on it. For PCB mountable, JST connectors would work.

Sounds good on JST, do you have a link?

I googled 'jst connector 3pin chassis' and found and a bunch of other links of course. You will need both males and females, but i figure only one of them chassis.
actually this should be exactly what you want.

ok that might work but kind of hard to disconnect.

can i use a 3.5 audio jack for all this? that would be cool

for example this:

Kework 5-Pack 1/8" 3.5mm 3 Pole TRS Stereo AV Male to 3-Screw Terminal Stereo Female Headphone AUX Balun Connector Converter Adapter (M/FM)

Probably, but you do have to be very cautious especially if you imagine "hot-plugging" - which necessarily includes accidental disconnection/ reconnection. :astonished:

sorry, what’s the danger of an accidental connect/disconnect?

Using 5v ledstrip not as much as with 12v ledstrip, but you may have inverted voltage between data & GND or VCC & data or VCC & GND when inserting or removing the plug.

What do you mean by that. You just grab the plug by the side and pull.

What do you mean by that. You just grab the plug by the side and pull.

I really want a nice looking but easy pull/push connection. The JST connectors are take a bit more effort than I want. But it's a good option too, don't get me wrong. I'll ponder on these two options :). Thank you!

Ok use XLR ! I used XLR for strip as well. heavy expensive but nice looking and safer than a jack plug. There was a conflict in the environment we were using ledstrip so we switched, but that won't be your issue.
Din comes to mind as well, but tricky to solder.I have plenty of XLR plugs left over if your want any.

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