Connecting your TeensyLights16 Controller

120V AC can be dangerous. Use caution.

• Always disconnect power before touching.
• Mount you board before connecting power.
• Use apporpriate guage wire.
• Make sure there are no stray or frayed connections. Tin wires to prevent.
• Leave little or no copper showing on your terminal block connections.
• Never wind up extension cords or lights while they are powered.

Failure to follow basic electrical safety can lead to loss of life, and some really disappointed people when they come to see your light show that is not finished. And "No!" the flashing lights on the emergency vehicles at your house does not count as a light show.

TeensyLights16 Connections

Cases

There are many options of for enclosing and connecting your TeensyLights16 controller. Here are a few ideas.

Tim (TimJustTim) Hardin's Outlet Cube

This Outlet Cube is for indoor use. It is very economical design using 1/4 plywood that was cut using Lvl1.org's laser cutter. Duplex 120v Outlet Sockets 8 x $0.33, Cover plates 4 x $50. Some scrap plywood or arcrylic, and some wire.

Indoor or Outdoor Enclosure

This design can be used indoors or outdoors. This particular reference design was made for indoor use. The only difference for outdoor use is the type of extension cords used. It also must be mounted upright, just as a typical air conditioner disconnect would be. Never use indoor rated extension cords outside as insulation can become brittle when exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, but more importantly it becomes brittle quickly at cold temperatures, so flexing can quickly lead to exposed wire.

This is constructed relatively cheaply by using an inexpensive Air Conditioner disconnect box available at Lowes or Home Depot for $7 to $9. Simply remove the inside disconnect parts and use the case. You will also need 16 extension cords of any length you want. Indoor ones can be had for $.120 to $1.50 each. As this is a metal case you will need two 3 wire (grounded) power cords. The ground wire should be connect to the metal case. The extension cords do not require 3 wire grounded sockets, but of course those are acceptable. All grounds should be connecte to the case.

Be sure to use strain reliefs on you cords.

Cut, strip and tin your cords. It is important to tin the ends of the wire so that is doesn't frey and short to any neighboring wire. Only strip as small bit of insulation, so that when the wire is in the terminal, no bare wire is showing.

Attach all of the wires through the strain reliefs. Attach the power cord.