LED Photograpy Light Pannel. From Salvaged LED Strips

I needed a light pannel to start making Youtube videos! So i made it with salvaged LED strips.

Supplies

• Salvaged/Brand new LED strips, with 8 LEDs in series. Mine were 3528 warm white, high brighness. Be sure to check your LEDs datasheet and calculate apropriate sized resistors.
• 100ohm resistors (This is what worked for mine, but you'll have to calculate your own value if you use different LEDs, different amount in series, or different supply voltage. I think i understand it well enough now to help others, so leave a comment if you need help.)
• 30v Power supply (from old HP inkjet printer).
• On/Off switch
• Reflective tarp (usually used for indoors growing) or you can use reflective tape, just be carefull to not touch any electrical contacts if you use something conductive, like tinfoil.
• 3D printed enclosure: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5964314/files Of course, you can also make your own out of common materials if you don't have a 3D printer. This was designed in Fusion 360 as shown in the video.
• 1/4"/20 nut. This is the standard thread on most photography tripods/stands/holders. So you can attach your light pannel to normal photography equipment.

Step 1: Get Your LED Strips

Either get brand new LED strips, or salvage them from retrofit LED tubes as i did. This could be dangerous, as you're dealing with the thin glass tube of the lamp, so do it at your own risk.

Step 2: Cut the Pieces to Size

As i explained, i initially cut them with 9 in-series LEDs, but ended up changing it o 8 in-series.

Step 3: Solder Your Strips in Parallel

Each strip will be soldered in parallel, with the apropiate sized resistors in series with each strip.

Step 4: Prepare the Enclosure

I then embed the nut applying some heat with a soldering iron.

Then i add the on/off switch.

Then i line the box with the reflective tarp, and feed the power supply wires trough the hole.

Step 5: Finishing Up

I finish up the circuit, and attach the strips to the box using some electrical tape and some very small drops of super glue.

Then i finish up the lid by gluing the opaque plastic to it.

After gluing the lid to the box, it's done!

Step 6: Done!

As you can see, it lights up pretty good, and will for sure help me with my future videos!