3/4" Pex Pixel Strip Holder

thingiverse

Arches are an essential element in creating stunning animated Christmas light shows, and this pixel strip holder plays a crucial role in securing pixel strips firmly to the bottom of 3/4" Pex tubing. Before building your arches, you'll need to do some calculations first. To achieve a seamless edge-to-edge light display on your arches, make sure the pixel strips reach all the way to the end of the tubing - a little short is acceptable. Once you've determined the length of both the tubing and the pixel strips, start by predrilling and tapping the ends of the arch for an 8/32 size nylon machine screw. Drill a hole on the top, upward-facing side of the arch about 1/2" from the ends. Then, insert your pixel strip into the arch and place one pixel strip holder over the strip on one side. Next, slide a 4" zip tie through the hole in the holder and push both the holder and the strip simultaneously about 2-3" deep into the arch. Note that the zip tie is only used to pull the holder towards the end of the arch and can be removed later, so there's no need to secure it. On the opposite side of the arch, carefully pull out enough pixel strip to slide another pixel strip holder over it, then push back until flush with the edge of the arch. When you're satisfied that the first side is securely in place, secure a nylon machine screw through the pre-drilled hole and tighten just enough for a snug fit. The nylon screw should apply gentle pressure to the center of the mount on the flat side, ensuring it stays firmly in place. With one end of the pixel strip now securely held, grab the zip tie from the opposite side and pull along with the strip. Once you're satisfied with its position and tension, secure it in the same manner as the first side and discard the zip tie when finished. When complete, simply clip off any protruding pieces of nylon screws on the outside of the Pex tubing and secure them into your base mounts. If ever needed to remove the strip holders, they come apart easily by using a small drill bit to drill out the nylon screw.