Questions. So Many Questions.
Here you'll find answers to some of our most commonly-asked questions. If your question isn't listed or answered here, head on over to the User Forum.
Why are your products named like parts of a tree?
Since our system is modular, there are many different parts available, and these can be combined to create an almost limitless number of installations. That’s a good thing, because it means you can add our lighting and automation products to just about anything you can build. If you’re new to our products, though, the number and combination of parts may seem overwhelming. By creating
a naming system that references a tree, we hope to make the product selection process a little easier:
Over time, we’ll be working to document a recommended assortment of parts needed to add lighting and effects to well-known LEGO® and other kits. If you need any help figuring out which products are right for your installation, visit our User Forum and ask the experts.
a naming system that references a tree, we hope to make the product selection process a little easier:
- Products beginning with SEED are power sources—every installation needs at least one SEED (unless you’re providing your own power source).
- Products beginning with ROOT are power supplies—they take the input power and convert it to the voltage used by the rest of the Brickstuff system.
- Products beginning with TRUNK are effect controllers—they’re the circuits that add lighting effects and other animations to your creations.
- Products beginning with BRANCH are expansion boards and adapters—they allow you to connect multiple lights to a single output, or to expand your installation.
- Products beginning with LEAF are lights: light strips, LED lights, and other things you connect to the end of a cable.
Over time, we’ll be working to document a recommended assortment of parts needed to add lighting and effects to well-known LEGO® and other kits. If you need any help figuring out which products are right for your installation, visit our User Forum and ask the experts.
How should I use the adhesive squares or adhesive backing?
Many of our products include either an adhesive backing or adhesive squares. These can be used to mount the light or board just about anywhere. Before peeling the adhesive backing, make sure you know where you want to mount the light strip—once attached, the adhesive will weaken each time it is removed and re-attached. Generally we recommend mounting parts only once, and making
sure the adhesive strip firmly adheres on all sides. DO NOT stick the light strips onto any surface that may become damaged, such as fine fabric, upholstery, or clothing.
sure the adhesive strip firmly adheres on all sides. DO NOT stick the light strips onto any surface that may become damaged, such as fine fabric, upholstery, or clothing.
What voltage does your system use?
All Brickstuff lights run on 5V DC. DO NOT connect any of our lighting strip, board, or effects processors to more than 5V DC—doing so will destroy the parts and void any warranty. Our power supplies can accommodate a wide range of input voltages (anywhere from 3V DC to 18V DC, depending on the model), so please make sure you’re using one of our supplies or that you are supplying your own, clean 5V DC source.
What USB battery packs work with your USB power cable?
Any "power to go" type of battery with a USB output and on/off switch should work. Depending on how many lights you are powering, and how long you need to run them, choose a battery pack with more or less amp-hours (listed in mAh or Ah). Amazon sells many different packs, and we have a link to some recommendations on our Amazon Page. The important feature to look out for when purchasing a battery pack is that is has an on/off switch instead of a pushbutton switch. Battery packs with pushbutton switches typically have an "auto off" feature that turns the battery pack off if it doesn't sense a significant amount of current being drawn. if you're looking to power a small number of LEDs, or if you're using the random on/off feature of our Lighting Effect Controllers, the battery pack might not sense enough current being drawn and may shut off when you don't want it to!
Is your system Arduino compatible?
Absolutely! In 2021 we released a shield for the Arduino Uno. This shield works with several of our add-on products as well. You can read all about it here on our User Forum.
What's the maximum number of lights I can connect to a single output?
The Brickstuff system can support a total of 1 amp, which is a lot of lights! If you’re using our
LED products, a good rule of thumb is no more than 50 LEDs (or 25 2-light strips) connected to any single output channel. Depending on your configuration (and on what type of power source you are using), you may be able to connect more, or you may notice the LEDs at the end of the string
becoming dim (in this case, connect fewer lights to that output, or use one of our "splitter" adapter boards). Just remember to consider all of the lights on all channels connected to a single power source, and remember that the power supplies could become hot, or even shut down and become damaged, if too many LEDs are connected. You may also notice erratic behavior with lighting effects (for example, lights remaining on when they should be flashing, or turning off when they shouldn't be) if you have too many LEDs connected to a single output. If this happens, try using one of our more powerful power supplies, or split your lighting installation so it utilizes multiple individual power supplies. Never connect or "daisy-chain" power sources, as this will damage the components and could cause batteries or circuits to overheat, potentially creating a hazardous condition.
LED products, a good rule of thumb is no more than 50 LEDs (or 25 2-light strips) connected to any single output channel. Depending on your configuration (and on what type of power source you are using), you may be able to connect more, or you may notice the LEDs at the end of the string
becoming dim (in this case, connect fewer lights to that output, or use one of our "splitter" adapter boards). Just remember to consider all of the lights on all channels connected to a single power source, and remember that the power supplies could become hot, or even shut down and become damaged, if too many LEDs are connected. You may also notice erratic behavior with lighting effects (for example, lights remaining on when they should be flashing, or turning off when they shouldn't be) if you have too many LEDs connected to a single output. If this happens, try using one of our more powerful power supplies, or split your lighting installation so it utilizes multiple individual power supplies. Never connect or "daisy-chain" power sources, as this will damage the components and could cause batteries or circuits to overheat, potentially creating a hazardous condition.
Are your light strips and boards waterproof?
No. The strips are not waterproof and should not be used in or around water. Brickstuff products are designed for indoor use only, and all electronic components should be protected from moisture.
Why do you use multiple sizes of connectors for your light strips and boards?
One of our primary design goals was to create a lighting system that people could install inside their creations without needing to cut, drill, or otherwise modify the construction (this is especially critical for LEGO® fans). Our LEAF02 light strips have a large size connector that is still compact and easy to route through small spaces. When you need to install lighting in really tight spaces, though, we wanted to provide a product with a connector small enough to pass through the stud holes in a LEGO® brick. We were the very first company to provide a product this compact, but to do so, we needed to use a very small connector for our Pico LED Lights. By using one of our BRANCH03 adapter boards, you can connect the small connectors to the standard-size connectors. Two BRANCH03 adapter boards are included with every Pico Light Board 2-pack.