This video is a guide to fixing a fault meteor light, with an extra bit on tri-state multiplexing. (Charlieplexing)
PLEASE NOTE. Some of the meteor light circuits have a capacitive dropper inside the power-supply plug. This has no isolation from the mains, so all the circuitry in the icicles should be regarded as being at mains voltage.

15 thoughts on “Fixing a faulty meteor icicle light.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Princess Red says:

    I just bought a set of these at the bin store. The aren’t coming on at all. Any ideas on how to get them to work?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Max jean says:

    can u change the pattern

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chad Dusterhoft says:

    Great video!
    Do you know how to wire the lights if you separate the chip board into different sections?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ravi181973 says:

    Hi, Can I change the falling rain light effect of this light to constant on light?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Keith says:

    Hi, another great video 👍🏻 I have a set of meteor lights with a very similar looking circuit board and was wondering if you could assist me?
    When taking down my lights last weekend I noticed one the the tubes had three pairs of LEDs out so I opened it up, checked the LEDs and they aren’t faulty? I noticed the 8pin chip appeared to have a hairline crack, so I unsoldered and indeed it broke in two!? I have no idea where to get a replacement or even the spec if needed? Could you point me in the right direction? I have an image of the chip with codes on the back side. Cheers

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J B says:

    Our strand has just dimmed to the extent you can hardly see them. Is this a similar issue or different?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matambale says:

    Proof that Clive is a good person: he uses snips to bend a lead, and he doesn't accidentally snip it off.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Keith says:

    Hi
    You’re obviously a man that knows his electronics and LED Xmas lights! Cheeky question – I have a set of faulty connectable outdoor LED icicle lights which aren’t lighting up at all but will allow power to pass through and illuminate the next set in the chain???

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Burden says:

    No dislikes thats the first time i have seen that well done everyone

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Feerick says:

    Got a set of the RGB metor lights from banggood (SKU096512), and they had a capacitive dropper power supply, and the capacitor was getting quite hot so was not impressed. I noticed on the box (yes, it has a retail box!) it said 5v output, so precariously disassembled and metered the PSU, and yes, it was varying from 3v to 5.5v dependent on the lights. So removed the PSU, and put a USB plug on the end, and it now runs from any old 5v USB socket, and draws at most the massive amount of 1.42W (or 0.25A @ 5.22v) and can run from a 2200mah usb powerbank for… a very long time? lol A far cry from the 7W on the banggood site, or the 5v @ 1A that the box says :-O

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alex Law says:

    If you have trouble with heatshrink wicking water into things, I've found nail polish works well. Clear stuff looks quite professional even if you just slap it on.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matthew Q says:

    Fun stuff. Thanks!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars m8e says:

    Ok, Youtube recommended me this video under the category "Astronomy".

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars nunchuck90 says:

    Any tips or what a person should buy if one would want to become an electrician?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SDG Electronics says:

    I bought a couple of these sets last year, the main problem I had was they snapped in the wind at the strain relief. One set had a really dodgy power adaptor with a pcb cut out from a random piece of equipment. Thanks for the video

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