How to connect LED strip to batteries

The 3M strips likely require more than the 3 V available from two D-cells. Try increasing to four cells (6 V) or six cells (9V) or even eight cells (12 V), all connected in series-aiding (so the voltages add up).

What is the part or model number of the 3M strips you are trying to use? Do you have a datasheet for these LEDs? IIRC, current limiting is built-in to the strips by virtue of a chip for every three or four consecutive LEDs on the strip. Whatever that do-dad is, that you have soldered in series with the red (positive) wire from the battery holder, it is not necessary.

 

Most I've seen can actually be anywhere between 12v or as much as 24v.
Forget the AA. Actually forget the batteries.
Some can take 2 amp for 5 metre string.
Best to show just where you bought them if you cannot provide any specs.

And as Hevans says, forget the do-dad.(resistor I think)

 

Can't quite read the part number on your photo. What's the 3M part number? Look up the voltage you need.
Bigger 1.5 volt cells contain more total energy, so will last longer, once you get enough end-on-end to light the strip.. As bluejets says, it's going to be too much for any small battery. You're going to need a power supply, generally available from the same supplier. Tell them what it's for.

 

Ok....so now we are at frys.....I'm assuming that is Fry's Electronics....don't really know as I'm Googling whatever little info you are offering. Just give us a number or link even so we can see what you already know so someone can help you out. Gee it hard sometimes!

 

@jesse salinas: I think you may have finally "got it". Good point that Harald made in his post #14 about the push-button switch. Make sure it can handle at least two amperes of current. As for the battery... if you are gonna be carrying this around, a belt that holds eight D-size cells, either alkaline (one time use) chemistry or rechargeable LiPO, lithium-ion, or even NiCd (nickel cadmium) or lead-acid chemistry would be better than that clunky, heavy, awkward-to-carry, box-like battery whose image you posted. However, that, too, would work just fine, and it is rechargeable.

The important thing is to have enough voltage (12 V DC) and enough current capability (2 A) and enough ampere-hours (8 Ahr or more) energy capacity to last for as long as you want to be outside to use it. You might want to consider making your own "battery belt" using commercial off-the-shelf single-cell holders wired in series with an appropriate connector for the LED strip:



If you are only going to pulse the LED string on for a few seconds, a few times per hour or a few times per minute, you may be able to get by with much smaller cells, say, AA-size or C-size instead of D-size. If it were my project, I would gather up eight fresh 1.5 volt AA alkaline cells and wire them up in series, head-to-toe, with short lengths of stranded 18 to 24 AWG insulated wire. Then make a test run to see how long they will last in the field. Wrap the string of cells with duct tape and secure it to your waist to carry comfortably. Once you find a size that works for you, glue single-cell holders to a web-belt, wire them up, and head on out into the field.

I am curious. What the frak is this? An old-fashioned sandwich-board advertising display? Gotta be more attractive than those stupid inflatable hot-dog displays that waggle around to catch your attention...

 

Make sure you cut the strip at the right places. The cutting places should be clearly marked on the strip. Generally, three LEDs (minimum) or an integer (whole number) multiple of the minimum number is required for each strip cut from the reel.

The two outer edges of the strip carry 12 V DC power, one being the positive terminal and the other the negative terminal. You just wire (use stranded, insulated, wire and solder) all the positive terminals together and then wire (use stranded, insulated, wire and solder again) all the negative terminals together. Connect the now-commonly connected positive terminals of all the LED strips to the positive battery terminal. Connect the now-commonly connected negative terminals of all the LED strips to the negative battery terminal. Place the switch in series with one of the battery terminals (either one will be okay) to turn power to the strips on and off. That's all there is to it. Have fun!