Borealis Addressable SPI SideFlex Neon Installation Guide

• #2 Phillips screwdriver (for mounting bracket screws)
• Jewelers flat blade screwdriver (1/8” wide) (for controller screws)
• Soldering iron

• Borealis Addressable SPI Neon SideFlex Light: Accessories included are 10 brackets, 10 screws, 4 end caps, 2 input caps, and 2 glue bottles of RTV Silicone
• Cutter Tool for Neon Flex Lights
• Non-Dimmable Power Supply
• Casambi SPI Controller
• Optional: Surface Mounted Aluminum Channel

Remember S.A.F.E.T.Y.

S: Shut off power.

A: Ask a licensed electrician if needed.

F: Follow NEC guidelines.

E: Equip yourself with proper PPE.

T: Treat the wires as live.

Y: You are responsible.

Beyond safety, here are a few important things to keep in mind about the product and installation.

• Addressable neon lights are directional. There is a label marked on the wire indicating which direction the wires should go.
• To maintain the longevity and performance of your LED Neon Light, be sure to bend it only in the specified direction - either top-bending or side-bending, depending on the product design.

• No splits are allowed.

• The neon comes with a connected lead. Use this if you can because it’s a lot easier to use the built-in lead. Only cut and solder if you absolutely have to.
• Avoid placing any weight or pressure directly on the neon, as this can damage the internal components.
• Always use parallel wiring rather than series wiring to ensure consistent voltage and safer operation.
• If you're installing the neon in a channel, make sure to insulate the bare wire leads to prevent any risk of short circuits.
• Use silicone or a suitable sealant to protect the neon from moisture and environmental wear.
• Keep in mind: this product is not designed to withstand exposure to harsh chemicals.

FYI: This is helpful information, but not necessarily needed for your installation.

There are two common formats for addressable LED products: SPI and DMX. While both allow for advanced control, they function quite differently.

SPI (Serial Port Interface)

SPI strips typically have four connections: positive, negative, and two data lines. They are controlled with an SPI controller. If you cut the strip and reconnect it as a new lead, the addressing restarts. SPI allows for animations right out of the box and is easier to set up than DMX. DMX is a more complex setup and requires more knowledge of the lighting control.

DMX (Digital Multiplex)

DMX strips work differently because the addresses are pre-programmed into the strip. If you cut a DMX strip in the middle, the segment retains its existing address rather than starting over. This makes it easier to maintain consistent addressing across multiple sections. The advantage of DMX is its compatibility with existing lightboards. It provides greater flexibility and control, though it can also be more complex to set up.

1. Determine the length you need for your project. You must use the cut lines to adjust the length of the neon light. If you need to cut the neon light, steps 2 and 3 explain the cutting process.
2. Locate the cut line on the bottom of the neon strip.
3. Using the Cutter Tool for Neon Flex Lights, make a clean cut along the marked line.

The neon comes with a connected lead. Use this if you can because it’s a lot easier to use the built-in lead. Only cut and solder if you absolutely have to.

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

Set up a clean, stable work surface with good lighting and ventilation. Make sure your neon light and wires are within easy reach.

Step 2: Access the outermost connection

One unique part of working with neon is that you need to gently squeeze it to access the outermost connection. Be very careful during this step to ensure you can apply solder properly to the solder pad.

Step 3: Tin the wire ends

Using your soldering iron, apply a small amount of solder to the exposed ends of your wires. This process, called tinning, creates a protective layer and makes it easier to attach the wires to the neon.

Step 4: Heat the copper pads

Locate the copper pads at the end of your neon light. Gently heat the pad with the soldering iron, then apply a small amount of solder.

Step 5: Connect the wires

Carefully align each tinned wire end with the corresponding copper pad and solder them in place. Ensure the connections are secure without creating solder bridges between pads.

Step 6: Let it cool

Allow the soldered connections to cool completely before moving or testing the neon light.

Step 7: Test the connection

Plug the neon light into the power supply and confirm that it lights up properly.

Step 8: Re-waterproof

Apply RTV Silicone and an input cap to waterproof the neon light again.

1. Determine where you want the neon light located.
2. Use the screw driver to screw the u-shaped brackets into the intended spot. Space the brackets evenly.
3. Push the neon light into the brackets. The brackets will snap into grooves to hold it in place.

1. Once you have the neon light cut to length and mounted, it is time to make the electrical connection.
2. There is a label marked on the wire indicating which direction the wires should go.
3. On the neon light, there are four wires: a red, black, blue and green wire. The red wire is the V (+) wire and the black wire is the V (-) wire as indicated on the neon itself. The blue and green wire are both signal data wires.

1. Count how many sections there are. This number needs to be input into the SPI controller app to accurately display animations. An uncut neon reel has 50 sections.
2. Test the neon light to ensure it is working properly.
3. That's it! Great job!

Can you cut the neon lights?

Yes, where there is a marked cut line on the clear window on the bottom side. We recommend using our neon cutters.

Will regular scissors work to cut the neon lights?

No, use the Cutter Tool for Neon Flex Lights (purchased separately) to ensure a clean, precise cut.

Can you daisy chain the neon lights?

Yes, up to the maximum specs listed on the product page.

How do I connect the neon lights to the power supply?

Please see the wiring diagram listed above.

My lights are flickering. What should I do?

First, check if you chose a flickering scene and change it to a solid scene. Next, double check your connection. Often times, it is a simple fix. If in doubt, re-do it.