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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDave Plummer built a custom rear-lighting system for his pickup using a microcontroller and an individually addressable WS2812B LED strip. It sequences turn signals, changes modes for braking and reversing, and includes a red-and-blue emergency strobe. This is a DIY project—not a documented plug-and-play kit—and the available sources do not establish that it is road-legal or safety-certified.
What Plummer’s sequential lighting system does
Hackster describes two controller versions: one built around a Microchip ATmega328P and another around an Espressif ESP32. Both control a rear-mounted, weather-rated strip of individually addressable RGB LEDs. The report says Plummer believes the approach can work on pickup trucks and SUVs, but that is his claim rather than verified fitment across vehicle models. The sources do not name the exact strip brand or model.
- Turn signals: The LEDs animate in the direction of the turn, with the sequence synchronized to the vehicle’s indicator flash.
- Braking: The system briefly strobes, then switches to steady illumination.
- Hazards: A bright pattern expands outward from the center of the bumper in time with the hazard cadence.
- Reverse: Hackster reports a high-brightness mode and gives a figure of 43W. The report’s opened page does not display an exact publication date, and the figure is not an independently verified measurement.
- Emergency strobe: The system can alternate blue and red. Hackster cautions users to check local regulations before using this mode.
These are descriptions of how the project is intended to operate, not evidence of improved visibility, fewer crashes, or another measured safety outcome.
How the turn signals stay in sync
Plummer says he first used 12V relays to detect vehicle-light signals, then rebuilt the circuit with optocouplers. In his Reddit project discussion, he explains that a turn-signal activation triggers a relay, which supplies 5V to an Arduino input. The controller starts the animated sweep when it detects an off-to-on transition, allowing the animation to follow the vehicle’s indicator timing.
#1 Best Overall
- Super bright: Made with 504 PCS LEDs lining up in triple row, lumen & output is 300% brighter than normal tailgate light bars
- 6 Full Functions: Dark red running light, bright red brake light, white reverse light, sequential amber turn signals, sequential strobe light
- Easy Installation: Just peel and stick, standard 4-pin flat connector plug and play. The tailgate light bar comes with tough-as-nails adhesive enhancer that can increases hold strength over 5X, no worries of falling off
- Durable For All Seasons: Being fully silicon-sealed and flexible, it can withstand any bad weather and harsh environment. Outlasts with a lifespan over 30, 000 hours
- Wide Fitment: With working voltage of 12V DC, fit for Amber turning on most vehicles. Such as Dodge Ram 1500 2500, 3500, 4500, Ford F150, F250, Chevy, Silverado, GMC, Sierra, Toyota Tundra, and most cars, trucks, Pickup, SUV, RV, Van, trailers, etc.
The sources describe this signal-detection approach but do not provide a complete wiring diagram or enough detail to reproduce the installation safely on a particular vehicle.
What is known about the hardware and weather protection
The project uses a WS2812B LED strip, a category of individually addressable RGB strip. The exact product used in the build is not identified, so this should not be read as confirmation of a specific brand or current retail listing.
Rank #2
- 【5 POWERFUL FUNCTIONS】Amexmart Led Tailgate light bar comes with multiple functions including: Red Driving Light, Red Brake Light, White Reverse light, Amber Turn signal, Amber Double Flash. When you turn on the left and right turn lights at the same time will produce a double flash function, this is a normal effect. At the same time our tailgate light strip has improved its brake light non-stop flashing function.
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- 【SIMPLE INSTALLATION】Easy plug-and-play installation, no modifications or drilling required. And we are equipped with mounting screws and fixing buttons, you can better install this truck taillight bar. For the best quality application, do not bend or fold the tail light strip.
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Plummer describes his strip as IP65 or IP67 rated for splash exposure, not submersion. He says he placed the PCB in a sealed box with cable grommets. Those are creator-reported details; the sources do not document independent environmental testing of the assembled system.
Is it a road-legal or safety-certified retrofit?
The available sources do not establish that the sequential system complies with vehicle-lighting rules in any jurisdiction. In particular, they do not verify the legality of its blue-and-red emergency mode. The project should not be described as road-approved or safety-certified, and the fact that it is intended to improve visibility does not demonstrate a measured safety benefit.
Rank #3
- 56 Super Bright Red LEDs with 12 White LEDs with Polycarbonate Lens
- Features Sequential Operation with Selector Switch to Select On or Off
- Features Sequential-Once Brake Attention Function
- Epoxy Coated, Fully Sealed Electronics, 1157 Plug for Tail Lamp and 1156 Plug for Backup Light
- Solid State Circuit Boards are Designed for 7.7-14.0 VDC
A separate, later third-brake-light demonstration is distinct from this sequential taillight build. Its March 23, 2024 video description says “Not for on-road or highway use,” and its associated code repository likewise labels the code for off-road or test-bench use only. That warning applies to the later demonstration; it does not establish the compliance status of the sequential system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the project does—and does not—offer
Plummer’s build is a custom microcontroller project for vehicle lighting, with several programmable modes and signal-triggered animations. It is not documented as a retail kit, and the sources do not identify a verified parts list for recreating the sequential setup. They also do not provide genuine retail alternatives for a product comparison. The later video’s linked 5V, 75W buck converter belongs to that separate third-brake-light demonstration, not a confirmed parts list for the sequential system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 56 Super Bright Red LEDs with 12 White LEDs with Polycarbonate Lens
- Features Sequential Operation with Selector Switch to Select On or Off
- Features Sequential-Once Brake Attention Function
- Epoxy Coated, Fully Sealed Electronics, 1157 Plug for Tail Lamp and 1156 Plug for Backup Light
- Solid State Circuit Boards are Designed for 7.7-14.0 VDC
Rank #4
- REQUIRED ADD-ON HARDWIRE KIT: Newer trucks with factory trailer tow packages or towing sensors require the OPT7 Hardwire Kit (sold separately) for installation. Hardwire setup fits 2015-2025 F150/F250/F350, RAM 1500/2500/3500, and 2015-2018 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500. DO NOT hardwire 2019+ Silverado/Sierra
- EASY PLUG 'N' PLAY INSTALLATION: Achieve a seamless setup by pairing this light bar with the OPT7 Easy Connect Harness (for 2019-2021 Silverado/Sierra 1500 & 2015-2023 F150) or the USCAR Harness (for older 2005-2014 pickup trucks) via a simple 3-step peel, stick, and plug process (harnesses sold separately)
- VISIBILITY AT MAXIMUM: Sleek tailgate light bar enhances style and safety with brightness visible up to 30ft. Features 5 functions—running, turn, brake, reverse, and hazard—with sequential signals for max road presence
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- WARRANTY COVERED: Backed up with 1-year warranty starting from the order date. Need specific truck installation, contact our US Customer Support Team to assist
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