NeoLumn8: Rear Dynamic LED Strip Installation Instructions

Welcome to a an elite group of cool people that have chosen to add some classy “bling” to your car! Installation and usage instructions are below. I strongly encourage you to read through everything as there are some good tips from both myself as well as others who have installed these. Get your NeoLumn8

Suggested Tools Etc:

Beverage of choice
Xacto knife
Small Philips screwdriver
Cutters to strip zip ties etc
Pry tool for trunk liner fasteners (a fingernail works but can be painful!)
Silicone

I encourage you to read all the below info AND watch the installation video.

Installation Workflow (High Level):

Watch the video below 😉
Remove the cowling on the left side of the trunk space.
Note: the connector works for the left side tail light. Not sure if it works for the right. You can check the pinouts between the two, but don’t suggest taking the risk unless you are certain. It’s possible they may be pinned differently.
First test the NeoStrip. Unscrew the NeoStrip controller and temporarily plug in the 3 pin connector. Note that the connector only plugs in 1 way.
Find the left tail light harness connector and unplug it. Plug the NeoStrip inline.
Either do this with a helper, or carfully hang the NeoStrip on the left side of the car so you can see it from the drivers side.
Start the car and make sure it comes on. You should see a sequence play. Check the controller and it will also have flashing LEDs. If there is no power, it could be you are doing this in the sun and the lights did not come on. Put a towel over the top of the windshield to cover the mirror area (that’s where the sensor is).
Once all is good, unplug the 3 pin connector and start the install.
I suggest you first mount the NeoStrip. Clean all areas where the mount clips will mount. I used rubbing alcohol.
Next run the NeoStrip black wire through the left grommet, then into the left trunk area. This will allow you to determine where to mount the controller. Suggest putting some silicone around the wire and grommet.
Last mount the controller. Also consider what type of access you want to the sequence/brake mode button. There is space under the upper left side that is outside the cowling.
Before re-attaching the cowling, double-check that the NeoStrip still runs.
IMPORTANT! Post Installation check. NeoLumn8 uses a passthrough connector. After installation, check to ensure that the brake, turn signal and running lights all work for the light harness used..
Done!

More On Installation:

Before doing any mounting, test the strip first. This can be done by removing the cowling/covering on the left side of the trunk space to expose the wiring and controller mounting space. One done, location the left brake light harness connector and disconnect it. Connect the provided NeoStrip harness inline. With a helping hand, turn the headlights to “ON” to test NeoStrip. Let it go through the initial sequence, then have them press the brakes to ensure the brake sweep (default) shows. This will ensure all connections are good before going too far. If NeoStrip does not come on (no flashing LED lights on the controller), do not proceed. When powered, the controller has a green LED that blinks showing a “heartbeat”. While running it will blink slowly (unless a sequence is running). Keep in mind lights won’t come on in daylight if set to “Auto” mode and NeoStrip won’t get power, so keep that in mind.

Tips:

NeoStrip should be installed as high as possible under the trunk lid lip to ensure there is enough room (see pictures at bottom).
Cold Weather – if installing in cold weather, the provided 3M sticking tape may not work well. I suggest doing this in a warm garage if possible.
3M Backing – there is tape provided on a number of the mounting clips. It’s a bit tricky to get the backing off.
It is not recommended to install on the bottom trunk portion as water drains directly to this area which may cause damage. NeoStrip is not guaranteed to be waterproof, but sealed never the less (don’t have formal certifications).
Do not bend, or jerk the wire leading into the black housing on the NeoStrip.
Mounting direction is from left side (where wire comes out of NeoStrip). Pay attention to the NeoStrip as it has a translucent-white section where the light shines out of. That must be facing down (when trunk closed). Mounting clips have been pre-installed to make this easier to follow.
There are both large and small mounting clips. The large ones are for the NeoStrip, and small ones for the wiring that runs from the strip to the controller.
You will need to cut a small slot in the 2 black grommets in the trunk lid and rear area to run the LED wire through. Cut in the center (raised) area of the grommet. Be sure to seal them after completion – particularly the one that sits at the top side (near the rear window). I used Goop for this. Silicone may work as well, but not tested.

Connector Harness Mounting:

This is Plug-and-play for ND/ND2 Miata’s. You will find the vehicle rear light harness behind the cowling on the lower left side where the wires run to the left brake light unit. See installation video.

Controller Mounting Options:

If you plan on regularly changing modes, then you will need access to the controller as it has the mode button on top. There are a number of spots that it can be mounted on the upper inside of the trunk area near the back. It may be possible that it can be affixed to the black liner via velcro. Also see the below installation video for ideas. You can also mount it behind the cowling (per the video) and cut a small hole through it to access the Mode Button. See customer picture below (he cut a hole in the cowling).

Important Notes:

Do not pull on any wires. Only pull by the connectors. Do not force anything beyond reasonable means.
This device was developed to support the hardware components including the LED strip as provided. Modification of any sort is not supported and could cause failure of the device or damage to your vehicle. You do so at your own risk.
Power (12V) should only be applied via the harness connector provide. It converts 12V to 5V for all the internal components.
The wiring running out of the NeoStrip with the black cover/cap is fragile. Do not pull/force or bend this or the wire immediately exiting the back cover. Do not fold the LED strip. It is flexible, not foldable 😉

V3 Controller