Friction Grip Mounting Brackets for Govee RGBIC LED Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro - Models H706 (A, B & C)

NEW!

Added the pro version of the Retainer Tool. See Retainer Tool section below for additional details. 

The long awaited friction grip mount for the pro version of the lights. I made these after several requests to create this version based on my non-pro mounting brackets.  

Before going any further, it should be noted that I don't own the pro lights; just the regular version. So, I've had to rely on members of the 3D printing community to test these on my behalf. With their help, I believe I've created a quality, well fitting mounting bracket. As I get more feedback I'll adjust and update the model. The information below is based on my installation experience with my other mounts with a few notes from those who tested the models for me. For now, these models should be considered version 1.0.

These mounting brackets use a friction grip connection to hold your lights securely in place, allowing you to easily install and remove them as needed. 

So, why would you want these mounts over just sticking them up with the supplied 3M tape, you ask? 

Well, are you worried that the adhesive pads on your Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro won't hold up in the heat or the cold? 

• Do you think you might need to remove and replace your lights for one reason or another? 
• Does your roof have a nonstandard soffits, overhangs or rafter tails? 
• Perhaps you don’t want to pay someone for the stl files or to print the mounts for you?
• If your answer is yes to any of the above, then this is the mount you need. 

Here is why I needed mounting brackets: 

• I'm going to be painting my house next spring and I didn't want to have to completely remove and replace the entire lighting kit. Also, tracking down more 3M adhesive is a pain.  With the brackets, I can quickly remove the lights.             
• I don't have flat soffits so I needed a way to attach the lights to the underside of the overhangs without messing up the way the lights are supposed to look. As you probably already know, the lights are supposed to be installed 2"-4" away from the side of the house. My overhangs don't really allow for that because of the beams that stick out. And, it didn't allow the light to cascade down the side of the house as intended. By using the angled brackets, I get a very similar effect to what Govee intended. 

Models

Although the Flat and 45 degree models were the primary models that I designed, I've had requests for other angles as well. YMMV on the look of the lights depending on which angle you select. 

Flat Version

This version works well if you have flat soffits and just want a better way to attach your lights without relying on the 3M tape on the back of the lights. 

45 Degree Angle Version 

This version works well if you have angled soffits or overhangs.  I landed on this specific angle after testing a variety of angles in five degree increments. This angle allows you to mount the lights farther from the exterior wall of your house and still get a similar effect as if the lights are mounted at the distance and angle as recommended by Govee.

Alternate Angles

At them moment, the only other angles available are 20 & 30 degree mounts. If anyone would like any other angles, please let me know. For the sake of clarity, I consider the angles from the plane of the mounting hole, rather than the location on the soffit. 

20 Degree Angle Version

22.5 Degree Angle Version

25 Degree Angle Version

30 Degree Angle Version

40 Degree Angle Version 

50 Degree Angle Version

Included Files

You'll find .3mf files for each model so that you can reslice them as desired. 

Printing Instructions

The following are the recommended settings for printing: 

• Printer: MK4 (with Input Shaper)
• Filament: Generic PETG. I used a clear filament to make it easier to blend in better with the lights themselves. I also don't recommend using PLA due to the potential heat that the mounts may need to withstand. 
• Print Settings: 0.20mm (speed)
• Supports: Organic supports for the angled brackets. I had quite a bit of difficulty with the supports failing on some of my prints. What I did find that helped mitigate that problem was turning the print speed to 200%. Not only does this speed up the print time significantly, it seemed to create more robust supports. I have no idea why, but your mileage may vary. 
• Infill: The infill doesn't really matter, but I used 15%, with a gyroid fill pattern. 
• Nozzle: 0.4

IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on your brand and type of filament and your printer brand/model, you may need to play with the scale a bit for the perfect fit. The kind people who tested the model for me reported scaling to 99% worked well with ABS and 99.5% - 100% for PETG.  I suggest printing just one mount at first to check the fitment. Then go up or down in 0.5% increments as needed. The perfect fit should pop into place. It shouldn’t wiggle around or take a bunch of force to pop them in or out. A good test is to place one of the lights in a mount and see if it can support the weight of an entire strand of ten lights. It shouldn't fall out easily, but if you shake it a bit, it should come loose.

What You'll Need

The extra 3M tape included with the Govee kit were quite helpful with placing the mounts before screwing them down. They were particularly helpful in areas with peaks. 

I used these specific screws (click here). I realize they aren't wood screws, but they are magnetic and self tapping which made installation atop a ladder much easier. The models are also specifically designed around the dimensions of this screw.

Assembly Instructions

I started my assembly at the top of the one and only peak in my roof and worked my way backwards from there toward the power source. I used a spacing tool I made to ensure I got the mounts aligned and spaced consistently. 

Once the first light was up, before doing anything else, I used one of the included wire clips to hold the end of the light string in place (more on this later). 

For the tricky areas (such as the roof peak) I used the extra 3M adhesive pads on the back of the mount to attach the mount temporarily. 

After testing the next light in the string to make sure the wiring is at the desired tension, screw the mount in place. Repeat this process until reaching a corner. 

At the corners bend the wire and tuck it neatly into or around the corner.  Keep it in place with the included wire clips as needed, and start the process over with the next mount. 

Where two strings are connected together the wiring ends up being a bit longer than it is between two lights on the same string. In that case, I suggest using the spacer tool to keep the distance consistent (in case you need to move the lights after putting the up backwards - ask me how I know), then use the included wire clips to tuck away the excess wiring. 

Using the wire clips also has another added benefit. I learned the hard way that if you aren't careful and drop the string of lights while it’s partially installed it can cause the previously installed lights to pop out of the mounts. This can cause a domino effect and the entire string will fall.  But, if you’re using the wire clips and you happen to drop the string during installation that domino effect will stop at the next installed wire clip. 

Retainer Tool

Have you been a victim of the Domino Effect during installation causing all of your lights to end up on the ground? Are you worried you could be? Well fear no more! The Retainer Tool is here to help. Just clip your light into the mount, then add the retainer to keep your lights where they're supposed to be. The best part is, you can leave it or remove it after your are done. And, you can always remove it later if you need to take down your lights. Thanks to fellow maker @KevinGibson (who printed and tested the fitment for me). 

“Do you sell these mounts?”

No. You’ve already paid a metric ton of money for lights; I don’t need to take more of your hard earned cash.  If you don’t have your own printer, you’re welcome to ask a friend to print these as long as they do it for free. 

Feedback

As always, thank you for taking the time to check out my model. I’ve put a lot of hours into this project to get it just right. Please consider clicking the ❤ and/or leaving me an encouraging comment if you appreciate my effort. 

If you print this model, please take a picture of your awesome new Govee RGBIC LED Permanent Outdoor Light Pro Mounting Brackets in action. Then, post your make by clicking here and leave a review. ;) 

If for some reason you don't think my model deserves five stars, please reach out to me with your feedback before leaving a negative rating so I can have an opportunity to address any issues. Often, problems encountered can be solved with some simple trouble shooting or a small redesign. 

If you have suggestions on how the model could be better, please let me know. Along those lines, if you would like some adjustment to the model that you personally would find helpful, please reach out. I am more than happy to tweak the design to fit someone's needs if I can. 

I will continue to update the model with improvements and new variants as long and often as needed to ensure it is the best possible quality. See the Updates section below with notes on changes to the models. 

I’m always happy to share my designs with anyone who wants to use them. For now, the license does not allow for remixing because someone tied to use one of my designs to make money without permission. It should be noted that the files nor the printed items based on them may be sold.

If you really appreciate my work, you can also donate to my PayPal filament fund: 

Intellectual Property Rights Notice

This design appears to be a popular target for theft, necessitating legal action against several individuals. The files contained herein and the resulting 3D-printed models from this design are the exclusive intellectual property of Rich Hopkins (also known as VisualReversal).

In addition to the licensing restrictions listed below, these files are protected under United States copyright law, specifically the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, as well as other local laws. If you are a hobbyist, you may use these designs for non-commercial purposes only. You may not profit from these copyrighted creations.

As the original creator of this design, I retain all rights of ownership to this original, fixed work. Including, but not limited to, the following acts are prohibited: 

• Reverse engineering, back engineering, and/or backwards engineering of this design. 
• Reproducing the work in copies, preparing derivative works based upon this work (including remixes). 
• Distributing copies of the work or its derivatives to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership or by rental, lease, or lending. 
• Providing these mounts as part of a paid service, such as installation. 
• Engage in any act in which this work is used as goods for sale, trade, or commerce. 

I also retain the right to authorize others to exercise these exclusive rights, subject to certain statutory limitations. Currently, no one is authorized to use these designs to sell 3D-printed models or objects.

Any person or entity selling models based on these designs (including any entity hosting these designs for sale) is in violation of the applicable laws protecting this intellectual property and will be subject to any and all legal remedies provided by United States copyright law.

If you encounter someone selling these models or files online, please direct message me at https://www.printables.com/messenger/@VisualReversal 
 

Notes

Note #1:  This model was designed in Fusion360. 

Updates

12 Nov 2024 - Added 40 & 50 degree models by request.

6 Oct 2024 - Added 25 Degree Model by request.

24 Sept 2024 - Added 22.5 Degree model by request. 

30 Jan 2024 - Added 20 degree model by request.

3 Jan 2024 - Changed the name to include “Friction Grip” to more accurately describe how this model works compared to traditional mounting brackets. 

17 Dec 2023 - Version 1.0 posted to Printables.