Design Unique Halloween Displays Using AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights

Design Unique Halloween Displays Using AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights
Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights in blue.

As a Halloween enthusiast who loves to decorate, I was thrilled to test the AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights. These convenient wireless lights significantly reduce the need for extension cords while allowing for one-tap control through my smartphone.

This article is sponsored by AiDot, but all views and opinions expressed are those of the author and maintain full editorial integrity even when sponsored content is involved.

Easy Setup with No Wires Required

Typically, it takes me two to three days to set up my outdoor Halloween decorations, a process that often involves extensive lighting arrangements. In some cases, I relied on battery-operated lights, which meant frequent battery replacements. The AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights can automatically charge in sunlight or in indoor bright light, making it an ideal solution even in shaded areas.

One feature I appreciate is the lack of a need for Wi-Fi. These lights connect solely via Bluetooth using BLE Mesh technology, allowing for easy placement almost anywhere. According to the provided instructions, as long as the lights are within about 98 feet of each other, they can work within the same group. To manage them, my phone just needs to be within that same distance.

After decorating without requiring wired lights, I unboxed the well-packaged lights, which included stakes and wall mounts.

One set of Linkind SL5 lights with stakes and screws.

Though I didn’t need the wall mounting kit, I found the durable plastic stakes easy to assemble. Notably, once mounted, the lights can rotate a full 360 degrees, which is incredibly helpful since I often adjust their positions until they are just right> Thank you, Linkind, for making that easier!

It required 48 hours for the initial charge, so I kept the lights indoors due to the dismal weather.

Once they were fully charged, I downloaded the AiDot app and activated Bluetooth. By pressing the red button on each light (you can pair multiple lights at once), I was able to add 12 lights into two groups. Although one light posed a challenge, it connected after I reset it to pairing mode.

Red button on back on Linkind lights.

The setup quickly becomes confusing when you have multiple similar-looking solar lights. The app allows you to rename them, making it easier to manage and to turn them on or off for identification.

12 solar lights charging inside.

In less than five minutes, I attached the stakes, added the lights to the AiDot app, updated the firmware, and created two groups for easier management. I was amazed at how quick and straightforward everything was.

Adding Linkind SL5 lights to the AiDOT app.

Crafting a Spooky Display

The AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights are compact, resembling standard walkway lights, allowing them to seamlessly blend into my decorations without being obtrusive – a significant plus.

They even bring to mind the iconic head of Number 5 from the film Short Circuit.

Front of Linkind SL5 smart solar lights.

The primary consideration is to ensure the lights are positioned to receive sufficient sunlight for charging. Each light is equipped with a PET monocrystalline silicon solar panel on top. Additionally, the lights boast an impressive runtime of up to 12 hours on a full charge, aided by their 30% charging efficiency. Being outdoor lights, they are also designed to withstand the elements with an IP65 weather resistance rating.

Solar panels on the Linkind SL5 lights.

I waited until the lights were placed within my displays before I began setting up the effects.

Then the fun began! I didn’t require any magic spells to illuminate my yard – just the AiDot app on my smartphone. The app offers a variety of Halloween light shows designed for users. While I enjoyed all of them, I finally chose Ghoul’s Glimmer and Spectral Shimmer.

Ghoul's Glimmer light effect.
Ghoul’s Glimmer

The first configuration features ghostly blue and purple tones, perfect for illuminating a scene with trick-or-treaters and strategically placed metal signs. The second option emphasizes red and orange shades, lending itself beautifully to a haunted graveyard display.

Spectral Shimmer light effect.
Spectral Shimmer

I could choose from three different methods to activate the lights: via motion detection, light sensors (turning on at dusk and off at dawn), or a schedule. I chose to use the scheduling feature to conserve battery life more effectively. It’s also a good idea to reduce the brightness; they are surprisingly bright, and I found I didn’t need them set at maximum to achieve great illumination.

Choosing light mode.

While the app functions well, it does have areas that could use improvement. AiDot has acknowledged our feedback and is working on enhancements. I could establish lighting effects and even design custom lighting for groups, but I had to program each light in the group individually regarding mode (motion, detection, schedule) and settings. Given that I can connect up to 32 lights in a group, this can become quite tedious. I hope they introduce group settings that mirror the usability of individual light options.

Another issue is that the lights do not remember their color or effect setting when utilizing the Lightshow feature. I understand these are intended for special occasions rather than regular use. However, using the Presets option retains the color settings day-to-day, as does using a solid color.

Overall, just a few taps allow me to rearrange lights in the shows, alter effects, adjust colors, and even sync them with a spooky playlist for added fun.

I also set up a motion-activated pathway for trick-or-treaters, arranging the lights so that each one illuminated in a different color as they passed by. It’s an excellent way to enhance the seasonal atmosphere.

At around 30% brightness, a few lights that didn’t receive enough sunlight eventually ran out of power after a few nights. However, a quick rearranging to optimize their sunlight exposure fixed that problem. They did run for more than 10 hours on a single charge without issue.

Unleash Your Creativity

One of the most enjoyable aspects of using the AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights is the extensive customization options. I’m not limited to a select few Halloween presets since the app allows for 16 million color choices. I have the flexibility to adjust the temperature, brightness, flicker speed, and much more. The app is user-friendly as well.

Setting up lighting effects on a group.

While my focus is currently on Halloween, I’m excited to incorporate these lights into my Christmas decorations in a few months. Thanks to the myriad customization features, I plan to use them year-round to enhance my usual white walkway lighting.

Impressive Lighting with Minor App Issues

Three Linkind SL5 smart solar lights with different colors.

In summary, I am delighted with how these lights enhance my Halloween décor. They are bright, easy to customize, and provide endless possibilities for crafting the perfect light show.

Get your own six-pack of AiDot Linkind SL5 Smart Solar Lights for just $125.99 today and transform your cozy yard into a spooktacular Halloween spectacle.

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