I used some of the 12 volt strips for my mini mega last year. If you are wanting to display text, then you do not want the 1 ic per 3 led strips as it will be impossible to display text on them. I am going to get the 5 volt 1 ic per led strips this year.
Wanted to say Hi to everyone. This is my first year doing an animated Christmas display.
I found this site though doityourselfchristmas.
I have a background in computers and electronics.