Hi, I have limited experience with electrical wiring and am getting into something complicated. I want to use a 4-channel controller to create chasing lights in a sign. I've done that much before successfully. The problem is I want to use 4 sets of string lights (35 "pearl" lights per string) that are wired in series, and I only need to have anywhere between 4 and 9 lit lights per string. The remainder are "extra" and I would like to shorten each string accordingly, so I'm not hiding a bunch of hot lights within the body of the sign. I do not know the wattage of each bulb, but they definitely have the right look, so I'd like to use them.
I've been told I can't shorten the strings because it will cause the remaining lights to overheat and burn out. I am wondering if I can solve my problem by using a resistor on each string to compensate for missing lights. If so, how do I do that math to figure out what strength resistor I need for each string? I don't really understand volts, watts, ohm, etc., so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Heidi Cody