Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Maybe we can help:
Here are some questions and answers to help you learn what the LifeLites eLite micro lighting system is and what capabilities it contains:

What exactly is LifeLites?
LifeLites is a spin-off from the the words 'lifelike' and 'lights' which means your scale models, DIY projects, and LEGO® models can become more interactive and closer to their real-world counterparts by adding products from LifeLites. LifeLites is the brand name of its line of products sold exclusively by Brickmodder Labs.

What is an eLite?
The eLite is a micro-sized modular lighting system produced under the LifeLites brand consisting of a controller module and connectible LED cables. The form factor was produced to work directly with LEGO® products, but can easily be used in scale models, model railroads, or other small creations.

Why did we develop the eLite?
Because that lovable little building block and blinky lights combine two of our favorite things of course!  Our developers (that'd be us) thought that lights in MOCs (My Own Creations) and other models were cool, but if they could get the lights to do something, that would even be better.

What can the eLite do?
All by it's lonesome, the eLite is a versatile lighting brick that is able to be programmed (and reprogrammed) with lighting themes. The reason we did lighting themes instead of a single pattern per unit was simply that we like the idea of reuse and modularity.  If you get tired of having a fire truck or a police car, you can just as easily use the same brick with the same program and select a different lighting mode to make a jet airliner or maybe a star cruiser.

How do I program eLites?
You don't need to! They come preprogrammed with themes we have selected. Initial programming and reprogramming can only be done by us for now.

What are all the themes on an eLite?
Some eLite versions (Jr., Advanced, etc.) come with a lighting theme.  We designed these themes for both display at a show, and more importantly, just to look cool in your model. All the lighting themes have various flashing patterns we call sequences (like lighthouse lights, machine gun fire, or emergency vehicle strobes) and variations of these sequences (like variable speeds or brightnesses). Each eLite kit has an average of 6-8 sequences with about 3 variations each.  Most of these do something different if you enter trigger mode as well (like fire the "weapons" or trigger a single round of lighting at your command). More details on the individual themes and sequences can be found on the product pages.

Can Brickmodder Labs make custom hardware or software for my needs and what is the cost?
Like all custom work, the cost of custom hardware or programming is evaluated on a case by case basis. If we decide we can do your custom work in a reasonable amount of time, custom programming costs vary from $10 to $400 in addition to the base hardware. Custom hardware prices are based on size, number of inputs/outputs, and complexity which typically could run from $75 up for working prototypes. Evaluations are free.

How do I decide which kits or accessories I need to buy?
This depends on a few key aspects of your model. You'll need to consider how big your model is, how many lights you're going to want, which ones are constant lights, which are flashing some kind of pattern (sequence), and how you will power your model (internal batteries, battery boxes, or external power).

  • A standard LifeLites LED cable is 6 inches long. If you need longer cables then you'll need to purchase extension cables. These come in 12 inch and 36 inch lengths.
  • eLite Basic has 8 outputs and comes with either 4 or 8 LEDs; eLite Advanced has 8 outputs and comes with 8 LED cables. You can daisy-chain eLites (except Jr.) together to run more Lights.
  • eLite Jr. has 4 outputs and comes with 4 LED cables. It is not recommended to to run more than 4 LEDs with an eLite Jr.
  • eLite Basic, eLite Advanced, and Modulites require external power (Battery Box or Power Adapter). Please check those product pages for further information. eLite Jr runs on an internal replaceable coin cell battery type CR1225.

How do I connect eLites to my LEGO model?
The base of every eLite is a 2x4 plate which will easily snap onto other studs. Our products range in height from 3 LEGO plates tall to 4 LEGO plates tall. The LED cables feature LEDs small enough to fit through most LEGO holes. Be sure to leave some kind of open spaces or vias inside your models for the wiring.

Can Brickmodder Labs perform custom installations?
Sure! Just ship your model to us we will be happy to perform a very professional install of any LifeLites product and even customized lighting based on your particular needs. Base prices depend on the number of eLite kits the model requires plus $5 for each installed LED. Larger models could require other accessories for an additional cost. Shipping charges apply and are based on weight, fragility, packaging, shipping method, worldwide location.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Here is a list of payments we currently accept:

  • Credit Card payments through PayPal
  • Standard PayPal payments
  • Credit Cards payments over the phone.*
  • Personal Checks (5-8 day waiting period)
  • Money Orders
  • Certified Checks

*For credit card payments over the phone, use our standard checkout and select "other" as the form of payment. We will call you for your credit card information using the phone number you provide during checkout.

How much is shipping to my location?
We only ship USPS Priority mail which ensures we have a way to track your package (tracking available inside the US only). Shipping prices for our products (not custom installs) for different countries are:

  • USA - $5.00 USD
  • Canada - $11.00 USD
  • Worldwide - $13.00 USD


Glossary of terms
Brickmodder (brik·mod·ər): You know. The guy... That guy who lights up LEGO stuff.

eLite (ē·līt): A line of micro lighting products sold under the LifeLites brand name.

LED (el·ē·): Light Emitting Diode

LifeLites (līf·līts): A brand name own by Brickmodder Labs.

Mode (mōd: A particular status of eLite operation (sequence select mode, trigger mode, etc.)

Sequence (·kwin[t]s): A specific pattern of flashing lights.

Theme (thēm): The overall grouping of specific sequences of an eLite kit.

Trigger (tri·gər): A button or mode of an eLite requiring user input for activation of lights.