LED devices have long been established on the market as a separate segment, which presents a variety of solutions for any task. For example, large spotlights are valued for their economical energy consumption at high performance, spotlights are famous for their design advantages, and street LED devices crowd out competitors due to their high brightness. In turn, the LED strip with a remote control for regulating its operating parameters has two key advantages - modest size and wide control capabilities. Most often, this device is used to organize backlighting, and not only at home. There are special models for landscaping, cars and even swimming pools.
What is an LED strip?
The device includes several elements that perform different tasks. So, a flexible strip, which can be made of plastic alloys, acts as a carrier substrate. The functional base is formed by light-emitting diodes located at a certain step from each other and connected by an electric series circuit. For example, one LED strip with a control panel can contain from 4 to 120 pcs. crystals. Moreover, there are different types of diodes themselves:
- SMD3010. The smallest elements providing weak radiation, but suitable for undemanding backlight power.
- SMD3528. Also a low-performance type of diode, which has a power of 0.08 W and is used only for light decorative lighting.
- SMD5050. For such crystals, the power potential is 0.24 W and a group of 3-4 elements is already capable of providing bright light corresponding to high-grade lamps.
Device specifications
Since one tape can contain many LED crystals, its total power will differ from the potential of an individual emitter. On average, 1 m of the working strip consumes from 3.6 to 9.6 watts. Moreover, the energy consumption in the case of a multi-color LED strip with a remote control may be higher - the difference coefficient will also be determined by the device controls.
Another important characteristic is length. The average indicator for this parameter is 3-5 m, although you can also find 15-meter products designed to decorate architectural structures, facades and trees. It should be noted right away that the LED strip with the remote control may well be used outdoors, but for this it must have appropriate shells. The possibility of using the device in certain conditions is determined by the protection class. For example, IP20 marking means that the tape is not protected from water, but has a barrier before particles 12 mm in size enter. The most resistant models have a protection class IP68, implemented by a silicone case. It protects the tape from water, dirt, dust and other negative factors.
Realization of color radiation
As already noted, ribbons can be both monochrome and color. The second are more widespread and equipped with RGB modules. These tapes provide chips with three relatively clean shades - green, red and blue. A separate power supply and control system ultimately allows you to get glow with hundreds of different shades. This is achieved due to the fact that the RGB LED strip with the remote control is configured for certain brightness parameters by color. In some models, the ability to control the saturation of individual shades is also allowed.
Control fittings
During operation, the user can configure the same glow parameters using a combination of the remote control and the controller. The first sends a signal to the driver, and the second directly regulates the operation of the crystals. As a rule, LED strips with a control panel are connected to multifunction devices via special connectors, and the signal is supplied remotely. The controller itself can be installed remotely. For example, a ribbon decorates a Christmas tree on the street, and the control unit is at home.
The capabilities of the controller are determined by its type, power and embedded control programs. Advanced models are based on PWM technology and allow you to organize real light shows. In addition to the RGB LED strip with remote control and controller, you can also purchase a signal amplifier. With the help of such devices, an additional few meters of LED circuit are introduced into the organized infrastructure.
LED Strip Power Supply
Since the operating voltage of the device is several times lower than 220 V, a converter is required for its stable and safe operation. In this quality, a power supply of 12, 24 V or more is used. To prevent voltage drops, it is recommended to purchase converters with a small margin of power, or use two devices to share the load. The choice of the optimal energy supply system will depend on the characteristics of a particular LED strip with a control panel. The power supply for a 5-meter tape with a power of 9.6 watts per 1 meter, for example, should be designed for at least a load of 50 watts.
Tape mounting
For installation, special profiles are provided, in the connectors of which a tape is laid. This equipment is fixed to the surface by means of conventional hardware - screws, screws or other mounting devices. There are also self-adhesive tapes that are fastened according to the principle of double-sided tape. If the segment is not fully used, then it is cut and, if necessary, soldered in contact areas. An RGB LED strip with a remote control and a controller is connected to the converter unit through special plugs that are included in the kit. At this stage, the main thing is not to reverse the polarity and correctly connect the open wires in the connectors.
Finally
In each segment, LED devices have many traditional analogues based on halogen, fluorescent and energy-saving lamps. In some cases, they beat diodes in terms of affordability, and sometimes in terms of luminance characteristics. For example, conventional incandescent lamps have a softer light for the eye to perceive. Nevertheless, an RGB LED strip with a remote control has enough of its advantages in terms of its use as a backlight. First of all, it is environmentally friendly, durable and easy to manage devices. Their design is easy to adjust to different operating conditions due to the flexibility of the base and small size. But the main advantage is its wide functionality. The tape, fully provided with regulating equipment, can become an original means of lighting design both for the house and for individual structures and architectural objects.