LED tapes are devices for reproducing the luminous flux. The appearance of such products has occurred relatively recently. However, in a very short time they found many applications. The LEDs underlying the design are today used to organize external or internal illumination, and also as the main source of lighting in the room.
Management Features
A simple direct connection of the device to a direct current source, the voltage of which is from 12 to 24 V, does not give the expected effect. With this power supply, control of the LED strip becomes impossible, which means that no color effects are realized for which the product was purchased. All variety is provided due to the additional connection between the main device and the network of a special controller with a receiver. Often, a remote control also comes with it.
The LED strip control unit is able to set a variety of software presets, thanks to which colorful overflows of colors and special effects are realized. In total, you can get more than four million different shades. To do this, you need to combine the brightness of the three main components of the RGB tape: red, blue and green LEDs.
Controller features
After the correct connection, the user will have access to real-time settings that were provided by a particular manufacturer. Most often, the following functions are included in a typical LED strip control unit with a remote control :
- a combination of red, blue and green colors to obtain the desired shade;
- change in brightness of LEDs;
- remote control due to remote control;
- brightness adjustment of LEDs;
- selection of a predefined mode or program for switching the frequency of color changes and the features of their transfusion.
To adjust the brightness, different versions of the remote controls or wall units are used. It can be either a push-button remote control or a rotary mechanical controller. In some cases, a touch unit with a liquid crystal display is used, which is often even more convenient in terms of the possibility of preliminary visual viewing and more precise adjustment.
LED Strip Controller Selection
We can say that there are only two decisive criteria that should be followed when buying such a device. The most important of these is plug-in tape compatibility. For selection, it is worthwhile to carefully study the technical specifications. The second criterion is the available ways to control the LED strip. It can be carried out via a home Wi-Fi network from a laptop, tablet or smartphone with the appropriate software installed. The other two options are a wall switch and a remote control with infrared diodes.
Then you need to pay attention to the technical parameters of the controller. First of all, you need to ask about the rated power of the device. It is calculated by multiplying three characteristics: the length of the segment in meters, the power factor of the product and the power of the tape in W / m. Also, it is not superfluous to pay attention to the voltage recommended for powering the controller. Since it will be connected in line with the RGB tape, you should choose both components with the same indicator.
The need to use an amplifier
Such an element during installation may be required in a situation where the length of the product exceeds five meters. On the amplifier, you can find two terminals - input and output. The other two will be responsible for connecting the power. The latter will have a standard scheme of “plus” and “minus”. The voltage supply will go from the additional power supply if there is sufficient power. The ends of the device are connected to the input terminals of the amplifier, and then the terminal is connected to the output. The LED strip control unit is located at the very end. It should be connected via the plus or minus terminal.
It is important to note that if the polarity is not observed, the product will not work. Summing up, we can conclude that the power supply algorithm is as follows: power supply, controller, first segment of the RGB tape, amplifier and the second segment of the RGB tape. If you want to add additional products longer than five meters, then you will need to buy the same equipment in the same quantity. You cannot connect power sources in parallel - only use in diode bridge mode is allowed.
Description of the standard wiring diagram
To carry out the procedure, it is recommended to have at least minimal knowledge about how electrical devices are divided into parts. In order to be able to control the LED strip using the controller, you will need to follow a certain scheme below:
- Positive wires are highlighted in red, and negative wires are black.
- The controller is connected to the power supply via terminals at reduced or output voltage.
- There are three pads directly on the LED strip - under one for each color, including red, blue and green. Plus VDD is also connected.
Connect multiple or long tapes
The circuit diagram does not differ from the above. However, a number of nuances must be observed, among which the following can be distinguished:
- To connect and control LED strips in the amount of two or more pieces, you will need the corresponding number of power supplies and RGB amplifiers.
- Color coding is very important. It must be taken into account when observing the order of connecting the wires.
- With this connection, it is possible to use products no longer than 10 meters.
It is also worthwhile to give a general rule according to which the connection of two or more tapes is made strictly in parallel. The problem is that a serial connection will not provide sufficient voltage power for those LEDs that are closest to the edges of the product, that is, the most distant from the amplifier and power source. In addition, in order to ensure the operation and management of RGB LED strips with a length of more than 20 meters, you will need to select the “controller-amplifier-block” scheme and purchase a fairly powerful PSU.
Devices for changing the brightness
There are several possible product options to help regulate this setting. Among them are the following:
- RGB controllers, which are the same dimmers for three channels;
- DMX controllers used by professionals to organize light shows;
- RGB amplifiers with external controls and significant power output to each individual channel;
- various linear controllers and voltage stabilizers;
- dimmers and pulse converters with a high level of efficiency;
- drivers as switching power supplies with controlled output.
All of these devices, with the exception of outdated linear regulators, are quite suitable for controlling the brightness of LED strips.
Using the Arduino Board
Such a product perfectly implements the functionality necessary for most people. The board is based on the ATmega microcontroller, which is common in a variety of automation modules. Code flexibility and a good processor make it possible to manipulate a large number of discrete and analog-digital inputs and outputs, as well as PWM controllers.
Arduino does not directly control the LED strip. When connecting even a weak single diode directly to the connector, it is better to use a limiting resistor, otherwise the board may fail. To connect a full-fledged RGB-tape, you will need a special electronic key - a transistor. The latter is field, bipolar or composite.
Features remotes
Remote control over the status of the backlight is carried out using the remote control. They, in turn, are divided into push-button and touch. The former usually look like simple television remotes. To transmit a signal to the controller, a radio channel is used, through which an infrared beam is sent.
Remote control LED strips are also regulated by touch panels, which are quite simple in execution and, as a rule, more compact than their button variations. A special ring allows you to “scroll” the entire available color palette with one click to select the desired shade.