Lighting devices today are at the stage of active development. Its main direction is the segment of technological Led-devices, in which new developments, structural and design solutions regularly appear. It is not the first year that LEDs have attracted consumers with a wide range of advantages - from a high operational resource to economical energy consumption.
Unique optical properties do not go unnoticed. There are different opinions on this, since even a classic incandescent lamp in some cases of use is a more advantageous solution. Nevertheless, the decorative qualities of such devices are not in doubt. These characteristics are optimally embodied in a multicolor LED strip, which is often used as an element of design design.
LED Strip Overview
Along with the proliferation of conventional LED lamps, which themselves have become traditional, luminous contour ribbons are gradually gaining popularity. They were deprived of durable housings, but also had diodes in their composition. They were used to illuminate rooms or individual interior zones with the effect of camouflage. Also, this option is used in cases where it is not possible to provide uniform lighting in long rooms due to standard point devices.
In some ways, the continuation of this concept has become a multi-color LED strip, which, in fact, has the same shape and suggests a similar installation method. However, the ability to use one light source in different color formats has also formed a special niche for devices of this type. This is not just a decorative accessory for the home in the form of bright illumination, but also a full-fledged attribute of the design of nightclubs, hotels and other institutions. The scope of use depends on the specific model of tape and its capabilities.
How is a multicolor LED strip arranged?
The tape itself is represented by conductive paths and LED crystals, through which the user-defined glow is scattered. The main feature of such devices is the presence of an RGB controller. This is a small unit that is mounted separately, but at the same time has a connection with both the power element and the diodes. Actually, it generates signals that provide the ability to glow in different shades.
Therefore, the tape connects immediately to the four wires - red, blue and green, and the fourth serves as a common energy supply channel. But before the signal from the controller enters the functional part, it will be processed by an infrared sensor. Directly to the network, a multi -color RGB LED strip is usually not connected. The power supply unit acts as a connecting link, at the output transferring a charge of 12 V.
Special tape modifications
Depending on the application, tapes with one or another protective property may be required. For example, it can be moisture resistant, dustproof and hermetic modifications that can be applied without the risk of premature failure of the diodes. To provide protective qualities, special external coatings and shells are most often used - from composite inclusions to plastic membranes.
A fully sealed, multi-color LED strip is commonly used for facades. With its help, the illumination of shop windows, signboards, street decorative objects, etc. is ensured. During operation, neither rain nor wind with snow can damage such a device. Also, to protect against vandals, as a separate option, manufacturers offer oblong cases with the ability to pass light. With the help of such additions, a barrier against mechanical damage is created.
Control system
One of the main advantages that distinguish such tapes from the general segment of lighting devices is the intellectual filling. For the user, this means programming with a wide range of functional solutions. Direct interaction with the device is carried out using the remote control (DU). Already in the basic configurations, the multi-color LED strip with a remote control makes it possible to set up a particular glow format.
The compact control panel contains the main color solutions that can be selected by the user with the click of a button. In addition, through the same remote control, it is also possible to task certain formats of the device — for example, to maintain a certain glow in a given period of time or change colors at different intervals.
How to connect a multi-color LED strip?
In the home organization of the lighting system, such tapes are usually mounted according to the principles of hidden installation - as a rule, in a subceiling niche. A mechanical installation will not cause problems, since it is enough to glue the tape, and two auxiliary units are integrated with the help of complete fasteners. It remains only to connect the cord from the power supply to the outlet and you can use the system to the fullest.
However, an important aspect of the connection is the bundle of the tape itself and the controller, which is implemented through the above four wires. For this task, it is advisable to use stranded 0.75 mm wires with a length of about 20 cm. For a multi-color LED strip to work correctly, it is necessary to use an iron to make an exact connection of each antenna with the corresponding crystal in color.
Tape operation modes
The main possibilities of controlling the tape have already been noted, but even with the purchase it will be useful to pay attention to the operating modes in terms of glow. Developers provide entire sets of color combinations that differ in characteristics for different moods. In particular, there are bright modes of illumination, night, balanced, and also focused on the background unobtrusive backlight. In addition, the multi-color LED strip with a control panel allows the user to configure individual radiation parameters. Thus, it is possible to create individual formats of the tape with the most suitable backlight.
Manufacturers
Chinese and Taiwanese products are predominantly available on the market. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to find worthy solutions. Inexpensive, but quality options are offered under the brands Azkoti and Magna. If you need devices with a large working resource, it makes sense to refer to the well-known SMD series or purchase models based on LEDX Radio controllers. If an option for street lighting is required , then the multi-color Magic Lights LED strip is suitable, which is positioned as universal. However, at a price this moisture-proof device in a complete set with a power supply and a controller will cost a lot - about 2.5 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
The use of LED strips justifies itself for various reasons. If we compare them with alternative solutions in the form of other types of backlighting, then a wide range of color spectra of radiation, high brightness and low energy consumption will come to the fore. But even if you do not consider operational properties, a multi-color LED strip can benefit due to the ease of installation and the reliability of the connection scheme. The introduction of a power supply unit and an infrared sensor in the chain not only increased the stability of the tape, but also had a beneficial effect on the accuracy of user interaction with the glow elements. But on the other hand, like all LED devices, such a tape is quite expensive.