For correct operation, the LED strip must be additionally connected to a special controller. A controller for LEDs is necessary so that it is possible to control the brightness and shade of the available colors of the LED strip from the remote control. Typically, such structures are installed in machines, since they resemble neon.
What is an RGB controller for an LED strip, how it works
First of all, you need to understand what an LED strip is. This is a flat plastic dielectric of a certain length. One side of the canvas is equipped with LEDs, and a glue layer is applied to the other and covered with a protective film, the latter is removed immediately before applying the tape to the surface. Most often in construction stores there are lighting devices 5 meters in length, but if necessary, the tape can be cut into pieces of at least 2 mm in length.
Each track of such a tape works independently, but it emits only one color. The change in the spectrum, as well as brightness, occurs due to the joint work with the controller. Typically, this optional control is sold as a set.
The side of the tape to which the power supply is connected is usually equipped with additionally soldered leads - wires of different colors. Black is always a zero core, and red is a signal or phase. If we are talking about a color ribbon, there are already twice as many supply wires - black, green, blue and red. If you accidentally swap the signal wires in the tape when connecting, nothing bad will happen, just the remote control will incorrectly switch colors. If you mix up the signal wire with zero, you can burn the tape. On the opposite side of the tape, all tracks are connected by soldering.
As a rule, the light source of each color is grouped in 6 or 12 pieces. This design principle allows you to cut the tape to the required length.
Why do I need a controller for LED strip
To control a single-color LED strip, a controller is not required, just connect it to the power supply, which is most often equipped with DC12V marking for 12-volt models, but if the strip has other technical characteristics, you also need to select the appropriate power supply.
The most common modifications are 12-24 V, instances requiring more voltage - are rare. There are also LED strips that are directly connected to a 220 V network, but they are not in the RGB version.
The main task of the controller is to switch the circuit from the source of electricity to the end user. The tape is equipped with three rows of LEDs, each of which differs in color or all three colors are made in the form of a crystal, for example, type 5050.
Sealed controllers are found, they must necessarily indicate the degree of protection against moisture and IP dust.
- IP20 - gentle tapes which cannot be mounted on streets and in rooms with a high level of humidity.
- IP68 is one of the most reliable types of protection, can be used outdoors and in a humid, dusty environment.
Often manufacturers on the case simply record “Waterproof”, which indicates the waterproofness of the tape.
Types of controllers
Controllers for LED canvases can be used for both multicolor and monochrome varieties.The main technical characteristics, like any other electrical device, are operating voltage and power. They must comply with the parameters of the LED strip. It is allowed to take power with a margin so that after a short period of time the control unit does not fail, does not burn out.
Controllers are divided into several types, depending on the way the lighting is controlled:
- mechanical;
- sensory;
- infrared;
- radio waves.
With the mechanical control method, the remote control is not included in the kit. You can adjust the decay rate of one color and the tan of another, the brightness of the glow can be using an ordinary button. This device is the simplest in its implementation, equipped with a minimum number of programs.
The work of the touch view also implies the absence of a control panel. Lighting control is carried out by touching the sensitive panel, which is mounted in the wall. In this case, the technical device has a large number of possibilities, for example, complete control over lighting - the predominance of colors, their transitions and brightness.
To work with the infrared controller, it is important that it is always in the field of view of the control panel. The principle of operation is similar to the operation of the control panel from a TV or other household appliances. The action of infrared waves extends to a distance of 10 meters.
Radio-wave control sends signals to the control unit even in the presence of obstacles and distances, for example, from the next room with the door closed. The radius of action ranges from 20-30 meters. Each radio remote control operates exclusively at its own frequency, so if you lose it, it will not be possible to get the same, the only way out is to completely reinstall the controller.
A common model of a radio-controlled device is a controller that works via WI-FI, you can also connect to it using a mobile device and tablet.
Device connection
After acquiring the LED strip, you need to familiarize yourself with the necessary tools and materials, as well as the features of the connection.
From the materials you will need:
- A transformer, it's a power supply.
- RGB controller.
- LED strip of the required length.
- RGB amplifier (required if the controller has insufficient power).
The connection is made using the connectors for installing the RGB tape, so this method is faster and more convenient than soldering. To increase the length, it is required to put a connector on the end of the tape according to the chains.
A multi-color LED screen for power uses a common plus, and control is provided by a negative bus. For productive and correct RGB operation, a four-wire connector is required.
The controller can also be multi-zone, which allows it to control several zones simultaneously and independently from each other.
