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 floodlights are valued for their energy savings and high performance, spotlights are renowned for their design advantages, and outdoor LED fixtures outcompete the competition with their high output. In turn, the LED strip with a remote control for regulating its operating parameters has two key advantages - modest size and wide control options. Most often, this device is used to organize lighting, and not only at home. There are special models for landscaping, cars and even swimming pools.
What is an LED strip?
The device contains several elements that perform different tasks. So, a flexible bar, which can be made of plastic alloys, acts as a carrier substrate. The functional base is formed by light-emitting diodes, located with a certain step from each other and connected by an electrical series circuit. For example, oneLED strip with control panel can contain from 4 to 120 pcs. crystals. Moreover, there are different types of diodes themselves:
- SMD3010. The smallest elements that provide weak radiation, but are suitable for undemanding illumination.
- 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. Such crystals have a power potential of 0.24 W and a group of 3-4 elements is already capable of providing bright light, corresponding to full-fledged lamps.
Device specifications
Since one strip can contain many LED crystals, its total power will be different from the potential of a single 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 can be higher - the difference coefficient will also be determined by the device control tools.
Another important characteristic is the length. The average figure 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 an LED strip with a remote control can be used outdoors, but for this it must have the appropriate shells. The possibility of using the device in certain conditions is determined by the protection class. For example, marking IP20means that the tape is not protected from water, but has a barrier against particles of 12 mm in size. The most resistant models are IP68 protected by a silicone case. It protects the tape from water, dirt, dust and other negative factors.
Implementation of color radiation
As already noted, ribbons can be both monochrome and color. The latter are more widespread and are equipped with RGB modules. These tapes provide chips with three relatively pure shades - green, red and blue. A separate power supply and control system ultimately allows you to get glows with hundreds of different shades. This is achieved due to the fact that the RGB LED strip with the remote control is adjusted to 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 adjust the same glow parameters using a combination of remote control and 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 multifunctional devices through special connectors, and the signal is sent remotely. The controller itself can be installed remotely. For example, a Christmas tree is decorated with a ribbon on the street, and the control unit is at home.
The capabilities of the controller are determined by its type, power and embeddedmanagement 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 the LED circuit are introduced into the organized infrastructure.
Power supply for LED strip
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 capacity, a power supply for 12, 24 V or more is used. In order to prevent voltage fluctuations, 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 power supply system will depend on the characteristics of a particular LED strip with a control panel. A power supply for a 5-meter tape with a power of 9.6 watts per 1 meter, for example, must be rated for at least a load of 50 watts.
Installing tape
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, self-tapping screws or other mounting devices. There are also self-adhesive tapes that are attached according to the principle of double-sided tape. If the segment is not fully used, then it is cut and, if necessary, soldered incontact 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.
In conclusion
In each segment, LED-devices have many traditional analogues based on halogen, fluorescent and energy-saving lamps. In some cases, they outperform diodes in terms of affordability, and sometimes in terms of glow characteristics. For example, conventional incandescent lamps have a softer light for the eye to perceive. Nevertheless, the RGB LED strip with a remote control has enough of its advantages in terms of using it as a backlight. First of all, these are environmentally friendly, durable and easy-to-use 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 lies in the wide functionality. Fully provided with control equipment, the tape can become an original means of lighting design both for the home and for individual structures and architectural objects.
