light fountain | picking a power supply and controller *

3mm 384leds/m

Strip Width 3mm
Thickness: 2mm
Power: 7W/m
Voltage: DC 12V/24V
RA(CRI): 90
LEDS Quantity: 384leds/m
Lumen: around 1000LM/m
Waterproof Grade IP44
Beam Angle: 180°
Dimmable Yes

  1. Calculate total wattage
    – W/m x total length
    – 7W/m x 5/m = 35W
  2. Add a buffer (20%)
    – Total Wattage x 1.2 = total wattage with buffer
    35W x 1.2 = 42W
  3. Choose correct Voltage (listed on strip)
    – 24V power supply
  4. Strip Features – dimming / color changing etc. – make sure power supply supports
  5. does it need to be waterproof?
  6. they ususally need ventillation


Total Wattage – 42W
so need power suppoy with at least that much Wattage.
Common Voltage Outputs Power supplies are often available in several common voltage outputs to match the needs of various devices:

5V: Commonly used for USB devices, small electronics, and some LED lights.

12V: Widely used for automotive applications, LED strips, and electronics.

24V: Often found in industrial automation, larger LED lighting installations, and some electronic devices.

To select a power supply, you would:

  1. Identify the voltage required by your device or system to ensure compatibility.
  2. Determine the current (amperage) needed by considering the device’s consumption and possibly adding a margin for safety.
  3. Calculate the wattage by multiplying the voltage by the required current, then select a power supply that meets or exceeds this wattage.
    Example: For a 24V LED strip that requires 2A of current, you would need a power supply of at least 48W (24V * 2A = 48W). It’s wise to choose a power supply with a bit more capacity to ensure it’s not operating at its maximum limit, such as a 24V/60W supply.

    While voltages are standardized, wattages are not directly tied to specific voltages beyond the basic calculation of power. This allows for a wide range of power supplies to suit the varying demands of different devices and systems.

setting up wled and a 5v power connector


Picking Controller

Selecting a controller for a COB (Chip on Board) LED strip that is dimmable, color-changing, and individually programmable requires considering several key factors to ensure compatibility and achieve the desired functionality. Here’s a guide to help you pick the right controller:
  1. Compatibility with COB LEDs
    Type of COB LED: Ensure the controller is compatible with the specific type of COB LED strip you’re using, especially since COB LEDs can vary in configuration (e.g., RGB, RGBW, tunable white).
    Voltage Match: The controller must match the voltage of your COB LED strip (commonly 12V or 24V).
  2. Dimming Capability
    Dimming Compatibility: Confirm that the controller supports dimming, as not all controllers have this feature.
    Dimming Method: Check the dimming method (e.g., PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), analog dimming) to ensure it’s compatible with your LED strip and meets your requirements for dimming quality and performance.
  3. Color Changing and Control Protocol
    Color Control: For color-changing COB LEDs, choose a controller that supports the specific type of color control you need (e.g., RGB, RGBW). This will allow you to change colors and, in some cases, color temperature.
    Control Protocol: Ensure the controller uses a control protocol that supports the level of individual LED programmability you desire. Common protocols include DMX, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. For individually addressable LEDs and advanced effects, DMX is a popular choice, but it requires a bit more setup and programming.
  4. Connectivity and Interface
    Connectivity Options: Consider how you want to control your COB LED strip. Options include remote controls, smartphone apps (via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), or integration with smart home systems. Ease of Use: The controller’s user interface should fit your level of expertise and comfort. Some controllers offer simple, intuitive apps, while others may require programming knowledge.
  5. Power Handling
    Current and Wattage: Check that the controller can handle the total current and wattage of your COB LED strip. This is especially important for larger installations to avoid overloading the controller.
  6. Additional Features
    Programmability: For individually programmable LEDs, look for controllers that offer advanced programming features, allowing you to create custom lighting scenes, effects, and transitions. Integration: If you have a smart home ecosystem, consider a controller that integrates seamlessly with your existing system (e.g., compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa).

    Example Configuration

    If you have a 24V RGBW COB LED strip that you want to control via smartphone and integrate with your smart home system, you would look for a 24V-compatible, RGBW-capable controller with Wi-Fi connectivity that supports dimming and is compatible with your smart home platform.


    Conclusion
    Selecting the right controller for your COB LED strip involves ensuring compatibility with your LED’s specifications, desired control functionality, and integration capabilities. It’s worth investing time to research and choose a controller that meets all your requirements to fully enjoy the benefits of your programmable, color-changing, dimmable COB LED lighting system.

WS2812B

The WS2812B light strip is a popular type of LED strip that features individually addressable RGB LEDs. Each LED in the strip can be controlled independently, allowing for a wide range of colors and animations. The WS2812B is an integrated circuit LED, meaning the control circuitry and RGB LEDs are combined into a single 5050-sized package (5mm x 5mm).

Key Features of WS2812B LED Strips:
  • Individually Addressable LEDs: Each LED can be controlled separately, enabling complex lighting effects, patterns, and animations.
    Integrated Control Circuit: Each LED has a built-in control circuit that allows it to receive and transmit data to the next LED, facilitating communication through a single data line.
  • RGB Color: Capable of displaying a wide spectrum of colors by mixing red, green, and blue.
  • Serial Communication: LEDs are chained together and controlled by a single data signal, with the strip requiring just three connections: power (5V), ground, and data.
  • Customizable Length: The strip can be cut at designated points to fit specific installation needs.
  • Programmable via Microcontrollers: Commonly controlled using microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP8266, or Raspberry Pi, with numerous libraries available to simplify programming.


    Wires

    When connecting LED strips with wires colored white, green, and red to a controller, the color coding of the wires typically corresponds to specific functions, especially in RGB strips. However, the standard color coding can vary depending on the manufacturer or the specific type of LED strip. Generally, in RGB setups, wires correspond to the following:

    Red Wire: Usually, the red wire is connected to the red LED channel on the strip, representing the red component of the RGB color model.

    Green Wire: The green wire typically corresponds to the green channel on the LED strip, representing the green component of the RGB color model.

    White Wire: This is often the common anode (+) or the positive power supply line for the strip. In RGB strips, all the LEDs share a common positive voltage, and the colors are controlled by varying the ground connection through the color channels.

    How to Connect:
    Controller’s Output Terminals: Look for the output terminals on your controller. They should be labeled with the names of each color channel (“R”, “G”, “B”) and possibly a “+” or “V+” for the common positive voltage supply.

    Connect the Wires: Based on the typical wiring color standards:

    Red Wire to “R” Terminal: Connect the red wire to the terminal on the controller labeled “R” for the red channel.

    Green Wire to “G” Terminal: Connect the green wire to the terminal labeled “G” for the green channel.

    White Wire to “+” or “V+” Terminal: Connect the white wire to the terminal labeled “+” or “V+” on the controller, which is for the common positive voltage.

    Important Considerations:
    Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Always check the manufacturer’s documentation for your LED strip and controller. The documentation should provide specific instructions on how to connect the wires, as color coding can vary.
    Test Before Permanent Setup: It’s a good idea to test your connections with a temporary setup before finalizing everything. This way, you can ensure that everything works as expected without risking damage to your components.
    Polarity Matters: Ensure that the connections respect the correct polarity. Mixing up the positive and negative connections can lead to malfunctioning LEDs or even damage the strip. If the manufacturer’s instructions differ from the general guidance provided here, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the correct setup.



    G D V

    White Wire: Since this is often the common positive wire in LED strips, connect this to the “V” (Voltage) terminal for power.

    Green Wire: If your setup involves standard color coding and the “G” stands for “Ground”, this connection might be unusual for a green wire since it typically represents the green color channel in RGB setups. If “G” indeed stands for “Green” as the color channel, connect your green wire here. However, if “G” represents “Ground”, and your strip isn’t addressing colors through separate channels (or if “D” actually controls the colors digitally), you might need more specific guidance based on your LED strip’s requirements.

    Red Wire: If there is no specific “R” terminal and “D” stands for “Data”, the red wire’s typical connection (to control the red color channel) does not apply directly. For digitally addressable LED strips, the red, green, and blue colors are all controlled through data sent on the data line (“D”), not through separate connections for each color.




Applications:
WS2812B LED strips are used in a variety of applications where dynamic lighting is desired, including:

  • Decorative lighting for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
  • Signage and display advertising.
  • Wearable electronics and costumes.
  • Art installations and stage design.
  • Gaming setups and PC case modding.
  • Programming and Control:
    To create animations or change colors, each WS2812B LED must be programmed via a microcontroller. The data line is used to send color and brightness information to each LED individually, using a specific timing protocol. Libraries such as FastLED or Adafruit NeoPixel are commonly used to simplify the programming process, offering high-level functions to control the LEDs.


Power Considerations:
While WS2812B strips are easy to use and offer great flexibility in terms of lighting design, they do require careful consideration of power requirements, especially for longer strips, as each LED can draw a significant amount of current when set to full brightness white. Proper power supply and potentially power injection at various points along the strip may be necessary to ensure consistent brightness and color.

Overall, WS2812B LED strips are highly versatile and offer creative possibilities for both hobbyists and professionals looking to add colorful and dynamic lighting effects to their projects.
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