How do LED Strip Lights Work with a Remote? –

29 Apr.,2024

 

How do LED Strip Lights Work with a Remote? –

 

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Ever danced in a room that changes colors with the rhythm of the music? Ever wished your bedroom could transition from a cozy yellow to a cool blue with just the click of a button? LED strip lights with remotes can make these wishes come true. But how do they work?

Introduction to LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights have gained immense popularity in recent years. Not just as a mood-setting tool for homes and parties, but also as an efficient lighting option. Consisting of a series of LEDs on a strip, these lights are versatile and can fit into various spaces.

The Magic Behind the Remote

The real magic is not just in the lights but in the tiny remote that controls them.

Infrared (IR) vs. Radio Frequency (RF)

Remotes usually work on two basic technologies: IR or RF. While IR requires a direct line of sight between the remote and the receiver, RF doesn't. Most LED strip light remotes use IR because it's cost-effective and reliable for short distances.

Working Principle of Remote-Controlled Devices

When you press a button on the remote, it sends a signal to a receiver connected to the LED strip. This signal then translates to a specific action on the LED strip, like changing color or adjusting brightness.

Components and Mechanism

So, how do the LED strip lights, the remote, and the receiver come together?

The LED Strip Light Itself

This is essentially a long strip containing small LED bulbs. These bulbs can produce different colors and intensities of light based on the signal they receive.

The Receiver

The crucial bridge between the remote and the lights. It interprets signals from the remote and adjusts the lights accordingly.

The Remote Control

Your magic wand! With buttons to adjust color, brightness, and other settings, it's the key to customizing your lighting experience.

Advantages of Remote-Controlled LED Strip Lights

Imagine changing the ambiance of your room without moving from your couch! Remote-controlled LED strips offer flexibility, energy efficiency, and a touch of modernity to your decor.

Setting up Your Remote-Controlled LED Strip Lights

Setting them up is a breeze!

Steps to Sync

  1. Connect the LED strip to the receiver.
  2. Point the remote at the receiver.
  3. Press the sync button, and voila!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Facing issues? It could be a battery problem, an obstructed receiver, or a misaligned LED strip. Always check the manual for specific troubleshooting tips.

Customizing and Enhancing User Experience

One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to lighting.

Color and Brightness Control

From fiery reds to calming blues, adjust to your mood. Want a dim-lit romantic dinner or a brightly lit workspace? You have the power!

Modes and Rhythms

Some advanced LED strips can dance to the rhythm of your favorite tunes or slowly transition through a rainbow of colors.

Safety and Maintenance Tips

For more information, please visit BLUE DIAMOND.

While these lights are generally safe, avoid water exposure and ensure they're securely fixed. Clean them gently without abrasive materials.

Conclusion

LED strip lights with remotes offer a blend of technology, convenience, and aesthetics. Whether you're throwing a party or just reading a book, they have got the perfect light setting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use one remote for multiple LED strips?

    • Typically, if they're of the same brand and model, one remote can control multiple strips.
  2. How long do LED strip lights last?

    • With proper care, they can last for around 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
  3. Are LED strip lights energy efficient?

    • Yes, they consume less power compared to traditional bulbs and are more energy-efficient.
  4. Can I cut the LED strip?

    • Most strips have designated cut points. Always refer to the manual before making any modifications.
  5. Do LED strip lights need a special remote?

    • Usually, they come with their dedicated remotes. However, universal remotes that are compatible with various brands are also available.

Intro to LED Strips : 9 Steps (with Pictures)

To keep your LED strip project glowing brightly with the appropriate power, you will need to know how much current your project draws and it's operating voltage. Once you know those two things, you can choose a power supply. Keep in mind that current draw can be a tricky thing to figure out. Here we will take information from the datasheet and plug it into some simple equations to get the max current needed, since the information from the datasheet are if the LED is on at full brightness.

To calculate the needed power supply, we will need the following info:

  • length of strip
  • number of LEDS per meter
  • current draw per LED OR power consumption per LED
  • operating voltage

LED strips are commonly powered on 5V, 12V and 24V. The number of LEDs per meter (lpm) factors in the power calculation as well. Strips can be 30, 32, 60, 144 or more per meter.

Using Current Draw Per LED

As an example let's look at the white strip's datasheet. We can see the operating voltage is 12V, which should also be screen printed on the strip itself at the cut line of each segment. What we are looking for is the current draw measured in milliamps (mA). It tells us that each segment made up of 3 LEDs draws 60 mA. To make the calculations easier, the current draw can be divided by 3 totaling 20mA per LED. If one meter is being used with 60 LEDs per meter we have this information:

  • length of strip = 1 meter
  • number of LEDS per meter = 60
  • current draw per LED = 20 mA

Equation:

(Length of LED Strip x LEDs per Metre x LED current draw)

Plug in info:

1 (meter) x 60 (lpm) x 20 mA = 1,200 mA

1,200 mA / 1,000 = 1.2 amps.

Using Power Consumption Per LED

Another way of calculating current draw is using the power consumption per LED. The power consumption can also be used to find current draw if the power consumption, measured in watts per LED is known instead. The datasheet tells us .72 watts for 3 LEDs. First divide .72/3 = .24 watts per led

  • length of strip = 1 meter
  • number of LEDS per meter = 60
  • power consumption per LED = .24 watts
  • operating voltage = 12V

Equation:

(Length of LED Strip x LEDs per Meter x LED Power) / 12

Plug in info:

(1 x 60 x .24) / 12 = 1.2

We now know that we want to use a a power supply that can provide 1.2 amps and 12 volts. Keep in mind that the current draw per LED is at full brightness. If the strips are dimmed through a PWM pin on the Edison, it will take less current. Going by the max amount is still a good guide to know if you have enough to begin with.


Battery Life

Battery life is based on current draw of, again it will fluctuate, especially with the digital RGB strips when patterns and colors are dancing along it. Current draw will fluctuate dependent on the color and brightness the LED is outputting. The way to accurately get the current draw is to hook it up to a multimeter and watch the amps change per pattern cycle, take note and do some calculations.

Another way to find out battery life with a dynamic project, hook up a battery at full strength and see how long it takes to drain.

This aside a general calculation can be made by looking at a batteries mAh rating. Let's stick with the white strip, 6 AA batteries are being used to power the example circuit. AAs roughly have 1500mAh, the 8 batteries are in series so the current stays the same at 1.5 amps. Divide this with the current draw of our project, which is 1.2.

1500 mah/1.2 amps = 1.25 hours of full brightness

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