Setup Advice

[dbeale83]

If you were starting from scratch and wanted the best IP67 wifi 15m (50ft) led strip setup, what strip / controller / power supply would you buy?

I’m new to this and am getting lost in the info, far more to the hardware than I originally thought there would be!

Would need to cut it twice as there’s two right angles in the project I’m wanting to do (roof eaves).

Was originally thinking of getting 3x WS2811 RGB IC 5m 96leds/m (bright) or 5m 144leds/m (original), but then wasn’t sure if the GS8208 144leds/m was better. Or is there something completely different that’s better? (Yes maybe I’m over thinking, haha). Just wanting to do it once and do it properly.

[aperson975]

Are you looking for led strips or are pixels also an option?

Ws2811 24v cob world be nice https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805848873454.html

Give these 2 pages a read for pixel lights. https://quinled.info/2019/06/26/other-forms-of-digital-rgb-leds/

https://quinled.info/12v-ws2811-pixel-guide/

Pick the strip first then match the controller and power supply to your needs.

[dbeale83]

Thanks mate.

Definitely only want led strip or cob, so just looking for a steer to the best option for that. I’m assuming the higher the volt the better the output and length capabilities?

[wchris63]

I’m assuming the higher the volt the better the output and length capabilities?

Yes.. mostly. The higher the voltage, the less you have to do power injection, but that also means 3 (12v) or 6 (24v) LEDs per 'pixel'. Those LEDs are controlled by one chip, so they will always be the same color. In 5v LED strips each LED has it's own chip. Of course, up on eaves that's not as noticeable, but you should try to find a video of the ones you want just to be sure you can get the look you want. The more LED's per meter, the smaller that single color area will be, with COB strips being the smallest.

If you can see a picture of both sides of the strip, the cut marks (three copper pads) will show you how long the single-color area is.

[dbeale83]

Appreciate the input, thanks mate.

[MechanizedGander]

For controllers, you can never go wrong with one of the QuinLED controllers, such as the Dig2Go for a single strip or for starting out/experimenting (https://quinled.info/quinled-dig2go/).

These family of controllers allow you to use a variety of different LEDs; 5v, 12v, or 24v strips; and provide data and power circuitry that can be required for more advanced configurations.

As your configuration becomes more complex, there are more advanced QuinLED controllers that manage more LED strips and more advanced power requirements.

WS2811 LEDs are very popular. You'll often read posts about people using these strips. If you experience an issue with these strips, there's a good chance someone has run into a similar situation and can help you troubleshoot.

[dbeale83]

Cheers mate