Join a tunable white LED strip to Alexa with Zigbee
The Zigbee CCT controller does not use the Wi-Fi router. An Echo with a Zigbee radio, such as an Echo Plus, finds it after five presses of RESET NET. Name the light, then save warm and cool as routines.
Read moreCommon anode current on colour-changing LED strip
The watts per metre on an RGB, RGBW, tunable-white or RGB+CCT strip are the total for every channel together. The black common anode carries that whole current. Connector length and feeder size are set by that one wire.
Read moreWall-switch pixel lighting for a 10 m ceiling — a simple DIY case study
A 10 m WS2811 ceiling that fills from one end and stays on from a 240 V wall switch, using a ready-programmed PIR SPI controller. The same puck also works as a simple PIR stair light with a hold time. Parts: 10 m tape, 100 W IP67 driver, or indoor IP20 EC.
Read moreCommon-core current, connectors and voltage drop on 3- to 6-core LED ribbon
Connectors are not universal: poles, 24/22/20 AWG and strip width all have to match. On 3- to 6-core CCT, RGB, RGBW and RGB+CCT tape the shared positive carries the whole load. Size that common core, the voltage drop and the driver from all channels on — and put those figures on the drawing.
Read moreHow to size a 24V driver for RGBW PWM lighting
The labelled watts on RGBW PWM lamps and strips are nominal. All four channels on, especially once warm, is the real load. 20% spare is the minimum; around 50% is what we use on this type of ceiling install. Worked example: the 6W MR16 spotlight.
Read moreHow to Cut and Connect IP67 Waterproof LED Strip
Commercial IP67 LED strip is not DIY clip tape. Use the two factory tails on each 5 m roll, cut only on the marks, seal ends with 12 mm silicone caps, and solder only extra power joins.
Read moreLutron DMX512 Case Study: RGB+CCT COB Cornice Lighting in Two Zones
Typical two-zone cornice job with Lutron. RGB+CCT COB (not RGB-only), 14 m + 10 m, 5-channel DMX decoders and 300 W drivers. What we can supply if your installer adds a Lutron DMX512 gateway.
Read more14m 30mm Ultra-Bright COB LED Strip (40W/m) – Mains Dimming with Independent 5m Sections
How to install a 14 metre 30mm ultra-bright COB LED strip at 40W per metre with mains dimming. Three electrically independent sections (5m + 5m + 4m) that look like one line, using one 300W hybrid driver and one HL-S1-A booster per section.
Read moreOutdoor LED Installation & Warranty Guide
Outdoor LED lighting systems operate in harsh environmental conditions including rain, flooding, condensation, UV exposure, insects, chemicals, and temperature changes. This guide explains the realities of outdoor LED installations, including maintenance expectations, IP ratings, installer responsibilities, environmental limitations, and warranty considerations. Learn why professional installation, correct waterproofing, and regular inspection are essential for reliable long-term outdoor lighting performance.
Read moreDMX512 Cable Guide: Correct Wiring, Device Limits, Splitters and Best Installation Practice
DMX512 is widely used to control LED lighting, stage lighting and architectural lighting systems. Using the correct cable type, proper wiring and following installation rules such as the 32 device limit per DMX chain are essential for reliable operation. This guide explains the correct DMX cable types, the use of Cat5 cable, and why splitters and terminators are important in professional DMX installations.
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