Higher-end strip lighting with separately wired channels

[lisabeeren]

Hi,

I run a bunch of DIY pendant lights (based on the cree CMT1420). I power these with the meanwell ELG power supplies, and control dimming, etc. with a voltage divider coming from those cheap zigbee LED strip controllers. Then i have a tasmota box which changes the lighting level (and turns on/off CO2, operates dosers, etc.) by issuing zigbee commands throughout the day.

it works pretty well, and let's me coordinate everything from one place.

anyway, i've been wondering about getting an upmarket strip light to play around with, maybe a week aqua or chihiros, etc.

the trouble is that these all have built in controllers, need their app, etc. ... which i absolutely do not want to have to deal with.

is there an upmarket strip light that lets me drive the LEDs directly? rather than making me deal with their controller?

with thanks

 

[oreo57]

Hi,

I run a bunch of DIY pendant lights (based on the cree CMT1420). I power these with the meanwell ELG power supplies, and control dimming, etc. with a voltage divider coming from those cheap zigbee LED strip controllers. Then i have a tasmota box which changes the lighting level (and turns on/off CO2, operates dosers, etc.) by issuing zigbee commands throughout the day.

it works pretty well, and let's me coordinate everything from one place.

anyway, i've been wondering about getting an upmarket strip light to play around with, maybe a week aqua or chihiros, etc.

the trouble is that these all have built in controllers, need their app, etc. ... which i absolutely do not want to have to deal with.

is there an upmarket strip light that lets me drive the LEDs directly? rather than making me deal with their controller?

with thanks

Probably the best way is to diy color bars.
As to something you can work with..I " believe" some of the Chihiros models use an in line pwm controller so you can just discard that.
Will have 4 wires going from it to the light head
Red, green, blue, and common ( likely the plus side).
Lights that use like this controller:

Chihiros Bluetooth Controller Commander 1 - Chihiros Aquatic Studio

Bluetooth connection, app controllable. With timing, sunrise and sunset functions. Fit for lights: A Series B Series C 201/C 251/C 301/C 361 - Chihiros Aquatic Studio

www.chihirosaquaticstudio.com

The next " type" are those that may universally dim ( or don't dim at all) that nevertheless have the led board divided into channels.
This is how a controller was added to a Finnex planted plus ( non- channeled model). The board had each color in a separate circuit.
Unfortunately negative ground so I needed to reverse the npn mosfet (logic level npn mosfet used in most constant voltage dimmers/ controllers ) to a pnp one.


To be honest most probably can be split ( removing the control unit) with enough work.
Some that use large constant voltage drivers and large strings of LEDs being the exception.

Bottom line is if it has channels it is more than likely you can take control somewhere.
As an example the Hyggar control can be changed out this way:

How to bypass the Hygger timer

I purchased a hygger aquarium light, specifically this one: The colors the light puts out and the amount of light it provides for the cost is without compare at present. BUT, the timer built into the light is absolutely rancid garbage. The timer loses time when unplugged and plugged back...

www.plantedtank.net

 

[lisabeeren]

hahaha, yeah, negative ground is a bitch 😛

thanks for the info.