daveo150 Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Hi all,I'm new to the forum, but I've been lurking for awhile. I finally am ready to build my own system. After watching the 'Thriller' video under the halloween videos, the 'geek fuse' in my head finally blew out and I couldn't contain it anymore, I'm going Griswold! OK, so back on topic.......Mostly right now I'm interested in the basic color controlled RGB LED strips, and I've read enough to know I'll need the DC control board. But my question is on the power supply to the board....it doesn't seem to be anything special is it? So long as it can handle the full wattage needed on the DC board, a simple plug-in AC/DC power adapter would be acceptable, yes?I'll think about CCR's later......Thanx!Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k6ccc Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Correct. Plan ahead as your current need WILL grow! I recommend Astron as a power supply manufacturer - http://www.astroncorp.com/ (although their web site sort of sucks, their power supplies are very good).I would recommend against using a cheepie wall-wart. It will likely come back to haunt you.Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubado Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Computer power supplies are a great source for power free to cheap.Welcome to the madness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I like the Meanwell power supplies. I use 8 DC cards, and a Meanwell with all of them. Use the 5, 12 and 24 volt models, depending on the lights I have connected to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo150 Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share Posted November 3, 2011 Thanx for the replays guys, can i ask something about cable lengths though? I'm thinking about using several of the 5meter RGB strips on the sides of my house, and bringing them back to the DC board in my garage. Is there a recommended allowable maximum length between the strips and the DC board? I know that resistance is a function of wire length, and I wasn't sure if that could affect the colors in the end...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 You will need to be carefull regarding wire size and voltage drop doing it that way.I always have my DC controllers as close to the lights as possible.Just my opinion and what works best for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny M. Carter Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 I also put my controllers as close to what I am controlling! It keeps everything nice and neat in my opinion.Donny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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